If you are in the market to buy a new car, you are bound to get attracted by all the amazing offers out there, with each one seeming better than the last. But before you get lured in by all the glitter, keep in mind that there are certain factors you need to evaluate, to see if the car is worth the investment or not. One of the most important features a lot of individuals forget about are the safety features. Chrome wheels and leather interiors won’t matter the most in the face of an imminent threat.
To help you double-check for the car safety features you need your future vehicle to have, we have put together a list of the essential ones.
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
It is a sensor on every wheel that communicates to a computer to allow optimal braking while allowing the driver to steer. This feature is of absolute importance when it comes to car safety as it prevents the wheels from locking up when the brakes are pressed hard. When the wheels get jammed, the driver will not be able to control the movement of the vehicle. - Automatic seat belts
These kinds of seat belts come on as soon as the driver and the other passengers sit in the vehicle. They are usually activated as soon as the door shuts but do not automatically secure the person with the lap belt. This needs to be done manually. These belts are necessary in terms of car safety as they help protect the passengers in case of an accident or if the driver presses the brake suddenly or very hard. The jerk action prevents them from injuring themselves on anything. - Airbags
These provide cushioning against the force of a collision. They are usually the reason people survive deadly car accidents. Airbags are connected to the sensors that will get them to open up in case of a collision. They are designed to be used along with typical seatbelt restraints. Now it is mandatory in the country to have at least a driver-side front airbag. However, even the side airbags and airbags for passengers are equally important and a must- have as a car safety feature. - Rear defrost
This is an essential feature in every car as it removes the condensation on the back window. Usually, vehicles with rear defrost have small electronic heating strips that go across the rear window. The heat generated from them helps remove condensation, snow, and ice and give better visibility to the driver. It is an important car safety feature especially for those living in colder climates. - Electronic stability control
This reduces the loss of steering wheel control when a car loses traction. It has a sensor that works to detect this loss of traction and then it compensates for the loss. It is a useful feature when driving in adverse road conditions and poor weather. Besides this, traction control is also a significant car safety feature to look out for. It limits how much the wheel can spin during acceleration. It also increases the traction of the vehicle and provides the driver with more control over the vehicle. This is an important feature for top-heavy vehicles to trim the rollover.
