Car Buying Guide: Here's What You Need to Know About Safety Scores

You have come across the car that's the right size for your needs. Its price is reasonable, and it looks appealing. However, there is one important factor that is extremely paramount when buying a new or used vehicle – its safety scores. You want to be sure that the car will offer protection in the event of a crash. You will find that some vehicles are advertised as "top safety" with five-star ratings in crash tests. While this may look the real deal, you need to have the following facts in mind as you shop around for a model with high safety scores.

The size of the vehicle matters

Safety scores are determined by comparing cars of the same size and weight capacity. Crash test results between two cars of different sizes and weights cannot be compared since the energy involved in a collision is based on size and weight. For two vehicles with the same rating, but different weight, the heavier car will offer more protection during a crash compared to the lighter one.

That said, when you are out shopping for a car with a high safety score, only compare cars within the same size and weight category. So, for example, if a minivan has a lower safety score than a mid-size sedan of the same weight, you are better off with the sedan as its crash test results rate higher than the minivan in the same weight category.

Time changes ratings

Testing protocols are often altered to incorporate new testing standards and guidelines. This is primarily due to the technological changes in the automobile manufacturing industry over the years. A vehicle that received a five star-rating some few years ago is likely to get a lower rating using the current standards. This means that modern cars with high safety scores are more likely to offer better protection than older models that scored high as well.

New cars may be safer

New cars may be more expensive than their second-hand counterparts, but they may also be safer. Of course, factors such as the age of the car, maintenance, and previous accidents come into play when determining the safety rating of a used car. A car that has been involved in more than a few accidents and had significant safety features replaced or repaired can have a lower score. Sometimes, drivers opt for the cheaper aftermarket parts instead of manufacturer's parts. The former could be of lower-quality, hence offer less protection than manufacturer's parts.

The safety score of a vehicle is one of the key factors you should consider when making a purchase. You can have a car dealer like Rebel Ford assist you in assessing the safety ratings of different vehicles to ensure you will be protected in the event of a crash.