Best Volvo Features for First-Time Drivers

The Volvo Cars Silver Spring team knows how stressful it is to have a new driver in the family. Whether you're getting your license for the first time, or one of your children is almost ready for their license, there's a lot to worry about. A new driver incurs new costs, new safety concerns, but most excitingly, new freedom! We're dedicated to guiding you through your first car-buying experience, from shopping to service and beyond. That's why we've created a list of the best features for new drivers, to help you decide which features you want in your first vehicle!

Lower Operating Costs

Driving can be expensive with things like insurance, registration, and maintenance. Driving does come with more responsibility and financial commitment, but it doesn't have to be excessive or complicated. Volvo is committed to keeping operating costs low, starting with a lineup of vehicles that offer some of the best fuel efficiency in the industry. Simplified maintenance schedules mean you won't have to bring your Volvo in too often, and when you do, you'll know exactly what to expect. Our service team offers multi-point inspections that give you a heads-up about any upcoming repairs before they become more costly. 

Advanced Driver Assistance

Parents and first-time drivers will love knowing that extra pair of eyes on the road from Volvo. These features can actively notify you, and even occasionally take action to avoid or lessen damage in the event of a collision. Some of these features include:

• City Safety – can detect and help mitigate potential frontal collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles 
• Lane Keeping Aid – notifies you when you deviate from your lane and can make adjustments
• Active High Beam Control – automatically switches between high and low beams
• Adaptive Cruise Control – maintains a preset distance between you and the car in front of you by adjusting the speed
• Driver Alert Control –  can detect when you’re inattentive and suggest that you take a break
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) – can detect cars in your blind spot and notify the driver.

Passive Safety Features

These safety features aren't as obvious. What you would notice is NOT having them to guide you safely to your destination. Passive safety features work behind the scenes to ensure proper grip, stability, and braking, no matter what the road throws at you. These types of safety features are especially important for new drivers, who may not be as adept at spotting dangerous driving conditions or know how to navigate those adverse conditions well.

• Vehicle Stability Control – helps to regain and maintain predictability, to prevent over or understeer
• Traction Control – keeps your drive wheels planted in case of excessive throttle input on slippery surfaces
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) – keeps your wheels from locking up when brakes are applied heavily
• Safety Cage in High-Strength Steel – reduces the impact felt on the inside of the car by safely dissipating the energy

We’re here to make this transition easier. If you or your teen is about to get their license, you want a vehicle you trust. Contact the Volvo Cars Silver Spring team today to explore how you can keep your teen driver and yourself safe on the road with some fantastic features.