Credit to Public Domain Pictures
Collaborative Post¦ The top priority for most people looking for a family car is that it’s safe to drive. Of course, there are other criteria to take into account, but keeping your family safe is the thing that comes first. When it’s time to choose a new car, there are various ways you can make sure that you choose something that offers you the safety that you’re looking for. You need to make sure that the car you choose has some key features and that you will be able to rely on it when you’re on the road. Take a look at some of the things you can do to find a safe car.
Check Safety Ratings
The quickest way to find out the safety of a particular car model is usually to let other people do the work for you. There are a couple of safety ratings from official bodies that can help you get a snapshot of how safe a certain car is. Euro NCAP is the body that tests the safety of cars in Europe, providing an overall rating out of five and scoring on safety for adult occupants, child passengers, vulnerable road users, and safety assist technology. Other official rating systems exist too, like ANCAP in Australia and NHTSA safety ratings in the US.
Look for Specific Safety Features
Aside from an overall score for safety, you might be interested in looking for particular safety features. You know that a car is going to have standard features like seatbelts and airbags, but what about a seat belt reminder, lane assist or an interior release in the boot? You also want to check that there’s enough space and the right hardware to install car seats for your children. There are certain safety features everyone will want, like child safety locks, and others that are a matter of opinion. Make a list of the features that you feel are essential.
Buy Used Cars from Reliable Dealerships
Buying a used car might worry you if you’re looking for a safe family car. However, there’s no reason that a used car can’t be just as safe as a new one. The important thing is to buy it from the right place and to make sure it has been checked and tested to ensure its safety. Choose a trusted dealership such as Foxhayes Car Sales if you’re looking for the right place to buy a safe used car. You want somewhere that carries out lots of check, and lets you know all about how they do it.
Fit with Correct Safety Equipment
There might be some safety features included in the car, but there are others that you will need to buy. Safety seats for your children are required until they are either 12 years old or 135cm tall. Make sure that you size up your children’s seats as they grow too, because a seat they have outgrown won’t protect them. It’s also useful to have some tools and safety equipment in your car, from torches to a hazard triangle.
When you’re shopping for a safe family car, take some time to tick some key requirements off your list to find the perfect vehicle.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.