What is ADAC?

What is ADAC? You may have seen ADAC mentioned within articles or on website selling car seats, but do you really know what it means? Parenting Expert have delved deeper to provide you with a guide to ADAC to make it easier to understand.

ADAC testing refers to safety assessments conducted by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), which is the German automobile club. They primarily focus on child car seat safety, going beyond the minimum requirements set by European regulations (ECE R44/04 and UN R129). Here’s a breakdown of what ADAC testing entails:

What car seats does ADAC test?

• Not all car seats are tested by ADAC. They select seats based on popularity, volume of sales, and novel features.
• They test a variety of seat types, including infant carriers, convertible seats, and booster seats.

What tests are conducted?

Crash tests

Seats are subjected to simulated frontal, side, and rear-impact crashes at higher speeds than those required by regulations.

Ergonomics and ease of use

Testers assess how easy the seat is to install and adjust, as well as the comfort and fit for children.

Chemical composition

The fabrics and materials used in the seat are tested for harmful substances.

How are the results scored?

• Seats are given an overall rating based on their performance in all test categories. The rating system ranges from “sehr gut” (very good) to “mangelhaft” (poor). It is important to note here that the LOWER the car seat scores, the better it is.
• ADAC also publishes detailed reports for each tested seat, providing parents with comprehensive information to make informed choices.

Why is ADAC testing important?

• ADAC tests provide additional data about car seat safety beyond the minimum required by regulations.
• This helps parents choose the safest possible seats for their children.
• ADAC’s findings can also influence manufacturers to improve the safety and design of their car seats.

Where can I find ADAC test results?

• The ADAC website publishes all car seat test results. However, these are in German.
• Some websites and blogs translate the results into English.
• You can also search for specific car seat models to see if they have been tested by ADAC.

Beyond ADAC testing

• It’s important to remember that ADAC testing is just one factor to consider when choosing a car seat.
• You should also check the size and weight limits of the seat to ensure it is appropriate for your child.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and using the car seat correctly.

Read more about picking your baby’s first car seat here.