Are you in the market for a new or used car? The most important feature of any car is the level of protection it gives occupants and other road users in a crash, so it’s essential that you have the information you need to make an informed decision.
Steps to buying a safe new or used car
Safety ratings websites are an excellent resource
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program, more commonly referred to as ANCAP, is Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority. ANCAP offer safety ratings for new cars as well as new-car ratings for older models. As a founding member of ANCAP, the NRMA has been conducting vehicle crash testing and publishing the results through ANCAP for over 20 years. Consider the safety of others, too, by looking at pedestrian safety scores in the ANCAP data.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - a Victorian Government-owned organisation set up to promote road safety - operates a How Safe is Your Car offer safety ratings for used cars, calculated from real crash data.
Used Car Safety Ratings are also an excellent resource for drivers looking to buy a safe, second-hand car. We strongly urge drivers to check the used car safety rating before buying a vehicle and to choose the safest car they can afford.
Buy a white car
When evaluating car colour and crash risk, statistically, white is the safest colour, because it’s easier to see than any other colour at night, during the day and in overcast conditions.
Ideally, choose a car with six airbags
Aim to have dual front, side and full-length curtain or head airbags in your car. Such models have been around for more than 10 years and are not prohibitively priced.
Ensure the tyres are of good quality with plenty of tread
How do you pick a good tyre? The answer is to choose a known brand. You’re far safer in the wet with plenty of tread on your tyres so avoid wearing them down all the way to the minimum tread depth indicators.
Make sure your purchase is mechanically sound
Get a vehicle inspection for peace of mind before purchasing. If you buy a used car, have it checked over for safety and reliability, and ensure you meet regular maintenance requirements. A 40 point safety check should be the first step in any car service. To give you a complete picture of your car’s safety status, the checks include:
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Tyre tread and pressure
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Battery and charging system report
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Exhaust and fan belt
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Coolant and transmission fluid check and top-up
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Lights, windscreen and wipers
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Brakes and steering
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Suspension and driveline
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Road test, which includes checking the transmission, engine, differential, clutch and body report
And lastly if you are considering taking out a car loan, NRMA car loans have great rates for Members.
