Maybe you’ve now reached the point in your life where you feel it’s time to retire your old car. Your needs have changed, your family size has expanded, or your auto simply isn’t working for your needs anymore. Whatever the circumstance, now that you’re about to select a new vehicle, you need to be mindful of the features you’re looking for.
Depending on when the last time you bought your vehicle, models today have many added features than in the past, and these are brought about by new upgrades in technology. You also have to factor in your personal preferences since the features of your next car have generally exceeded what you had in your old one. Check this site to know some options you can go for.
As your guide, here are five features to look for in your next car:
1. Vehicle Safety Features
Before focusing on the other features of a vehicle, never compromise on safety. Surely, you wouldn’t want to be in an unsafe auto. Some of the most important safety features to look for include:
- Adaptive front airbags. These airbags factor in your sitting position and seatbelt use to determine the force needed to bring out the airbag. In some cases, this adaptive front airbag may be safer than most standard airbags.
- Side-impact curtain airbags. In the event of a side-impact collision, the side-impact curtain airbag provides protection for your head and torso.
- Electronic stability control. For vehicles with an anti-lock braking system, this is an extension of it. This allows the driver to have more control over the vehicle even in a potentially fatal and dangerous collision.
- Head restraint seat design. The seat can also work as safety protection during an accident. When adjusted properly, the head restraint seat design may protect your head from a whiplash injury during fast and high-impact collisions.
- Locking seatbelts. This refers to the mechanism that automatically engages the seatbelt when the brakes are applied more firmly than usual during a sudden stop.
2. Adaptive Cruise Control
For the most part, a cruise control system isn’t necessarily a new feature. But depending on the model you’re getting, not every vehicle has this.
A cruise control feature means your car uses radar to automatically detect if there’s a vehicle in front of you or one approaching close by, then your vehicle slows down without you having to do anything. Various brands have different systems; some would beep as a warning that you have to slow down or when there’s a car approaching.
Having an adaptive cruise control can make for a smoother and safer ride. The adaptive cruise control is only one of the many navigation features you may want to have in your vehicle.
3. Smart Suspension
When you’re driving on road conditions that are less than comfortable, having a smart suspension system can ensure keeping up a smooth ride. A suspension system enables your car to adjust by increasing or decreasing its load on each wheel to ensure a smoother ride on the road.
Through your smart suspension system, you can be sure those little bumps on the road are now a thing of the past. You’re also gentler on your car and your wheel through load adjustment as road bumps and other unfavorable conditions may cause it to go through wear and tear faster than usual.
4. Added Features
Depending on your inclination, added features are nice to have. Find the right car for your preferences while also taking note of other elements you wish to have in your vehicle.
With these added features, you can enjoy more fun and comfortable ride in your vehicle:
- 4-wheel drive option. This isn’t for everyone, but if you love to go out on different forms of terrain, then you need a 4-wheel drive option.
- Automatic transmissions. These cars have been around for many years now, but it depends on the kind of driver that you are. Some prefer a manual transmission, but if you love an easy drive, then the automatic transmission is for you.
- Heated seats. This is a feature needed by those who live in countries where the winter season can be unforgiving. It’s nice to hop into your car with some warmth after being out in the cold.
- Movie video system. This entertainment feature is great for those who have young children. If you also love to go on long road trips, a movie or video system can keep the passengers entertained during long drives.
- This provides some added breath of fresh air and natural light, particularly when you’ve been driving for a long time for a road trip on your vehicle.
5. Electronic Stability Control
When your car has electronic stability control, the vehicle is better kept on your path especially when you’re navigating through a sharp curve, so you don’t end up skidding.
Electronic stability control uses a built-in computer linked to numerous sensors all over your car. These include detecting your wheel’s speed, rotation, and steering angle. If the sensor detects you diverting away from its intended path, the stability control breaks the wheels and reduces engine power to steer it back toward the right direction.
If you intend on buying a top-heavy vehicle such as SUVs and pick-up trucks, electronic stability control is one you should consider having.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many features your new car can have. Different models and classes of cars will each have their respective features, which may also work as their unique selling points against others. But you don’t necessarily need to have all of the features because the more features your car has, the more expensive it’ll be; and depending on your usage and preferences, you may not even need to have all of it.
When choosing from among the many features, the last say is on you. Balance your needs with the features which are nice to have, so you end up with a car you’re happy with for many years to come.
