Car Seat Groups And Stages Explained

Which car seat is right for your baby or child at each stage of development can be confusing. There are four stages ( 1-4) that correspond to four groups (0-3). Your child will move through these stages (or groups) as they grow. Each is designed to suit a specific weight for child and position in the car. Many of these convert to work within several groups, so you don’t necessarily have to buy a new seat every time your child out grows a stage. When possible car seats should be always used in the rear where they are safest. NEVER place a child in a car seat in a front seat where there is an airbag.

Stage One:

group 0 and 0+

Group 0 seats are suitable for infants up to 10 Kg (22 lbs) which is typically around age 6 – 9 months.

Group 0+ is the same as group 0 but is suitable for a bit more weight so may last few month longer. The age and weight recommendations for this group are 13Kg (29 lbs) which is typically to the age of 12 – 15 months.

Both groups are suitable from birth.

These are rear facing seats. It is advised that they be used in a rear seat whenever possible. While it maybe hard to hear your baby cry and not be able to reach over to them in the front, the safest placement really is in the back.

An infant should only be moved to a group 1 seat when they have either exceeded the weight limit or the top of their head is above the back of the seat.

Stage 2:

group 0

Group 1 seats are suitable for children 9 – 18 Kg (20-40lbs) which is typically between the ages of 9 months up to 4 years old. So, choose wisely, this seat could be with you for a while.

These are forward facing seats. It is, however, still recommended that they be used in the rear seat whenever possible and NEVER in the front seat if there is an airbag.

Harnesses should always be checked and adjusted with growth to insure that the child can not slip out of the seat either through the legs or arms.

As with the group 0 and 0+ seats, a child should only be moved to the next stage when they have either exceeded the weight limit or the top of their head is above the back of the seat.

Stage 3 and 4:

group 2 and 3

These are grouped together because adjustments can be made to a group 2 seat to make it suitable for stage 4.

Group 2 seats are designed for children between 15 – 25 Kg (33 – 55 lbs) or approximately 4 to 6 years.

Group 3 seat are designed for children from 22 – 36 Kg (48 – 79 lbs) or approximately 6 to 11 years.

These seats are boosters seats. They are grouped together because group 2 seats can be converted to use when a group 3 seat is necessary. In many cases the back can be removed from the booster seat moving it from a group 2 to a group 3.

Boosters seats do not have a harness system. Instead they are designed for use with adult seat belts. When properly fitting the diagonal part of the seat belt should be across the chest and NOT across the neck.

Once again, as with all stages of car seats, a child should only be moved to the next stage when they have either exceeded the weight limit or the top of their head is above the back of the seat and it is always recommended that any car seat be used in the rear seat whenever possible and NEVER in the front seat if there is an airbag.

Is Your Car Driving Your Pain An Osteopaths Opinion

Is your car driving your pain? An osteopaths opinion
Whether driving a car, a bus, or a lorry or even as a passenger – you could be suffering driving related back pain.
In all these cases, osteopathy can help to reduce pain and your osteopath in Manchester can offer advice on back pain management, including simple exercises to prevent problems in the future.

Keep moving is advised by osteopaths –
Its not just the driver who can stiffen up in a car. Passengers are often seated for long periods of time in a fixed position.
Movement is the key for car, driver and passenger.
As a passenger, try to alter your position from time to time and sit with your knees bent and thighs level and comfortable. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed; move them regularly.
For driver and passengers, stop regularly, ideally once an hour, especially when feeling tired.
Get out of your vehicle and walk around it several times.
Stretch like a cat, gently moving your arms around, bringing your knees up to your hips, and stretching your whole body.

Osteopaths ask any back pain sufferer to consider the following

Choose a car, with an adjustable lumbar support (and use it). Alternatively, keep a small cushion in the car to support your lower back.
Choose a car with a higher kerb height to make getting in and out less stressful on the spine.
Depressing the clutch increases the pressure on your back so choose an automatic to avoid this.
Power steering also significantly reduces the load on the spine.
Driving can give you
Neck Pain
Headaches
Eyestrain
Shoulder Pain
Wrist Pain
Elbow Pain
Back Pain
Bottom Ache
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Foot and Ankle Pain
Is the car the right fit for you?
Sometimes, the design of the car itself can lead to back problems. If you have to drive particularly long distances, check out the cabin and layout of the controls with the tests set out below, and a comfortable motorway cruiser is gentler on your back
If the car can pass these four simple tests then there is a good chance that it is suitable for the particular driver. By using these tests a prospective buyer can make an informed choice of car and hopefully avoid drivers back pain.

Try the following tests that our Manchester Osteopaths often mention
1. The Praying Test The driver places both hands together, pointing forwards. If the steering wheel is not offset then the driver should be pointing straight at the centre of the wheel. The danger of having an offset wheel is that most drivers tend to rotate the middle of the spine to compensate for its position, producing long term back strain.
2. The Fist Test With the seat in the normal driving position make a fist with the left hand keeping the thumb to the side of the index finger. It should be possible to insert the fist on the crown of the head. If it is only just possible to insert the flat of the hand between the roof and the head then there is insufficient headroom. The danger of having too little headroom is that the driver may compensate for the lack of height by slouching in the seat which puts a strain on the spine and thighs.
3. The Look Down Test With both hands placed evenly on the steering wheel look down at the legs. It should be possible to see equal amounts of both legs between the arms. Frequently the left leg will be visible but the right leg will be obscured by the right arm which may indicate that the shoulder girdle is rotated to the left in relation to the pelvis.
4. The Right Leg Test This test should be performed after you have stopped having driven the car for a short while.
Once again, look down and examine the position of the right leg. Is it elevated above the level of the left or has it fallen out towards the edge of the seat? Is the right foot roughly in line with the thigh as it should be, or has it had to come across towards the centre of the car?
5. The Kerb Height Test Swing the right leg out of the car as though getting out, and place the right foot on the ground. Try and ensure the lower leg (shin and calf) is in a vertical position.
Now look at the surface of the right thigh. It should be sloping down towards the knee. If it is sloping upwards (i.e. if the knee is higher than the hip) you will have difficulty when exiting this vehicle.
If the car can pass these 5 simple tests there is a good chance that it is suitable for that particular driver. By utilising the tests, a prospective purchaser should be able to produce a short list of suitable vehicles, from which they can then make a choice.

When driving
Car seats can be adjusted to suit your posture but make sure that you always:
1. Keep your seat reasonably upright, leaning backwards only at a slight angle.
2. Keep the headrest adjusted so that the centre of the headrest is level with your eyes. Dont set the headrest too low as this can allow more serious injury in an accident.
3. When getting in, sit first then swing your legs into the car. When you get out, move the seat back before swinging your legs out.
4. Do you ride the clutch, resting your foot in the air? No wonder your ankles or calf muscles hurt.
5. To relax, raise your shoulders to your ears breathing in, and then lower them as you breathe out. You may want to do this at every red traffic light, or major junction.
6. Avoid reaching behind to get bags from the rear seat. Dont be lazy. Get out and open the door.
7. Be careful when loading and unloading. Lift correctly.
8. Avoid lifting unnecessary weights. Get help to change a tyre.
9. Sit with arms gently bent at the elbow to the wheel and dont lean forward out of the seat.
10. Wear a seat belt and make sure it is properly adjusted. Make sure children also have appropriate seat belts and cushions.
Remember
Prevention is better than cure.
Sit properly, drive relaxed.
Osteopaths can advise on posture.
Osteopaths treat neck and back pain and a great many other things as well.
If you are unlucky enough to be involved in a road accident osteopathy can help relieve the pain of injury, especially whiplash-type injuries.
Osteopaths are often asked by solicitors to write medico-legal reports on accident
victims, to help them claim compensation.

Car Parts Putting A Car Back Together Again

So youve sunk a whole load of money into an old car with the intention of lovingly restoring it to its former glory. But its only now that youve started looking for car parts that youre beginning to wonder what on earth have you let yourself in for. Whether youre in it for the money or for the sheer fun of it, any car you restore is only going to be the sum of the car parts you put into it. So before you start building from scratch, here are a few points to consider.

Cars arent that complicated to understand, right? Well, theres a world of difference between replacing the odd car part here and there and refitting the insides of an empty carcass like a jigsaw. Before you commit financially to any project, be sure to ascertain honestly what your ability is, and also how much time and effort youre prepared to put into the project. A fancy paint job and new upholstery can be as much fun as installing the most basic of engine parts, if that is where your technical comfort level is. Consider what youre prepared to put in, before you start ripping those old car parts out.

Once youve decided upon the type of project you want to work with, be sure to wait for the right car with the right parts. Of course you can learn as you go along, and that might even be part of the fun, but dont invest in a car minus parts you havent the interest in learning to find and fit. You might love that make and model at the time of purchase, but a few weeks of sitting in your front yard without the final missing part will be enough to sour your relationship forever.

If you are a novice, be sure to take an expert car parts man along with you when you view potential cars and parts. What might look about right to you might actually be along the wrong lines completely, and you could find yourself shelling out a fortune for a part that is completely unsuitable. Also bear in mind always how much money you are willing to spend on car parts, and what you plan ultimately to do with your restored car. An older part might be fine in a vehicle you hope to use for show purposes only, but a fully operable car will need car parts of the same standard.

Caution is the watchword when choosing car parts to put into your restoration job. Know what you want and stick to that, and if in doubt then save your money. Whatever your reasons for restoring a car, the parts you put inside need to be just right, so do the best job you can by waiting for the best parts.

Car Mp3 Player – Bluetooth Mp3 Car Kit – Creative Mp3 Car Kit From China

Car Mp3 Player($ 26 usd)

Source: http://www.esaleschina.com/creative-mp3-car-kit-car-mp3-player-builit-in-memory-bluetooth-calls-631.htm

Wholesale China Creative MP3 Car Kit – Car MP3 Player Builit-In Memory +Bluetooth Calls. Car MP3 Players + FM Transmitters + USB Thumb Drives – From China Wholesale Group. It supports MP3 player for SD cards and USB thumb drives, FM transmitter for Bluetooth cell phones, Music Interruption During Phone Call and Resume with USB/Memory Card Music and so on.

Please note:
Car mp3 is a relative newcomer in the world of car audio stereo. Use a wireless FM adapter. Plug the cable from an FM transmitter into your portable MP3 player.
Car mp3 player is also a fashion player now. You can play MP3 files from your home stereo, from your computer, and from a portable player using headphones.
It includes mp3 car kit, car mp3 player, mp3 car kit, creative mp3 car kit, bluetooth mp3 car kit, car mp3 adapter, car mp3 transmitter, car mp3 player usb, car mp3 cd player and so on.

China Wholesale Car MP3 Player Manufacturer Specifications
Main function: MP3 player for SD cards and USB thumb drives
Additional function: FM transmitter for Bluetooth cell phones
Supported Music Formats: MP3, WMA (USB or SD/MMC card)
FM transmit frequency: 87.5 – 108 MHz in 0.1 MHz steps
Power Source: 12-24V DC Cigarette Lighter Socket
Dimension: 125mm x 45mm x 45mm (L x W x D)
1.5 Inch LCD Screen
Bluetooth Properties:
– Version : 2.0
– Range: 10m
– Profiles: Handsfree, Headset, A2DP
Functions:
– Redial
– Reject
– Personal Answer
– Incoming Display
– Analog Audio In (for input from CD player, etc. )
Manufacturer Ref. : W8UXJ0HFTU1N Other Features:
Backlit LCD Display for Night Use
Caller ID Display
ID3 Info Display
Simple Install
Flexible Neck for Easy Posing of Bluetooth Car Kit
Also has Analog IN audio cable (for Input from CD player etc. )
Music Interruption During Phone Call and Resume with USB/Memory Card Music
Built In MIC Package Contents:
Item No. Ca631 Creative MP3 Car Kit – Car MP3 Player Builit-In Memory +Bluetooth Calls
Remote control
User manual
2.5mm male to 3.5mm male audio cable

Third Party Insurance Is A Vital Coverage Offered By Car Insurance Policy

When driving car on the roads, you can never be sure about the hassles that might come upon you in the form of car damage, accidents, injury and so on. It is possible to get into traffic congested roads and bump against another car. Even a small accident can result in huge expenses because repair costs are on the rise. A car insurance policy will help reduce the loss by providing compensation. This is one of the many situations in which it comes to your aid and there are many more.

What Protection Do You Get From A Car Insurance Policy?
A basic car insurance policy will pay out if there is any damage to the vehicle in the event of an accident. If the car is damaged due to man-made or natural disasters, the policy will pay for losses. One of the critical areas where it comes to your aid is third party liability. If your car accidently happens to hit another vehicle or someones property, they can sue for damages. You can cope with liability expenses through compensation offered by the third party insurance coverage. It will help pay for damage caused to third party which can put a severe strain on your finances. In the event that you car collides with another vehicle which results in damage to that vehicle or injury to the driver, it can be used to meet expenses arising from the situation. In the event of a personal accident which causes loss of life or permanent disability to the driver it will pay out a lump sum.

Car insurance offers many add-ons that can be used to reduce expenses even further. These include on-road repair in event of minor breakdown, towing expenses, assistance for lock out or lost key, emergency fuel expenses and flat tyre change. You can also opt for benefits such as depreciation cover, invoice price cover, medical expenses, daily hospital cash and coverage for personal accident to fellow passengers. These additional benefits help bring down so many different types of losses, making them easier to bear.

Important points to note about car insurance
In the event that you sell your vehicle, existing insurance policy can be transferred to the new owner. You can also transfer it to the new car that you have purchased to replace the old one. Policy coverage is applicable only for a period of 12 months after which it has to be renewed. Policy renewal can be easily done online, which saves time and efforts. When you renew the policy without fail every year, your car will not be inspected. You can also avail the no claim bonus which gives a reduction on the premium cost. Premium costs will also be reduced if you have an ARAI approved anti-theft device installed in the car. Car insurance claim process is easy and can be completed online by filling the claims form and submitting it along with required supporting documents.