From the Porsche 959 to the Jaguar E-Type, classic cars are a thing of beauty. With iconic styling, unique character and mechanical engineering, classic vehicles give you the opportunity to enjoy a whole different era of motoring. However, there is one area where classic cars simply can’t compete with their modern counterparts: safety. Which is why enhancing the safety of classic cars is something all enthusiasts should consider.

Vehicle safety has improved significantly since the 1970s and 1980s, which means many classic models are not equipped with the enhanced safety features we’ve come to rely on. However, you can improve the safety of your classic motor by making modifications, such as:

1. Installing Seatbelts

Seatbelts weren’t mandatory in the UK until 1983, so many classic cars won’t have them fitted as standard. Fortunately, you don’t have to put your safety at risk to enjoy driving your vintage car. Installing seatbelts is one of the easiest – and most important mods – you can make to an older vehicle, so it should always be a top priority.

2. Replacing Tyres

Vintage cars typically feature bias-ply tyres, which don’t have the same capabilities as today’s radial-ply tyres. By replacing traditional tyres with a modern alternative, you can significantly improve handling, enhance your driving experience, and increase your safety. Remember – not all wheels will be compatible with modern, radial-ply tyres, so be sure to check which options are suitable for your vehicle. If in doubt, you may want to upgrade your wheels, as well as your tyres but this can get expensive so make sure you choose carefully.

3. Brighter Headlights

Being visible on the road can reduce the risk of accidents, so upgrading the headlights on your classic car is a sure-fire way to improve your safety. There are many conversion kits available, so incorporating newer, brighter headlights into your vintage car needn’t be a difficult or time-consuming task. Plus by upgrading to more efficient LED lights, you can also reduce the strain on your classics electrical system, which is also a good thing.

Improving Road Safety

You can enhance your safety on the road by choosing to drive your classic car in certain environments – and avoiding others. Drivers rarely take classic vehicles in the fast lane of a motorway, for example, as older vehicles may be unable to maintain the speed or stability required.

Of course, there are times when accidents seem to be unavoidable, no matter how careful you are. Due to this, it’s essential that all road users are aware of what to do in the event of a road traffic accident. By accessing help quickly, you can potentially save lives and reduce the risk of serious injuries.

Following a road traffic accident, you’ll need to notify your insurers. In addition to this, you may want to seek advice from personal injury solicitors. With help from experienced professionals, like Spencers Solicitors, you could take legal action and obtain compensation for the harm you’ve suffered due to an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Keep Your Classic Car Safe

All car owners are required to maintain their vehicles and keep them roadworthy but classic car drivers may need to go the extra mile to improve their road safety. By learning to maintain your vehicle, using a specialist mechanic, and only driving a vintage vehicle in appropriate conditions, you can reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy your classic car for years to come.

This is a Take to the Road Collaborated Post