Britax ClickTight Advocate Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
This manual provides essential guidance regarding a significant recall affecting Britax Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon ClickTight car seats manufactured between specific dates.
Understanding the details is crucial for ensuring child passenger safety and proper car seat functionality.
The Britax ClickTight Installation System revolutionized car seat installation, aiming to simplify the process and significantly reduce installation errors. Traditional car seat installations often relied on the LATCH system or vehicle seat belts, which could be challenging to secure correctly, leading to potential safety risks.
ClickTight introduces a unique, straightforward method: open the ClickTight compartment, route the vehicle’s seat belt through the designated path, close the compartment, and then simply tighten the belt. This system effectively locks the car seat in place, creating a remarkably secure fit. Britax designed ClickTight to provide parents and caregivers with increased confidence in their ability to install the car seat correctly, minimizing movement and maximizing protection for their children.
This innovative approach has become a hallmark of many Britax car seat models, including the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon ClickTight series, and is central to understanding the recall affecting these specific models.
Understanding the Advocate ClickTight Model
The Britax Advocate ClickTight is a convertible car seat designed for extended rear-facing and forward-facing use, prioritizing both safety and comfort for growing children. It’s known for its robust construction, featuring steel frames and energy-absorbing foam, providing superior impact protection.
A key feature is, of course, the ClickTight Installation System, simplifying secure installation with vehicle seat belts. The Advocate also boasts a no-rethread harness, allowing for easy height adjustments as your child grows, and multiple recline positions for optimal comfort. Side impact protection is enhanced with Britax’s True Side Impact Protection technology.
The Advocate ClickTight is generally considered a premium model within the Britax lineup, offering a high level of safety features and ease of use, making it a popular choice for parents. However, specific manufacturing dates within its production run are subject to the current recall due to a harness adjuster issue.
Identifying Affected Models & Manufacturing Dates
Determining if your Britax car seat is affected by the recall requires careful attention to the model number and manufacturing date. The recall encompasses three specific models: the Advocate ClickTight, the Boulevard ClickTight, and the Marathon ClickTight – all convertible car seats designed for various stages of childhood.
Crucially, not all seats within these model lines are impacted. The affected production window spans from August 1, 2014, to July 29, 2015. Therefore, seats manufactured outside of this date range are not subject to the recall.
Owners should locate the manufacturing date sticker on their car seat (detailed in a later section) to verify if their seat falls within the specified timeframe. Accurate identification is paramount to ensuring appropriate action is taken regarding the potential harness adjuster defect.
Date Range of Affected Seats (Aug 1, 2014 – July 29, 2015)
The core of the recall centers around a specific manufacturing period for the Britax Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon ClickTight car seats. Britax has identified that seats produced between August 1, 2014, and July 29, 2015, may contain a defect related to the harness adjuster button. This precise date range is critical for owners to verify if their car seat is potentially affected.
It’s important to note that seats manufactured before August 1, 2014, or after July 29, 2015, are not included in this particular recall. This focused timeframe allows for targeted action and ensures that only potentially compromised seats are addressed.
Confirming the manufacturing date is the first step in determining if your car seat requires inspection or repair. Refer to the section on locating the date sticker for detailed instructions.
Model Numbers: Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon ClickTight
This recall specifically impacts three popular Britax convertible car seat models: the Advocate ClickTight, the Boulevard ClickTight, and the Marathon ClickTight. It’s crucial to accurately identify your car seat model to determine if it falls within the scope of the safety concern. Simply owning a Britax car seat doesn’t automatically mean it’s affected; the model number is key.
The ClickTight installation system, while generally lauded for its ease of use and secure installation, is present in all three of these affected models. Therefore, owners of these specific models should proactively check their manufacturing date, as detailed in a subsequent section.
Confirming your model number is straightforward – it’s typically located on a sticker affixed to the car seat’s frame. Ensure you are checking the model number, not just the product line.
Harness Adjuster Button: The Core Issue
The central problem prompting this recall revolves around the harness adjuster button found on the affected Britax car seats. Specifically, the button may become difficult to depress, or even fail to release the harness, potentially hindering the safe removal of a child from the car seat. This poses a significant safety risk in emergency situations where quick egress is paramount.
The issue isn’t a complete harness failure, but rather a functional impediment. Parents or caregivers may struggle to loosen the harness sufficiently to comfortably and safely remove their child. This can lead to undue stress and potential difficulty during time-sensitive events.
Britax identified this concern through internal testing and reports from consumers, leading to the voluntary recall to address the potential hazard. The adjuster button’s functionality is critical for proper car seat operation.
The Recall Notice: Details and Implications
Britax issued a voluntary recall for specific Advocate ClickTight, Boulevard ClickTight, and Marathon ClickTight convertible car seats manufactured between August 1, 2014, and July 29, 2015. This recall directly addresses the harness adjuster button issue, aiming to rectify the potential safety concern for consumers.
The implications of this recall are significant, urging owners of affected seats to immediately cease use until the issue is resolved. Britax is offering a free repair to address the faulty adjuster button. Consumers are instructed not to attempt self-repair, as improper handling could compromise the seat’s integrity.
The recall emphasizes the importance of registering your car seat with Britax to receive direct notification and instructions regarding the repair process. Failure to address this issue could potentially jeopardize a child’s safety in the event of an accident or emergency requiring swift removal from the seat.
Checking Your Car Seat’s Manufacturing Date
Determining your Britax Advocate ClickTight, Boulevard ClickTight, or Marathon ClickTight’s manufacturing date is the first crucial step in ascertaining if your car seat is affected by the recall. This date dictates whether your seat requires inspection and potential repair under the voluntary recall program initiated by Britax.
Locating the manufacturing date is straightforward; it’s printed on a sticker affixed directly to the car seat itself. This sticker is typically found on the underside of the seat, often near the base or on the side. Carefully inspect these areas, ensuring good lighting for clear visibility.
The date is presented in a clear format, allowing easy comparison to the affected date range of August 1, 2014, to July 29, 2015. If your car seat’s manufacturing date falls within this timeframe, it is imperative to follow the recall instructions provided by Britax.
Locating the Date Sticker on the Seat
Pinpointing the manufacturing date sticker on your Britax car seat is essential for determining recall eligibility. The sticker’s location can vary slightly depending on the specific model – Advocate, Boulevard, or Marathon ClickTight – but generally follows a consistent pattern.
Begin by carefully examining the underside of the car seat base. Look for a white or silver sticker, often rectangular, firmly attached to the plastic. If not found there, inspect the side of the seat, near the harness adjuster or where the shell connects to the base.
The sticker will clearly display the manufacturing date. You may need a flashlight to illuminate darker areas and aid in locating it. Once found, compare the date to the affected range (August 1, 2014 – July 29, 2015) to confirm if your seat is part of the recall.
Potential Safety Risks Associated with the Defect
The identified defect in the harness adjuster button presents potential safety risks that necessitate immediate attention from car seat owners. Specifically, the button may become difficult to press or may not lock correctly, hindering proper harness tightening.
This can lead to a situation where the harness isn’t snug enough against the child, significantly increasing the risk of injury during a vehicle collision or sudden stop. A loose harness compromises the car seat’s ability to effectively restrain the child, potentially resulting in ejection or severe impact trauma.
It’s crucial to understand that even seemingly minor difficulties with the adjuster button should be addressed promptly. Prioritizing a secure harness fit is paramount for maximizing child passenger safety and mitigating potential harm.
How the ClickTight Installation System Works
Britax’s ClickTight Installation System revolutionized car seat installation by simplifying the process and enhancing security. Unlike traditional LATCH or belt installations, ClickTight allows for a near-foolproof setup, minimizing installation errors.
The system features a unique belt-locking mechanism housed within the car seat’s shell. You simply open the ClickTight compartment, thread the vehicle’s seatbelt through, and close the compartment. The mechanism automatically tightens the belt to a secure fit, eliminating slack and ensuring a stable installation.
This method provides a consistently tight installation, regardless of vehicle seat contours or user strength. It’s designed to be intuitive and repeatable, offering peace of mind to parents and caregivers. The system significantly reduces the chances of a loose car seat, a major safety concern.
Proper Installation Techniques for the Advocate ClickTight
Achieving a secure installation with the Britax Advocate ClickTight is paramount for child safety. Begin by carefully reading the car seat and vehicle owner’s manuals. Position the car seat in the vehicle, ensuring it fits snugly against the seat back.
Open the ClickTight compartment and thread the vehicle’s seatbelt through the designated path; Close the compartment, allowing the system to automatically tighten the belt. Confirm a secure fit by vigorously attempting to move the car seat side-to-side and front-to-back – movement should be minimal (less than one inch).
Always double-check the belt path and ensure the locking mechanism has engaged correctly. Utilize the recline indicator to select the appropriate angle for your child’s age and weight. Remember, a properly installed car seat is a safe car seat.
Step-by-Step Guide to ClickTight Installation
Follow these steps for a secure ClickTight installation: 1) Position the car seat. 2) Open the ClickTight compartment located on the side of the seat. 3) Thread the vehicle’s seatbelt through the designated belt path, ensuring it lies flat. 4) Close the ClickTight compartment firmly – you should hear a clicking sound.
Vigorously attempt to move the car seat side to side; it should not move more than one inch. 6) Check the belt path to confirm correct routing. 7) Adjust the recline angle as needed, using the indicator. 8) Finally, confirm the seatbelt is locked and secure.
Repeat these steps if the initial installation doesn’t feel solid. A properly tightened seatbelt is crucial for optimal protection. Always prioritize a secure fit over speed.
Re-threading the Harness: A Detailed Procedure
Re-threading the harness is essential if the adjuster button is malfunctioning. Begin by fully loosening the harness straps. Locate the harness slots on the back of the car seat. Carefully detach the harness straps from the slots, noting their original configuration for reassembly.
Next, re-thread the straps through the correct slots, ensuring they are not twisted. Confirm each strap clicks securely into place. Adjust the harness height to the child’s appropriate shoulder level. Test the adjuster button to verify it now functions correctly, smoothly tightening and loosening the straps.
Double-check all connections before each use. Improperly threaded harnesses compromise safety. If issues persist, discontinue use and contact Britax customer service.
Consumer Reports’ Safety Notice & Concerns
Consumer Reports recently issued a safety notice highlighting concerns regarding the Britax Boulevard ClickTight and Marathon ClickTight models. Their testing revealed instances where the harness adjuster button failed to release, trapping children within the car seat. This poses a significant safety risk during emergency evacuations or when adjusting the harness fit.
The report emphasized the potential for difficulty in removing a child quickly, particularly in critical situations. Consumer Reports urged parents to immediately check their car seats and to contact Britax for guidance. They stressed the importance of a functioning release button for optimal child safety.
This notice prompted increased awareness and contributed to the broader recall investigation initiated by Britax.
Britax’s Response to the Safety Concerns
Britax responded to the Consumer Reports’ safety notice and subsequent concerns by initiating a voluntary recall of specific Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon ClickTight models. The company acknowledged the potential for the harness adjuster button to become difficult to operate, potentially hindering the quick release of children from the car seat.
Britax emphasized their commitment to child safety and proactively worked to address the issue. They provided detailed instructions for consumers to check their car seat’s manufacturing date and determine if it was affected by the recall.
The company offered repair options and replacement parts to rectify the defect, assuring customers of their dedication to resolving the problem swiftly and effectively.
Registering Your Car Seat for Recall Notifications
Registering your Britax car seat is a vital step in staying informed about potential safety recalls and important updates. Britax strongly encourages all owners, even those with seemingly unaffected models, to register their seats on the official Britax website.
This registration process allows Britax to directly notify you should any future safety concerns arise related to your specific car seat model and manufacturing date. It ensures you receive timely information regarding necessary repairs or replacement parts.
Registration is quick and easy, requiring only basic information about your car seat and yourself. Don’t rely solely on news reports; proactive registration guarantees you’ll be directly contacted by Britax in case of a recall impacting your child’s safety.
Finding Replacement Parts & Repair Options
If your Britax Advocate ClickTight, Boulevard ClickTight, or Marathon ClickTight car seat is affected by the recall, obtaining the correct replacement part is paramount. Britax is offering free repair kits to address the harness adjuster button issue. These kits are not available for purchase; they are provided exclusively as part of the recall program.
Consumers can request a repair kit directly from Britax through their customer service channels (details provided elsewhere in this guide). Alternatively, some authorized retailers may assist with the recall process and kit distribution. Professional installation of the repair kit is highly recommended to ensure proper functionality and safety.
Do not attempt to repair the harness adjuster button yourself, as improper installation could compromise the car seat’s protective capabilities. Britax is committed to providing a safe and effective solution for all affected car seat owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Recall
Q: What exactly is the problem with the affected car seats? A: The harness adjuster button may become difficult to press or release, potentially hindering proper harness tightening and increasing risk during a crash.
Q: Do I need to stop using my car seat immediately? A: While Britax recommends addressing the issue promptly, you can continue using the seat if you can reliably tighten and loosen the harness. However, prioritize obtaining a repair kit.
Q: How long will it take to receive the repair kit? A: Processing and shipping times vary, but Britax aims for timely delivery. Check their website for current estimates.
Q: Is this recall related to the Consumer Reports safety notice? A: Yes, the recall was initiated following concerns raised by Consumer Reports regarding the harness adjuster issue.
Resources & Contact Information
For immediate assistance and detailed recall information, the Britax Customer Service team is your primary resource. You can reach them via phone at 1-877-643-SAFE (7233), Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
Alternatively, visit the official Britax website at https://www.britax.com/us-en/recall for comprehensive FAQs, recall registration, and repair kit ordering. This website is regularly updated with the latest information.
Consumer Reports also provides valuable insights and updates on car seat safety. Their website, https://www.consumerreports.org/, features articles and safety ratings. Remember to always register your car seat to receive direct recall notifications from Britax.
Britax Customer Service Contact Details
Reaching Britax Customer Service is straightforward and offers multiple avenues for support regarding the ClickTight Advocate recall and other inquiries. You can connect with a representative by calling their dedicated hotline at 1-877-643-7233 (SAFE). This line is available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
For written communication, you can mail correspondence to: Britax Child Safety, Inc., 1301 S. Dixie Highway, P.O. Box 830, Newnan, GA 30264. However, phone support is generally faster for urgent recall-related questions.
Their website, https://www.britax.com/us-en/customer-service, provides a comprehensive contact form and a wealth of self-help resources. Ensure you have your car seat’s model number and manufacturing date readily available when contacting support.
Long-Term Car Seat Safety & Maintenance
Maintaining your Britax ClickTight Advocate car seat beyond the recall repair is vital for continued safety. Regularly inspect the harness straps for wear and tear, ensuring they are not frayed or damaged. Clean the seat cover with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals that could compromise the materials. Always refer to the full instruction manual for detailed cleaning guidelines.
Periodically check the installation to confirm it remains secure, even after initial ClickTight installation. Avoid using aftermarket products or accessories not approved by Britax, as these can interfere with the seat’s safety performance.
Remember to register your car seat for future recall notifications. Proper long-term care extends the lifespan and effectiveness of your car seat, safeguarding your child on every journey.