Safety Features to Look for in a New or Used Car

Buying a used car doesn’t mean compromising on safety. In fact, you can find vehicles equipped with crucial safety features that may be just as effective as those in newer models. When shopping for a used car, always ensure the safety features are intact, and get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic to confirm everything’s working as it should.

Airbag Systems

Make sure your car has front, side, and curtain airbags to protect all occupants in an accident. Check the vehicle’s history report to see if the airbags have been deployed, and if so, whether they’ve been properly replaced. If it does have replacement airbags, have them inspected — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that some aftermarket airbags inflators have been dangerous in crashes.²

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control keeps drivers from losing control of their vehicles or skidding, especially on slippery roads. Although it’s been required for all new vehicles since 2012, you’ll find some models as early as 2005 that have this feature.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, which allows you to maintain steering control. This feature has been standard on new cars since 2011. Look for the ABS light on the dashboard—if it’s illuminated, the ABS system is likely present and functioning.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Since 2008, vehicles have been required to have a TPMS that alerts you when tire pressure is low. This system can help prevent tire blowouts and reduce tire wear, making it an essential safety feature for used cars.

If you’re shopping for a new ride, you can choose more advanced features than the ones in used cars. While it may be tempting to prioritize affordability and fuel efficiency over safety, you can feel more at ease on the road with a safer vehicle. Today’s cars include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are high-tech features designed to increase the safety of operating a vehicle. We’ve included some of the ADAS to look for below.

Forward Collision Warning

Forward Collision Warning (FWC) detects potential frontal collisions and warns the driver to avoid crashes. If it detects a threat, the system will alert the driver, giving them time to react before a crash occurs. This feature is typically paired with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) to prevent accidents entirely..

Automatic Emergency Braking

Usually included with forward collision warning systems, automatic emergency braking (AEB) applies the brakes to prevent crashes. AEB will kick into gear if the driver doesn’t react in time to the forward collision warning.

Blind Spot Warning

Blind spot warning systems let you know when a car is in your blind spot. It’s helpful when you change lanes on highways, though it won’t be able to sense motorcycles or cars that are going much faster than your vehicle.³

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist

Both systems alert you if you’re drifting out of your lane and can gently steer you back into your lane. They employ a camera and steering wheel to make sure you don’t veer into other vehicles while on the road.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive cruise control helps drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting your car’s speed automatically. It may also be called dynamic cruise control or automatic cruise control, depending on where you’re shopping.⁴

Rearview Camera

Mandated on all vehicles since 2018, rearview or backup cameras allow you to see behind the car when reversing. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, this feature has lowered backup-related crashes by about 16 percent.⁵

If you want to take it a step further, you can take other factors into account for optimum vehicle safety. Look for crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both organizations have comprehensive criteria for crash safety that will help you make an informed decision. Also, keep in mind that larger vehicles usually give better protection in crashes.⁶ While they may be costlier to maintain, it may be worth it for your peace of mind.

Self-Driving Features

While car manufacturers have yet to offer fully self-driving vehicles, there are many that offer cars that have self-driving features. Also known as semi-autonomous technology, these features allow the car to continue on the road without the driver taking the wheel. For example, Tesla has an autopilot feature on some models that can self-park. Many car brands also feature systems that help drivers with steering, braking, and acceleration on highways. For example, adaptive cruise control—discussed above—is considered a semi-autonomous feature.

Traffic Sign Recognition

This useful feature detects and shows traffic signs to drivers, helping them keep track of the speed limit and other important information. It operates using a front-facing camera positioned near the rearview mirror, so any potentially missed signs will show up on the dashboard. Plus, some traffic sign recognition systems work with advanced cruise control to keep the cruising speed below the speed limit.⁸

Drowsiness Detection Systems

Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can be just as impairing as drinking when it comes to operating a vehicle.⁹ Luckily, drowsiness detection systems are a useful feature for drivers with long shifts or late work hours. They track visual signs that a driver is falling asleep on the road. By monitoring facial expressions, eye movement, yawning frequency, and other cues, this technology prevents accidents caused by drowsy driving. When the system detects a sleepy driver operating the car, it will alert the driver with a noise or vibration. Some systems also feature reminders to take a break.¹⁰

When it comes to buying a car, safety features are a crucial consideration, whether you’re buying new or used. Advanced systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are making cars safer than ever before. Take your time to research and test the safety features of any car you’re considering, and rest easy knowing that today’s vehicles are designed to protect you and your passengers at every turn.