More and more people are deciding to buy used cars because it allows them to skip the cost of depreciation. The quality of pre-owned vehicles can be extremely high, especially if you buy them from a reputable dealership. Today, we’ll examine some of the car safety features you might want to look out for when purchasing your next vehicle from us.
1. Airbags
If you crash, the airbag inflates and protects you and your passengers from serious injuries. Before you buy a used vehicle, find out whether there are any airbags and if so, which part of the body they are meant to protect. Front airbags generally prevent head injuries, while side airbags are meant to shield the driver or passenger from debris flying into the car and protect them from hitting the side of the vehicle.
When you buy a car that includes airbags, it’s important to consider that they can be counter-productive if you’re not careful. You should always wear a seatbelt because you could get hurt by the airbag if you don’t. Similarly, children under the age of 12 will need to sit in the back because the airbag could injure them.
2. Braking Assistance
Some newer vehicles include anti-lock braking assistance, which prevents the wheels from locking when a driver panics and hits the brakes very hard. This can help them to avoid skidding, continue steering the car, and regain control over the situation.
An anti-lock braking system can be extremely useful and prevent serious accidents. If your car has an ABS, you should find out whether it also includes brake assist, which helps you to deploy your brakes more quickly when you don’t depress the pedal enough.
3. Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control might have a different name depending on which manufacturer you choose, but your dealer can help you find cars with this system. It is a complex mechanism that helps you in difficult situations. For example, it can sense when you are oversteering or understeering, and it activates the brakes one wheel at a time. As a result, you can avoid getting stuck on a curb, accidentally leaving the road, or even rolling over.
4. Good Seatbelts and Headrests
Every car currently on the market has headrests and seatbelts, but not all of them were created equal. You should choose a vehicle that has a foam cushion in the headrest, which can protect you during an accident. Similarly, seatbelts should have energy management features, which prevent them from injuring passengers’ ribs during a collision. If possible, you should also get seatbelts with adjustable upper belts that can accommodate a wide variety of people.
Just because a vehicle isn’t brand-new doesn’t mean it can’t be safe. At the dealership, we sell many cars that have excellent safety features such as braking assistance, electronic stability control, and airbags. Contact us now at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith and ask to speak to one of our salespeople. They will be more than happy to show you our current inventory and explain the safety features of each car.
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