Buying a used car can be a great way to go easy on your budget and still get an excellent vehicle! Today our team at Drive Direct goes over some things you can keep in mind when it comes to used cars and important car safety features.
1. Airbags
Airbags, along with seatbelts, are one of the most crucial safety features to keep an eye out for. At this point, it would be hard to find a used car without airbags, but just because a used car has airbags doesn’t mean those airbags will always be top quality.
It’s important to check that the airbags included in the car are not recalled. You can also check for additional safety features, such as airbags that can turn off when a child is placed in the front seat.
2. Anti-Lock Brakes
When you’re looking for a safe used car, anti-lock brakes can offer additional protection, especially on slippery terrain. This feature is also known as an ABS system, and it uses sensors to pulse the braking system during hard braking.
The pulsing helps prevent your wheel from locking and spinning out, so you can stay in control even when you have to slam the brakes. Cars that offer this feature include the 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali and the 2015 Cadillac Escalade Platinum, among many others.
3. Sensors for Stability Control
Electronic stability control employs sensors that help prevent skidding and sliding. The good news is that all cars built after 2012 should have this feature automatically included.
The sensors detect steering angle and rotation, wheel speed, and sideways motion. When the car veers away from the driver’s intended path, this system can carefully brake one or more wheels to help re-direct and improve stability.
4. Adaptive Headlights
Any headlight is useful in illuminating the road. They can drastically improve safety at night and during overcast or rainy weather – adaptive headlights take things a step further. Traditional headlights are in a fixed position and can illuminate directly in front of you. On the other hand, adaptive headlights are able to use sensors to swivel based on your steering angle, so you’re getting the best illumination possible.
A range of cars offers this feature, such as the 2016 BMW M4 and the 2016 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring.
5. Traction Control
Traction control is another useful safety feature that can maximize your car’s traction. When you accelerate, this feature limits how much the wheels can spin. It’s especially helpful in slippery or wet conditions and is often paired with antilock brake systems. The brake system can put on the brakes when traction control senses that wheels are spinning too quickly. Then power can be routed to the opposite wheel, which can help prevent your car from skidding.
We know how important it is to find a car that’s the right fit for you and your family. We also know how crucial it is to feel safe and confident about your investment. Our team would be happy to walk you through our cars’ various safety features. Reach out to us at Drive Direct today to find the right car for your needs!
Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License
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