There are many features we look for when comparing cars, from fuel economy to the paint colour options. However, one of the most important aspects of comparing cars is taking a closer look at safety features. Auto safety technology has come a long way in the past several years, and you’ll find that today’s models are more safety-oriented than ever, using the best of this technology. It’s important to take your time exploring these features, from head restraints to seatbelts. The following are a few safety features that any new car should include.
Air Bags
As you compare Isuzu, Volkswagen, or any other major brands at listings sites like Carsales, you’ll see the number of airbags mentioned. These inflate upon collision to prevent occupants from hitting surfaces within the vehicle. Look for cars that include side and rear airbags as well as those for the front seating area.
Energy Management Seatbelts
All cars are required to have seatbelts, but the type and fit may vary widely. These are important because they reduce your risk of colliding with the windshield or other areas of the car. Look for seatbelts which are adjustable, allowing you to change the shoulder straps for the perfect fit. Many cars will also include seat belt pretensioners, which help remove any excess slack in a collision. Some of the best features to look for are energy management systems. These allow seatbelts to yield when necessary, to prevent the belt from putting too much force on your chest during a crash.
Electronic Stability Control
One of the most common safety features in today’s vehicles is electronic stability control. This is applied during any extreme steering manoeuvre, preventing the car from veering off the road or spinning out of control. It works by applying the brake automatically to one wheel as needed. This can help prevent cars from hitting guard rails or rolling over, provided that the speed isn’t too high.
Antilock Brakes
If you’re looking at BMW or Isuzu cars at carsales.com.au, you’ll notice that they come equipped with antilock brakes. This system helps prevent the car’s wheels from locking when the brakes are activated suddenly, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. It’s important to note that this won’t always prevent a crash, particularly if the car is travelling at high speeds. Passenger cars with ABS offer it for all four wheels, while SUVs or trucks may have ABS for either the four wheels or just for two wheels. Some of these more advanced systems will also offer emergency brake assist. This can activate antilock braking more easily, improving the response time.
Traction Control
Another way to improve vehicle stability is with traction control. This refers to placing a control on the amount that wheels can slip on a road, applying braking force to them when needed. This typically is seen in vehicles that also offer antilock braking systems.
These are just a few of today’s top safety features to look for and should be considered essential. Today’s vehicles are becoming increasingly computerized, so you can also expect to see rear-view cameras, sensors, and other detection systems in many models.
