Car Seat Safety Check???

Just wondering if anyone knows if there is anywhere you can take a car seat to get a safety check?? We got a car seat given to us from my mums friend, it looks like its in good condition, but not sure if its been in any accidents...

Thanks

I'm not sure if there's anywhere that you can take it, maybe try contacting the NRMA or RACV (or equivalent in your state)?

I sell pre-loved car seats and check the following things (after asking the previous owner if it has been in an accident of course):

* Look at the back of the car seat and check the plastic. If you see white lines/creases, this is a sign that the car seat has been under stress (accident). The plastic is designed to do this to make it obvious if the car seat has been damaged.
* Check that all the straps and harness are free from fraying.
* Check that the car seat is structurally sound (make sure parts don't appear to be loose, etc.).
* Check the year of manufacture. Car seats older than 10 years old no longer meet the Australian standards and I personally wouldn't use one. Most car seats have a sticker with the date of manufacture on it.

HTH :)

My parents bought a second hand car seat, and just took it to one of the Australian Red Cross Safety Stores (don't know if these are nation-wide). They also fitted it - cost was $20 i think.

Thanks.. a few good tips there.. Chair seems to be in good order.. might make a call to the RTA.

I looked up Australian Red Cross safety and that only seems to be in S.A.

Thanks heaps