What To Look For In A New Car If You're Overweight
If you are overweight, you might have noticed that certain types of cars do not fit you as comfortably as other types of cars. This can be frustrating, especially if you have a long commute every day or if you like to take road trips. You want to be as comfortable as possible while you are driving, so you might be looking to make some changes when you buy a new car. Here are some features and characteristics to look for in a car.
1. Look for Manufacturer-Installed Seat Belt Extenders
The first thing that you want to do is look for cars that have the option for seat belt extenders installed in the car by the manufacturer. The reason for this is that it allows you to feel confident that any seat belt extender that you attach to the car will work properly in the case of an accident. Overweight people may be wider than what a traditional seat belt could accommodate, so not having a place to attach a seat belt extender could be dangerous. There are aftermarket options but there is a chance that they will not work as well or will snap when enough pressure is applied. You are better off getting one that is built in or at least a car that has built in mounting for the extenders. Better yet, find a car that has extra-long seat belts built in.
2. Look for Minimal Side Bolstering
You want a seat that is wide and flat in your car if you are overweight. This means that you need to look for a car that doesn't have a lot of stuff on either side, such as cup holders or armrests, that could potentially hem you in and make you feel physically uncomfortable. The best option is a front bench seat style, but there are not a lot of new cars being made with that kind of seating anymore. If you want that in particular, you will need to go with a used model.
3. Look for a Vehicle That is Easy to Get Out Of
Finally, be sure that you test how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. Some people have a hard time pulling themselves up from a low seat. Other people have a hard time getting themselves onto a higher seat. Try the different heights of seats out at a car dealership to help you find the one that works best for you.
For more information, talk to your local car dealership.
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