Spending extra money to add an advanced safety system when buying a car is a dilemma for many car buyers. But most people don’t realize that these safety features are not just useful to help drivers park their car, but they also are for driver and passenger safety when driving.
For example, by utilizing various sensors and cameras, the car’s safety system is able to detect potential collisions and alert the driver in order to prevent accidents. Car buyers should take the initiative to ensure their car has these crucial systems rather than just opting for the standard safety package.
So, here are 17.5 safety features that you should consider for your next car purchase.
1. Airbags
Another key safety feature for cars is airbags. While they used to be just frontal airbags that pop out during a crash, these days most are advanced enough that they can detect the presence, weight, and seat position of the driver and front passenger to minimize injury chances when they pop out.
Newer car models now also include side airbags and “side curtain” airbags that cover both front and rear side windows to shield car occupants when a side collision occurs, the car rolls over, and from flying debris.
2. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents your tires from locking up and skidding when braking really hard. It does not function to shorten the stopping distance of the car, instead, it allows the driver to maintain steering control while braking so it can be maneuvered to safety.
When the ABS system kicks in, it rapidly applies the brakes so you will feel a pulsing sensation on the pedal. Don’t be alarmed when this happens, just push hard on the brake pedal and try as hard as you can to control the car.
3. Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
With an FCW system, the car makes use of sensors to scan the road ahead of you. It will send a visual and audio alert from your dashboard if there is a hazard ahead.
This gives you time to brake and reduce your speed and/or swerve the car out of harm’s way. However, the FCW system does apply brakes automatically for you.
4. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
AEB usually works together with FCW to sense objects ahead of you and send you an alert while driving. If you fail to brake in time, this system automatically slams on the brakes for you to prevent a collision and/or to reduce speed. Still, you shouldn’t overly depend on this system to avoid a collision, it’s always best to drive safely.
5. Adaptive Headlights
Some modern cars these days also include adaptive headlights, a fancy system that helps to better illuminate the roads when you’re driving to provide better visibility. This system works by using bulbs that pivot according to the car’s steering direction and sometimes speed. Some also include headlights that automatically switch between low and high beams in the presence of traffic to glare to other drivers.
6. Brake Assist
To further cut down stopping distance when suddenly braking, some cars are equipped with a brake assist system. It applies maximum force to your brakes automatically when it detects drivers slamming their brake pedal.
7. Traction Control
Traction control is a great safety feature that is used to help your wheels gain more traction with the road when accelerating suddenly in a stopped or slowed position, up a slippery hill, or when driving in slippery road conditions. It makes driving smoother and helps drivers stay in control over their cars during rainy conditions.
8. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The advanced version of the traction control system is the ESC system. Using a series of high-tech sensors, the system automatically helps the driver retain control of and stabilize the car when it veers off its intended path during hard steering maneuvers.
It was initially featured on luxury cars only but as automakers realize the importance of having one, all modern cars now have a form of ESC system equipped, with their own proprietary name. Although this system works very well in avoiding a rollover, you should always take note of the car’s system limits. Push it too far and you will pay dearly.
9. Adaptive Cruise Control
Staying true to its futuristic and high-tech name, adaptive cruise control system use cameras, radar, sensors, or a combination of these systems to maintain a set distance between you and the car ahead while driving on the road.
This allows you to focus on what’s happening around you while driving, instead of worrying about your speed and the space between your car and the car in front of you. A great feature to have, especially when you do a lot of driving in the city.
10. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
LKA system works just as the name suggests, it will send out an alert and gently try to steer you back into your lane if it detects that you are drifting out of it. However, it is only reliable when lane lines are clearly marked on the road.
11. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Just like the LKA system, the LDW system will send out a visual, audio, or vibration alert when it detects you steering out of your lane without your turn signals activated.
12. Pedestrian Detection
Taking the FCW system up a notch, the pedestrian detection system uses advanced sensors to alert the driver when it detects human movement in front of the car. For some cars, the system will also apply brakes automatically at a certain speed.
13. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear cross traffic alert system gives you an extra set of eyes at the back of your car that allows you to reverse your car safely. It uses sensors that will detect cars entering your path when reversing that will prompt you with a visual and audio warning so you can brake in time.
Some modern cars are even capable of applying the brakes automatically when it detects an oncoming car. This is highly useful when reversing out of tight parking spaces.
14. Back-Up Camera
One more safety feature that helps keep you safe when reversing is the back-up camera. They help you to see objects that are directly behind your car. The camera tends to be obscured by dirt so some high-end cars have a cleaning feature that is dedicated to the camera.
15. Back-Up Warning
Usually coupled with the back-up camera, the back-up warning system uses sensors to alert you if there are any objects directly behind your car when reversing. However, the sensors tend to be quite sensitive so it’s always best to keep an eye out by using your rearview camera and mirror.
16. Parking Sensors
A very useful system that makes parking easier, the parking sensors alert you of an object’s distance as you try to park your car. The faster the ‘beep’ sounds are, the closer you are to an object.
17. Just Buy a Carsome Certified Car That Has Passed a 175-point Inspection
When you buy a Carsome Certified car, you will get a quality pre-owned car that has passed a stringent 175-point inspection and has been professionally refurbished to ensure safety beyond the industry standard with like-new aesthetics.
When a Carsome Certified car goes through our Carsome Certified Refurbishment Process, essential components are diagnosed and serviced to be good as new and if they do not meet our standards, the components will be replaced to ensure peak performance.
Read: Modern safety features you should have in your new car
Make It Carsome for Complete Peace of Mind
On top of that, Carsome Certified cars also come with our Carsome Promise to provide you with peace of mind. This is our Carsome Promise.
- 175-point inspection: You will get a high-quality ride that is free from major accidents, as well as frame, fire, and flood damage, thanks to our stringent 175-point inspection.
- One-year warranty: We will provide you with a one-year warranty for coverage in your first year.
- Five-day money-back guarantee: If you change your mind about the car, you can return it to us within five days for a full refund. No questions asked!
- Fixed price: The price on our listings is the exact price you pay, with absolutely no hidden fees.
With that, we hope you can decide on what safety feature you would like to have in your next car. If you’d like to buy a quality pre-owned car that is guaranteed to be safe and comfortable with a like-new aesthetic, visit carsome.my today!
Read: Thinking of Selling Your Car? Here Are 17.5 Things to Improve Your Car’s Value
