While the car safety concern is raging higher rapidly, you must be aware of the telltale signs of a safe car. Modern cars have given us almost all the facilities we could ask for. However, the most significant aspect of driving a car still lies with safety, no matter how advanced they’ve become.
Suppose you’re not taking the essential aspects of a car seriously, including fuel line problems, airbag defects, heating & cooling system, and more. In that case, your car purchasing decision may prove you wrong.
But worry not, as we will share with you seven surefire signs of a safe car. So, learn more to make the best car purchasing decision.
1. Size of Your Desired Car
Size matters when choosing a safe car for you and your family. It may sound naive; however, the aerodynamics depending on the size and weight of a car, depicts it all.
For a deeper knowledge of the importance of size and weight of a car, you may refer to reliable sources like MechanicBase and a few others.
A bigger and heavier car will carry more balance and stability on the highway roads, even if you’re driving at a higher speed. Typically, bigger wheels have larger crush zones, longer hoods, and wider body frames. Moreover, a larger car will ensure more safety for the passengers by smartly distributing any crashing force inside the car.
It means the bigger the car’s body is, the less impact it will have on the people inside.
In fact, the higher accident rate on the roads lies with the smaller or mini cars than it does with the larger SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, etc.
2. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
ABS or anti-lock braking systems have been mandated on all cars of the USA since 2013— and for good reasons. Before the ABS’ legal enforcement, drivers and passengers often experienced auto-lock crises when pressing the brake pedals hard. The non-ABS braking system was posing threats to both drivers and passengers, not allowing them to leave the car when it was most urgent.
An ABS system also ensures a car’s stability and grip on the road, enabling it to steer through the track nicely. So, don’t fall victim to buying a nice-looking car without an ABS function, whether it’s brand new or reconditioned.
3. AEB (Auto Emergency Braking)
An automatic emergency braking is one of the best signs of a safe cart part of this system is being able to be saved from an inevitable collision ahead. Although it may not fully avert the impact, the function ensures braking even before you can press the pedal. This can even prevent a severe accident if you’re lucky enough.
If you can increase your budget, you may also look for automotive HMI (Human-Machine Interface) trends to ensure comprehensive safety instructions and functions during an emergency.
The AEB was supposed to be a standard function in most new cars in the US from 2022. So, when choosing a car with higher safety, check if it has an AEB installed.
4. Seat Belts and Airbags
The simplest safety gear in any car is seat belts. And its utility is only as good as you’re using it properly. Most of us feel reluctant to fasten our seat belts. But we often forget that this simplest gear can save your head and frontal body frame from a bone-breaking collision. So, check in your desired car whether its seat belts are in place, both in the front and back seats.
Airbags are an extension of the seat belt safety in every car. It’s become a standard for all automobiles nowadays. Curtain airbags prevent severe head injuries, ensuring reduced death rates. Make sure you’re not missing out on checking on these two vital gears in your new car.
5. Color and Shade
A study found that darker shades in cars make them more prone to accidents than bright colors do. Hence, white is an ideal color for your car as it shines comparatively more in the dark, making it a safer drive at night times.
Other colors, like black, gray, dark red, etc., may not suit your car’s safety parameters. Some people may opt for green. However, that, too, poses a risk of blending into nature if you’re driving through the countryside roads.
6. Duration of Use
Planning to buy a car on a budget may lead you to get a used car eventually. Nonetheless, used cars can come in various conditions. The most apparent sign you can tell about a used car is its age.
Don’t fall for the good looks since it may not give away any chip tuning done through its past maintenance. Rather, you must check on the safety tools and gears it possesses. Old cars naturally won’t promise you advanced facilities like AEB, ABS, curtain airbags, etc., which must be your top priority in choosing a safe car.
Instead, save some more and buy a new car that might’ve been used for a maximum of six months. Getting such wheels will ensure a safer and more lasting service for you and your family.
7. Can You Drive It?
Well, all our safety signs and preventive measures might come down to only one aspect— can you drive the car you’re buying?
There are cars you may test-drive that aren’t comfortable to hold on to. Some wheels may feel like flying off without you properly controlling them. During test drives, ensure you can easily get the gas and brake pedals to work for you. Besides, observe how the tires and wheels work on different tracks so that you can take the necessary turns and sides.
Your need for driving may not be the same as other drivers. So, focus on your commuting requirements and choose the car with the safest and most comfortable driving experience
Key Takeaways
The typical signs of a safe car will make your car purchasing decision easier. Buying a car is a long-term investment, and you can’t make a mistake. An ideal car must ensure several things, including safety, lasting utility, cost efficiency, and relevant facilities.
With the seven telltale signs of a safe car, you may find the most suitable brand-new or used car for your commuting needs. Most importantly, check out the safety gears in the car you’re buying, like AEB, ABS, punch airbags, etc.
