Vehicles can be customized with an absurd amount of technology and feature these days, making it a safer and more comfortable time to be on the road than ever before. However, there are always upgrades you can invest in to make your vehicle that much easier to control. Not only does this practice keep you and others safe, but it can save you tons of money that would be used to handle damages from crashes, scratches, vehicle maintenance, and more. If you’re looking to invest in safety-boosting upgrades for your vehicle, or simply want to consider what features you want to be installed in an upcoming vehicle that you’re considering purchasing, here are six important vehicle features that save you money:
1. Electronic Stability Control
Without electronic stability control built into your vehicle, the chances of individual wheels spinning out, or your vehicle suddenly becoming unruly to control, are significantly decreased. Most vehicles are now made with electronic stability controls built-in, but installing them can save you money in the long run if your vehicle is still lacking them. Extreme steering maneuvers can lead to costly, deadly accidents, so having technology that can help you avoid these situations is something that you owe to both yourself and everyone else on the road (not to mention the costs it can save you when it comes to vehicle insurance).
2. Collision Warning Technology
Especially if you’ve bought a vehicle made after 2010, the chances of it having some form of collision warning technology built into it are high. Whether you’re using backup cameras, or simply have an alarm installed in the vehicle to tell you when you’re getting too close to another object, you’ll have the ability to avoid costly collisions, dents, and scratches. If you have an older vehicle, some mechanics can install simple alarm-based collision warning technology for an incredibly affordable price. For those that live in crowded cities, or who have to parallel park frequently, collision warning technology practically ends up paying for itself.
3. Performance Tracking Device
Performance tracking devices and apps are being used frequently by vehicle insurers over the last decade to understand your driving habits and performance in more detail. With these installed and used while you drive, you can showcase how wonderful of a driver you are, and become eligible for discounts on your premiums (along with other benefits) that will be well worth the data that you’re sharing. Although not all drivers are comfortable with this type of deal, those that are should look into the process immediately, as most major insurers have some form of performance tracking deals built into their system nowadays.
4. Adaptive Headlights
If you’re in the market for a new vehicle or looking to make useful upgrades to your current vehicle, installing adaptive headlights is a solid, money-saving choice. The ability for adaptive headlights to create more light around curves and other tight-to-drive in locations is revolutionary and has helped drivers avoid tons of preventable accidents since they first hit the marketplace. The initial cost for installing adaptive headlights is fairly affordable and is well worth the money is given how much safer it will keep both you and those around you on the road.
5. Phone Mount
Vehicle accidents, both minor and major, will quickly eat through your finances. Repairs, injury costs, property damage, and more will cost you big (and that’s only mentioning the non-human costs that can come from accidents). By buying a phone mount, you can use them in tandem with apps that keep you from using distracting apps on the road, making it highly unlikely that you’ll get into accidents. Additionally, this simple, affordable device can make you less likely to speed or make minor mistakes on the road that could lead to speeding tickets or other costly citations.
6. Anti-Theft Device
Nothing can be as frustrating, time-consuming, and money-draining in quite the same way that a stolen car is. If you want to avoid this potentially infuriating situation, installing an anti-theft device in your car is ideal. Not only can you install the device, but putting a sticker on the car advertising its existence will provide a massive deterrent to any would-be thieves. If they believe the police will have the ability to track the car once it’s stolen, they will be much more hesitant to take a chance at pulling off the heist. This practice keeps others in your neighborhood safer from vehicular theft as well, so it’s a responsible investment for all vehicle owners to make.
Peace of Mind is The Best Thing Money Can Buy
Even if you have to spend a little extra to install any of these six money-saving devices or features into your vehicle, the money will buy you something invaluable: the pace of mind that you and others around you on the road will get home safe. Thankfully, if you’re buying a brand-new vehicle, you’ll have the ability to find vehicles that likely already have four or more of these must-have features pre-installed.
