Top 5 Safety Features to Look For in a New Vehicle
Safety may not be the most exciting aspect of buying a car, but it is the most important. What good is shiny paint, a sleek interior, or an intuitive dashboard if you can’t depend on it when it counts? And while modern cars are now packed with advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers safe, not every car has all the safety features you need. Use this guide to learn about the top 5 safety features to look for in a new vehicle.
Manufacturers decide which things to put on their vehicles, and with so many safety options out there, choosing which ones to get can be overwhelming. If that’s your dilemma, you have come to the right place.
Key Takeaways
- Safety features are important when shopping for a new vehicle to ensure that you can have peace of mind on the road.
- The top 5 safety features to look for in a new vehicle are: airbags, anti-lock brake system, blind spot monitoring system, lane keeping assist and electronic stability control.
Top 5 Safety Features to Look For in a New Vehicle
Here are the top 5 safety features for a new vehicle.
1. Airbags
Airbags have been around for decades; they are a staple for safety, and you will be hard-pressed to find a new vehicle without them. Furthermore, the airbags of modern cars are more sophisticated than ever. Most vehicles come equipped with front airbags for the driver and passengers, while others have side and curtain airbags to protect the passengers in the backseat. The more advanced airbag system can detect the positions and weight of the driver and front passengers.
Moreover, it is important to note that some manufacturers have recalled their vehicles for faulty airbags. Thus, do your homework, research, and confirm whether your potential vehicle has this issue.
2. Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Anti-Lock Brake System or ABS is another staple safety feature in modern vehicles. As its name suggests, this technology keeps the brakes from locking up in the event of quick and hard stopping. This is highly common when doing emergency stops to avoid collisions. Locked wheels can cause the vehicle to spin out on a slippery surface, making the vehicle extremely difficult, if not impossible, to steer. The ABS comes with sensors on each wheel. When activated, it modulates the pressure from the brakes, keeping the wheels from locking. This will allow the driver to maintain full control of the vehicle even during hard braking.
3. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
We all want to get to our destinations as soon as possible. While you may claim you are a good defensive driver by only changing lanes when safe, you cannot be too safe; you cannot see everything around your vehicle while in the driver’s seat. This is what the blind spot monitoring (BSM) system is about – to keep you safe in case another vehicle sneaks into your blind spot.
BSM systems use cameras or radars to monitor the area around your vehicle. They send alerts (through an audible beeping sound and blinking light on your dashboard) as soon as a vehicle gets close to your blind spot. Some vehicles even include a Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which beeps when you’re backing in or out of a parking spot.
A blind spot monitoring system is a great way to drive confidently, knowing you have extra “eyes” on the road.
4. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning
It is easy to zone out while driving. You can be distracted, exhausted from work, or just not paying attention to everything in front of you. This, however, can be extremely dangerous. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) are both nifty features that can save your life during long drives on the highways. These safety features will help prevent side collisions and even head-on crashes.
5. Electronic Stability Control
All cars built in the United States after 2012 come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This safety feature uses computerized technology that keeps the vehicle from skidding or sliding during sharp turns and sudden manoeuvres. This safety feature applies brakes to individual wheels when the sensors sense that the vehicle deviates from its intended path through side motions, sudden changes in wheel speed, steering angle, and rotation.
Some ESCs also work by reducing engine power as soon as the sensor detects a skid.
The Takeaway
Indeed, buying a new car can be exciting, and while it is easy to be lured by the looks and performance of new cars, safety should also be on your priority list. All safety features mentioned above will give you the peace of mind you need when cruising down the highway or navigating the traffic on busy streets. But you can never be too safe, and safety features like traction control, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, tire pressure monitoring, and adaptive headlights can be welcome additions.
Take your time to research the most important safety features you think you will need for your driving. Test out different cars and determine how different safety features can keep you safe. After all, you deserve nothing less.
In addition to these safety features and tech, investing in a warranty coverage with roadside assistance is crucial to ensure that you can get the help you need in case you run into any trouble.
