When it comes to purchasing a car, safety should be one of the top priorities on your checklist. A vehicle’s safety rating can provide crucial information about its ability to protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. This article outlines the steps you can take to check a car’s safety rating before making a purchase.

1. Understand safety rating organizations

Two major organizations assess vehicle safety: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA is a federal agency responsible for reducing deaths, injuries, and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. The IIHS is a non-profit organization funded by insurance companies that conducts research and evaluations to reduce motor vehicle crashes.

2. Know the rating systems

Both the NHTSA and IIHS have their own unique rating systems. The NHTSA uses a 5-star system, with 5 stars being the highest rating possible, while the IIHS rates vehicles as “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal,” or “Poor” based on their performance in crash tests.

3. Check the NHTSA ratings

To find a car’s NHTSA safety rating, visit their website (www.nhtsa.gov) and search for the specific make, model, and year of the vehicle you’re interested in. You’ll find ratings for front crash, side crash, and rollover resistance tests, as well as an overall safety score.

4. Check IIHS ratings

For IIHS ratings, go to their website (www.iihs.org) and search for the specific make, model, and year of the car you’re looking at. Their ratings are based on various crash tests, including frontal impact, side-impact, roof strength, head restraints, and seats.

5. Look for Top Safety Picks

The IIHS awards vehicles that achieve the highest levels of safety performance with their “Top Safety Pick” and “Top Safety Pick+” designations. These vehicles have attained good ratings in all crash tests and have advanced safety technology features.

6. Investigate additional safety features

Besides the safety ratings, look for additional safety features offered by the car manufacturer, such as anti-lock braking systems, electronic stability control, brake assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warnings.

7. Check for recalls

Lastly, always ensure to check if the vehicle has had any recalls due to safety issues. You can search for recalls on the NHTSA’s website using the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

In conclusion, a car’s safety rating is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. By researching and understanding the ratings from reputable organizations like NHTSA and IIHS, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a car that provides optimal protection for you and your family.