FAQ About Questions to Ask When Buying a Car

What safety features should I look for in a car?

When buying a car, it's important to prioritize safety features that can help protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision or minimize the risk of accidents altogether. Here are some essential safety features to look for in a car:

  • Antilock Braking System (ABS): ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain control of the vehicle and reducing the risk of skidding.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps to maintain vehicle stability by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels or adjusting engine power when it detects a loss of control during emergency maneuvers or slippery road conditions.
  • Airbags: Look for a car with multiple airbags, including front airbags for the driver and passengers, side airbags for head and torso protection, and curtain airbags that provide head protection in side-impact collisions.
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): FCW uses sensors to detect the risk of a potential forward collision and alerts the driver. AEB can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid a collision if the driver doesn't respond in time.
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LDW alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of the lane. LKA can automatically steer the car back into the lane if the driver doesn't respond to the warning.
  • Blind Spot Detection (BSD): BSD uses sensors or cameras to detect vehicles in the blind spots and alerts the driver to potential dangers during lane changes.
  • Rearview Camera: A rearview camera assists with parking and reversing by providing a clear view of the area behind the vehicle, reducing the risk of collisions with objects or pedestrians.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting the car's speed, promoting safer and more convenient highway driving.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS monitors the air pressure in the tires and alerts the driver if any tire is significantly underinflated, reducing the risk of tire-related accidents.
  • Advanced Headlights: Look for cars equipped with advanced headlight technologies such as adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, or LED headlights, which improve visibility and enhance safety during nighttime driving.
  • Child Safety Features: Ensure that the car has proper child safety features, such as rear door child locks, child seat anchor points, and possibly rear seatbelt airbags, to protect younger passengers.