Buying a new car is exciting, especially with all the different types of models to choose from. While it is wise to inspect the appearance and engine specifications of the vehicle you’re going to buy, it is equally important to examine the safety features offered as this is one feature many individuals tend to overlook. With the latest innovations in automobile safety, new car buyers have lots to look forward to with regards to car safety features.
Improvements in vehicle safety features over the years have significantly reduced injury and death rates in South Africa. Buying a vehicle equipped with the best safety features will leave you with the peace of mind that you and your family are always protected while driving. Below is a concise checklist of some of the best safety features to look for when buying a new car from CMH Carshop:
New car safety features checklist
· Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
Most new cars come standard with ABS as this is one of the most vital safety features a vehicle should have. A skidding tyre has less control than a tyre in solid contact with the ground. ABS can sense when the tyre of your car has lost traction and automatically reduces the braking power for a split second to prevent the car from skidding. In this split second, the tyre is able to re-acquire its grip and regain its braking power. This system allows vehicles with ABS to be more responsive to braking than vehicles without.
· Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) operates via computerised technology that enables the vehicle to detect and prevent skidding. By using intelligent sensors that monitor the steering pattern of the vehicle in motion, ESC automatically triggers the car’s brakes and reduces engine performance temporarily to give the driver enough time to regain control of the vehicle.
· Traction Control
As with ABS, Traction Control is also developed to prevent your new car from skidding. While the vehicle is in motion, this system monitors the speed of all four tyres to detect any abnormalities (one tyre moving faster than the other) and then corrects the abnormality so that the driver can gain control of the car again. While ABS reduces the speed of the vehicle to prevent it from skidding, Traction Control helps you control your vehicle when driving at an increased speed.
· Additional safety features
When buying a new car, check to see if it has Side Curtain Airbags as well as standard side airbags. Side Curtain Airbags are situated in the roof of the vehicle’s cabin and provide enhanced safety in the event of a side-on collision by protecting the heads of the driver as well as both front and rear passengers. Also check for Head Restraints, that extend from the vehicle seats to provide support during a rear-end collision and thus reduce the risk of neck injuries. Other important safety features to look for in a new car are Seat Belt Pre-tensioners to position the passenger snugly in the safest possible position while the car is in motion, Adaptive Cruise Control to maintain a safe speed on the road and Tyre Pressure monitoring to alert you when the air pressure in your tyre is low.
CMH Carshop: accredited dealer in a wide selection of new vehicles
CMH Carshop is a leading motor retailer in South Africa, providing individuals with an extensive range of new cars to choose from. View our special deals or use our search box to browse new cars from our 45 dealerships countrywide.