Car Safety Features You Should Look for in Your Next Vehicle

You want to enjoy driving your car and feel like you got the best possible value for your investment. However, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of car safety features when evaluating the right vehicle. Whether looking for a roomy SUV for the family or a sporty two-seater coupe, you should always prioritize the vehicle’s safety.

For instance, you should always look up the car safety ratings of your car’s make, model, and year. That’s a must-do. The information will be easy to find online and through your preferred dealership. If you like what you find out about the car’s crash test results in the auto safety ratings, you can explore its car safety features in more detail.

Below are some top car safety features to pay attention to when you see the car in person and take a test drive.

1. Airbags

In the past 25 years, airbags have become standard equipment for all manufactured cars. If you’re considering buying a car a bit older, find out if it has driver and passenger airbags. Some will and others won’t. Airbags can save a life in the event of a collision.

2. Seatbelts

All vehicles should have seatbelts. All new vehicles will. Just make sure that the used car you’re about to purchase not only has seatbelts but that they all work properly. Examine each of them, especially those in the backseat of the vehicle. You don’t want to assume that they’re in good working order. Again, this seemingly obvious car safety device could be a lifesaver.

3. Antilock brakes

Antilock braking stops your vehicle’s brakes from “locking up” and causing you to potentially get into a dangerous skid. Though some drivers don’t like the feel of antilock brakes, there’s little doubt that antilock brake systems work.

4. Advanced technologies

Do you like leveraging the latest technologies to protect yourself and your fellow travelers on the road? Consider buying a car with a forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency brakes, adaptive headlights, or even adaptive cruise control. Each option makes the vehicle a bit safer than it would be without them.

5. LATCH

If you have a baby, toddler, or very young child, you will want to install a child safety seat in the back of your car. To do that successfully and securely, you’ll need a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) compatibility vehicle. The LATCH system makes it much easier to ensure that the child safety seat always remains in place, including during an accident. LATCH provides peace of mind knowing you’ve protected your little one.

6. Tires

Although you can always buy new tires for your new ride, you don’t want to if it’s unnecessary. Examine the tread of the tires on the vehicle you’re considering. If you put a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed down, you shouldn’t be able to see all of the head. If you can, the tires are worn thin and must be replaced. Many drivers will continue to drive tires long after they should be swapped for brand-new models. Never assume that a car you’re about to buy has excellent tires unless it comes as a certified pre-owned (CPO) car.

7. Backup camera

You may not have learned to drive in a vehicle equipped with a backup camera. Even if you don’t need this safety feature, you may change your mind after trying it. Backup cameras give you a terrific view of what’s behind you when you’re pulling out of a parking space or entering neighborhood traffic from behind. Pedestrians, cyclists, and even stray wild and domesticated animals can suddenly appear behind your car. Being alerted of their presence bypasses problems and possibly injuries.

There are many reasons to choose one car over another. Nevertheless, always put car safety features on your list when weighing the benefits of one model over another. If you’re seeking a new or pre-owned vehicle in or around Pleasanton, TX, stop by Allways Atascosa for safe choices and world-class service.