Top 10 Car Safety Features to Consider Before Buying

Car Safety Features and What to Look for in a Car

While most of us would be looking at the latest features in a car, one should also look at the most important safety aspect, when buying a new car, which is how comfortable is the car system for the person who is going to drive the car—for daily commute, for weekend long drives, and should have done at least a couple of rounds of test drives in those environments, either within the city or on the highway to gauge the car’s performance and assess if the car’s essential safety features are actually working as per the brochure. This would help in getting all the check-boxes ticked, or getting queries clarified.

 

Active and Passive Car Safety

Car safety features are also classified as active safety and passive safety systems. Features that work in real-time scenarios to avoid an accident are called active safety, while passive safety features ensure that all the occupants in the car are protected even after an accident occurs.

 

Car Safety Ratings

Car safety ratings are based on car crash tests that simulate real-world accidents and evaluate a vehicle’s safety features and structural integrity. This not only enables a prospective car buyer to choose safer vehicles, but also helps in improving the overall vehicle safety across all car manufacturers.

 

Car safety features in India have advanced by leaps and bounds in the last five years and what would have been looked at as a luxury car feature a few years back has now become a must-have safety feature in all cars across all segments. There is a government agency called Bharat NCAP that conducts crash tests to assign star NCAP safety ratings to cars—ranging from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. These ratings evaluate the following:

• Adult Occupant Protection
• Child Occupant Protection
• Fitment of Safety Assist Technologies

 

Top 10 Must-Have Features in Your Car

1. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD: Prevents wheel lock-up during braking and distributes brake force for optimal control.

 

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability by reducing skidding and loss of traction.

 

3. Adjustable Steering: Allows you to adjust the steering wheel position for a comfortable driving experience.

 

4. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you when tyre pressure is too low, improving safety and fuel efficiency.

 

5. ISOFIX Mounts: Standardized attachment points for securely installing child safety seats.

 

6. Parking Sensors/Camera: Assists in detecting obstacles and enhancing safety while parking.

 

7. Lane Departure Warning: Alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally.

 

8. Blind Spot Detection: Warns you of vehicles in your blind spots to prevent collisions during lane changes.

 

9. Seat Belts: Essential for restraining all occupants in the event of a crash, reducing injury risks.

 

10. Speed Caution Alert: Notifies the driver if they exceed predetermined speed limits to encourage safe driving.

Apart from the above, features such as forward collision alert or reverse collision alert when the car is being reversed are key to ensuring that our most valued possession is safe at all times.

 

Active vs Passive Safety Features Overview

Active safety features work proactively to prevent accidents, such as braking and stability systems. Passive safety features, like airbags and seat belts, protect occupants during a crash, reducing the severity of injuries.

 

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS include technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. These systems enhance driving safety by alerting the driver to potential hazards and sometimes taking corrective actions to avoid collisions.

 

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control. This system is crucial for avoiding skids and maintaining control of the vehicle, especially on slippery surfaces.

 

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels if the vehicle starts to slide. This system is vital for maintaining stability during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads.

 

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

FCW uses sensors to detect vehicles or obstacles ahead and warns the driver of an impending collision. This early warning allows the driver to take action to avoid or mitigate a crash.

 

Airbags

Airbags deploy rapidly in the event of a collision to cushion occupants and reduce the risk of injury. They work in conjunction with seat belts to protect against head, neck, and chest injuries.

 

Seat Belts

Seat belts are essential for keeping occupants securely in their seats during a crash. They prevent occupants from being thrown forward and reduce the risk of injury by distributing crash forces across stronger parts of the body.

 

Reinforced Structures

Reinforced car structures are designed to absorb and dissipate crash energy, protecting occupants by maintaining the integrity of the passenger compartment. These structures enhance the vehicle’s overall safety by minimizing deformation in critical areas.

 

Adjustable Steering

Adjustable steering allows drivers to customize the steering wheel position for optimal comfort and control. This feature can reduce driver fatigue and improve the overall driving experience.

 

Blind Spot Detection and Warning

Blind spot detection systems use sensors to monitor areas alongside and behind the vehicle that are difficult to see. They provide warnings to the driver if a vehicle is in the blind spot, helping to prevent lane-change collisions.

 

Seatbelt Pretensioners and Load Limiters

Seatbelt pretensioners tighten the seatbelt instantly in the event of a collision, keeping occupants firmly in place. Load limiters then relax the belt slightly to reduce the force on the chest, minimizing the risk of injury.

 

Additional Considerations When Buying a New Car

Outside of all the physical features available in a car, as a buyer, one should look for the following:

• Warranties Included: What warranties are available as part of the car price?
• Extended Warranties: What extended warranties can be availed?
• Car Insurance: What does the car insurance provide—whether there is adequate coverage for the car to be restored to its original form and shape in case the car undergoes repairs due to an accident or mishap. visit www.shriramgi.com for more suitable car insurance plans and add ons.

 

Conclusion

Lastly, while a car may be fitted with the best safety features, the most important aspect of safety should come from within. Let us look at some key initiatives that we as car owners/drivers should follow:

• Drive safely on the roads at the prescribed speed limit
• Follow traffic rules
• Wear seat belts while driving
• Respect other vehicles and human beings on the road
• Ensure everyone has a peaceful life and returns home safely
• Do not drive on the wrong side of the road

 

So, when you venture to buy that new car, get set with your safety lens on and choose the best car for you and your family with the top 10 must-have safety features. Happy Safe Driving!

 

Benefits of Having Shriram Car Insurance

Shriram Car Insurance provides you with comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, ensuring that you are financially protected in case of accidents, theft, or damages. With Shriram Car Insurance, you can benefit from:

• Affordable Premiums: Competitive pricing that suits your budget.
• Hassle-Free Online Purchase: Quick and easy online policy purchase process.
• 24x7 Assistance: Round-the-clock support and claim assistance.
• Wide Coverage: Protection against a variety of scenarios including natural disasters, theft, and accidental damages.

 

FAQs

1. What is Zero Depreciation Cover?

Zero Depreciation Cover ensures that you get the full claim amount without any deductions for the depreciation of car parts. This means more money for repairs and less out-of-pocket expenses.

 

2. How does Shriram Car Insurance help during accidents?

Shriram Car Insurance covers the cost of damages and repairs resulting from accidents, providing you with financial relief during such incidents.

 

3. Can I customize my Shriram Car Insurance policy?

Yes, you can choose add-on covers like Zero Depreciation, Engine Protector, and more to enhance your policy as per your needs.

 

4. What should I do in case of a car breakdown?

Shriram Car Insurance provides 24x7 roadside assistance to help you with emergencies like towing, flat tire, or battery jumpstart.

 

5. How do I file a claim with Shriram Car Insurance?

You can file a claim online through the Shriram General Insurance website or app. Provide the necessary details, and their team will guide you through the process for a quick resolution.