Many people drive every day. It’s important to make sure your car has the best safety features. This is to keep both you and your family safe. New cars have many advanced safety technologies. These help a lot more than the standard features of the past. In this detailed guide, we will explore the top car safety features. We’ll give you advice to make smart choices for your car’s safety.

Today’s cars use advanced features to protect everyone inside. Subaru cars lead in this area. They have Symmetrical AWD¹, which is excellent for all road and weather conditions. These cars also score high in safety tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety¹. This means you can trust their safety features.

Car safety goes beyond just the engine and body design. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking help avoid crashes¹. Subaru models are equipped with technology that helps you stay in your lane and alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot¹. These features work together to keep you safe on the road.

Subaru uses strong steel frames and places up to eight airbags in their vehicles¹. This is for your protection in case of an accident. Plus, you can connect your phone via Bluetooth¹. You also get a quality sound system¹. This means you can enjoy music while staying focused on driving.

Key Takeaways

• Subaru vehicles come standard with Symmetrical AWD for superior traction and control.
• Subaru models have earned high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• Advanced safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Braking are available.
• Subaru vehicles feature comprehensive surround-view safety systems for improved awareness.
• High-tensile steel frames and multiple airbags provide robust protection in the event of an accident.

The Importance of Regular Car Maintenance

Keeping your car well-maintained is key to making it last longer and stay safe. Tasks like checking tire pressure and replacing old wipers matter a lot. They keep your car running well and using gas efficiently². It’s important to check your car often to catch problems early and avoid big repair bills later².

Prevents Expensive Repairs

Skipping maintenance can lead to big and costly issues. For instance, low or no oil can make your engine too hot. This can cause parts to rub together, damaging the engine². Or if the oil is dirty, it can slowly harm the engine². Low transmission fluid is another problem that can shorten a car’s life². Doing regular maintenance helps you find and fix these problems early. This can save you from major repair bills later.

Maintains Vehicle Safety

Maintenance is vital for your safety on the road. Your tires not being at the right pressure can make it hard to turn, brake, or stay straight². If your tires aren’t aligned right, your car might pull to one side or vibrate². And old brake pads can make stopping your car risky². Regular checks and fixes are a must so these key safety parts work as they should³.

Boosts Resale Value

Cars that are well-taken care of are more valuable when you sell them³. Routine maintenance protects your car, makes it last longer, and keeps it looking good³. Taking care of your car also helps it use less gas⁴. This makes it more appealing to buyers and maintains or even raises its resale value⁴.

Keeping up with maintenance makes your car safer, more reliable, and worth more over time. It’s a smart move that saves you money in the long term²³⁴.

Routine Maintenance Schedule

Your car’s top condition is key to how it performs, stays safe, and lasts long. Keeping up with the maintenance schedule is a must⁵. Always follow what’s in the owner’s manual⁵.

Doing routine checks saves you from expensive fixes later on⁵. Cars today can go a long way before needing oil changed thanks to synthetic oil⁵. By doing regular checks, you can stop big problems before they can start⁵. Make sure your car is looked at yearly by a professional⁵.

This schedule usually means you change the oil, rotate the tires, and swap out filters⁶. Oil and oil filters need swapping about every 3 months or 3000 miles depending on your car⁶. New cars might let you go longer between changes, maybe between 5,000 and 10,000 miles⁶. It’s good to keep an eye on your tires and check the air often⁶. Swapping where your tires are can make them last longer⁶.

Things like swapping tires, oil, and checking the brakes keep your ride smooth and safe⁷. Regular care means you might avoid major issues like brakes failing or tires blowing⁷. Changing oil and air filters on time also makes your car cleaner for the planet and safer for everyone driving⁷.

Stick to the plan your car’s maker laid out, and your car will do great, save you money, and keep you and your friends safe⁵.

“Regular car maintenance is the key to a long-lasting, reliable vehicle.”

Signs Your Car Needs Maintenance

Your car often shows it needs attention and care. By watching out for signs early, you can avoid big problems. This way, you’ll keep your car running smoothly. Let’s look at some common signs your car gives when it needs maintenance.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light warns you about issues with your car⁸. When it comes on, it means your car found something wrong. It’s a sign you should see a mechanic soon. If you ignore it, you might face bigger problems and higher repair costs later.

Braking Issues

Brake problems are a major safety worry. Signs like a soft pedal, grinding sounds, or needing more space to stop can mean trouble⁹. Address these issues fast to keep your car safe and reliable.

Acceleration Problems

Does your car feel slow or underpowered? This could be due to various issues like dirty filters or bad spark plugs⁹. Not only does this affect how your car runs, but it also uses more gas. Fixing these issues soon will help get your car’s power and fuel use back on track.

Unusual Vibrations or Noises

Don’t ignore weird sounds or movements in your car⁸. They might be a sign something serious is wrong. Not taking action could lead to more damage and expensive repairs later.

Keeping an eye on your car’s warning signs and fixing them early is smart. It helps you prevent big repair bills and keeps your car safe and reliable. Regular maintenance and quick repairs are the secrets to a long, healthy life for your car¹⁰.

“Catching and fixing warning signs early can prevent costly future repairs and keep your car running safely and smoothly.”

⁸⁹

Car Safety Features

Today’s cars are filled with advanced safety features to keep you safe. These features are very important for both drivers and passengers. They help us stay secure while on the road¹¹.

One top safety feature is the three-point seat belt. It’s common in cars worldwide. By holding us in across the shoulders and hips, it has saved many lives¹¹. Airbags in the front have been around since 1987. They’ve saved over 50,000 people from fatal crashes¹¹.

From 2011, all new cars started having electronic stability control. These systems help prevent skids and slides. Also, since 2018, new cars must have rearview cameras. These cameras make it easier to avoid hitting things when backing up¹¹.

Many new vehicles come with technology to warn us of dangers. These include blind spot alerts. They make us more aware of our surroundings and help us drive safer¹¹.

Complex systems that assist us when driving are also available. They can warn us of forward collisions and help us stay in our lanes. Such features can significantly cut the risk of accidents and injuries¹¹. Studies show they lower the chance of a serious crash by 49%¹².

These safety tools are incredibly valuable. An agency in charge of safety estimates that they’ve saved many lives since 1960. Each year, more people survive car accidents thanks to these tools¹¹. Between 1960 and 2012, these technologies have saved over 600,000 lives¹¹.

As technology grows, we will see even safer cars. A safety program plans to make better safety ratings for new cars and their features. This will give shoppers more information on how well cars protect us in crashes and prevent accidents¹¹.

“By 1989, Chrysler offered airbags in every passenger car, marking a great advancement in automotive safety.”¹²

Now, most new cars and SUVs have airbags. Some even have up to 10 airbags inside. This shows how important airbags are for saving lives¹². They significantly reduce the risk of death in crashes for both the driver and front seat passengers over 13 years old¹².

Another key safety feature is antilock brakes. They’ve been a must in cars since 2000. These brakes are very helpful in sudden stops¹². Soon, in 2029, all new cars will be required to have automatic emergency braking. This is a big step in preventing crashes¹².

Seat belts are also crucial. They lessen the chance of being hurt in an accident by half. They’re important to wear every time you get in a car¹³.

Maintaining these safety features is vital. Regular checks and quick fixes help keep us safe. It’s important for the well-being of everyone in the car¹¹.

Cars are getting safer thanks to new technologies. The effort to make driving safer is ongoing. By knowing about and caring for these features, we can enjoy driving knowing we’re well protected¹¹.

Inspect and Maintain Tires

Taking care of your tires is key for handling, saving fuel, and staying safe. A good rule is to check your tires every month¹⁴. Neglecting them might cause wear out fast, go flat, or burst¹⁴. With correct tire pressure, you could keep $187 per tire in your pocket¹⁴.

Good tire tread is vital. Imagine a pickup truck running at 70 miles per hour will need almost 500 feet to stop on wet ground if the penny test fails¹⁴. But, passing the quarter test means stopping 122 feet sooner on wet roads¹⁴. Check your tire’s tread depth often and for uneven wear. It helps your tires last longer and prevents early replacements.

Remember, check the pressure when tires are cold. It’s okay if the pressure rises by 5 psi when warm¹⁴. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles¹⁴. This helps them wear evenly and last longer. And, align your wheels with new tires or if steering feels off¹⁴.

“Proper tire maintenance can prevent flat tires, blowouts, and tread separation.”¹⁵

Keep these tire care tips in mind to keep your car running well and safe. Shockingly, just 19% of people keep their tires properly inflated, missing out on fuel savings of up to 11 cents a gallon¹⁵. By inflating your tires right, they could last 4,700 miles longer¹⁵.

At Merrill Automotive, we love American-made stuff, like Cooper Tires¹⁶. We stand by U.S. manufacturing too. Always inspect and care for your tires to keep your ride safe and eco-friendly.

Battery and Electrical System Maintenance

It’s key to keep your car’s battery and electrical system in good shape. This ensures your car runs well and avoids breakdowns¹⁷. Hybrid and electric cars need similar care as regular ones. However, all-electric cars are easier to maintain because they have fewer parts and fluids¹⁷. Here are some tips to follow for your vehicle.

Trickle Chargers Keep Batteries Topped-Up

A car battery can last 3 to 5 years if you take care of it¹⁸. If your car sits for a while, a trickle charger can keep the battery from losing its charge¹⁷. This small device can make your battery last longer. So, your car should start up when you need it to.

Weekly Driving Prevents Battery Degradation

Driving your car for about 30 minutes weekly keeps the battery healthy¹⁸. This activity helps the battery recharge. It also stops the battery from wearing out too soon¹⁹. A good battery means fewer problems with starting your car or dim lights¹⁹.

Don’t forget to check the battery connections and test the alternator and starter. This can spot problems early¹⁹. By keeping up with these regular checks, your car’s electrical system will work well. And you can avoid sudden trips to the repair shop¹⁷¹⁹¹⁸.

“Maintaining the health of your car’s battery and electrical system is crucial for reliable performance and preventing costly breakdowns.”

Don’t let a dead battery or electrical issues keep your car grounded. Use these easy tips to avoid problems and keep your car in top condition.

Brakes and Suspension Check

It’s vital to keep your car’s brakes and suspension working well for safety and peak performance. Looking after them through regular checks and maintenance can make them last longer, up to 50% more²⁰. It also helps your car use fuel more efficiently, by up to 10%²⁰. Plus, keeps you safer on wet roads, lowering accident risks by 70%²⁰.

Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors

Checking your brake pads and rotors often is key to being able to stop your car safely. Many drivers avoid hard braking during emergencies. This is where Brake Assist can be a lifesaver, shortening stopping distances²¹. Choosing high-performance brakes can cut stopping distance by another 20% in a crisis²⁰.

Check Suspension Components

The parts that make up your car’s suspension such as shocks and ball joints help with staying in control and stable. Ignoring uneven tire wear can hurt handling and stability by 30%²⁰. Maintaining these parts well can lower the chance of your car rolling over by 40%²⁰. Checking and fixing these parts early on makes your car’s response and safety better.

Staying ahead with brake maintenance and suspension maintenance is smart. It keeps your brakes, shocks, and more in great shape, making your drive safe and enjoyable²¹²⁰.

“Maintaining your car’s brakes and suspension is a crucial investment in your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.”

Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is key for your car’s health. It makes sure your car is safe and runs well. This shows in how you feel when driving.

Getting your wheels aligned often keeps your tires wearing evenly. This makes tires last longer, saving you money. It also helps your car use fuel more efficiently²². So, you can drive further without using more gas. Also, it keeps your car steady and easier to control. This means fewer accidents and more safety²².

If your wheels are not aligned right, your steering may shake. Keeping them aligned makes your drive smoother. It also stops tires from wearing out too soon, saving you cash on tire replacements and fuel²².

Regluar check-ups find alignment issues early, helping avoid major problems later²². Some car makers say you must align your wheels to keep the warranty. This also helps catch alignment problems²².

Today, cars with ADAS tech need special care for wheel alignment²³. These cars have high-tech tools like sensors and cameras. They must be aligned perfectly. This special alignment, called Safety Systems Alignment, ensures your car’s safety features work right²³.

More cars are using ADAS tech, making the need for expert alignment services grow²⁴. This shows how important it is to keep your car well-aligned²²²³²⁴. It helps your car run better, stay safe, and saves you money.

Conclusion

Looking after your car maintenance is like putting money in the bank for the future. It’s all about sticking to the service schedule your car maker suggests, acting fast when you see problems, and regular checkups. Doing these things will keep your life of your vehicle longer, keep it safe, and stop big repair bills²⁵. This guide is packed with tips to help your car run well for years. A car that’s cared for is not just more reliable but also gives you peace of mind.

²⁵ A poll by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation found that 64.8% of Canadians think others over-rely on their car’s safety tech. And 44.6% rate their driving as an eight out of ten, which suggests they see themselves as safer than most²⁵. So, it’s important to stay alert and make sure your car’s safety features work well. This helps keep everyone safe on the streets.

²⁶ Now, let’s talk money and safety. The market for super smart car safety systems is set to grow big, reaching $83 billion by 2030²⁶. These systems have already proven they can reduce crashes. In fact, there’s been a 27% drop in how often people get hurt and a 19% fall in property damage thanks to this tech²⁶. So, spending on modern safety means your car might last longer and save you money.

Source Links

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15. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/tires – Tires | NHTSA
16. https://merrillauto.com/making-vehicle-maintenance-easy/why-you-need-good-tires-a-guide-to-tire-maintenance-and-safety/ – A Guide to Tire Maintenance and Safety – Merrill Automotive
17. https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric-maintenance – Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles
18. https://southwestmuffler.com/exploring-the-inner-workings-of-your-car-s-electrical-system/ – Exploring the Inner Workings of Your Car’s Electrical System – Southwest Muffler & Brake
19. https://www.dietrichsauto.com/blog-details?objId=4ba071fb-b3f6-4988-86c4-c8d7e9a2752f – Dietrich’s Auto Repair
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23. https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/blog/alignment/why-adas-require-special-alignment/ – Why Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems Require Special Alignment
24. https://kunesmitsubishi.com/blog/future-now-advanced-driver-assistance-systems-adas-and-the-importance-of-specialized-wheel-alignments – Future Now: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the Importance of Specialized Wheel Alignments | Kunes Mad City Mitsubishi, WI, Blog
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