What you should know about ABS, TC, and all those other letters.
When you're buying a new or used car, there's every chance that it has some of the latest safety equipment. Some new cars have so many life-saving devices, it's hard to tell what they all do. There are a few basic features you should demand in your next vehicle - and some that are worth paying more for:
ABS: Or, anti-lock brakes. Anti-lock simply gives you back steering control when you've braked very hard. Instead of locking up, ABS uses computer sensors to relieve some braking pressure, which keeps wheels rotating - and thus keeps you in better control. Buy it if it's available.
Airbags: Since 1998, dual front airbags have been required on all passenger cars sold in the U.S., and all trucks. Side airbags, though, are the latest evolution of the same technology. Some are seat-mounted, some are door-mounted, but both are designed to protect passengers from side-impact injuries. They're usually not very expensive, unless they're packaged with other luxury options.
Traction Control: Usually found with anti-lock brakes, traction control sometimes uses the same sensors to apply braking power when one or more wheels are spinning too fast. Useful on snowy, wet, or muddy surfaces, especially with very powerful cars. It can be an expensive option, but if you live in a wet-weather area, it's worth considering.
Stability Control: Again, using the anti-lock braking sensors, this technology applies the brakes when you're going around a corner too fast. This is the most recent innovation here, and you'll pay for it - up to $2000 extra on already pricey models from BMW, Mercedes, and others.
High Intensity Headlamps: Halogen headlamps used to be the best you could buy. Now, automakers are installing brighter, whiter xenon headlights that cast a beam much farther. Better visibility for you and others can be had on some luxury models for about $500 or less.
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