How to Research Vehicle Safety Ratings Before Buying
Purchasing a vehicle is a major decision that requires careful research and consideration. One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new car is its safety ratings. Vehicle safety ratings provide valuable information about a vehicle’s crashworthiness and its ability to protect passengers in the event of an accident. With so many different cars on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to research vehicle safety ratings. In this article, we will provide you with the necessary steps to help you research vehicle safety ratings before making a purchase.
Step 1: Determine Which Sources to Use
The first step to researching vehicle safety ratings is to determine which sources you will use. There are several organizations that test and rate the safety of vehicles, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and Consumer Reports.
Each of these organizations has its own unique criteria and testing methods, so it is important to consider information from all of them to get a well-rounded understanding of a vehicle’s safety.
Step 2: Understand the Safety Ratings
Before diving into the specifics of each rating, it is important to have a basic understanding of the different types of safety ratings. The most common ratings are the NHTSA’s 5-star Safety Ratings and the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.
The NHTSA’s 5-star Safety Ratings provide consumers with the overall safety rating of a vehicle, while the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards are given to vehicles that perform well in both crash tests and front crash prevention.
Step 3: Look at Crash Test Results
The primary focus of vehicle safety ratings is crash tests. These tests simulate potential real-world accidents and evaluate a vehicle’s performance in different types of crashes.
The NHTSA and IIHS both conduct frontal and side impact crash tests, as well as rollover tests. However, the NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system, while the IIHS uses a Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor rating system.
Step 4: Consider Advanced Safety Features
Today’s cars are equipped with advanced safety features that can help prevent accidents or mitigate the severity of a crash if one does occur. The IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ rating takes into account vehicles with advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.
These features are becoming increasingly popular, and it may be worth considering a vehicle with them for added safety.
Step 5: Read Consumer Reviews
Another valuable source of information for vehicle safety ratings is consumer reviews. These reviews can provide you with real-world experiences from actual owners of the vehicle.
While official safety ratings give a good indication of a car’s performance, it is important to consider the experiences of those who drive the car on a daily basis.
Step 6: Compare Across Vehicles
When researching vehicle safety ratings, it is also important to compare across different vehicles. A 5-star rating for one vehicle may not necessarily mean it is safer than another vehicle with a 4-star rating.
Consider comparing ratings for vehicles in the same class or price range to get a better understanding of their safety performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, researching vehicle safety ratings before buying is crucial for making an informed decision. By considering ratings from different sources, understanding the different types of ratings, and comparing across vehicles, you can ensure that you are making a safe and well-informed purchase. Don’t forget to read consumer reviews for added insight, and always prioritize safety when making a decision about buying a new car.
