Once you have decided on the new or pre-owned vehicle of choice, it’s important to consider what the safety features are available with the vehicle, Today, most new cars get things like anti lock brakes standard, but some of older vehicles may not have the items that Consumer Affairs consider safety features that will make your drive better. If you look at various models, don’t forget to thoroughly compare these safety features.
Airbags
A standard feature on new cars since 1998,
with many vehicles having them even before them,
airbags have saved thousands of lives.
While today’s airbags are triggered by sensors that are determined by weight, it is still advised that children under 12 be seated in the back of the car,
belted or retrained in their appropriate system.
Some vehicles have airbags that protect from the side and above for the head.
Antilock Brakes (ABS)
ABS uses sensors at each wheel and a computer that maximizes braking action at each individual wheel to prevent lock-up, which allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking. The ABS just requires that the driver to hit the brake hard and the ABS will do the job.
Traction Control
Icy or wet roads need a traction control system, especially when starting the drive on those conditions. Check how the vehicle operates and at what speeds. Traction control is the perfect partner to the antilock system, as it helps adjust where needed.
Stability Control
Staying on the path you intended to ride becomes easy with good electronic stability control (ESC). The system is designed to detect the speed of the vehicle in relationship to the motion it encounters. Top-heavy vehicles such as SUVs and pick-ups rely on this
Safety belt features
Today’s seatbelts are designed to pull back during impact which builds up on the occupant’s chest. Rear passenger safety belt features should also be considered for children and the elderly.
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (Latch)
While all vehicles are required to have a LATCH system to make the installation of a child’s seat easier, some are more challenging. The system is designed to make the child seat installation simplified and additionally secure.
These are some of the basic features that are sure to make a difference. There are newer safety features that can be considered such as brake assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear crossing alert, lane warning, lane assist, active head restraints, backup camera, parking assist, auto high beams, tire pressure monitors and telematics. The model you originally thought was the perfect vehicle for you, may change once you compare the safety vehicles.
https://www.shopsmartautos.com/page-blog/
©Jeanne Fontana
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