Today’s cars are safer than ever, and that’s why automotive fatalities are at an all-time low. At Mike’s Auto Body, we’ve witnessed the technological evolution of cars and trucks. By working on almost every type of vehicle, we’re aware of all the newest features and are cognizant of how they can benefit the driver.
These 10 safety features make driving easier and safer and we believe every car on the road should have them.
1. Electronic Stability Control
It’s all about control. Electronic Stability control helps drivers maintain control. It compares steering and braking inputs with the car’s lateral acceleration, individual wheel speeds, and rotation. The brake is automatically applied to help balance the vehicle. This safety feature is important for reducing skidding. All new 2013 models are required to be equipped with this safety feature.
2. GPS Systems
Drivers don’t have to get lost ever again! Navigation systems make traveling more efficient and safer. Drivers no longer have to struggle with looking at a map while driving. The GPS will direct the driver turn by turn and will reroute if necessary.
3. Rearview Cameras
What you can see could save your life or someone else’s. Rearview cameras make backing up and parking much easier. The vehicle issues a warning if there are any obstacles in the way. Certain vehicles have the whole rearview camera feed displayed on the dashboard. There are also cars now that have blind spot detection. These safety features make merging, parking, and driving much safer.
4. Tire pressure monitors
Tire blowouts don’t cause as many accidents anymore. Since 2008, all new vehicles include a tire-pressure monitoring system. This system uses sensors to provide the driver with information on tire inflation. This prevents tires from underinflated. Underinflated tires are the main cause of tire blowouts.
5. Hands Free/blue tooth
Now you can use your cell phone safely while you drive. Mobile use while driving is incredibly distracting and dangerous. Many new cars now include blue tooth hands-free systems. This system allows you to call and talk on the phone while still focusing on the road. You can use voice commands to make and answer calls.
6. Voice activation
Talk to the car! There are many distractions while driving. Changing a radio station or the temperature of the car is not only distracting but potentially dangerous. Many vehicles now have voice activation. The driver can use voice activation to enter destinations into a navigation system, change the radio, and more. Voice activation allows the driver to control the car without lifting a hand from the wheel.
7. Rollover protection
Many new cars have rollover protection. Different cars offer different rollover protection. Some cars include additional airbags. Certain cars have external rollover protection structures that lessen the force of the rollover.
8. Airbags
Airbags have evolved and improved over time. Currently, many vehicles offer multiple airbags. Dual stage airbags are required in all passenger cars and light trucks made after September 2006. Side airbags are also very important. These airbags greatly reduce injuries. All airbags are incredibly important for protecting the driver and passengers.
9. Brake assist
Brake assist technology is very important in emergency situations. Sensors detect can detect panic braking. When the sensors sense this type of braking, brake assist applies a brake boost. This will make the car brake faster.
10. Adaptive headlights
This is a feature found in mostly luxury cars, but it will probably trickle down into more affordable mainstream vehicles within the next few years. This technology adjusts headlights to the direction that the steering wheel is turned. It illuminates the way more efficiently for drivers trying to change lanes or turn.
Fixing cars to their pre-accident condition since 1972, Mike Rose and his family has built Mike’s Auto Body into a 12-shop organization known for its honesty and integrity with an emphasis on exemplary customer service. With two locations in Concord and Walnut Creek and one in Lafayette, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Richmond, Fairfield, Napa and now one in San Ramon, Mike’s Auto Body is known for being an outstanding business partner in every city where it serves the public.