Originally Posted by
Lobster
Although I have to say I still think that if I'm paying about USD100 to rent a car seat it is reasonable for me to expect that the car seat is good quality, fit for purpose and properly installed. Just like I like to think that things like the brake pads, seat belts etc and all other safety equipment on the car is good quality, fit for purpose and properly installed.
It's a reasonable assumption, but not a realistic one.
Car rental companies have zero control over what people do to the rental car seats and no way to test/evaluation the safety aspects of the seat between renters. Their mechanics can test the brakes and check the fluids of the car, but there are no simple tests to evaluate what has been done a car seat.
As for installing it, haven't you noticed car rental companies are now the travel equivalent of the self check aisle at the supermarket?