Driving safely isn’t always about avoiding accidents; it’s also about being prepared if you get into one. There are plenty of things you can do to your car to make driving on the road safer. Road safety and how people drive their vehicles are often closely linked. Many people don’t realize this, but one of the most important things you can do to improve road safety is to improve your vehicle’s level of safety—not just for yourself, but for other people on the road as well.
The first thing we need to understand is why a car upgrade is necessary in the first place. The current car doesn’t give you what you want, or maybe it has too many issues that need fixing immediately and is impossible for you to fix on your own. If it seems like there are more problems than solutions, then it’s time for a change. The main reason cars become outdated is slow speed and lack of safety equipment. Here are some standard safety upgrades that you should make to your vehicle to keep you and your passengers safe as you take to the roads.
Parking Sensors
These are very handy for blind spots. If you park on a hill and can’t see what’s behind your car, sensors will allow you to do so. Many come with an alarm system as well, so if someone gets too close when you’re away from your vehicle, it will sound off until they move.
It may not seem like a big deal, but it could save you a great deal of trouble in some situations. Be sure to read reviews before choosing parking sensors. They aren’t created equal, which means that price isn’t always indicative of quality. Some cheaper models won’t detect smaller objects or greater distances than others. You want something reliable after all!
360-degree Camera
While not all cars on the road will have a camera installed, most cars these days come with a rear-view mirror that provides an almost 360-degree view of what’s behind you. One or two cameras installed in your vehicle will give you all that and more, giving you a vantage point from inside your car that’s just as good as looking out your windshield. Cameras can also offer safety features like parking assist—which helps you park without bashing into another object—and forward-collision warning systems, which alert you when a crash might be imminent.
Dashcam
If you’re using a dashcam, make sure it’s positioned properly. Make sure there’s no glare on your screen. And make sure it’s getting a clear view of what’s in front of you at all times. Nothing ruins a good video more than several trees and buildings obstructing your vision (or covering up important signage). Finally, save yourself some hassle by setting up parking mode. This feature allows your car to start recording automatically as soon as it detects motion when parked—even if you forget to turn on the recording before you leave work, you won’t miss any action while parked.
Cruise Control
By keeping your speed steady, cruise control helps you avoid sudden movements and keeps your car running at a level RPM (rotations per minute)—keeping it from speeding up or slowing down too fast. This is helpful for not only long road trips but also short ones. Even a few minutes of commuting with cruise control can help prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. If you don’t have it, consider adding it when you make any other significant upgrades. The best models automatically turn themselves off once they sense traffic has come to a complete stop; if that doesn’t suit your needs, you can manually deactivate them yourself.
Windshields
Most cars and trucks have laminated safety glass windshields, which are five times stronger than non-laminated varieties. These windshields can withstand considerable impact without shattering, thereby reducing your risk of serious injury if your car is involved in an accident. If you want to upgrade your vehicle, consider having a professional car glass repair and upgrade your windshield with an impact-resistant model. Windshields are also the most impacted during accidents. A good-quality glass would not easily break, be able to put out the airbag correctly, and protect you from a direct head injury in case of an accident.
Buy Top-quality Tires
New tires might be a good place to start if you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade your vehicle’s safety. High-quality tires provide a smoother ride and better handling—and can even keep you from losing control of your car in sudden weather changes. Of course, there are lots of options when it comes to tire brands, but consider purchasing from top manufacturers.
If you’re interested in increasing traction, consider new all-season or winter tires. These help stop power, which may save you from spinning out on a slick road. Low-profile tires are great for better handling during high speeds and sharp turns. Of course, if you don’t have enough tread left on your current wheels, it might be time for an upgrade!
Upgrading your car is a great way to ensure you’re as safe as possible on road trips. Of course, it might be challenging, but if you research your needs and budget correctly, you can get yourself a top-of-the-line model for a reasonable price. With these tips in mind, upgrading your car should be easier than ever.