Le ISOFIX® mounting system appeared on the first vehicles in February 2006. However, it was only since 2011 that this fixing system has become compulsory on all new vehicles for installing car seats. This fixing system is integrated directly into the car's structure, no longer requires the use of a seatbelt. Standardisation of the ISOFIX system is one of the main areas of change brought about by the introduction of the new i-Size regulation (or R129) which came into force in 2013. Car seats can be difficult to get to grips with, and all parents want the best for their child. Read on to find out more about this system and its benefits.
The ISOFIX fastening system: What is it?
At a time when surveys indicate that 2 out of 3 children are not or not properly restrained in the carThis system represents the greatest advance in road safety. In fact, it is currently the simplest, fastest and safest way to correctly install a car seat baby in any vehicle. ISOFIX has become the international standard for all car and car seat manufacturers. This anchoring technology minimises installation errors and optimises the protective effect by means of a solid connection between the car seat and the vehicle.
How does the ISOFIX attachment system work?
The aim of this fixing system is gradually to to replace the seat belt system. To attach the car seat, you first need to find the two hooks located on the rear bench of your vehicle. They are located between the backrest and the seat. Visit two car seat anchorage points are then clipped onto these hooks. In addition to these two anchoring points, a third anchor point reinforces this system. In particular, it makes it possible to keep the car seat in place during the journey and prevent the car seat from tipping over forward in the event of a collision.
- Top Tether (Universal System)
This system takes the form of an additional restraint strap (or top tether), which attaches the back of the car seat to a hook usually found on the back of the rear seat. This makes the car seat more stableThis is because the car seat becomes one with the vehicle. This system is much more effective than when the car seat is simply secured with the seat belt. The top tether system is a universal system suitable for all vehicles compatible with ISOFIX® mounting system. Most often, the retaining strap, symbolised by an anchorIt attaches to the hook on the back of the rear seat. However, depending on your vehicle, it can also be fitted to the floor or ceiling of your boot. Refer to your vehicle manual for the exact location.
- La Jambe de Force (Semi-Universal System)
The strut is a kind of metal tube that needs to be positioned on the floor and adjusted in height when the car seat is installed in the vehicle. The strut will always be in contact with of the vehicle floor. In fact, it's an object that acts as a wedge to make the car seat more stable and ensure that it doesn't tip forward, particularly in the event of a head-on collision. You should be aware, however, that the strut is a semi-universal system. It is therefore necessary to check the compatibility of this system with your vehicle. Thanks to an audible or visual indication, it's very easy to know whether you've installed your strut correctly.
Please note: For cars with of floor boxes in the rear seats, the strut should never be placed on top for safety reasons. However, some manufacturers, such as Volkswagen, offer filler parts specially designed for their vehicles. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual or ask your dealer directly for more information.
It is important to note that load strut and the top tether are both equally effective in the event of an impact, since they both reduce the forward tilting movement. What's more, in the event of a side or frontal impact, these systems minimise the lateral movement of the car seat. If the car seat is to be used in a car that is not equipped with the ISOFIX anchorage system, you should be aware that there are a number of models that can be fitted to the seat using either the safety belt or the ISOFIX attachment system.
How do you know if your vehicle is fitted with the ISOFIX attachment system?
If your vehicle is before 2011If your car is equipped with an airbag, you should look for a small label on the rear seat of your vehicle. This looks like the label that indicates the presence of the airbag. If your vehicle is after 2011If you're using a car seat, there should be at least two seats with ISOFIX anchorage points.
What are the differences with the Seatbelt Fastening System?
With a safety beltThere are many risks of poor car seat installation The child's neck may be under the belt, the car seat may be badly positioned, the straps may be too loose, etc. With a simpler attachment system such as the ISOFIX systemWith a universal system, the risks are reduced to a minimum. It's also important to bear in mind that with a universal system, it is quicker and easier to uninstall the car seat in one car and install it in another. In the event of a collision, the mechanism prevents the seat from tipping over because it is fully attached to the vehicle's rear bench seat. Thanks to the ISOFIX systemparents have the guarantee of making the best possible choice for their child's safety.
Advantages of ISOFIX® anchorage points
- The ISOFIX attachment minimises the risk of poor installations, Whether it's problems with loose car seats or seatbelts that are too short.
- The additional anchoring points reinforce the car seat stability and thus the child safety.
- ISOFIX makes it easier using and installing the car seat from one car to another.
- Car seats can be fixed more quickly and easily to the car's ISOFIX attachments.
Check the compatibility of car seats with your car :
At Bébé Confort
At Britax
At Cybex
Despite a slightly higher purchase cost than baby car seats which are installed using the seatbelt, ISOFIX is currently the only system of its kind in the world. the most secure fastening system for your child. However, before making any purchase, it's essential to check that your car is equipped with ISOFIX® anchorage pointsYou should also check that your car seat is compatible with your vehicle. You should also check the information on the approval labels on each car seat. baby car seat.
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2 Comments
That's nonsense, the isofix system isn't present on small cars like the 208 for example. You say it's been compulsory since a certain year..... but that's not true at all. You need a vehicle that's already in a good range, a saloon or even a saloon car.
Hello,
Like all new cars since 2011, the Peugeot 208 is also equipped with the ISOFIX attachment system. This is indicated by a small label on the rear seats. The hooks are hidden between the seat and backrest.