Isofix child restraint system - what is it in the car and how to use it


More recently, stricter amendments to the Traffic Rules regarding the safety of small passengers while driving a passenger car were adopted.

The number of accidents where children were injured in one way or another is only increasing every year, so our legislators approached this issue with maximalist demands both to the parents themselves and to the drivers transporting children, including children.

Perhaps many people know that children need to be transported in cars in car seats, but not every parent knows about the correct, and most importantly, safe fastening of the baby in the car.

Recently, many fastening restraint devices have appeared on the car accessories market that allow you to safely transport children in cars. Our conversation is dedicated to the popular ISOFIX fastening, which recently appeared on store shelves.

Description of the Isofix fastening system

The Isofix fastening system is a universal means of installing a car seat and securing a child in it. It is reliable and simple. Easy to install in the car. Eliminates incorrect operation. The system is suitable for children weighing up to 18 kg. Therefore, it is installed on chairs of groups from 0 to 1.

What it looks like (photo)

Most often the device is included in the base of the seat. But for carrycots, the Isofix base for the car seat is purchased separately. Some of the elements are located directly in the car interior. The device has an indicator that shows whether it is secured or not. Inside, the seat is equipped with a five-point seat belt, less often with a three-point one.

Design Features

Isofix consists of 2 parts. The first is the brackets located at the bottom of the child seat. The other is 2 metal brackets located in the body. These connectors are located at a distance from each other under the back of the rear seat, less often - under all passenger seats.

Isofix secures the seat at 2 points, which does not provide complete safety in the event of an accident.

A large load causes the fastenings to fail, and the top of the chair suddenly moves forward. To avoid this, use a third fulcrum. This is an “anchor fastener” or “downward thrust”.

There are models without a third support point, where the design of the brackets is mobile, due to which the load is distributed evenly. But such a device is only suitable for a few car brands. In addition, without an additional support point, car seats are produced with a fixing table, which is located instead of a five-point belt.

Location in the car

Isofix brackets are located between the seat and backrest of the rear seat. To find them, you need to move the upholstery a little. Sometimes you have to stick your hand deeper, because... they are drowning inside. Mounting points are usually marked with the inscription Isofix and/or the image of a cradle.

The connectors must be connected to the car body, so they are mounted on the rear seats.

Sometimes the device is found in the front place. But it is not connected to the body, so it does not provide complete safety.

Where is it located in the chair?

In car seats, the Isofix child restraint system is located on different sides. Therefore, before purchasing, be sure to consider how the device will be placed inside the car. In addition to the 2 main mounting points, some models contain an additional “anchor” or “downward” fastening element.

Table

Cars that have an isofix child seat mounting system:

BrandModelYear
Alfa Romeo1472000
1561997
Cross Wagon Q42004
1592005
Giulietta2010
GT2004
AudiA1 (8X)2010
A22000
A3 (8L)1997
A3 (8P)2003
A4 (8E)2002
A52007
A6 (C6)2004
A82002
Q32011
Q5 (8R)2009
Q72006
RS32010
RS42002
RS62004
TT2006
S42002
S62004
S82002
BMW1er2008
3er1998
3er (E92 / 320 d)2010
5er (E39)1995
6er Cabrio Coupé2004
7er2001
X12009
X32004
X51999
X62008
Z42002
ChevroletAveo2006
Epica2006
Cruze2009
Captiva2006
HHR2006
Kalos2004
Lacetti2004
Matiz2004
ChryslerNubira2004
300 C2004
Grand Voyager2001
Voyager2001
Sebring2003
PT Cruiser2000
CitroënBerlingo I1999
Berlingo II2002
Berlingo III2008
C-Crosser2007
C12005
C2, 3, 42004
C52001
C62005
C82003
C3 Picasso2009
C3 Pluriel (Cabrio)2003
C4 Picasso2007
C4 Grand Picasso2006
C5 Break2000
Jumper2007
Jumpy2007
Xsara Picasso1999
Nemo2007
DodgeAvenger2007
Caliber2006
Durango2004
Journey2008
Nitro2006
Fiat5002007
Bravo2007
Croma (generation I)2005
Doblò2001
Ducato2009
Grande Punto2005
Idea2003
Multipla2004
Panda2003
Punto Classic1999
Qubo (Fiorino III)2008
Sedici2006
Scudo2007
Stilo2001
Ulysses2003
FordC-MAX2003
Galaxy1995
Focus2004
Fiesta2002
Grand C-Max2011
Ka2002
Kuga2008
Maverick2005
Mondeo Combi2000
Mondeo Limousine2004
Transit Vario-Bus2006
S-MAX2006
HondaAccord (8th generation)2008
Civic2000
CR-V2005
Jazz2001
HyundaiAccent2006
Getz2002
Grandeur2005
Matrix2002
i10,i202008
i302007
ix352010
ix552009
Sonata2001
Santa Fe2002
Terracan2002
Tucson2004
JaguarS-Type1999
X-Type2001
XJ2003
XF2008
JeepCommander2006
Compass2007
Cherokee2002
Grand Cherokee2003
Patriot2007
Wrangler (JK)2007
KIACarens2002
Carnival2006
cee'd2007
Cerato2004
Magentis2002
Opirus2003
Picanto2004
pro cee'd2006
Rio2005
Sedona2006
Sorento2002
Sportage2004
Soul2009
Venga2009
Land RoverDiscovery 32004
Defender2007
Freelander2006
Range Rover2002
LexusGS 3002000
GS 450h2000
IS 200/3002001
IS 220d2005
IS 2502005
IS F2005
LS 4602006
LS 600h2006
RX 3002003
RX 3502003
RX 400h2003
Mazda323F2000
CX-72009
Mazda22007
Mazda32003
Mazda52005
MX-5 (NC)2005
MX-5 (NB)1998
Mazda62002
MPV1999
Premacy1999
Mercedes-BenzA-Class1997
B-Class2005
C-Class2000
CLC Sportcoupé2008
CLK Cabrio Coupé2002
CLS2004
E-Class2002
GL-Class2006
GLK2008
R-Class2005
M-Class1997
S-Class2002
Sprinter2006
Vaneo (V414)2001
Viano2010
Viano (FUN)2003
Vito Bus2006
MiniMINI Clubman2007
MitsubishiGrandis2004
L2002006
Lancer2003
Outlander2006
Pajero2001
Shogun2006
NissanAlmera2000
Micra2003
Murano2003
Navara2006
Note2006
NV 2002010
Pathfinder2006
Primastar2001
Pixo2009
Primera2002
Tiida2004
Qashqai2007
Qashqai +22008
X-TRAIL2002
OpelAstra (H)2004
Astra (Twin Top)2006
Agila2002
Antara2006
Combo (C)2001
Corsa (C)2000
Meriva2002
Insignia2008
Vectra2002
Vivaro2006
Signum2003
Zafira (A)1999
Zafira (B)2005
Peugeot107, 10072005
2062002
206 S.W.1998
206 CC2000
2072006
3072001
307 CC2003
307 S.W.2006
307 S.W.2001
3008 Crossover2009
3082007
308 S.W.2007
40072007
4072004
50082009
6072000
8072003
Partner2004-2005
Partner Tepee2008
PorscheCayenne2003
Panamera (970)2009
RenaultClio2005
Clio1998
Espace2000
Grand Space2000
Grand Modus2008
Grand Scenic2003
Kangoo1999
Kangoo be bob2009
Koleos2008
Laguna2001
Megane2003
Megane1999
Modus2004
Scenic (JM)2003
Traffic2001
Twingo2007
Vel Satis2002
SeatAlhambra1996
Alhambra (facelift)2004
Altea (XL)2006
Altea (FR)2005
Altea (Freetrack)2007
Arosa1998
Cordoba1999
Exeo2009
Ibiza (3rd generation)2002
Ibiza (4th Typ 6J)2008
Leon1998
Toledo1999
Saab9-3 (YS3F)2002
SkodaFabia1999
Fabia II2007
Oktavia Combi, I (1U)1996
Octavia II2004
Yeti2009
Roomster2006
Superb2001
SubaruForester2008
Impreza2000
Justy (G3X)2003
Legacy2003
Tribeca2006
Outback2004
SuzukiAlto2009
Ignis2004
Jimny1998
Liana2004
Splash2007
SX42006
Swift2005
Vitara2005
Wagon R2002
ToyotaAygo2005
Avensis (T25)2003
Avensis Verso2001
Auris2007
Corolla (E11)1997
Corolla Verso2001
Land Cruiser1998
Prado2009
Land Cruiser (V8/200/J20)2008
Previa2000
RAV42000
Prius2003
Urban Cruiser2009
Yaris (P1)2003
Yaris Verso2001
Verso2009
VolvoC30, 702006
S40(V)2001
S602000
S801998
V402003
V502004
V50 (Type M)2004
V702000
XC602008
XC702007
XC902002
VWBora1998
Fox2005
Caddy2000
Golf III, IV (Cabrio/Variant)1999
Golf IV1997
Golf V2003
Golf VI2008
Golf VI Variant2009
Golf Plus2005
Jetta2005
New Beetle2005
Lupo1998
Phaeton2002
Polo III (6N2)1999
Passat2000
Passat CC2008
Scirocco2008
Sharan2004
Sharan1998
Touran2003
T5 (Caravelle/Multivan)2003
Touareg2002
Tiguan2007

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Which cars have Isofix?

Since 2006, Isofix fastenings have been installed in the basic configuration of cars. Since 2011, they have become a mandatory element for all cars produced and sold in the European Union.

The Russian auto industry has also recently been installing fasteners of international standard. They are present in cars produced later than 2011. For example, in Lada Granta, Lada Kalina cars.

Before purchasing a seat with Isofix, make sure that the mounting brackets are present in the car interior. They may not be indicated by a special sign or inscription, especially if the casing has been changed.

Check their presence by running your hand at the junction of the backrest and seat in the rear seat of the car. If necessary, remove decorative elements from the chair.

What to do if there is no fastening

For cars without Isofix mounting, you should purchase a car seat with standard fixation. But if you still want to use Isofix, contact a car service. The craftsmen will install the brackets into the car body. If necessary, they can also install mounts in the front seat.

What if you don't find Isofix fasteners in your car?

It often happens that a car is equipped with an Isofix system, but it cannot be found. Even if you have a modern car. The answer is simple - there are no fastenings in the car. You need to contact the service center and order an Isofix installation. As a rule, this does not take much time.


Fastening system

Many drivers ask whether it is possible to install Isofix themselves if this option is not provided in the car? Such a car does not have the necessary fasteners and it will be difficult to install the brackets. In addition, such an installation will not meet the requirements and standards. Self-indulgence can only do harm.

If there is no Isofix system, then it is better to choose another reliable and proven child car seat. Expensive models provide security that is not inferior to Isofix.

Pros and cons of car seat anchors

The Isofix car seat is a popular restraint system due to its reliability and easy installation.

The system has the following advantages:

  1. The design is installed simply and quickly. The belts do not have to be threaded through a large number of connectors, as in car seats with traditional anchorages.
  2. Isofix is ​​easy to attach correctly. Devices with standard mountings are difficult to install. Therefore, more than 70% of such chairs are installed with gross violations.
  3. Effective protection against injury in road accidents. Numerous crash tests have shown that Isofix provides the safest transport for children.
  4. Rigid installation of the chair. The device is securely fixed in one place and does not move around the car interior, even if you drive without a child. No need to remove the seat.
  5. Minimum load on the child's neck.
  6. The indicator allows you to monitor whether the latch is actuated.

Despite the uniform fastening standard, it is not always suitable for the car model. In addition, Isofix is ​​only suitable for children weighing up to 18 kg. Cradle chairs do not have a built-in Isofix system. You will need to separately purchase a base, the price of which is equal to the cost of the chair itself.

The base is only suitable for one model of car cradle. It is not compatible with other devices, even from the same company, with the exception of rare designs. The brackets must be fastened carefully, because... sharp points may accidentally scratch or tear the upholstery.

Additional fasteners

In addition to isofix, you can find a Top Tether system on your car, an “anchor” fastener. This is an additional element that is located in the trunk area, seat backs or even on the ceiling. The brackets can be found by the corresponding designations with the “anchor” icon.

All fastening methods discussed above belong to the Isofix system. But keep in mind that the shackle anchor does not have to complement the Isofix system.

Comments

We are interested in your opinion. You can leave your review or simply ask your question.

The Isofix child seat mounting system has gained great popularity among car enthusiasts.

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In most cases, it is compatible with other systems Latch, X-fix, Seatfix, V-Tether, Top-Tether, but it also has its own design features.

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Installing a chair using the Isofix system

To install an Isofix car seat, determine where the brackets are located in the car seat. Remove the plugs, if any. Pull out the chair arms. Remove the caps here too. Insert the brackets into the connectors. It will click and the indicator will turn green. Secure an additional anchor point.

"Emphasis down"

The chair contains a special support that extends and is installed in the floor of the car. Due to it, the device will not roll over in a collision. This installation method is reliable and versatile. Not every car brand is equipped with an anchor mount, and the anchor can be purchased separately and adjusted to the height of the seat.

"Fastener-anchor"

Located at the top rear of the chair. The end is equipped with a carbine mount. It must be secured to a bracket located in the trunk or on the back of the rear seat of the car. You can find this place by a special anchor icon. The anchor fastening secures the top of the seat, which prevents the passenger from sharply tilting forward during a collision.

After installation, place the child in the chair and secure it with the internal straps. For more details on how to install the Isofix system, see the photo.

Advantages

Seats for babies equipped according to international standards will allow parents to install them correctly, and they also have clear advantages:

  • The seats will not be able to move independently either forward or to the sides; ISOFIX completely eliminates any rotation.
  • Quick installation and dismantling; it will only take a few minutes to properly arrange a place for transporting a child.
  • The rigid ISOFIX mount will allow parents not to worry about safety; the child will be securely held in the seat.
  • There is no risk of incorrect installation - the simplicity and reliability of fastening is fully ensured by the system developers.

Features of use for different chairs

Categories of car seats are divided not by age and height, but by weight. They produce combined models that transform and are suitable for several weight categories at once. The instructions for the device indicate the weight and approximate age of children for whom the chair is suitable.

Weight restrictions

Isofix is ​​not suitable for children weighing more than 18 kg. The weight of the car seat itself should be no more than 15 kg. Only in these cases does the system completely absorb the impact force in an accident and provide the necessary safety. The fasteners may not be able to cope with a large weight.

If the passenger weighs more than 18 kg, Isofix can be used additionally to simplify the installation of the seat and secure it. But other fastenings should be selected as the main security system.

Cradle chairs 0 and 0+

0 - infant carrier for newborns and children weighing up to 10 kg, up to about one year old. The device is fixed in a horizontal lying position. It can be detached and used separately as a classic carrycot. Inside there is a soft wide fixing belt and additional protection for the newborn's head.

0+ - suitable for children weighing up to 13 kg, aged from 0 to approximately 1.5 years. The device is installed against the direction of travel. The child is positioned in a semi-lying position.

For groups 0, 0+ there is no built-in Isofix. A special base is used for them, thanks to which you can quickly remove the cradle from the car.

Group 0+/1 is a swivel car seat that can be placed both against and in the direction of travel. It transforms depending on the age of the child and is suitable for passengers weighing up to 18 kg. Isofix is ​​already built into the base of the chair.

Category 1 with seat belts

Suitable for children weighing from 9 to 18 kg (approximate age 1-4 years, height above 78 cm). This model is suitable for a child who already confidently crawls and stands, and begins to walk. Children are fastened with a five-point seat belt. The brackets are mounted into the base of the chair; sometimes there are separate bases. The child rides facing forward.

Group of seats 2-3 (boosters)

Isofix cannot be installed in category 2, 3 car seats or booster seats. The device can be used for additional safety and to simplify installation of the seat in the car. It will securely fix the chair when you do not need to transport the child.

These categories have features:

  1. Group 2 is suitable for children from 15 to 25 kg, 3-7 years old. The device is equipped with an adjustable backrest and a standard seat belt.
  2. The combined 2/3 transforming model is used for children from 3-4 years old and weighing from 15 to 36 kg. The backrest is adjustable and removable to turn the device into a booster.
  3. A category 3 car seat or booster is a seat without a backrest in which the child is secured with standard seat belts. Suitable for children over 7 years old and weighing from 22 kg.

Mobile restraint devices are chosen for the booster. An Isofit mount would be a suitable option. It is designed for older children. Its locks only hold the weight of the seat, and the child is secured by a three-point belt that goes over the top.

How does Isofix work for universal group 1-2-3 car seats?

Many people want to buy a super-universal option that will last a long time, be economical and convenient, and must be equipped with Isofix. But there is a “catch” in this group with such a system. Isofix cannot work on all groups at once, for the same reason as described above. There were attempts to create such a universal chair at Romer, but, alas, it did not work out. For group 1, in such a chair, isofix performs its function, but for groups 2 and 3 it has an exclusively decorative function.

There is a chair in this group with safety tables and isofix. In this case, for group 1, Isofix fixes the seat in the car, but the main safety is provided by the table, and for groups 2-3, the safety is provided by regular seat belts, which fasten the child and the seat, and here Isofix again does not bear the active load.

Options for universal car seats with built-in seat belts and Isofix are starting to appear, which are suitable for all groups at once. But for the most part, test drives have not been carried out on these models.

There is, of course, also an option from America, the so-called LATCH. It differs from Isofix in that instead of metal car seat brackets, the seat is attached with straps with latches. But the necessary tests have not been carried out on them, so you can only rely on the tests of the manufacturers themselves at your own peril and risk.

Where do you buy chairs with Isofix?

You should buy children's car seats only in specialized stores that are responsible for the quality of the product. The device must have a certificate. It proves a high level of security. Before purchasing, be sure to check that the car has this mounting system.

Features of choice

When choosing a car seat, make sure that its group is suitable for the weight of the child. The product must bear the ECE R44/03 marking, which confirms that it has passed the necessary tests and complies with the latest quality and safety standards. Carefully examine what the product looks like. It must be durable, without damage or defects.

For children under 3 years old, choose designs with a five-point harness, because... it prevents injuries to the back, spine and abdominal cavity at this age. They should be soft and comfortable; there is a fabric pad in the crotch area near the lock.

"Isofix" and group 2-3 (for children from 3 years old, 15-36 kg)

In this age group, this is not the “Isofix” that I described above. Due to the fact that real Isofix cannot be used after reaching a certain weight, the child is fastened with a group 2-3 car seat using standard belts, and the so-called “isofix” is called other derivative words - “isophyte”, “kidfix”, etc. .

It is considered a compatible mounting method, since the main safety function is performed by a standard belt. Therefore, the seat must be able to move forward under heavy braking in order for the belt to engage and keep the child in place. But Isofix would not have given such an opportunity, so they came up with other special designs that allow the chair to move forward. And it is for this same reason that the “leg” and the Top-tether belt are not found in this group.

What's the point of this then? Yes, this system does not bear a special security burden in groups 2-3. But there are also positive aspects: it limits the displacement of the seat in a side collision; it is more convenient to seat the child, as the chair is more stable; There is no need to fasten the seat belts if you are eating without a child.

Similar systems

In the US and Canada, LATCH is used. On the side of the car seat, instead of metal brackets, there are belts with latches at the ends. The American design also simplifies the installation of the car seat and meets safety and quality standards.

The LATCH system is fixed at two points on the bottom and one on the top. The lower fastening is complemented by an anchor, which is passed under the headrest and secured to a loop on the rear parcel shelf or in the trunk.

Other analogues

The American analogue of Isofix is ​​the LATCH system. The car has brackets for attaching car seats. The child seat has straps with carabiners that are attached to the brackets.

Thus, the main difference between the LATCH system is the movable belt connection with the child car seat. A higher degree of mobility during a collision increases the likelihood of a child's lateral movements and, accordingly, injury.

In practice, it is more convenient during installation and removal; in case of small impacts, due to its mobility, it compensates for the accelerating load.

In Canada, the UAS (Universal Anchorage System) standard is used, otherwise Canfix. It is also compatible with the Isofix system, but has a greater degree of movement than the European one.

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