Graco My Ride 65 Car Seat Instructions (2026): Installation, Adjustment, and Cleaning Guide

The Graco My Ride 65 is one of Graco’s most affordable convertibles — a basic rear-facing (5–40 lbs) and forward-facing (20–65 lbs) seat without the bells and whistles of the 4Ever or SlimFit. What you get is Graco’s proven safety engineering at a budget price point. I’ve set up several of these as backup seats for grandparent vehicles, and the installation is about as straightforward as convertibles get. This guide covers both modes, adjustments, and cleaning.

Rear-Facing Installation (5–40 lbs)

With LATCH

1. Release LATCH connectors from storage. Verify the strap is in the rear-facing belt path (blue label).
2. Set the recline appropriate for your child’s age (more reclined for younger babies).
3. Place the seat rear-facing with at least 80% of the base on the vehicle seat.
4. Check the level indicator — ball must be in the blue zone.
5. Connect LATCH hooks to lower anchors (no twists) and tighten while pressing down firmly.
6. Test for less than one inch of movement at the belt path.
7. Recheck level indicator. Rolled towels at the seat crease can help adjust the angle.

With Seat Belt

1. Store LATCH connectors. Set recline and place seat rear-facing.
2. Route the seat belt through the rear-facing belt path (blue label). Flat, untwisted, in front of the buckle strap.
3. Buckle and pull shoulder belt all the way out to engage locking mode.
4. Press down while feeding slack into the retractor.
5. Test for less than one inch of movement. Check level indicator.

Forward-Facing Installation (20–65 lbs)

With LATCH + Top Tether

1. Release LATCH connectors. Verify strap is in forward-facing belt path (orange label).
2. Unhook the top tether. Set seat upright and place forward-facing.
3. Connect LATCH hooks and tighten while pressing down.
4. Attach and tighten top tether to vehicle anchor.
5. Test for less than one inch of movement.

With Seat Belt + Top Tether

1. Store LATCH connectors. Route seat belt through forward-facing belt path (orange label).
2. Buckle, engage locking mode, press down while tightening.
3. Attach and tighten top tether (always required for forward-facing).
4. Test for less than one inch of movement.

Harness Adjustments

Harness Strap Height

The My Ride 65 requires manual rethreading to change harness height. Loosen the harness fully, pull straps through the current slots from the back, and reroute through the correct height slot. No twists. Rear-facing: straps at or below shoulders. Forward-facing: at or above.

Loosening and Tightening

Lift the harness release lever while pulling shoulder straps outward to loosen. Pull the front adjustment strap to tighten. No pinchable slack at the shoulder.

Crotch Buckle Position

Recline the seat, locate the metal retainer underneath, rotate and push up through the shell, pull the buckle out from the top, insert in the new slot, and pull through from underneath. Tug to confirm secure.

Cleaning Instructions

Harness Straps

Surface wash with mild soap and damp cloth only. Never submerge or machine wash.

Buckle

Remove, soak in warm water (no soap), press red button several times, shake dry, air dry completely.

Seat Covers

Spot clean with damp sponge and mild soap. For deeper cleaning, remove covers and machine wash in cold water on delicate. Drip dry only — no bleach or machine drying.

Important Notes

Never use LATCH and seat belt together. Always use top tether for forward-facing. Replace after any crash.

Graco My Ride 65 Manual

• Graco My Ride 65 Owner’s Manual (PDF)

For our full review, see our Graco My Ride 65 review. For more budget car seat options, visit our best-rated car seats guide.