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5 Safety Checks to Make Before Buying a Used Car

Mechanic with Clipboard

Used Car Safety Checklist

There are many things you must consider when shopping for and buying a used car. Whether you want to buy a used sedan, wagon, pickup truck, van or any other type of vehicle, safety should be at the top of your list. These days, used vehicles offer more high-tech safety systems and advanced safety features than ever before that are designed to help keep every passenger safe in the event of an accident. Some new safety features can even prevent an accident from happening in the first place.

The next time you begin shopping for a used car, use this safety checklist to get behind the wheel of a safe vehicle. Keep reading to learn more about the top five safety checks you need to make before buying your next used car.

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Top 5 Used Car Safety Checks

  1. Crash Test Ratings – Knowing the crash test rating of the used car you’re interested in will help you find the safest vehicle. Canada uses three different entities to determine a car’s safety rating. The three include crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (MVCR) National Safety Mark.
  2. Accident Avoidance Systems – If you can find a used car that offers any type of accident avoidance system, you’ll be in good hands with the added safety protection. A vehicle’s ability to avoid an accident is just as important as its ability to keep you safe in the event of a crash.
  3. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) – Safety experts highly recommend buying a used car that has an anti-lock braking system. This system helps prevent wheels from locking up during a hard stop and will also help keep your vehicle straight, which allows you to manoeuvre during a panic stop.
  4. Rearview Backup Camera – One of the most popular safety features a used car can offer that shoppers want is a rearview camera. This innovative safety technology allows you to see what’s behind your vehicle by displaying it on your information screen.
  5. Test Drive – Last but not least, the test drive. To really get a feel for the used car you’re interested in, you must take it out for a test drive. Once you’re on the road, get a feel for the vehicle and make sure that all the lights are operational and that its brakes are working properly.

To learn more about what to look for when shopping for a used vehicle, visit Autohouse Kingston, and we’ll be happy to help you. At Autohouse Kingston, we carry a large inventory of used vehicles that offer all the qualities you’re looking for at an affordable price.

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