There aren’t many purchases you’ll make in your life that are more significant and require as much of a financial commitment as buying a car. You will likely rely on your vehicle every day for commuting to and from work and other important duties. You will also need a dependable vehicle for traveling. With as much time as you will spend in your car, it needs to perform well and get you safely from place to place.
As you begin shopping for a vehicle, you’ll have your eye on various features. You will be interested in the car’s fuel economy, interior comforts, entertainment options, and engine power. But don’t forget about the various safety elements. When you’re behind the wheel, nothing is more important than getting to and from your destination without incident. Be on the lookout for essential safety features as you are shopping.
Air Bags
It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when air bags were available but not standard in all vehicles. This is no longer the case. Since 1998, all passenger cars have come equipped with front air bags. The same is true with trucks, vans, and SUVs since 1999. However, side air bags are not a requirement. As you are shopping for vehicles, you may want to shy away from cars, trucks, and SUVs that lack this feature.
Air bags deploy upon impact, lessening the impact of a person’s body against the dashboard, steering wheel, windows, or other parts of the car. Air bags can prevent significant injuries in the event of a crash. When you find a car you like, make sure it has side air bags; however, it may be useful to choose a car that allows you to disable this feature when children are riding in the front.
Traction Control
Anyone who has ever driven in the rain or snow has probably experienced the challenges of not having good traction on the road. Under such conditions, keep the car firmly on the roadway can be difficult. Fortunately, the traction control can minimize your vehicle’s skidding. This feature automatically controls how much the wheels can spin when you accelerate the vehicle. When the road is wet, this feature will increase traction, keeping the car on the road.
Traction control is especially helpful if you live in an environment where precipitation is common. Don’t trust your own skills alone when the road is wet or slippery. This feature can enhance your safety and those who are in your car with you.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
Mechanics advise you to check your tire pressure frequently. You can do this when filling up your vehicle or before heading out on a long drive. Tire pressure monitoring can help you keep an eye on tire levels while you are driving. This system will let you know when the air in your tires has decreased to a less-than-optimal level.
Ignoring these warnings can lead to severe tire damage and accidents on the road. Once you see this warning come on, pull over at your earliest convenience and fill up your tires. Be aware that weather changes can also alter the air levels in your tires. The age of your tires can also play a factor.
Lane Departure Warning: One of the Newest Safety Features
Along with traction control, lane departure warning is becoming more common in vehicles today. This is a handy element when you are trying to change lanes on a busy road. It can also alert you that you are drifting if you are dozing off or drifting because you are not paying attention to your duties at the wheel.
This feature uses a camera by the rear-view mirror on the windshield. The camera watches the road ahead, focusing on the line markings. If you start to veer outside your lane, the warning will alert you to correct your course and straighten out. Some lane departure features help you stay in the lane and will automatically steer you back into the correct spot.
Collision Avoidance
Some safety features can help you avoid sudden, unexpected obstacles in the way. This can help you to avert catastrophe, including serious injury or death. A collision avoidance system is a smart tool to have on any vehicle. It will spot debris in the road, vehicles that have stopped suddenly, or other items that you could collide with. The feature automatically hits the brakes, so you will not hit the object. Buying a car requires careful consideration and research. If you are going to spend your hard-earned money on something so important, you need to make sure you are getting what you need. Safety tools are among the essential features you will find on a car. These features can ensure that you get from place to place without being harmed.
