5 Essential Car Features for Families
At some point, many of us face big life changes, moving out, getting married, raising kids. Before we know it, our space feels smaller, and we realize what we really need is a larger home, and a more spacious vehicle.
When it comes to choosing a family car, though, size alone isn’t enough. Safety and other practical features are just as important. Every family has its own unique needs, but here are some key features to keep in mind when selecting that all-important family vehicle:
Tethers and Car Seat Anchors
One of the most important features of family-friendly vehicles is ensuring the proper and secure installation of car seats, as incorrectly installed seats can greatly endanger children during collisions or sudden stops.
To address this, vehicles equipped with accessible and user-friendly car seat anchors and tethers are essential. The LATCH system, a widely implemented feature in most modern cars, streamlines the car seat installation process.
This system includes lower anchors located at the junction of the vehicle’s seatback and cushion, along with tether anchors typically found on the rear shelf, floor, or seatback, ensuring both convenience and enhanced safety. Diono booster seat carrier, for example, allows a LATCH system to run through the frame of the seat seamlessly and securely.
Power Doors and Keyless Entry
This might not seem significant, especially if you don’t have children yet. However, the moment you bring your first baby home, you’ll quickly realize how much you need to carry and how limited your hands are. From car seats and diaper bags in those early years to handling toys, backpacks, and sports gear as they grow, keeping everything under control can become a real task.
Add searching for your keys on top of it all, and the frustration only increases. That’s where keyless entry becomes a game-changer. It streamlines your day and saves you time. Though it’s becoming a common feature in new cars, it’s worth making sure your vehicle has it.
Interior that’s Easy to Clean
We have the advantage of switching into fresh test cars weekly, returning them just as they begin to show signs of dirt. However, for many families, vehicles require consistent cleaning to tackle mud, grime, and the inevitable crumbs and spills.
When selecting a car, consider the durability of the interior materials, including the type of plastics used and whether the seats, whether fabric or leather, can handle the wear and tear from active kids and changing weather conditions.
Storage Space
From strollers and travel cots to diaper bags and toys, it’s easy to assume that extra storage space is only essential while your kids are little. However, the need for space doesn’t disappear as they grow.
Strollers eventually get swapped for sports equipment, diaper bags turn into backpacks and sleeping bags, and toys make way for wakeboards and wetsuits. Having room for snacks and drinks within reach, both in the front and back of your car, is just as important.
Whether it’s a quick bite to keep hunger at bay or a speedy solution to feed the kids while on the move, convenient storage for these essentials can make all the difference.
Bluetooth
Parenting young children demands constant attention, often leaving us searching for ways to meet their needs effectively. Having a car equipped with Bluetooth technology can make a real difference by enabling hands-free mobile phone use.
While it’s crucial for parents to stay focused on the road and attentive to their little ones rather than their devices, Bluetooth provides a practical solution for staying connected when absolutely necessary, allowing for safer, more mindful driving.
Endnote
Choosing the right car for your family means focusing on a few important features to match your specific needs. By giving attention to these key factors, you can find a vehicle that combines practicality and comfort, making every drive more enjoyable for your family.
