Every day it seems more and more automobiles are added to the highway. Traffic slows the daily commute, lengthens the summer road trip, and increasingly causes headaches when dealing with other motorists. Fortunately, car manufacturers have made necessary improvements to their products to protect individuals while driving in these congested arenas.
A few of the newer features are becoming more common on cars and trucks while some are even being made mandatory very soon. Each of these safety features benefit the driver and passengers while protecting both the automobile and its’ occupants.
Unfortunately, with the high numbers of vehicles on the road, accidents are going to occur. The auto industry is well aware of this fact and has been working to make their cars safer while adding other tidbits here and there that can make driving more bearable, especially in heavy traffic.
AIRBAGS
The inflatable cushion mounted in steering wheels and front dashes everywhere became required in the fall of 1998 for all passenger cars and trucks, but was widely available prior. Since, the airbag has saved numerous lives while providing one of the most beneficial safety features installed in vehicles since the seatbelt.
Airbags were determined to be so beneficial that many newer model cars now feature side-impact deployments.
BACKUP CAMERA
While backup camera were more common on large recreational vehicles and buses, the technology has slowly trickled down to smaller cars and trucks. As computers, sensors, and lenses increase in development the ability to see all of a vehicle's surroundings from the driver's seat on a screen improves.
It was mandated in 2014 by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that every automobile sold after May of 2018 be equipped with this feature.
BLIND SPOT MONITOR
One of the newest safety features is the blind spot monitor which is capable of detecting another vehicle to the rear of either side of a driver’s automobile. The system is equipped with either flashing lights located on the side mirrors or elsewhere, a vibration system, possibly in the seat, or an audible beep when something is detected.
The newer system serves as an extremely beneficial concept, especially on congested highways in the city.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
This feature actually assists in driving the vehicle should a skid begin to occur. The ESC system both applies the brakes and reduces power to the engine in an attempt to aid a driver in regaining driveability of a vehicle that may otherwise be out of control.
Initially instituted in 1995 more and more manufacturers are equipping their vehicles with the ESC system that has also saved countless lives on America’s roadways.
The experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center can answer any questions regarding your vehicle’s safety features while ensuring each is functioning properly. A full detailed review of your car, truck, van, or SUV will be administered allowing the owner or driver to feel immediately at ease. All services can and will be completed in a timely manner to keep your vehicle safely on the road. Whether you have safety concerns or are in need of routine maintenance, leave your auto with someone you know as most services can be administered the same day. Request an appointment online or call today.