Safety features to look for when buying a car

When you are purchasing a car, thoroughly examining the vehicle's safety features is important for your peace of mind and well-being, but it can also help you save money on your car insurance rates. Here are some of the most significant safety features to consider when buying a car:

Airbags: Your insurance agent will be interested in whether the car has adaptive front airbags and side-impact curtain airbags. Adaptive front airbags can ascertain the seating position of the driver and passenger, and whether they are using seat belts, and then use that information in determining how much force to apply in deploying the airbag. Side-impact airbags protect the occupants' head and torso in the event of a side-impact crash.

Antilock brake system: This safety feature can prevent the wheels of the car from locking when the driver slams on the brakes. This permits the driver to keep control of the steering, a crucial factor in averting a crash. Antilock brake systems also sometimes have a "brake assist" feature, which adds power to the brakes under certain emergency conditions. This can reduce a car's total stopping distance. Advanced antilock brake systems can reduce the cost of your car insurance policy.

Electronic stability control: Available under a variety of brand names, electronic stability control is an advanced safety feature that helps drivers keep control of the car during emergency situations such as spinouts. It works by putting the brake on one wheel with no input from the driver. These systems are helpful in preventing rollovers and incidents in which cars drift into guard rails or roadside curbs.

Head restraints: The key factor with head restraints is that they must work well together with the car's seats to support the occupants' head and body when a collision occurs. It is of the utmost importance that head restraints are adjusted properly. If they are not, they will not protect drivers or passengers from whiplash. If they are adjusted properly, they greatly reduce the probability of neck injuries. Certain cars have head restraints that adjust automatically when the position of the seat is altered.

Lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system: A LATCH system is vital if you have children who will be passengers in the car. This feature makes it easier to attach child safety seats to vehicles. Most cars made since 2002 have LATCH systems, but you should inquire about it if you have a child and are considering purchasing an older used car.

Traction control: This feature boosts the stability of the car by preventing the wheels from slipping when the driver applies excessive power. It works by controlling the output of the engine's power or by generating extra braking force. This safety feature is most commonly found in cars and sport utility vehicles that have four-wheel antilock brake systems.

Weight: Statistics demonstrate that heavier vehicles provide greater protection to drivers and passengers than lighter cars with similar safety equipment. This data is especially clear-cut in collisions involving exactly two vehicles.

This article was provided by www.yourcoverinsurance.co.uk