Choosing Features and Options
Before you select your new vehicle, you should learn about the features and options available and what costs are associated with those features and options.
Features
Features, also called standard equipment, are available on the vehicle at no extra cost to the buyer.
When you are comparing vehicles, it is important to remember that some models have a larger selection of standard equipment than others. Read the window sticker to find out if equipment such as side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes, and power windows and door locks are included at no extra cost.
Examples of Features
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)—ABS prevents the vehicle from skidding during a panic stop and stops the wheels from locking up even when the brakes are firmly applied. However, ABS can be expensive to buy and may require some additional maintenance. Depending on the vehicle, ABS is either a feature or option and may be installed either on the rear wheels or on all four wheels.
- Four-Wheel Disc Brakes—Vehicles either have "disc" brakes on the front wheels or "drum" brakes on the rear wheels. Disc brakes on all four wheels are preferable, as they maintain their stopping power longer. On the other hand, drum brake pads are less expensive to replace.
- Larger Engine—Engine size is determined by the number of cylinders. Larger engines generally provide a quieter and smoother drive on the highway. They also provide added power for passing and for hauling a trailer.
- Multiple Valves—All engines have at least two valves for each cylinder. Additional valves make the engine more powerful and typically improve fuel efficiency.
- Power Steering and Power Steering with Variable Assistance--Power steering makes it easier to steer. Variable-assist or speed-sensitive steering is a kind of power steering that automatically boosts the power assist at low speeds and reduces it at high speeds.
- Tilt Steering Wheel—This feature allows easy accommodation for multiple drivers, especially small adults.
Options: A Tailor-Made Vehicle
Options allow you to custom-build your vehicle, but at additional expense. When researching options, consider factors like cost, convenience, necessity, availability and safety.
There are two kinds of options: factory-installed options and options installed by the dealership's service department. Factory-installed options come with a warranty. You may want to ask the dealer about the warranty on options the dealership installs before you purchase them.
Some options are sold only as a group or a package, which often reduces the cost of all the included items. However, packages can mean added expense if you only want or need one item in the package. Typical packages include convenience or sports packages.
Examples of Options
- Air-Conditioning—This option improves climate and comfort, but reduces fuel economy. Advanced features like dual control, automatic and rear air-conditioning can increase costs.
- Automatic Transmission—Automatic transmission increases resale value and makes a vehicle easier to drive.
- Speed Control—This option reduces driver fatigue on long-distance trips and may improve fuel economy.
- Four-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive—With these options, drivers may find that they have increased traction, especially in snow, rain and off-road. However, both four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive raise a vehicle's price and lower its fuel economy.
- Power Seats—Power seats can add comfort and improve the driver's view. They are sometimes available with a memory feature, which is especially useful when multiple drivers use the same vehicle.
Evaluating Safety Features
Paying attention to considerations such as a vehicle's crash performance rating and safety features can help ensure peace of mind. Learn about individual features as well as how each feature contributes to overall vehicle safety.
Finding Data on a Vehicle's Crash Performance
The National Crash Analysis Center collects vehicle crash test data and provides ratings on how well each vehicle protects drivers and passengers during frontal and side collisions. You can obtain crash test results by visiting The National Crash Analysis Center website or calling 703-726-8236.
Types of Safety Features
There are two basic kinds of safety features: occupant and crash avoidance.
Occupant safety features include safety belts, front and side airbags, child safety seats and head restraints. These features help reduce the risk of injuries during a crash.
Crash avoidance features include technologies such as traction control and all-wheel drive. These features may help drivers avoid an accident.
Occupant Safety Features
- Adjustable Upper Belts (safety belt component)—The adjustable upper belt permits the safety belt shoulder strap to adjust to accommodate a driver's size. This increases the comfort of the safety belt, which may lead to higher safety belt use.
- Child-seat Tethers Anchors—A child safety seat's tethers (or straps) are attached to these anchors. Since they secure the top of the safety seat to the vehicle, overall safety seat protection is increased.
- Energy Management Features (safety belt component)—This feature allows the safety belt strap to extend or "give" in a gradual and controlled manner in response to the occupant's forward momentum. This "give" reduces the risk of force-related injuries to the occupant's chest.
- Front Air Bag—A front air bag will inflate in certain frontal impacts to enhance occupant protection. Front air bags offer protection from hard interior surfaces such as the steering wheel, dashboard and windshield. However, if drivers are not properly restrained, front air bags can cause injuries when they inflate. Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.
- Head Restraint—The cushion attached to the back of the vehicle seat, head restraints help limit head motion in the event of a rear-end collision. However, to prevent neck injury, a head restraint has to be directly behind you. The top of the head restraint should be located between the top of your ears and the top of your head.
- Integrated Safety-belt Systems (safety-belt component)—Systems that mount the entire safety belt system directly to the seat, rather than to the floor or pillar. These systems allow the safety belt to move with you when you move the seat and also offer additional comfort.
- Pretensioner (safety-belt component)—A pretensioner immediately tightens the safety belt during a crash and restrains the occupant more securely in the seat.
- Side Air Bag—A side air bag will inflate in certain side-impacts to enhance occupant protection. This airbag comes in two types: seat-mounted and door mounted. Side air bags protect your chest and may also protect your head. However, side air bags can hurt children and small adults if they aren't seated properly. Always wear your safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.
Crash Avoidance Features
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD)—AWD distributes power more evenly to both front and rear wheels to maximize traction.
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)—ABS prevents the onset of wheel lockup, even when the brakes are firmly applied. ABS also helps control steering. However, ABS will not help you stop faster; drivers still need to firmly apply the brakes.
Traction Control—Traction control detects when a tire is slipping and corrects the wheel spin by slowing the wheel's movement. This helps maintain a vehicle's "steerability" and is especially useful on slippery surfaces.
