Many motorists do not even suspect the versatility of a personal car. Probably, they still do not realize that in their car, most likely, they already have an isofix system. The question immediately arises: "Isofix - what is it?" We will reveal the essence of the current issue in this article.
Isofix concept
Isofix technology is today the international standard in the installation of child car seats, which are used in conjunction with standard car mount points. Isofix appeared on the market in 1997. This system minimizes all sorts of errors when installing car seats and ensures their optimal protection. All this thanks to a strong and reliable connection to the chassis of the machine.
"Isofix - what is it?" - often ask motorists. Since February 2006, all new cars must be equipped with upper belt fastening points and an isofix system, as there are international quality standards. This is done to ensure the complete safety of the kids. In 2011, according to European standards, this system is a mandatory attribute of every car.
Why you need to choose a car with an isofix system
Isofix system - what is it? This will help to understand a number of advantages of the system described below.
According to experts, with this system, child car seats are installed correctly at 96%. If compared with conventional seat belts, then with their help only in 30% of cases, motorists independently make the correct installation of the infant carrier.
With the help of the isofix system, the shift of the chair to the side and forward is reduced, and it also limits its rotation. All this happens thanks to the upper and lower fasteners, depending on the models of car seats, which are divided into semi-universal and universal.
Installing a car seat does not take much time. Made quickly and easily. Also, if necessary, the car seat is removed in a matter of minutes.
Provides peace of mind for the safety of the child when traveling both around the city and over long distances.
There is virtually no risk of misuse.
Above, the answer to the question: "Isofix system: what is it?" Now we read about the mount.
Isofix mount
A few years ago, it was difficult to assume that at the peak of popularity among car enthusiasts there will be car seats that are equipped with the isofix system. This moment has finally arrived. Many today are interested in the question: “Isofix mount - what is it?”. Everyone is striving to ensure maximum road safety for their own children. Currently, the number of foreign cars in Russia is growing. It is in them that there is data type of fastening. It is included in their standard equipment.
The isofix mount, the photo of which is shown above, was first proposed by experts more than 10 years ago. Child seats with traditional seat belts are out of date, so they are replaced by more advanced isofix chairs.
Isofix mount: what is it? The answer to the question is simple. This is a sturdy steel bar, hidden at the base of the back of the rear seat of the car. Usually the mount in the car is hidden behind plugs that are easy to get, and the mount becomes usable.
Disadvantages of fixing isofix
The mount is universal for all cars, but despite this, a number of problems still remain.
There are no uniform standards for the rear row of car seats . Different manufacturers and different models of cars significantly differ in the angle of inclination of the pillows, height and much more. Therefore, each automaker must independently configure compatibility with isofix.
The isofix mount, as a rule, is placed on the two extreme rear seats, but there are cars on which isofix connectors are located on each passenger seat, for example, the Citroen C4 Picasso. In cases where the machine is not equipped with such connectors at all, the chair can be fixed with a three-point ordinary belt. However, the declared safety features will be significantly reduced.
Without a three-point belt , car seats for adult children (2 and 3 groups) will not do. One isofix is not able to withstand such a load, so the child should be fastened with a standard car belt.
Isofix car seat: what is it
In car seats, as a rule, there are locks with anchor fasteners designed to snap on the bar. They provide reliable fastening of the infant carrier. The main advantage of such a system is an extremely simple and quick installation and disassembly. To maximize the baby’s even better and more reliable protection, seat belts are additionally used. Car seats may include armrests and other accessories. Standard car seats with the isofix system are designed for children weighing less than 18 kilograms. In cases where the child weighs more than 18 kilograms, this system performs only the function of fixation.
How to properly secure a child car seat
The appearance of the mount is two brackets that are located under the back of the car seat. They are at an equal distance from each other, which is 28 centimeters. Using two fixtures with teeth, the chair clings to them and is locked with a click. The principle of operation is simple. Any family member can handle it. It follows that the Isofix child car seats are rigidly fixed to the car seat, and the baby is then fastened to it with a five-point seat belt.
How to remove a child car seat
In the reverse order, the chair is removed, namely, the locks are unlocked using a special button. It is easily removed from the mounts. Recently, car seats have appeared, which have a third mounting point on top of the seatback. It reduces the risk of jerking in a collision and increases the maximum stability of the chair itself. This third attachment point is not necessary at all, because the car seat can also be fixed in a car with a two-point isofix.
Where can I buy a chair with isofix system
Isofix mount car seats are sold at children's products stores and car dealerships. Their cost depends largely on:
manufacturer and its authority;
advertising invested in product promotion;
materials of which the car seat is made, and so on.
Advantages of car seats with isofix system
I would like to note the advantages of car seats with the isofix system. That will allow to fully understand the question: "Isofix - what is it?".
The child’s shoulders and head from side impacts are effectively protected by the special shape of the headrest and orthopedic back.
The mounting system is unique. It allows you to reliably and quickly install a car seat in the car and "carefully" will keep the baby during accidents and turns.
An additional five-point seat belt will protect the child in the event of a collision and a coup, as well as sudden braking.
All latches are checked by the manufacturer for reliability manually.
The cover of the child car seat is easily removable for washing. Its main advantage is a wear-resistant material that does not cause allergies, does not fade and does not sit.
The car seat frame is made of high impact plastic. Armchair manufacturers carefully check their products for hidden defects.
The chair is provided for a winter set of clothes, its two-position belt adjustment will allow the baby to feel comfortable.
The correct rounded shape of the seat protects the child’s legs from flowing on long distances and does not cause discomfort.
An error-free installation of the chair is guaranteed, because it is easy to install with the isofix system.
High level of security - fastening to the power frame of the car.
In 95%, the isofix system is available in foreign cars, as well as in new Russian cars such as LADA Largus and LADA Granta.
The convenient and reliable isofix system is used in the modern world in all civilized countries as a standard installation of child seats in the car interior. The child’s anatomical structure of the body is different from the adult passenger, therefore, additional safety measures are required for him, namely an effective restraint system that can protect during road accidents. Classic safety systems cannot fully provide protection for a small passenger, so a child seat with rigid and reliable mounts is ideal to reduce the risk of injury. After reading the article, you will find the answer to the current question today: "Isofix - what is it?"