Posted on March 1, 2024 by Rick Griffith

In today’s fast-paced world, owning a vehicle has become necessary for many. However, with vehicle ownership comes various expenses, including:

• Routine Maintenance
• Unexpected Repairs
• Auto Insurance

Fortunately, advancements in automotive technology have resulted in the development of innovative safety features that enhance your safety on the road and can also help save you money in the long run. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how some vehicle safety features positively impact your wallet.

Three Standard Vehicle Safety Features

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or FMVSS are set and enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reduce and prevent vehicle accidents and auto-related injuries and deaths. Three safety features that are now standard in every vehicle manufactured and sold in the United States are:

• Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Traction Control (TC)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  

1. Anti-Lock Braking System

One of the most crucial safety features in modern vehicles is the ABS. The system prevents wheels from locking up during sudden braking events, allowing the driver to maintain control of the car.

While the primary purpose of an ABS is to improve safety, it can also save you five to 10% on collision insurance plans by reducing your chances of having a costly accident caused by skidding or loss of control.

2. Traction Control

TC uses your car’s ABS to apply braking to help reduce the vehicle’s speed and bring it back under control. But TC is not to be confused with electronic stability control.

TC works through independent wheel sensors to detect when one or more wheels are spinning faster than another to redirect power to the wheel that needs greater traction. It helps to reduce rollover accidents, which saves lives.

3. Electronic Stability Control

ESC is a feature designed to help drivers maintain vehicle control during challenging driving conditions. It senses when a car experiences a loss of control by automatically applying brake pressure to individual wheels to stabilize it so the driver can regain control.

By preventing skidding or rollovers, ESC enhances safety while also helping to avoid costly repairs or medical expenses resulting from accidents. The NHTSA estimates ESC has saved lives by reducing the number of single-vehicle fatalities for car accidents by 38% and SUV accidents by as much as 56%. In addition, ESC may lower payouts on insurance claims by as much as 15% on collision coverage, which may also prevent an increase in your insurance premiums.

Buy a Used Car That is Safe and Reliable

Despite a car’s sticker price, investing in vehicles equipped with these safety features is an intelligent choice for you and your family’s well-being. Nearly half of all vehicles sold at the Car Credit dealership have the three standard safety features required by NHTSA. Moreover, every used car is thoroughly reconditioned for reliable transportation.

You can start by reviewing Car Credit’s wide selection of used cars and SUVs. Car Credit is a Buy Here Pay Here dealership serving southwest Missouri from Joplin, offering an easy online credit application.