Daily Driving a Classic Car: Best Safety Upgrades and More

Classic cars are always a sight to behold, never failing to turn heads wherever they go. Unfortunately, the novelty often stops once you get behind the wheel. You’ll quickly realize why they’re relics of the past, as most of the features cars today have are far superior to what the classics had.

Many vehicles from 30 to 50 years ago can’t compare to modern cars, especially when it comes to safety features.

Why Are Most Modern Cars Safer Than Classic Cars?

Modern cars are safer than classic cars due to advancements in automotive safety technology and design. Most safety features have been government mandated.

• Airbags became mandatory in 1998. Modern airbag systems include front, side, and curtain airbags, which provide better protection in case of a collision along with three-point seatbelts that became a requirement in 1974.
• Rearview cameras and sensors became mandatory in 2018 to assist with parking and avoiding obstacles.
• Center-high-mount stop lamps make a vehicle 40% less likely to be rear ended and became mandatory in 1986 on cars and 1994 on pickups and vans.
• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) became mandatory in the fall of 2012 and helps maintain steering control during hard braking.
• Electronic stability control (ESC) became mandatory in 2012 and reduces the risk of skidding or losing control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and includes traction control that prevents wheel spin during acceleration.
• Crumple zones (mandatory since 1959) are designed to absorb and dissipate energy during a crash, reducing  impact on occupants along with reinforced passenger compartments and strengthened side doors to help protect occupants during T-bone collisions.
• Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Lane departure warning and assist alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane and can even steer it back.
• Automatic emergency braking (AEB) detects potential collisions and applies the brakes automatically.
• Blind spot monitoring alerts the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
• LED and HID Headlights provide better illumination and visibility at night.

Recommended Safety Upgrades for Classic Cars

If you own a classic car, don’t worry. You can make it as safe as its modern counterparts with the right upgrades. Consider investing in new seat belts, brakes, lighting parts, tires, power steering components, and backup cameras.

Seat Belts

Most classic cars have lap seat belts, and if yours do, consider replacing it with a three-point belt. Three-point belts restrain your upper torso and keep your body from hitting the steering wheel during collisions. They offer more support compared to lap belts, which are only strapped over your waist.

Brakes

Two ways you can upgrade a classic car’s braking system is by installing disc brakes and ABS (anti-locking braking system). This is not as simple as it sounds, however, and can be extremely expensive. There are kits available for this.

Disc brakes are improvements over classic cars’ drum brakes because they provide more braking power and are less likely to be affected by water, which can get trapped in the brake drum.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Disc brakes are better at dissipating heat, which allows for more consistent braking performance, especially in heavy braking situations. While drum brakes may have a larger contact area and work better during an initial stop, they tend to overheat more easily.

Meanwhile, installing ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up, but be warned that adding ABS to an already expensive brake upgrade may be more than your pocketbook can handle.

Lighting

Modern LED and halogen headlights provide better visibility than old sealed-beam units. They make it safer to drive during adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.

Besides the headlights, consider upgrading the turn signals and brake lights to LEDs to help fellow drivers see you better.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: You’ll need a special resistor kit if you replace your turn signal bulbs with LED units or the turn signals will flash more rapidly than is legal.

Tires

Replacing worn or old tires is a must if you want to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. After all, worn tires could lead to blowouts. Tires that are more than 6 years old are no longer covered by manufacturer warranty because they’re subject to separate and even throw their tread as they age.

Switching from old tires to modern tires also improves handling and traction, resulting in a more comfortable and safer ride.

Power Steering

You can add power steering to give you better control over your car and you might want to consider upgrading to electric power steering, which can be less expensive and less trouble than upgrading to hydraulic power steering.

Steering on classic cars without power steering have more negative caster settings that will need to be changed when you upgrade to power steering or the vehicle will feel squirrelly driving down the highway. The best systems will have variable assist that will give you max assist in parking lots and less assist at highway speeds.

Power steering also reduces driver fatigue because you won’t need to put in as much physical effort during turns.

Backup Camera

Consider installing backup cameras to make it easier to park in tight spaces, especially if your classic car is tricky to park due to its size. A camera decreases the risk of scratching or damaging your vehicle when backing into a parking space. You can get a rearview mirror kit that includes a backup camera on the rearview mirror.

The Best Classic Cars for Daily Driving

Some of the best classic cars you can use for daily driving are the Plymouth Valiant, Ford Mustang, Jeep Cherokee, Chevrolet Impala SS, and Saab 900, among others.

Plymouth Valiant

The Plymouth Valiant makes for a good daily driver because of its reliability. It’s known for its durability and ease of maintenance, making it a good choice for first-time drivers. The Valiant’s design also makes for a comfortable ride while still being practical, thanks to the simplicity and straightforward interior and driving dynamics.

Ford Mustang

If you’re looking for a more powerful daily driver, the Ford Mustang is for you. It has different engine options, including the V8, to provide a more exhilarating driving experience. Modern Mustangs also have tech features like the SYNC 3 infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to make drives more comfortable.

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is a versatile classic thanks to its multiple 4×4 systems and high towing capacity. This makes the Cherokee suitable for different driving conditions, perfect for adventurous drivers looking for cars that can handle off-roading. Cherokees also have heated seats, automatic temperature control, and a spacious interior that enhances comfort.

Saab 900

The Saab 900 is a reliable daily driver thanks to its durability, comfort, and practicality. It has a strong build quality that can reach high mileage with proper care, and its seats are comfortable, making for enjoyable drives. In addition, the interior is spacious, perfect for families of more than four or five.

On top of that, the Saab 900 has a strong passenger cell and crumple zones. It also has great handling and decent fuel efficiency, making it a practical classic car.

Volvo 240

The Volvo 240 also makes for a reliable daily driver because of similar qualities to the Saab 900. Known for its longevity, the 240 can still run smoothly even after thousands of miles if properly maintained.

The manufacturer is also dedicated to safety, as evidenced by the model’s robust frame and crumple zones. It’s also easy to work on thanks to the simple design, ensuring maintenance is affordable and DIY-friendly for the less experienced drivers.

Mercedes-Benz W124

There are still a lot of Mercedes-Benz W124 on the road today with good reasons. The solid construction and high-quality materials used to make this model are still relevant even amongst modern cars.

The model is also comfortable, offers a smooth ride, and has advanced safety features not common during its time, like ABS and airbags. The W124 is a reliable and practical car, making it a good daily driver. As for everyday use, the vehicle has enough cargo space to support big families.

Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruisers have always been celebrated, regardless of year, thanks to the series’ durability, practicality, and classic appeal. These models have strong off-road abilities, ensuring they can handle diverse conditions. They also have a spacious interior, perfect for families and cargo needs.

Additionally, Land Cruisers provide comfortable rides thanks to power steering and strong air conditioning. Their classic design adds timeless appeal, and it doesn’t hurt that they come from a powerhouse manufacturer, which makes maintenance easier due to part accessibility.

Honda CRX

The Honda CRX is no slouch when it comes to fuel efficiency, as models like the CRX HF are designed to maximize gas mileage. The CRX also has a compact size that makes it easy to maneuver and park while having a spacious interior for the driver and passengers.

Furthermore, this compact car is affordable to purchase and maintain, as its parts are relatively easy to find. A bonus is that CRX has dedicated fanatics who are sure to make you feel like you’re part of a small community.