Car seats expire primarily because the materials they are made from degrade over time due to environmental factors such as heat, cold, sunlight, and everyday wear and tear. These factors can cause parts like plastics to become brittle, straps to stretch or loosen, and metal components to rust, potentially compromising the seat's safety effectiveness. Additionally, car seats are only tested for their expected lifespan, so beyond their expiration date, manufacturers can't guarantee their safety or performance. Expiration dates also help ensure that consumers use seats that meet the latest safety standards and technologies, as these consistently evolve. Lastly, parts may become lost or damaged over time, further reducing safety.
In summary:
- Materials deteriorate with age and exposure.
- Safety testing is limited to a certain lifespan.
- Advancements in safety technology render older models obsolete.
- Wear and loss of parts affect functionality.
- Manufacturers set expiration to protect consumers and limit liability.
