There’s something very appealing about classic cars. Maybe it’s that vintage aesthetic; maybe it’s the history attached to the vehicle. Whatever it is, classic cars are coveted among gearheads everywhere. If you’re interested in purchasing your own vintage vehicle, however, you should make sure that you give your car the necessary safety upgrades.
This article will cover some of the most important upgrades to consider when making a classic car safe to drive. It should be noted, though, that some cars are beyond salvaging. If you’re based in Ontario and are looking to have such a vehicle removed, get a quote for scrap car removal in Oshawa today.
Are Classic Cars Safe to Drive?
Upgrading classic cars isn’t cheap, nor is it a simple process. Oftentimes, classic car collectors are reluctant to make changes to their vehicles in the first place. Classic cars are very different from the kinds of vehicles we drive today, with lots of small details that differentiate them from modern automobiles. It’s these details that make them so coveted.
Nonetheless, a knowledgeable classic car collector will make the necessary safety upgrades to their vehicle. When compared to today’s standards, the safety measures taken with vintage cars are, to put it mildly, lacking. It’s essential that you make the necessary safety upgrades to your classic vehicle to ensure you have the highest possible chance of survival in the event of a crash.
What Upgrades Should You Make to Your Car to Ensure it’s Safe to Drive?
If you’re new to upgrading classic cars, you may be wondering what kinds of changes you should make to ensure your safety. This section breaks down five important upgrades you should consider for your vintage vehicle.
Three-Point Seatbelts
Nowadays, fastening your seatbelt comes automatically. But this wasn’t always the case. Seatbelt legislation only started to arrive in Canada in the mid-70s, with the introduction of the mandatory seatbelt law in Ontario in 1976. Before the 70s, some models didn’t even have seatbelts at all.
If you have an older model of car that doesn’t have three-point seatbelts, you should see about installing them as soon as possible. Recent statistics suggest that only seven percent of Canadians don’t use their seatbelt; however, this seven percent accounts for forty percent of accident fatalities.
Implement Anti-Lock Brakes
Switching to an anti-lock braking system (or ABS) is another essential safety upgrade you should consider for your classic car. An ABS is an anti-skidding braking system that stops a vehicle’s wheels from locking when the driver brakes at high speeds. It stops you from losing traction and lets you maintain control of your vehicle on slippery surfaces.
Install Modern Headlights
While classic cars usually do come equipped with headlights, they are not nearly as bright or efficient as those found in modern vehicles. Furthermore, the material they’re made from isn’t as durable either, meaning they are far more likely to break than headlamps found in today’s cars.
You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of headlights to driving safety. A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that high-quality headlights reduce car accidents by almost twenty percent.
Consider Power Steering
Power steering may be another feature you should consider for your vintage car. Installing high-quality coilovers, for instance, provides better handling helping you achieve the optimal driving experience. With power steering, drivers have a greater range of motion when manoeuvring their car, making it easier for them to control their vehicle when reversing and turning. When using power steering, it’s far easier for you to regain control of your car when you encounter potentially hazardous obstacles on the road.
Equip Your Classic Car with Radial-Ply Tyres
Most classic cars come with a type of tyre called bias-ply tyres. These are characterized by crisscrossing, overlapping plies, making them more likely to overheat and meaning that they are worn down faster due to their inflexibility. The modern-day alternative to bias-ply tires is radial-ply tyres, which feature plies arranged at a 90-degree angle to the direction the vehicle is travelling in.
Because of their design, radial-ply tyres offer a greater degree of precision and stability. Traction is better, too, making them a better decision for your classic car.
Conclusion
If you intend on driving your classic car, you will first have to make sure it is fully road safe. This article has outlined some of the most important safety upgrades you should consider for your vintage vehicles before you hit the road.
However, you shouldn’t think of this list as exhaustive! There are many more ways you can make your classic car safer and more efficient. You should make sure to research these thoroughly, for both your own sake and that of pedestrians and fellow drivers.