The plastic becomes brittle over time due to extreme temperature changes in cars, and safety technology improves.
You may not need to replace it after a "minor" crash if: The vehicle was driven away from the crash. The door nearest the car seat was undamaged. No occupants were injured. The airbags did not deploy. There is no visible damage to the car seat. Pro-Tip: The "Hand-Me-Down" Check when to buy a new car seat
Check the white sticker on the side or bottom of the seat for the "Date of Manufacture" (DOM). 3. After an Accident The plastic becomes brittle over time due to
Car seats aren't "buy once, use forever." They typically expire after the date of manufacture. when to buy a new car seat