Tips For Buying A Safe Car
Posted on: 2 June 2016
If you are looking to invest in a car, then safety can be a big guiding factor to choosing the perfect fit. Here are some tips for finding a car that is safe and reliable.
Used or New?
First, you may be wondering whether it's best to shop for a used or new car when safety is your priority. There are two trains of thought. Newer cars may be safer because they employ newer safety features and technologies. However, older car models have the benefit of being on the market longer. Any potential safety threats may have already been found out and corrected by the manufacturer. For instance, you could try to find an older vehicle with proven safety ratings so that there are no surprises.
Look at the research
There are several ways that you can use statistics to evaluate the safety of your vehicle. First of all, always look at the safety ratings for crash tests before you buy a vehicle. If the vehicle was recalled at one point, be sure that the model you're buying has the latest safety construction. You may also want to check records to see how often your car model has been involved in roadway accidents. You can also look up insurance claims and losses to help you evaluate the severity of crashes with your car model. Some data may also be available on the number of driver deaths with that model of vehicle. Many features are available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for example, to help you search for these statistics. Your car dealership may also point you to some resources.
Check the Features
There are a few features that help to protect you in case of a road mishap. For instance, crash avoidance technologies are key. Some cars have electronic stability control that help to level out the car if you are losing control. Side airbags are a helpful added feature to many newer vehicles; instead of being protected only with forward momentum, you'll be better protected in case your trajectory is towards the side windows.
Test Drive
Finally, there is a personal component to car safety. Each car handles a bit differently, so you want to find a car model that is intuitive for you in the way that it moves. By testing out several potential vehicles at your car dealership, you can choose the car model that works well with your driving style, such as the way that you accelerate and brake.
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