Luxury cars, sports cars and supercars typically come with extensive safety features. Nevertheless, there are additional precautions you can take to guarantee your safety, along with that of your passengers and fellow road users. After all, along with routine services and MOTs, prioritising the safety of your vehicle is a crucial aspect of being a responsible driver. Fortunately, there are numerous affordable and straightforward safety-focused upgrades you can invest in to ensure a secure and protected driving experience. Read on to find out more.
Good tyres are essential to road safety. Tyre tread depth has to be above 1.6mm to be legal - anything less may result in unsafe driving conditions. If your tyres cannot sufficiently grip the road, you risk losing control of your vehicle. Conversely, tyres with a minimum tread depth of 3mm are particularly crucial in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or ice, where slippery surfaces can significantly increase the risk of accidents. So prioritise your safety and that of other road users and pedestrians by investing in high-quality tyres with excellent reviews.
Road accidents caused by blind spots are alarmingly common. While you should always check your blind spots before making a manoeuvre, like changing lanes, expanding your field of vision will provide you with optimised visibility while driving. Auxiliary blind spot mirrors attached to your existing wing mirrors grant you a broader view of the road and potential hazards. You can also replace your rearview mirror with a panoramic alternative. These straightforward swaps and additions will help to enhance your situational awareness, providing a safer and more confident driving experience.
An ever-increasing number of drivers are adding dash cams to their vehicles, and rightly so. A dash cam captures real-time footage of your driving experience, providing indisputable evidence to determine cause and liability in the unfortunate case of an accident. This can be especially crucial when dealing with insurance claims or legal proceedings, as the footage offers an unbiased account of the incident, as opposed to eyewitness statements. Additionally, a dash cam can also act as a deterrent against theft and vandalism.
Alloy wheels are typically viewed as a purely aesthetic modification. However, they can also vastly improve safety and driving performance. Firstly, alloy wheels are significantly lighter than their traditional steel counterparts, reducing the unsprung weight of your vehicle. This weight reduction allows for improved handling and more efficient braking.Of course, friction generates heat. As such, during periods of consistent heavy braking may lead to decreased stopping power and potential brake failure. Alloy wheels are better at dissipating heat than steel wheels, making them a safer alternative.
Most modern luxury vehicles include safety technology features, such as electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems. This technology is a key contributing factor to the ever-increasing number of supercar sales. While your luxury vehicle may boast a few of these high-tech features, you may have the option to add more. For instance, you could install a hazard detection system. As the name suggests, these systems are designed to assist drivers in identifying and monitoring objects or vehicles in their blind spots using sensors, cameras, or radar technology. When a hazard enters the blind spot zone, typically located to the sides and rear of the car, the system triggers a visual or audible warning, alerting the driver to the potential danger.
Suspension upgrades are generally performed for aesthetic and performance purposes. For instance, lowering a car with coilovers results in a streamlined appearance with improved handling. However, upgrading your suspension could also enhance your road safety. Better handling will allow your vehicle to navigate corners and uneven surfaces more effectively, enabling you to swiftly manoeuvre around obstacles or avoid collisions. Additionally, upgraded suspension improves braking performance by maintaining optimal tire contact with the road, even during hard braking or cornering.
All road users are aware of the dangers associated with phone use while driving. Not only is using your phone while behind the wheel exceptionally dangerous and the cause of around 1.6 million crashes each year, but it is also illegal, carrying a minimum penalty of a £200 fine and six points on your licence. If you need to use your navigation app while driving, purchase a phone mount so you can keep your hands on the wheel at all times.