When shopping for a new car, there are many things you should consider before making a purchase. Some of the things people look for in a vehicle include performance, durability, capacity, fuel consumption, and safety measures. The safety of the car should be at the top of your list.
Safety measures installed into cars are designed to save you from serious injuries or death during a collision. Despite all the technological advancements and progress the automobile industry has made, accidents and subsequent injuries cannot always be avoidable. If you’re hurt and suffering due to a negligent accident in Washington, contact car accident lawyers in Seattle to help you secure the compensation you need to make a recovery.
Below are several things you ought to consider when choosing a safe vehicle..
1. Crash worthiness
The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) researches the safety of cars in the U.S. market and gives them ratings. The IIHS will rate the integrity of the car’s front, sides, roof, and head restraints strength through rigorous crash testing.
When your car salesman talks about 5-star safety ratings, that means the car offers great protection to the driver and the passengers. Feel safer when you choose a vehicle with either a 4- or 5-star rating from the IIHS.
2. Structural Design
A safe car should have a great structural design to protect the driver and the passengers. Your safety in a car will depend on the driver, nearby drivers and how well the cars safety measures are designed.
For instance, is there enough space between the bumper and the frame? In an accident, the bumper absorbers a lot of the force and reduces the chances of you suffering serious injuries. If the space between the bumper and the frame is insufficient, the chances of you suffering severe injuries increase.
3. Safety Defects and Factory Recalls
You can research online and read reviews of the car you want to buy. Many motor vehicle websites can give you information on safety defects in some vehicles.
Sometimes car manufacturers are required to issue recalls for specific parts when defects are discovered. You should check if the car you want to buy has a history of part recalls. If any parts have been recalled, you should ask the car dealer to prove the manufacturer repaired the safety defect.
4. Inspect the Car Before Buying
After looking at the test scores, you now need to focus on the car you want to buy. The test scores might be impressive, but it does not mean the car in the dealership works properly. You can ask a qualified mechanic to accompany you to the dealership to inspect the car. The pre-purchase inspection will help you discover any defects the car might have that the manufacturer or dealer did not see.
5. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
The ABS is now a common feature in almost all new vehicles. The ABS stops the tires from locking up during a sudden or hard stop. Without the ABS your car can easily lose control and spin out. The ESC is designed to keep a car under control and prevents skidding when driving on curvy roads. If the car starts to skid, the ESC will automatically apply brakes on one or more tires and stop the engine, keeping the car on the road. The ESC is important, especially for SUVs, so if you think about getting an SUV, ask your car dealer if your vehicle of choice has ESC.
Choose a Safe Car
Choosing a new car is fun, and as technology keeps improving, so should your research before deciding to buy the car. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, it is important to take your time and choose a safe car that will offer you and your family a greater chance to reduce physical harm in case of an accident.
Article Submitted By Community Writer