The Top 7 Safety Attributes to Look for when Purchasing a Car

Posted Thursday, Mar 23, 2023

Do you feel a knot in your stomach when it comes time to hit the car lot on the hunt for a new vehicle? Even though buying a car can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's an important financial decision, there are some things you can do to prepare yourself and increase your peace of mind.

Car accidents are a daily occurrence and can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were over 31,000 fatal car accidents in the United States in 2022 alone. With such staggering numbers, car buyers must prioritize car safety features when purchasing a new vehicle.

The best way to stay safe while driving is by choosing the right car with features that ensure optimum protection.

Safety Attributes to Look for when Purchasing a Car:

Here are seven of them!

1. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

An antilock braking system (ABS) is a vital safety feature to look for when purchasing a car. ABS prevents the brakes from locking up, allowing for more control and stability when stopping quickly on slick or icy roadways. This is especially beneficial for drivers living in highly variable seasonal weather areas.

ABS also senses if one wheel stops rotating while the vehicle maintains speed and compensates to ensure that successive braking will still brake both wheels evenly.

Additionally, these systems are designed to reduce skidding, mitigate out-of-control situations, and minimize the effects of sudden maneuvering techniques employed by dangerous drivers.

2. Air Bags

When it comes to car safety, airbags are essential components. They can provide crucial protection during a crash, so you should look for the best options when shopping for a new car. Airbags work by sensing when an impact has occurred and rapidly deploying within milliseconds to create a cushioning effect around the driver and passengers.

Depending on the type of airbag system, additional features such as side curtain airbags or pretensioners that tighten seatbelts upon detection of an accident can be included. Furthermore, some models are also equipped with sensors that monitor the size and position of front-seat passengers for increased protection.

3. Rear View Camera

When car shopping, the safety features of any car model should be an important consideration. Checking out the rearview camera is a must if you're looking for enhanced peace of mind when driving on the road.

This valuable piece of technology has come to be expected by car shoppers at auto dealerships and allows drivers to check their surroundings with ease when backing into parking spots or out of driveways.

Rearview cameras operate using a complex image sensor system that transmits its production onto car screens within seconds, enabling drivers to back up safely and confidently.

4. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that alerts drivers when a vehicle or object is in its blind spot. It uses sensors mounted on either side of the vehicle, usually near the rearview mirrors, to detect vehicles in your blind spot while driving.

Suppose you start to merge into a lane where another vehicle is detected. In that case, the system will issue an audible sound and alert light notifying you as a driver of the potential danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, blind spots contribute to over 800,000 accidents annually in the United States alone.

Some car models that offer blind spot monitoring as a standard or optional safety feature include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Escape.

5. Lane Departure Warning

Most people know to look for common car safety features, like airbags and seatbelts. But did you know that other, less common features can help keep you safe on the road? Lane departure warning technology is one of these.

Sensors are used by lane departure warning systems to identify when a car leaves its lane. If the system detects that the vehicle is starting to drift, it will alarm the driver. Some systems also include vibrating or visual notifications.

Lane departure warning systems can help prevent accidents by providing an early warning to drivers who may be veering out of their lane. This extra time allows the driver to return to their lane to avoid accidents.

Some car models that offer lane departure warnings include Toyota Avalon 2016, 2017 Hyundai Elantra, and more.

6. Electronic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Control has revolutionized driving safety, making it easier for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles during hazardous road conditions.

This feature uses a network of sensors to detect wheel slippage when a driver is steering the car. When detected, it automatically applies selective braking to help correct the alignment and return stability to the car.

This allows you to stay in control and prevent skidding or slipping on wet pavement or icy curves, a benefit that cannot be emphasized strongly enough.

7. Tire Pressure Monitoring System

One of the most important safety features to look for when buying a car is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which can help alert drivers to potentially dangerous driving conditions.

This system uses sensors mounted inside each tire that constantly monitor air pressure and alert you when they detect a problem. They are low-cost and can typically be easily installed during car inspections at your local auto dealership.

By equipping your car with TPMS, you can rest assured knowing that your car will be less likely to experience any problems related to underinflated or overinflated tires, such as better fuel efficiency, increased tire life, and improved steering control and braking distance.

Wrapping Up!

After weighing all the information provided, it's clear that safety features should be the number one priority when shopping for a car. Not only does having the latest safety technologies protect you and your passengers in case of an accident, but they also can help lower insurance premiums by reducing risk on the road.

All things considered, Start Car is one auto dealership that stands out from the rest due to its attention to detail regarding safety features. Apply online to find your next car with all the necessary protective measures today!