How to Choose a Car That's Safe for Your Family
When looking for a family car, there are multiple factors to consider, ranging from boot space, engine displacement, brand, and ownership cost. There is one aspect, however, that’s extremely crucial – the safety that a car offers. There are multiple options available in the market that offer advanced safety features in cars.
Also, the safety features/tips of your car be categorized into active and passive safety features. While, active safety features work in real-time to avoid any mishap, on the other hand, passive safety features come into play when a mishap occurs, and act as the first line of defense for your safety.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most crucial active safety features your car must have: -
● Antilock Braking System – Before this technology became standard in the automotive industry, tire locking and skidding were frequent. In most cases, the front wheels got locked under hard braking, making it impossible to steer, especially in wet road conditions.
ABS allows the driver to retain control as it calibrates the braking power as per the grip available. You just need to brake as per your need and let the system take care of the safety. ABS has become standard in all vehicles across the globe as it is effective in avoiding collision.
● Electronic Stability Control – This safety feature monitors various vehicle parameters, such as speed, steering input, and vehicle direction. When the system detects any loss of control during any instant maneuver, the system, in a fraction of seconds, applies selective braking on individual wheels and calibrates engine power to keep the vehicle in a straight line or intended path.
● Airbags – It is among the most popular safety features and can be your lifeline in case of a hard collision. This ingenious device rapidly gets deployed during a hard collision by creating a cushion between the occupants and the hard surfaces in the car. The system drastically reduces the impact and can be a lifesaver from fatal injuries.
● Strong Reinforced Chassis and Structure – Car manufacturers engineer their vehicles with reinforced structures which are designed to absorb the impact and keep the cabin safe. Usually, crumple zones are designed on the sides or at the front/ rear part of the car. These crumple zones get deformed during a collision, absorbing all the impact to enhance the safety of the occupants.
● Tire Pressure Monitoring System – It is an instrumental active safety feature that measures the air pressure inside your tire and warns the driver in case the tire pressure drops below the recommended level. The slightest change in pressure can have severe effects on how a car behaves when you apply brakes. Maintaining the right tire pressure is crucial as it ensures safety while also helping you extract maximum grip and performance from your tires.
Apart from these active safety features, there are several passive safety features to consider for your loved ones while you travel. These safety elements will guide you to select the ideal vehicle that meets your family's needs with maximum safety.
Reliable Brand
Reliability is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a family car. Always consider a car from a reliable brand with a good track record. Any uncertain car breakdowns with the family onboard are a nightmare to deal with. A car from a reliable brand ensures everyday reliability and lower maintenance costs in the long term.
Child-Friendly Features
If your family has children that travel frequently by car, prefer a car that has a child lock on every seat, a child seat anchor (ISOFIX), and a rear window shade to protect your child from sun glare. Also, the Rear AC vents ensure your child’s comfort. Besides these, make sure the car has a rear camera and parking sensors for enhanced safety.
Seating Capacity and Space
Seating capacity and space in a car is an important safety aspect. A family with multiple children requires an MPV or SUV, ideally an MPV like the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid or XL7 Hybrid that offers more seating options to accommodate everyone comfortably. Sufficient legroom and boot space ensure the comfort of passengers and also provide a buffer zone in case of a collision.
Safety Rating
The Global NCAP / ASEAN NCAP tests are conducted and the vehicle is rated accordingly as per the damage the vehicle can endure. There are two types of tests (front impact and side impact). The vehicle is rated accordingly as per the damage the vehicle endures. Usually, the rating is calculated out of 5 on various parameters.
Even while the car you choose to buy meets all these parameters, a test drive is crucial before you make a purchase to help gauge the car’s responsiveness and maneuverability.
Last but certainly not least, make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection before taking the delivery of your vehicle.
In conclusion, selecting the right family car involves more than just looks and performance; safety is paramount. Focus on vehicles with advanced safety features, strong safety ratings, and reliability. Consider practical aspects like child-friendly features, seating capacity, and boot space. Always take a test drive to assess handling and comfort, and ensure a pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind. By prioritizing these factors, you can choose a car that ensures the safety and happiness of your family on the road.
