Nowadays, new truck and auto accessories like cruise control, power windows and locks, and air conditioning aren't really considered features. They're expected. Features these days come in the form of OnStar systems and heated seats. Some features, like power folding seats, are a waste of money. Here are some new-vehicle features that you should splurge on when purchasing your next vehicle.

Remote keyless entry systems are great for convenience and safety. These systems allow you to use a remote to unlock or lock your car when you are at a distance from your vehicle. This is convenient when you are walking up to your car in the snow or in the rain because you don't have to fumble around trying to get the key in the hole. Most systems only open the driver-side door with one push so you don't have to worry about strangers getting into passenger side doors in the dark. Many remotes also have a panic button that you can push that honks the horn and flashes your vehicle's lights to get others' attention.

Speaking of getting others' attention, if you have little ones who will be riding with you in the back seat, it will be well worth it to get a rear-seat DVD player. Movies can save you and your kids headaches on long trips. Some parents frown upon DVD players, but for kids with short attention spans, they can help in making the drive more comfortable for everyone. And, you can limit DVD player time while on a long car ride.

Something else that can save you headaches is springing for an OnStar system. OnStar charges a monthly fee starting at $18.95 and can give you turn-by-turn directions or can sense when you get in a crash. If you get in a crash an OnStar advisor can call for help, even when you can't. You can also get roadside assistance and you can even call OnStar from your cell phone if you lock your keys in your car. They can unlock your car remotely for you.

If you don't need all the personalized help from OnStar, you can just get a GPS navigation system. GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite and uses sensors in your car to know your exact location. A GPS system can give you turn-by-turn directions to the nearest gas station or it can help you get out of a bad neighborhood if you get lost.

Two features that should be standard by many people's opinions are the anti-lock brake system (ABS) and the electronic stability/skid-control system (ESC). ABS gives you greater braking control when you are skidding. If one wheel locks up while braking, the other brakes pump faster than any human foot ever could to give you control of the car. If the ABS goes out, which they rarely do, the brakes work normally.

Generally, vehicles that have ABS come with an ESC system. ESC systems use the ABS sensors to detect loss of steering control (namely, skidding) and applies brakes individually to the wheels that need it. This reduces power to the individual wheels to prevent over- or understeering.

Another feature that will help ensure your safety is side airbags. Vehicles have much more crush space at the front and back of the vehicle than on the sides. Door beams do protect passengers by being strong enough to prevent a cave-in, but those beams don't keep your head from banging into the side window. Your head has nothing to keep it from flying into the window since your seat belt will only hold in your upper body. Side airbags can cushion your head and keep it safely inside the car.