What piece of equipment can help secure a car seat base more effectively?

A locking clip is an essential tool used in car seat installation to secure a car seat base more effectively when using a vehicle seatbelt that does not have a built-in locking mechanism. The purpose of the locking clip is to prevent the seatbelt from loosening over time, maintaining a tight and secure installation of the car seat. When the vehicle's seatbelt is threaded through the car seat, if the belt does not lock automatically, adding a locking clip ensures that the system remains secure.

The locking clip engages with the seatbelt itself, creating a fixed point that keeps the seatbelt taut, preventing any slack that could compromise the safety of the car seat during a collision. This is particularly important, as even small amounts of movement in the car seat can greatly reduce its ability to protect a child in the event of an accident.

Other options, such as a seatbelt extender, may not directly enhance the security of a car seat; instead, they are used to provide additional length to the seatbelt for various reasons, which does not address the critical need for a secure installation. A booster seat, while important for older children transitioning from a car seat, does not serve in securing a car seat base. Lastly, while a vehicle tether is an important