Buying a new car is always exciting. Safety should be one of your top priorities as you explore different makes and models. With crowded roads and unpredictable traffic, advanced safety features can be true lifesavers. When navigating through these challenges, platforms like ACKO Drive help ensure that your car-buying journey is transparent and informed. 

ACKO Drive provides valuable insights, credible reviews, and the latest updates to guide you toward the best choices in the market. When considering your next car purchase, be sure to look for these 10 essential safety features:

1. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS is designed to prevent wheels from locking up and skidding when you slam on the brakes. This allows you to maintain control and steer effectively. ABS pulses the brakes many times per second to stop the wheels from locking. This is important for safe braking, especially on wet, muddy or slippery roads.

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Also known as the electronic stability program (ESP), ESC helps correct oversteering or understeering. It automatically applies brakes to individual wheels when it detects a loss of traction while turning. This avoids fishtailing, spinouts, or rollovers and keeps you headed in the right direction.

3. Airbags

Multiple airbags provide cushioning during collisions to help prevent injuries. Most cars have driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags protect heads and torsos in side-impact crashes. Knee airbags shield legs and knees. Side curtain airbags deploy alongside windows in a rollover or side-impact crash. More airbags mean more protection.

4. Rearview Camera

A backup camera gives you sight beyond what you can see in rearview mirrors. Some even overlay guidance lines on the camera display to help you park precisely. This prevents backing into pedestrians, animals, poles, buildings and anything hidden from view. Rear sensors also alert you if you’re about to back into something.

5. ADAS

ADAS (Advance Driver Assistance System) is like having an extra pair of eyes on the road! It uses sensors, cameras, and radars to help you drive safely by detecting obstacles, preventing collisions, and even keeping your car in your lane. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control make driving much safer and stress-free.

6. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS for short, is an important safety feature in modern cars. It consists of sensors attached to each tyre that constantly monitor the air pressure levels. If any of the tyres start to lose air pressure, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard, letting you know. TPMS helps prevent blowouts and loss-of-control accidents. 

7. Hill Hold Assist

Hill Hold Assist is a useful feature that makes starting off on hills easier and safer. When you stop on an incline and take your foot off the brake, Hill Hold works by temporarily applying the brakes so you don’t roll backwards. This gives you time to transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator smoothly when starting off uphill.

8. 360° Camera

A 360° camera gives you a bird’s-eye view of your car, showing all sides on the screen to help you park perfectly. It eliminates blind spots and makes reversing safer by spotting obstacles you might miss with just mirrors.

9. Advanced Headlights

Look for projector beam headlights or adaptive headlights that pivot based on steering input. These focus light widely or deeply for better visibility around curves. Also helpful are auto high beams that detect oncoming traffic and toggle between high and low as needed. Such lighting improves safety in the dark.

10. Child Safety Lock and Isofix Anchors

For families with children, child safety locks and Isofix anchors are essential features to ensure the safety of young passengers. Child safety locks prevent children from opening rear doors inside the car, while Isofix anchors ensure that child safety seats are securely fixed in place.

In India, where long family road trips are common, these features are particularly important for the safety of your children while travelling.

The Bottom Line

When researching vehicles, compile a checklist of the safety tech you want. Bring it to dealers and take test drives to experience features firsthand. Don’t settle for a car lacking innovations that are important for your driving needs. While exhilarating performance, comfort, and tech gadgets might also be on your wish list, never compromise on safety. 

Choose features wisely to remain secure through all of life’s travels. Smart safety investments today can prevent regrets after misfortune strikes.