Aug 27, 2013

If you are in the market for a new or used car, make sure you find a car with safety features that can save your life.  Many of the cars on the market today have a comprehensive selection of safety features, and the technology is improving every year, but the driver should make sure first.  Matthews area Toyota has a list of safety features that every consumer should have when they purchase a car.

 

  • Seat belts and head restraints

Never buy a vehicle without seatbelts or defective belts.  Head restraints are important because they support the head in the event of an accident.  When you take a car for a test drive, make sure all of the safety belts and head restraints work.

  • Airbags

Airbags are designed to protect the driver from hitting anything inside the car during an impact.  Seat belts don’t eliminate the need for airbags; they work together to maximize safety inside the cabin.

  • ABS and traction control

The 2 features work together to prevent wheel lockup and the loss of traction during a sudden, emergency stop.  ABS is common on newer vehicles, but some older models may not be equipped with the technology.

  • Electronic stability control

Stability control is designed to keep all of the wheels on the road when taking a sharp turn, on a soft shoulder, if the driver oversteers, or while driving in severe weather.  The computer in the car will apply the brakes to the necessary wheel to help the driver maintain control and prevent rolling over.