What do my car’s safety features actually do?
By Kijiji AutosWith every passing year, safety systems in vehicles continue to become increasingly complex. New cars now come standard with a number of safety features that would have been considered premium add-ons only a few years prior. While some newly developed innovations are still optional—for the time being at least—today's automotive safety systems are much more robust compared to those from only 10 years ago.
The following list will highlight some safety technologies, both new and old, that you should be aware of if you’re looking to purchase a new or nearly new vehicle.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Anti-lock brakes make it safe and simple to come to a quick stop while driving on a slippery surface. By preventing your car’s wheels from locking up while braking, ABS offers improved vehicle control and decreased stopping distance.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Similar to regular cruise control, adaptive cruise control takes it one step further. In addition to setting and maintaining a maximum speed, ACC uses sensors and cameras to maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle ahead. It will automatically slow down your vehicle should it sense the need to.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
Should you find yourself in a precarious position, AEB will alert you of an imminent collision and help you use the maximum braking capacity of your car to avoid any harm. If you don’t react quickly enough, this advanced driver assistance system will automatically brake your car for you.
Airbags
During a collision, your car will deploy its airbags to protect you and your passengers from bodily harm.
Blind-spot warning system (BSW)
By using cameras, radar and/or sensors, blind-spot warning systems detect vehicles you can’t see that are beside or behind your own. They pass this information to you through a visual and/or audible alert.
Driver drowsiness detection
Through a combination of sensors and technologies, such as steering monitoring, vehicle positioning, facial recognition and physiological assessments, driver drowsiness detection systems prevent accidents that occur when drivers become overtired or careless.
Electronic stability control system (ESC)
The electronic stability control system detects when your vehicle begins to lose traction, to prevent it from skidding or drifting. ESC becomes active whenever a motorist loses control of their vehicle to help drivers avoid collisions.
Forward collision warning (FCW)
By monitoring a vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the two, the forward collision warning system alerts the driver of a potential impending crash. Though, FCW won’t take control of the vehicle or apply the brakes.
Lane departure warning
Using a camera focused on the road’s lane markings, the lane departure warning system will notify the driver should they begin the drift or veer out of their own lane. Certain versions of this technology will even auto-correct the vehicle to keep it centred in its lane (sometimes known as lane-keep technology).
Night vision
Automotive night vision works by using a thermographic camera to increase a driver’s perception in low light or poor weather conditions. It can warn motorists of bicycles, pedestrians, animals and other vehicles on dark roads at night.
Rear-view camera
Rear-view cameras allow you to see into blind spots behind your vehicle while in reverse. This clear view can help prevent collisions and other accidents.
Seatbelts
This simple safety feature was designed to secure the occupants of a vehicle against sudden stops and harmful movement from impacts and collisions.
Smart headlights
Often referred to as automatic high beams, smart headlights will automatically shift from high to regular light after sensing oncoming traffic.
If you’re looking for a new or nearly new car that’s packed with an array of safety features, then Kijiji Autos has you covered.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search now10 tips to help make the road a better and happier place
We have all, at some point, been responsible for making the roadways stressful in one way or another. Alternatively, we are all equally capable of making the road a happier place. Let’s explore 10 unique ways we can help make the driving experience better again, for everyone's sake.10 great road trips in Canada
Living in one of the biggest countries in the world, it's pretty common to hear the open road calling. From the Rocky Mountains to the Gentle Island, the Great Lakes to the Badlands, grab your favourite gas station snacks, press play on your driving playlist and hit the road.10 eco-driving tips that can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint
With rising gas prices, carbon taxes on fuel and concerns about climate change, many Canadians are wondering how to save gas when driving. Experts recommend adopting eco-driving techniques that can help you save money and fuel. Read on to discover 10 of them:Tips to budget for car maintenance costs
Vehicle ownership requires more than the ability to operate a car; it requires a keen sense of budgeting and maintenance. Kijiji Autos helps you understand and prepare for the average cost of car maintenance to keep you ahead on the finances and your car driving on the road.What to consider if you have noisy brakes
One of the most common signs that a vehicle requires an inspection is squeaky brakes or excessive noise when braking. If you notice your vehicle’s brakes squealing, the problems can range from minor to significant issues.Canada’s happiest cities to drive in
New data reveals the best cities to drive in and which residents are the happiest on the roads.Common ways to clean leather car seats
Dirty and damaged seats can really impact the value of your vehicle. On the other hand, a well-maintained leather interior can keep your car looking fresh for many years.Common ways to remove scratches from car paint
So, you discovered a scratch on your car. Now what? Here are some tips on identifying scratches, picking and using a car scratch remover for your needs and when to leave it to the experts.Premium vs. regular gas: Common considerations
Maybe you wondered if premium gas is necessary or worth the extra money. Learn which could be t best for your vehicle below.Electric car maintenance and cost: everything you need to know
You might be wondering just how much it costs to own an electric vehicle. Here are some answers to common questions about maintaining, charging and owning an electric car.