Buying a car
Safety features explained
There are many new innovations coming on the market that can enhance safe driving. So what is the salesperson saying when he/she rattles off all these super, hi-tech terms to make you think your next new car is packed with safety features? In fact, some safety features have various names and all may not come as standard.
Supercheap Auto explains a few of these safety features, so you can be equipped with the knowledge to make sure your next new car meets your needs and budget.
ABS - Anti-Lock Braking System
The main function of this system is to prevent the wheels from "locking up" and skidding when the brakes are applied heavily, particularly in an emergency stop. ABS allows the driver to maintain steering ability, while braking, to help avoid obstacles.
When the ABS light turns on while driving (located on the driver's dash), this means that the system is not working and the non-ABS, conventional braking system will become effective. If the ABS light is on, Supercheap Auto recommends taking your car to a qualified mechanic or the dealership to investigate the problem. DO NOT attempt DIY repairs on this system, as it could affect your braking system and therefore your ability to drive safely.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is also known as Electronic Brakeforce Stabilisation. EBD is usually in addition to ABS. EBD ensures maximum braking effectiveness by automatically sensing the amount of brakeforce required for each wheel to come to a stop. The sensors react to road conditions, speed and weight carried on the car.
Electronic Stability Control
Electronic Stability Control is probably the most confusing of them all. It's known by four names! ESC is also known as Dynamic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Assist. Don't be fooled, these are all the same thing! Car dealers can use any of these terms and when you're out seeking the best deal from dealership to dealership, it can get very confusing.
ESC is also in addition to ABS and is particularly effective in preventing single car accidents. The system is automatically activated when it detects loss of control, that the car is starting to slide or that it is under or over-steering. ESC de-powers the engine and applies the brakes to individual wheels to bring the car back under control.
Air Bags
We all know that front and passenger air bags have been around for quite some time now, but what about the new 'side curtain airbags'? Or the 'torso/combination head and torso' airbags? What extra protection do they provide?
Side impact crashes account for approximately 22% of all major crash types resulting in serious injury or death.
Side curtain airbags are located on the top of the front doors and above the side window. They are designed to protect the drivers' and passengers' heads in a crash. When deployed, these airbags spread over both the front and back windows (like a curtain) and form a cushion between the head and the window. The airbag stays in place in the event of a rollover. Front airbags only deploy in the event of front-on crashes and do not provide protection in side impact collisions.
Torso airbags or combination torso and head airbags and designed to protect the body from shoulders to the hip. They are normally fitted in the side of the front seat or in the front doors. If these airbags are fitted into the side of the front seats, it is not recommended to use ordinary seat covers which covers the area where the airbag is fitted. This can inhibit the airbag to deploy effectively.
Check with the dealership if these additional airbags are standard or optional as this will vary across makes and models.
A few tips to maximise airbag effectiveness…
· If the steering wheel can be adjusted, position it so the airbag deploys at the chest and not at the head.
· The driver should be positioned at least 30cm from the airbag, by means of adjusting the seat.
Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA)
ISA is a safety technology that alerts drivers (audio and visual) when they exceed the speed limit by 2km/h or more on a given section of road.
The difference between ISA and a speed alert system is that a speed alert system only advises the driver when they exceed a speed limit pre-set by the driver, ISA locates the car through a GPS system which then cross-checks with a digital road map containing information about the speed limit on a given road. ISA is a new technology that is still being refined, however it is expected to be on the market sometime soon.
Star Ratings
Star ratings are a helpful indicator for choosing your next new car. The Australian New Car Assessment Program and the Used Car Safety Ratings provide quickly accessible information to:
Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)
The ANCAP provides information on how well new cars are able to protect occupants in the event of a crash by conducting tests on new car models and calculating a star rating. The tests are conducted in the interest of the consumer, to inform them of the comparative safety of new cars on the market. Crash tests simulate two most common crashes - a front-on offset and a side impact collision.
From 2008, all cars tested will require electronic stability control in order to achieve a 5 star rating.
The program is supported by transport authorities around Australia and New Zealand. For more information, go to www.ancap.com.au
Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR)
UCSR act in a similar way to the ANCAP whereby used cars are rated based on the likelihood of the driver being killed or seriously injured. The latest ratings are compiled from statistics collected from crashes in both Australia and New Zealand between 1987 and 2005. Over two million police reported crashes are analysed in the latest UCSR. The drivers' behaviour or the car's handling and condition does not influence the results. Some models of the same name from 1982 - 1998 may vary with construction and weight. It is recommended in this instance that further research about the model and year of the car you are considering, is undertaken.
