Top Safety Features to Look for When Buying a Used Car from a Dealership
If you're shopping for a used car at a dealership, you're likely weighing things like mileage, price, and appearance-but one of the most important things to consider is safety. Whether you're looking for one of the safest cars for your daily commute or browsing the safest SUVs to haul the family around, paying attention to a vehicle's safety features and car safety ratings is essential.
Reputable used car dealerships often offer late-model vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technologies that improve safety and confidence behind the wheel. Here are the top safety features to look for in a used car:
1. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)ABS prevents your wheels from locking up during sudden braking and helps you maintain steering control-especially useful in slippery conditions. It's a standard feature in most vehicles made after the early 2000s, but it's worth confirming during your dealership visit.
2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
3. Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain)
4. Rearview Camera
5. Blind Spot Monitoring
6. Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping Assist
These systems help prevent unintentional lane drifting. Some models will even steer you gently back into your lane-commonly referred to as cars with lane assist. This is a growing standard in many of today's safest car models.
7. Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
8. Adaptive Cruise Control
9. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
10. Adaptive Headlights
11. Child Safety Features
12. Automatic Crash Notification (ACN)
13. Crash Test & Car Safety Ratings
2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps keep your car stable during sharp turns or slippery road conditions by applying brakes to individual wheels. This technology is a key part of many safest SUVs and sedans alike.
3. Airbags (Front, Side, and Curtain)
Comprehensive airbag coverage-including front, side, and curtain airbags-is essential in any of the safest cars or SUVs. Check with your dealership to ensure the vehicle has the right airbag configuration for your needs.
4. Rearview Camera
Standard on vehicles made in 2018 or later, a rearview camera helps reduce backup accidents and makes tight parking situations safer. Cars with rearview cameras offer drivers better visibility when reversing, which is especially useful in busy parking lots or when backing out of a driveway. It's a simple yet effective safety feature that you'll appreciate every day.
5. Blind Spot Monitoring
This system alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, reducing the risk of side collisions during lane changes. You'll find it in many mid- and upper-trim used models-especially in the safest SUVs designed with family safety in mind. If you're searching for cars with blind spot monitors, be sure to ask your used car dealership to point out models that include this valuable safety feature.
6. Lane Departure Warning & Lane Keeping Assist
These systems help prevent unintentional lane drifting. Some models will even steer you gently back into your lane-commonly referred to as cars with lane assist. This is a growing standard in many of today's safest car models.
7. Forward Collision Warning & Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
These features can warn you of an impending crash and apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Look for used vehicles with AEB systems that include pedestrian and cyclist detection-these can reduce the risk of injury by up to 30%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Some newer models even detect animals or wildlife, offering extra protection in low-visibility areas.
8. Adaptive Cruise Control
A great feature for highway driving, adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It's becoming a must-have in the safest cars and SUVs alike.
9. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
TPMS alerts you when your tires are underinflated-improving fuel efficiency and reducing the risk of blowouts. It's been a requirement in most vehicles since 2007.
10. Adaptive Headlights
These smart headlights automatically adjust their brightness and direction based on your speed and steering angle. They enhance visibility on winding roads and improve your ability to detect obstacles in the dark-especially helpful if you frequently drive at night or in rural areas.
11. Child Safety Features
If you're a parent or planning to be, prioritize vehicles with built-in child safety systems. Look for LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems, rear door child locks, and rear seat reminders. These features help protect your youngest passengers and are commonly found in the safest SUVs for families.
12. Automatic Crash Notification (ACN)
In the event of a serious crash, ACN systems automatically alert emergency responders if airbags deploy or if sensors detect impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that this feature could save over 700 lives each year. Note: Some ACN systems in vehicles made before 2021 may no longer function due to cellular network updates, so check with the manufacturer or dealership to confirm whether it's active and if it requires a subscription.
13. Crash Test & Car Safety Ratings
Before finalizing your purchase, always check the vehicle's car safety ratings from trusted sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Many of the safest cars and safest SUVs earn top marks in crash testing and are recognized for superior crash protection.
