At Cole Buick GMC Portage, MI, we want to help you get a family-friendly vehicle that you feel confident driving. Part of shopping for a new car for parents involves checking the LATCH evaluations. Many people have heard this term, but not everyone knows what it means.
First, know that LATCH stands for Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children. It is a system that essentially has been designed to make installing a car seat easier. That is important to take note of - the LATCH evaluation is related to the ease of installing the car seat, not how well it protects a child during a crash. That is up to the car seat itself.
Second, know that LATCH systems are rated on a scale that goes from "Poor" to "Good." Someone evaluating the system will look at things like the quality and location of the hardware, accessibility, and force needed for installation.