How Car Safety Ratings Are Measured (NCAP, IIHS, etc.)

How Car Safety Ratings Are Measured (NCAP, IIHS, etc.)

When shopping for a new car, safety is often one of the first concerns for buyers. To help consumers make informed decisions, organizations like NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) provide safety ratings. But how exactly are these ratings measured, and what do they really mean for drivers and passengers?

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1. Understanding NCAP

The New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is a government initiative that tests vehicles in standardized crash scenarios. Different regions have their own NCAP programs, such as Euro NCAP, U.S. NCAP (NHTSA), and ASEAN NCAP.

Frontal crash tests simulate head-on collisions.

Side-impact tests measure protection when struck from the side.

Rollover resistance evaluates a vehicle’s likelihood of flipping.

Vehicles receive star ratings (1 to 5), with 5 stars being the safest.

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2. What IIHS Tests

The IIHS is a U.S.-based nonprofit funded by auto insurers. Unlike NCAP’s star ratings, IIHS assigns grades such as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor across various categories.

Key tests include:

Moderate and small overlap crashes to see how vehicles handle offset impacts.

Roof strength tests to evaluate rollover protection.

Head restraint and seat evaluations for whiplash prevention.

Pedestrian safety assessments, which have become increasingly important.

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3. New Factors in Modern Testing

Safety ratings are no longer only about how cars perform in crashes. Today, organizations also evaluate active safety technologies such as:

Automatic emergency braking (AEB)

Lane-keeping assist

Adaptive headlights

Crash prevention systems

These technologies are factored into overall safety scores because they help drivers avoid accidents in the first place.

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4. Why Ratings Differ

It’s common for the same car to receive slightly different scores from NCAP and IIHS. This happens because each organization uses unique testing methods and scoring systems. However, both aim to provide consumers with reliable information about real-world safety.

The Best All-Weather Tires for Year-Round Safety

The Best All-Weather Tires for Year-Round Safety

When it comes to driving, few components of a car are as important as its tires. They serve as the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, directly influencing handling, braking, and safety. For many drivers, switching between summer and winter tires can be inconvenient and costly. That’s where all-weather tires step in as a practical solution, offering dependable performance throughout the year.

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1. What Are All-Weather Tires?

All-weather tires are designed to bridge the gap between summer and winter tires. Unlike traditional all-season tires, which may struggle in heavy snow or extreme cold, all-weather tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, proving their capability in winter conditions. At the same time, they maintain stability and traction in warmer temperatures.

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2. Key Benefits of All-Weather Tires

Year-Round Safety: They handle wet, dry, and snowy conditions without needing seasonal swaps.

Cost-Effective: No need to buy two sets of tires or pay for tire storage.

Peace of Mind: Drivers can feel confident regardless of sudden weather changes.

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3. Top Picks for 2025

Michelin CrossClimate 2: Praised for excellent grip on wet roads and reliable snow performance.

Nokian WR G4: A favorite in colder regions, offering durability and strong winter handling.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady: Known for balanced performance and enhanced tread life.

Vredestein Quatrac Pro: Stylish, high-performance option for sedans and crossovers.

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4. Who Should Consider All-Weather Tires?

All-weather tires are ideal for drivers living in regions with mild to moderate winters where snowfall is occasional but not extreme. They’re also perfect for people who prefer convenience over the hassle of seasonal tire changes.