Properly using a top tether anchor is a critical step in securing forward-facing car seats, significantly reducing head excursion and the risk of injury in a crash. It involves correctly locating the anchor point in your vehicle and securely attaching the car seat's tether strap.
Understanding the Top Tether Anchor
A top tether anchor is a metal ring or bar located in your vehicle, designed to provide an additional point of attachment for forward-facing car seats. It works in conjunction with the lower anchors (LATCH system) or the vehicle's seat belt to stabilize the top of the car seat, preventing it from pitching forward during a collision.
Steps to Use a Top Tether Anchor
Connecting your car seat's top tether strap to the vehicle's anchor point is a straightforward process, but requires careful attention to detail.
1. Locate the Top Tether Anchor in Your Vehicle
The location and routing of top tether anchors vary widely from vehicle to vehicle. It is essential to read your vehicle's owner's manual carefully to identify the correct anchor points for your specific car model and seating position.
- Common Locations:
- Sedans/Coupes: Often on the rear parcel shelf, behind the back seat's headrests.
- SUVs/Minivans/Hatchbacks: May be on the back of the vehicle's seats, on the floor of the cargo area, or even on the ceiling.
- Identification: Top tether anchors are typically marked with a symbol depicting an anchor or a car seat with an anchor.
| Vehicle Type | Common Top Tether Anchor Locations |
|---|---|
| Sedans & Coupes | Rear parcel shelf, directly behind the specific seating position. |
| SUVs & Minivans | Back of the vehicle's seats (often at the base or middle), on the floor of the cargo area, or sometimes on the ceiling. |
| Hatchbacks | Often on the back of the rear seats, or on the floor of the cargo area. |
Always confirm the correct anchor for the car seat's position. Never attach the top tether to a cargo hook or any non-designated anchor point, as these are not designed to withstand crash forces.
2. Route the Top Tether Strap Correctly
Once you've located the anchor, route the car seat's tether strap over the top of the vehicle seat and to the designated anchor point. The correct routing is crucial for the tether to function effectively.
- Over the Headrest: In many vehicles, the tether strap should go over the top of the vehicle's headrest.
- Around the Headrest: Some vehicles require routing the strap around the sides of the headrest, or even through an opening in the headrest.
- Clear of Obstructions: Ensure the strap is not twisted and does not pass over any movable parts or through gaps that could cause it to become loose. Your vehicle owner's manual will provide specific guidance for routing.
3. Attach the Hook of the Tether Strap to the Anchor
This is the final step in securing the top tether.
- Open the Hook: Open the metal hook located at the end of the top tether strap.
- Attach to Anchor: Firmly attach the hook to the designated top tether anchor in your car. Ensure the hook is fully closed and securely latched around the anchor point.
- Tighten the Strap: Pull the loose end of the top tether strap to remove any slack. The strap should be snug, holding the top of the car seat firmly against the vehicle seat. There should be no more than one inch of movement side-to-side or front-to-back at the car seat's belt path.
Important Considerations
- Car Seat Manual: Always consult your car seat's instruction manual in addition to your vehicle's owner's manual. Both provide vital information for a safe and correct installation.
- Professional Checks: If you are unsure about your installation, seek assistance from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). They can inspect your installation and provide hands-on guidance. You can find one through organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide.
- Permanent Fixtures: Top tether anchors are factory-installed safety features. The physical addition or modification of new anchor points in a vehicle is generally not recommended as a DIY project due to the complex engineering required to ensure safety in a crash. Such modifications should only be performed by a certified automotive technician following manufacturer guidelines, if at all possible for your vehicle model.
