Choosing a Safe Family Car: Key Features to Check Before Taking a Car Loan

As a car owner, you are well aware of the dynamic driving conditions. You often navigate uneven road conditions, traffic-congested areas, and narrow streets. Not to forget the traffic rule-breakers: the rash drivers or those coming from the wrong side, who often appear in your path out of nowhere. Being exposed to these risks and others from almost every angle makes you realise the importance of family car safety features.

The blog further highlights the essential safety features every car should include in recent times.

Typically, in critical situations, you tend to apply the brakes suddenly by putting excessive pressure on the pedal. As a result, the car’s wheels lock, preventing you from steering. However, the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) prevents the car’s wheels from locking in the event of sudden or hard braking. This allows you to brake and steer your vehicle out of the situation.

Picture this: you are focused on the road when, unexpectedly, a bike from the wrong direction comes into your path. Given the proximity of the bike coming in your path, you anticipate that a collision will take place. You may panic and lose control of your car.

In such situations, the Autonomous Emergency Brakes (AEB) come to your rescue. Suspecting a potential collision, the system automatically applies brakes. This helps prevent an accident or at least reduces the impact of a collision.

Currently, AEB is available across the leading options in the safest SUV for family category and is in the process of becoming available across other categories as well.

Tyre pressure plays a crucial role in a car’s performance and safety, yet it’s easy to overlook, especially on long drives or after periods of inactivity. Low tyre pressure can lead to blowouts, causing loss of control and putting both you and others at risk. The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) constantly tracks tyre inflation and alerts you if it drops below safe levels, allowing you to address the issue before it affects performance or safety.

Seat belts are one of the most effective yet often underrated safety features, protecting you from hitting the car’s interior in both minor jolts and major collisions. Modern family cars take this a step further with seat belt pretensioners. These devices tighten the belt instantly during a collision using a pyrotechnic charge, removing slack and keeping you securely in place, enhancing your safety significantly.

While front airbags are standard in most modern cars, side curtain airbags provide additional protection along the sides of the vehicle. These airbags deploy in emergencies, working in tandem with front airbags to offer more comprehensive safety for all passengers.

Safety features are not optional extras to overlook; they are life-saving elements that must always be prioritised. As driving conditions become more challenging, automobile companies are actively designing safety features that are more effective on the road.

Anti-Lock Braking System, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, seat belt pre-tensioners, and side curtain airbags are safety features that all family cars must have. If your car lacks these features, upgrading is a wise choice not just for safety but also for performance.

HDFC Bank offers XPRESS Car Loan with features and benefits designed to make your upgrade more value-oriented.

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*Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Car Loan at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited. Loan disbursal is subject to documentation and verification as per Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change. Please check with your RM or closest bank branch for current interest rate.