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5 Things to Look for in a Family Car

Finance | 06/04/2023 12:17

When you have your first kid a lot of things change–including what you need to look for in a new car. The sporty coupe of your younger days is no longer a practical option, so you may find yourself scouring Kelley Blue Book reviews to find the next set of wheels for your family. So what are the must-haves when it comes to getting a family car?

Here are 5 things you should look for in a family car.

#1: A High Safety Rating (and Added Safety Features)

Safety is the most important thing when it comes to picking out a family car. There are a number of things that contribute to how safe a car is. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluate new cars every year to determine how well they protect the occupants during a crash. The IIHS uses Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ as a ratings system and the NHTSA uses a 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. But they both measure similar aspects of safety, performing the following tests to determine how safe a vehicle is:

  • A Frontal Crash Test Scenario

  • Side Barrier Crash Test Scenario

  • Side Pole Crash Test Scenario

  • Rollover Resistance Test Scenario

 

All of these tests are performed to determine the safety of a car and these will inform the rating that each institution awards them. 

 

High safety ratings will give you peace of mind that the car you are selecting will perform well if there is an accident. But there are some additional things you should look for in addition to a high safety rating to ensure your car is safe enough for the whole family.

The Size 

In general, bigger cars are safer because there is more to protect you. A minivan will provide much more physical protection for you than a small coupe will. Many safety tests compare cars of similar sizes so that you are comparing apples to apples, but larger vehicles are in general a safer option. According to the IIHS:

  • Minivans have the lowest collision fatality rate with a driver death rate of 25 per million.

  • Pick-up trucks have a collision fatality rate of 52 driver deaths per million. 

  • Cars have a driver death rate of 56 per million.

  • Four door mini cars have an average driver death rate of 82 deaths per million.

The Body Build

New cars today are built to be safer than older cars. They are designed to brace for accidents and crumble in ways that will protect the occupants inside. A newer car that is designed for family use will be safer than an older model.

Airbag Safety

Airbags are incredibly important when it comes to vehicle safety. In fact, studies have shown that front airbags reduce driver fatalities by 29%. Recent additions of side airbags to newer cars have saved even more lives, with the IIHS reporting that these additional airbags have reduced driver death by 37% in cars and a whopping 52% in SUVs. Considering the amount and placement of airbags in your new family car could literally save your life.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems

While this may seem like an unnecessary feature to older generations accustomed to checking tire pressure manually, these monitoring systems are a huge safety feature.These became the law in 2007 and the NHTSA estimates that it saves about 80 lives and prevents over 10,000 accidents every year. While this isn’t a concern in newer cars, be sure that any used car you are considering has this feature.

Additional Safety Features 

There are a number of additional safety features that manufacturers have been rolling out in recent years. Some of them are not especially proven, but some are definitely worth any added costs. The NHTSA recommends the following when looking for a new car:

  • Forward Collision Warning

  • Lane Departure Warning

  • Automatic Emergency Braking

  • Rearview Video System

#2: Enough Seating

Safety is the top concern when looking for a family car, but seating is also a huge consideration that can’t be ignored. Of course you will need enough seats for your immediate family, but you should also think about the future. Do you need additional room for car seats and booster seats? Do you anticipate friends tagging along on trips? Is there a possibility of sports carpooling on the horizon? Will you need a space or a seat for the family pet? When you figure out how many seats you will need, you can then think about the specific type of vehicle–car, SUV, minivan, or truck–that will work best for you.

#3: Storage for Everything

A family car needs to be practical for your everyday life. This means grocery trips, sports gear, luggage–the list goes on and on. So it’s important that your family car has excellent storage. A large trunk and seats that fold flat will all help you to store as much as possible in your car when the time comes.

#4: Backseat Extras

Little extras can make your car trips a lot easier. Cupholders give your kids a place to keep their drink that is easy to access, USB ports allow them to charge their phones and devices independently, and back seat pockets give them a place to get organized. Some luxury cars even have tray tables and adjustable seats, but you don’t need to go too crazy. A few backseat comforts can make your trip more enjoyable for you and your kids.

#5: Keyless Entry and Power Doors

This may seem like a small thing, especially if you do not yet have kids. But the second you bring your first child home you will realize that you do not have enough arms for everything. Early on you will be lugging the car seat and diaper bag, and then you will move on to toys and backpacks and sports equipment. And all of this can be miserable if you have to fumble for your keys every time you go to load up. But keyless entry will make your life a lot easier. It is more and more standard on new cars nowadays, but keep your eye out for it just in case. Power doors can similarly make your life easier. Closing your backseat doors with the push of a button will make all the difference some days.

Those are five things you should look for when buying a family car.

Buying a family car is a big deal. You spend a lot of time in the car, especially when you have kids that you are constantly driving. So it’s important to pick a car that you like and enjoy AND that is safe for the whole family.

 

Already have your dream family car? Consider refinancing your car loan with Auto Approve!

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The 3 Best American Road Trips To Take This Year

Thinking about a road trip this year, but not sure which of the many amazing classic American road trips to take? You’re in the right place.While it’s hard to say that any one singular road trip is the best most beautiful roast trip to take – the United States has tons of interesting terrain, stunning vistas, and cultural landmarks from sea to shining sea – we’ve compiled three favorites that you can start planning right now.There are many more great options. Traveling Route 66 or visiting the Grand Canyon are evergreen classics. But these uniquely excellent drives were selected for weather, accessibility, and combination of natural wonders and modern conveniences. American Road Trips to Take In 2025What’s the best road trip to take for you? Only you can decide that, but it’ll depend on who you’re driving with (or if you’re flying solo!), where you’re starting your journey, and how long you want to spend in the day, per car and overall. Each of these road trips can be shortened or lengthened with fewer or more stops, and each has their pros and cons. And once you’ve picked one, check out our road trip planner.1. New England: Jamestown to Acadia National ParkIf you’re craving a seaside getaway, it doesn’t get much more iconic than a drive up the New England coastline. This is a great option for summer and fall road trips. During the summer, you get cooler temperatures than much of the US, sea breezes, lobster rolls, and beach days. 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Driving in winter conditions doesn’t make for a relaxing vacation!2. Smoky Mountains: Asheville to MemphisIf you’re interested in a road trip through classic Americana, a trip from North Carolina to Tennessee might be just the ticket. By stopping in Nashville and Memphis, you can see much of the heart of American music history, and the barbecue across the region is iconic. And the culture isn’t half of it – this drive takes you through the stunning Smoky Mountains and is widely considered one of the most beautiful road trips you can take.Driving time (one way without stops, approx.): 8 hoursStop ideas: NC: Charlotte, Asheville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (crosses multiple states); TN: Johnson City, Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Chattanooga, NashvilleA few of these are out the way from the others – stopping Charlotte would really mean starting or ending in Charlotte, and Johnson City’s out of the way, but a fine place to stop if you choose to focus on exploring the Smoky Mountains.This trip is going to have the hottest weather of the options on this list in the summer, but nothing compared to what you might experience in Zion or Big Bend. The Smoky Mountains and Asheville stay pretty cool, but by the time you get to Memphis, depending on the time of year, it can get into the 90s Fahrenheit. 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Tell us a bit about your vehicle – no commitment required – to find out how much you could potentially save through refinancing. An AutoApprove representative will help you find the deal that’s right for you, and once you’ve selected your refinance, we do the paperwork for you, easy as that!That means more money in your pocket for the things that matter most – whether that’s a soul-searching solo trip or an unforgettable family vacation.Get your free quote now.

Useful Skills You Can Learn While Driving

Have you ever considered learning while you drive? Whether you want to make better use of a daily commute or are heading out on a long solo drive, if you want to learn a skill from behind the wheel, we have some ideas for you!The key to learning on the road is to choose something you can do with just audio media – and to make sure nothing you do is so engrossing that you lose focus. It’s important that you still drive safely, no matter what. Essentially, we recommend skills you can learn from an audiobook or podcast and repetitive activities that allow you to build up your knowledge or talents over time.Let’s take a look.Things You Can Learn While DrivingThe average American driver spends, according to a AAA survey, just over an hour in their car every single day. Why not find ways to be productive with all that time? Here are some things you can pick up while you drive.1. Learn a LanguageThis is probably the most popular skill to tackle in the car. Whether you’re brushing up on a language you learned in high school, preparing for a trip, trying to improve your chances at a new job, or learning just to stay sharp, there are tons of good reasons to learn a language while you drive. 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Avid birders in particular might find this interesting – and there are many resources for birders, since it’s such a popular hobby (BirdNote Daily is a good option) – but resources exist for frog fans and other animal lovers as well, dependent on your region. And there’s no reason you need to stick to your own backyard! Noisy by Nature is a kid-focused podcast that introduces the sounds of Australian wildlife (and is, frankly, fascinating for all ages).As an added bonus, nature sounds can also be relaxing, which is helpful when you’re stuck in traffic in a 20 minute slowdown.3. Write Better EmailsWhether you’re an English learner, a complete word nerd, or someone who struggled with writing in school and wants to up their email game, there are tons of great podcasts about English grammar, word usage, and how people speak. A few top recommendations include: Grammar GirlThe AllusionistVocal FriesYou’re Saying It WrongWebster's Word of the DayExpanding your vocabulary, mastering complex grammar rules, getting into the nitty-gritty of style, and discovering common malapropisms and mistakes can make you a better writer, reader, and conversationalist.4. Level Up Your Financial LiteracyThere are tons of great personal finance podcasts being made right now. 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Or, if you prefer to simply listen, there are many engaging math listens that can make you fall in love with math. A few top podcast options include: The Joy of XBreaking MathMy Favorite TheoremOpinionated History of MathematicsLeveling up your understanding of math can help you see the world in a new light! And hey, maybe you can impress your friends with your new intel.7. Learn About the WorldLast but certainly not least, there are so many great educational podcasts about all manner of things, from history to economics to niche scientific fields. Taking the time to simply learn broadly about different topics that interest you wherever you can is a very productive way to spend your time in the car. Some of the best options happen to overlap with our recommended podcasts for long drives, like Ologies, 99% Invisible, The Happiness Lab, and Revolutions. But the thing that interests you most when you set out on the road is always the best option, whatever that may be – even if it’s something silly like the workings of ‘90s cars or learning to understand Morse code. Whatever you choose, expanding your worldview and learning something new is always a good choice!And Those Are Seven Useful Ways To Spend Your Driving TimeMost of us spend quite a bit of time behind the wheel, trying to make something of that time is an admirable pursuit! From language learning to amateur opera performance, there’s always something interesting to do to pass the time and challenge your mind.But refinancing your vehicle doesn’t take any time at all.You could be paying less monthly on your auto loan, putting more cash back in your pocket for the things that matter most. Find out how much you could save with just a few clicks and no commitment. Get your free quote now.

5 Things Every Car Owner Should Know

Let’s talk about five of the essential things every car owner should know.There are tons of skills you come by naturally as you start driving. Some things you learn for your drivers license exam, some skills you pick up as you start driving. But there are a few things not everyone knows how to do that can make you a better car owner and help you feel more confident on the road.These are some of the top skills you need to take time to learn once you own a car. Let’s take a closer look.Essential Skills for Drivers and Car OwnersTake a peek at the list. Do you know how to do all of these things? Most people will have learned at least some of these skills naturally, but taking time to really master them can help you drive safer and keep your car in great condition longer.1. How to Check and Change a TireIt’s important to get to know your tires, and recognize the right tire for your vehicle. But buying the right tires is only the beginning – tire maintenance and tire changing are super handy skills for every driver. The same is true for recognizing, checking, and changing or replacing fluids like engine coolant, brake fluid, windshield washing fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil. If you see a liquid coming out of your vehicle, being able to recognize what fluid it most likely is and whether or not it constitutes a safety hazard is key.To get you started here are the essentials of changing a tire:Find somewhere safe to park on a level, firm surface.Turn on your hazard lights.Gather your tools: spare tire, car jack, lug wrench, and your owner’s manualReview any important information in the manual about tire changes for your specific vehicle Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts (which may be under the hub cap)Position the car jack at your vehicle’s jack points based on the instruction in the car owner’s manual (sometimes marked with a notch on the chassis)Slowly raise the car with the jackFinish loosening and remove the lug nuts, keeping them somewhere you can easily find them again where they can’t roll awayRemove the flat tire and replace it with the spare, lining the spare up with the wheel studsReplace the lug nuts and gently start screwing them in by handLower the car Use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nutsPut all your equipment back where you usually keep itCheck tire pressure for all tires (you may want to go to a garage to make sure everything’s good to go and your tire pressure is even)Return to the road, driving slowly and carefully if you’re driving on a donutPracticing changing your tire a few times at home can make it much less stressful if and when you need to change one on the road.2. How to Deep Clean Your Car YourselfWhile automatic car washes are handy and typically fairly affordable, deep cleaning and detailing your car can get expensive and time consuming. Knowing how to keep your car clean and how to handle stains and wear and tear on the inside and outside can improve your driving experience. After all, according to AAA, American drivers spent an average of 60.2 minutes behind the wheel every day as of 2022. Making that space clean and comfortable can help that hour of driving feel less stressful.Plus, deep cleaning your car yourself can save you money, and some people find it meditative!Speaking of saving money…Here’s one more thing every car owner should know how to do: lower their car payment quickly and hassle-free with Auto Approve!Get a free quote to see how much you could save.3. How to Read A Paper MapOnce a ubiquitous skill, knowing how to read a paper map is less and less common with the rise of GPS and digital map apps for the phone and in-car systems. However, it’s important that drivers of all ages master this skill and keep it sharp to be safe. You never know when you could lose service or battery power. Having a map in your glovebox and knowing how to read can help save headaches should you land in a tough spot. The last thing you want in the case of a breakdown is to add not knowing where you are to an already stressful situation.And reading a map isn’t all – all drivers should have on hand and know how to read their vehicle’s manual. You never want to be stranded somewhere trying to guess the meaning of an alert you’ve never seen before!While reading a map might not be absolutely essential when you’re staying close to home, it can come in handy if you want to plan a road trip – and even more so when you hit the road and venture into new areas further from home (and, depending on where you’re heading, further from robust network coverage!).4. How to Drive in Bad WeatherGiven shifting norms for how often we see major storms – and new types of storms hitting areas that once rarely saw, for example, snow storms or hurricanes – knowing how to drive, and when not to drive, in all kinds of weather is an absolute must.Driving in winter storms or heavy rain can mean different risks and challenges than, say, very strong winds or a heatwave. 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This is true regardless of how long the vehicle’s been on the road and whether or not it’s showing any of the major old car warning signs. Preventative maintenance can help catch problems early and let you drive with confidence even after years with your vehicle. If everything’s looking good, you just need to keep an eye out for rusting, brake issues, bumping or bouncing, or a persistent check engine light. And One More Thing Every Car Owner Needs to Know…How to lower their car payment! Auto Approve can help you lower your vehicle payment in minutes.Most people are overpaying on their auto loanIf you got your vehicle from a dealership, there’s a good chance you’re overpaying on your auto loan, thanks to dealer markups on rates. Auto Approve can help you find out whether you’re eligible for a better rate and start paying less through refinancing. To get started, all you have to do is answer a few questions, no commitment required. Then, an Auto Approve associate can help you find the best deal for you. Once you choose your refinance, Auto Approve does the paperwork, making the process quick and easy!Get your free quote to see how much you could save today.
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