All posts tagged family features

Providing for a family is what any parent is supposed to do, but you can only get the best if you know what you’re looking for. This is why it is important to learn as much as you can about products, sales, and budgeting when you buy. This can be applied to everything, including the purchase of your next family car. There are a few other things you should look for while searching for your new car, and the following are some features that you might want to add to the list.

Backup Camera

One of the most important features to have in a modern car is a fully active and all-encompassing backup camera. Sure, this feature is usually sold as a tool to help you park or ensure that you do not backup into another car, but it means more to a growing family. Accidents involving children and a vehicle backing out of a driveway are reported each year. You do not want to become a part of that statistic, which is what makes the backup camera imperative. The reverse-sensing system, or park assist system, should also be installed on your vehicle for easier parking. The reverse-sensing system helps detect objects that are six feet from the vehicle. Both of these systems are there to warn you if a child is behind you. Still, it is always best to just check before you start backing out of the driveway, and always drive slowly.

Shades on the Car Windows

The feature is not always on cars especially if the windows are tinted, but is a very important feature for children. You might not think about it, but the sun can be very damaging when exposed to it for long periods of time, especially for small infants. Check to see if the vehicle you are considering comes with this feature and take precautions like applying sunscreen when planning to take a long drive. Sunlight can lead to sun burns or heat exhaustion, not to mention put your child at risk of skin cancer. Tinted or shaded windows can also protect your children from the eyes of strangers outside the car. You can ask car dealerships in St. George Utah what other features they might recommend for families like kid-safe windows and automatic locks.

Third-Row Seating

Many vehicles come with third-row seating, but the quality and the position does matter. Third-row seating that is stationary doesn’t really give you much flexibility. You want the third row seating to be as flexible as possible to make it easy for your children to get in. This will also allow you to store big items when necessary. Some family-friendly cars come with a second-row seat that slides so the third-row seat is easily accessible and others allow you to tuck away the third-row seating on those days your children are not there and you need to pick up big items. 

Look for a Good LATCH System

A LATCH system refers to specially designed seats that come with lower anchors and attachments so that a parent can easily set up the child seat. Remember that the LATCH system is not universal and some cars are designed differently from others. It is a good idea to take your car seat with you to the car dealership to see if you can easily set up the car seat in the vehicle you are considering. Be sure to find out how easy is it to remove the car seat as well. You should not let anyone else set up the seat for you because you will be the one dealing with this.

Of course, you cannot forget to check for other basic family features, like the safety rating or how many airbags are in the car. See if there is an entertainment system installed that could help keep children calm while you drive. Hopefully this guide helps you determine the best features for your family.