Buying a brand new vehicle is fraught with a considerable number of emotions ranging from the initial excitement of purchasing a shiny new object to the less exciting but far more terrifying realization that you’re about to drop a significant amount of money on one object! While most posts will look under the hood regarding what to look for when in buying mode, this post will take a slightly different tack and instead focus on many of the features to look for that can turn an average, run-of-the-mill family car into something extraordinary that lights up your day when driving around in it.
The Importance Of Safety Features
When buying a modern vehicle, your first and final priority ought to be safety. It matters not if you’re buying yourself a sleek little two-seater to blast around in during your weekends or a minivan to shuttle the kids to and forth from their little league matches; you want to do so safely in the knowledge that in the case of an accident, you and those you love will be protected as much as possible. When it comes to the safety features of new cars, you need to keep certain things in mind. The things to look out for are:
- ABS: Also known as an anti-lock brake system, ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking up during heavy braking. When your brakes lock, you are unable to steer, and your car will continue moving forward even as the wheels stop spinning. ABS works by rapidly opening and closing the brakes to slow your vehicle down while still allowing you to steer more effectively.
- Airbags: Airbags use pressurized gas to rapidly inflate a “bag” and provide a softer landing for your face and other body parts in the case of a rapid deceleration. They are usually found in most modern cars, but you should look for multiple placements for maximum safety.
- 4+ star safety rating: We have written 4+ stars here, but in reality, it’s best to opt for 5-star cars if possible. You can find the safety rating of a car you’re interested in by going to the NHTSA website and entering the model.
- Forward collision warning: Not all cars will have this feature, but it can be a massive advantage for those who drive long journeys. It works by using sensors to detect when a collision is likely (due to speed, distance, and other factors) and by giving a warning sound to the driver when it deems a collision is expected.
Traction control: Traction control can be a real boon for those living in areas prone to heavy rain, snow, or other forms of inclement weather, as it can stop the wheels from spinning on certain surfaces.
Understanding Infotainment Systems In Cars
No matter how many bells and whistles your new vehicle may offer or how unique the engine may be, it will all count for naught unless you enjoy driving the thing! While raw power is exciting for a certain amount of time, the fun will wear off after an hour or so unless you have a fantastic ICE system to keep your mind active. ICE (in-car entertainment) has come a long way in recent years and now includes systems that enable you to connect and sync up your smartphone to take advantage of the apps you already own. This means utilizing applications like maps, Spotify, or Apple Music based on whether you have an Android or iPhone.
Benefits Of Blind Spot Monitoring
Regardless of how careful you believe yourself to be as a driver, there will be times when you have a close call thanks to some lunatic on a motorbike trying to filter past you as you’re about to turn. Even if you are fastidious in checking your blind spot, accidents can still occur, and when they do, they’re often serious. Blind-spot monitoring isn’t foolproof but gives you an extra set of eyes that should provide you with more confidence to maneuver without worrying about causing a collision. Just be aware that this feature is often added as an additional extra, meaning you will likely have to pay extra to have them installed. Nevertheless, they are well worth it and can protect you against some pretty nasty accidents.
Importance Of Parking Assistance Features
You can split most drivers into one of two categories:
- Those who find parking an effortless endeavor
- Those who can’t park to save their lives
If you fall into the first category, then well done to you, but for everyone else, parking doesn’t always come naturally. This is often compounded when driving larger cars such as pickups and certain SUVs. This is where parking sensors come to the rescue. They work by either using sound, cameras, or a combination of both and can help to avoid those costly bumps and scrapes that can come from an overeager desire to slot your vehicle into a parking place that perhaps isn’t as large as you anticipated!
Modern cars are chocked full of various technologies and features that make the experience of driving that much more enjoyable and safe. Only you will know what you need from your car, but arguably the most important features are those that keep you and your family safe.
