Installing car seats with lower tethers with retractors (Minikid 4 Max or Minikid 4) 

Ensuring a correct and secure installation of your Axkid car seat with lower tethers and retractors is crucial for your child’s safety. This guide will help you understand the correct way to attach your car seat using this lower tether system. Select the appropriate installation method for your needs: 

• Installation in the back seat: Secure the lower tethers using the pre-installed attachment loops, the included lower tether anchorage straps (LTAS), seat rail wraps, or under-seat rail wraps to ensure a stable and safe setup. 
• Installation in the front seat: Use the included lower tether anchorage straps (LTAS) to properly secure your car seat by utilizing the front seat hinge, seat rail wrap, or under-seat rail wrap method. 

If you have a Minikid 4 Pro or Movekid, click here for the correct installation guide.  

What are lower tethers with retractors? 

Lower tethers with retractors (LT) are engineered to enhance the stability and safety of a child car seat, ensuring a secure and fixed position throughout every journey. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, these tethers minimize movement and reduce impact forces on the child’s head and neck.  

LT with retractors are tethers that are attached to the back of the car seat and automatically retract into the lower tether cassette when released.  

How to install Axkid car seats with lower tethers (with retractors) step-by-step. 

Installation with lower tether anchorages (LTA) for car seats: 

1. Locating the lower tether anchorages (LTA):
   • Identify the lower tether anchorages (LTA) in your vehicle. These are typically loop shaped and positioned near the seat rail. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for anchorages locations. In some cases, additional LTA points may need to be installed. For further assistance, explore our attachment loops to ensure a secure installation. 
   • Secure the lower tethers in the LTA by extending the retractable lower tethers from the back of the car seat. 
   • Attach the metal clip to the lower tether anchorages (pre-installed loop, Axkid attachment loops, or lower tether anchorage straps). 
   • Adjust the car seat by pushing down on the car seat and wiggle it into place.

Back seat installation

Back seat installation with lower tethers (LT) for car seats: 

(Axkid’s car seats with retractable lower tethers also include lower tether anchorage straps which are separate, detachable lower tethers, which can be installed using the following methods listed below.) 

There are multiple methods to attach the lower tethers correctly. 

1. Hinge of the front seat – method*: 
   • Push the lower tether through the gap between the seat’s backrest and the seat cushion. 
   • Wrap the metal clip around the hinge of the front seat and extend it to the backseat. 
   • Thread the metal clip through the strap slot, pull the metal clip up towards the metal clip connectors on the back of the car seat, and attach it securely. Pull the loose end down to tighten it. The car seat installation is now complete.
      
2. Seat rail wrap – method**:  
   • Wrap the lower tether between the vehicle’s seat rail and the floor. 
   • Thread the metal clip through the strap. 
   • Pull the metal clip up towards the metal clip connectors on the back of the car seat and fasten the metal clip securely. Tighten the strap by pulling the loose end of the strap down, removing any slack.  
      
3. Under Seat rail wrap – method***:  
   • Wrap both ends of the lower tethers underneath the seat rail by pushing the strap around the seat rails connecting point of the floor. For this method, the strap should pass underneath the seat rail, wrapping around the bolt or screw that secures the rail to the floor, rather than around the top of the rail. 
   • Thread the metal clip of the strap through the slot on the strap. 
   • Fasten the metal clip to the back of the car seat connectors. Tighten the lower tether by pulling it down, securing the car seat.  
     
     

Front seat installation

You can also install attachment loops (lower tether anchorages) on the front seat rail. Learn more about this installation in our attachment loops guide. 

1. Front seat hinge – method*:  
   • Push the LTAS through the gap between the seat’s backrest and the seat cushion. 
   • Wrap the strap around the hinge of the front seat. 
   • Thread the buckle through one of the strap slots closest to the buckle making it as short as possible. Connect the retractable lower tethers to the buckle of the LTAS. 
      
2. Seat rail wrap – method**: 
   • Wrap the LTAS around the vehicle’s seat rail and the floor. 
   • Thread the buckle through a designated slot on the strap, making it as long as possible. 
   • Route the LTAS underneath the vehicle seat to the front of the vehicle. Make sure the lower tether comes out from the front of the seat and not from the sides. 
   • Pull the retractable lower tethers from the back of the car seat and fasten them in the buckles of the LTAS coming from underneath the front seat. Push down on the top of the car seat and wiggle, which will secure the car seat in place. 
      
3. Under seat rail wrap – method***: 
   • Wrap both ends of the LTAS underneath the seat rail by pushing the strap around the seat rails connecting points of the floor. Make sure the strap is positioned beneath the seat rail and is looped around the bolt or screw that anchors the rail to the floor.  
   • Thread the buckle of the LTAS through a slot making the strap as long as possible.  
   • Guide the LTAS underneath the front seat, making sure the straps come out from the front of the seat and not from the sides. 
   • Pull down the retractable lower tethers from the back of the car seat and connect the metal clip with the buckle of the LTAS from underneath the front seat.  
   • Wiggle the car seat while you push down to tighten the lower tethers. 
     
     
     *Important Notice: Do not move the front seat backwards after installation, as this might loosen the tethers, compromising security. 
     **Important notice: Do not move the seat position after installing the straps. This could damage the installed tethers. 
     ***Important Notice: This installation method prevents the seat rail from damaging the lower tether strap and allows the front seat to move freely backwards. 

After installation: 

Once the lower tethers with retractor or the LTAS are in place, test the car seat by giving it a gentle push forward and sideways to make sure there is no excessive movement. If the car seat shifts or moves, check the installation again to ensure the car seat is properly tightened and secured. 

Summary

• Review the Manual: Before you start, read both your car seats and the vehicle’s manuals. This will guide you through the specific steps for your models and ensure proper installation. 
• Eliminate Slack: Once the straps are attached, pull them tight to remove any slack. The car seat should not move more than an inch in any direction when you test it. 
• Test for Movement: After installing, push the car seat gently from different angles—side to side and front to back—to ensure it doesn’t shift or move more than an inch. 
• Inspect Regularly: Check the lower tether strap and anchorage points periodically to ensure they’re in good condition and properly adjusted. Replace any worn or damaged parts right away. 

By understanding and properly using lower tethers or LTAS, you’re taking an important step towards ensuring your child’s safety while traveling. At Axkid, we are dedicated to making every ride safer and more secure for your family. 

For more information download the BILT app and search for the required car seat for a 3D guide of the different installations.