Discover the Best Car Safety Features You Didn't Know You Needed Till Now.
Car safety features have evolved from the days of seatbelts and airbags to include an array of advanced technology designed to keep you, your family, and your passengers safe in the event of an accident. Some of these cutting-edge vehicle safety features are optional and may cost you, but the benefits are vast and could easily be worth the investment. Here’s a quick rundown of seven safety features in cars that you didn’t know you needed until now.
Side Impact Beams
Side-impact beams protect passengers if a car is hit on its side by another vehicle. Side impact beams are reinforced pillars on both sides of your car. If hit, side-impact beams absorb and distribute the force instead of breaking or buckling inward. This is a vehicle safety feature many parents look for when selecting a vehicle for a young driver.
Electronic Stability Control
As its name suggests, the electronic stability control system (ESC) helps keep a vehicle stable by adjusting the power to individual wheels. Imagine driving over a patch of black ice — the system automatically brakes one or more wheels to keep you from spinning out of control. Stability control applies individual brakes quickly if a collision seems imminent, helping drivers avoid crashing altogether. This is a car safety feature that is becoming increasingly popular in newer vehicles.
Lane Departure Warning
Lane departure warning systems (LDWS) ensure drivers keep their vehicles in their intended lanes. If you tend to drift or doze off while driving, this vehicle safety feature may be precisely what you need. The system uses sensors to detect when you are leaving your lane unintentionally. The system then issues an audible alert, informing you of such a tendency and allowing you to return safely to your lane. This is a vehicle safety feature that could save multiple lives.
Pedestrian Protection Systems
Pedestrian protection systems (PPS) protect pedestrians from getting hit by vehicles. These days, it’s not uncommon for newer cars to have built-in warning systems that alert other drivers of pedestrians and cyclists on roadways. This vehicle safety feature can come in handy when driving at night or on a busy street during rush hour.
Forward Collision Warning
Forward collision warning (FCW) is a car safety feature that alerts you when you’re in danger of hitting another vehicle ahead. The system uses sensors and radar to track vehicles in front of your car. If this vehicle safety feature detects that you’re heading for a crash, it warns you with lights or sounds so that you can avoid hitting another vehicle. Some systems can even automatically brake if they sense an imminent collision.
Automatic Braking System
Unlike traditional braking systems, which use cables to pull on a car’s brakes, electronic brake systems use computers and sensors to keep you safe. If you get too close or fail to slow down in time for a red light, automatic braking systems will activate and bring your vehicle to a stop by activating its anti-lock brakes (ABS). This technology is in some luxury cars like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla and is available as an option in others.
Winter Car Safety Features
One important consideration when choosing a new winter truck is vehicle safety equipment. Snow can be treacherous, creating slippery conditions on local roads in Canada. The last thing you want is your vehicle breaking down in these conditions and not being prepared with an emergency kit. But if you’re driving a truck with good winter safety features, like all-wheel drive, snow tires, or stability control, there’s less danger; all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive allows you to power through slick surfaces without slipping, even in deep snow. The 2022 Toyota 4Runner features the Star Safety System™ as standard on the full-size SUV. Traction Control, Anti Lock Brake System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST) are among the many car safety features of this system, letting you travel with assurance and safety in harsh weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airbags are thought to be the safest feature in a vehicle. It is essential to get your airbags inspected and get them replaced when needed.
There are a number of safety features that are mandated by most governments. These include features like seatbelts, airbags and antilock breaks. Recently in Canada, the backup camera has been added to the list of mandatory safety features in all new vehicles.
There are a number of ways you can increase the safety of your vehicle without breaking the bank. A few quick steps you can take to ensure your vehicle is safer include getting new tires and installing a backup and blind-spot camera.
These features may be worth considering when looking at your next car. It is also important to note that with the chip shortage, there may be a few additional features that your vehicle could be missing.
At VINN, we work directly with you to guide you through the process of finding a new car. Our vehicle experts will work with you to ensure that you get the best value for the right car, and you can also browse our inventory.
Happy driving! 
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