Are Vehicles Over 40 Years Old Safe To Drive?

The world has advanced dramatically in the last few decades, and compared to today's super modern, high-tech feats, inventions from years back can look extremely outdated. This is especially the case with cars, as older varieties lack key features standard in contemporary vehicles.

If you're interested in classic cars but are worried their outdated features make them unsafe, we're here to answer the question: are vehicles over 40 years old safe to drive?

Are Old Cars Safe?

Older cars lack modern features, including airbags, crumple zones, and seat belts. While this does make them less safe than modern cars, that doesn't necessarily mean they're death traps you should steer clear of. One thing to keep in mind is that most accidents are attributed to reckless driving. If you drive according to the rules and remain vigilant of your surroundings, your risk of getting into an accident is low, no matter the kind of car you drive. Though unaltered classic cars aren't the safest, there are ways to change that.

Can You Make Old Cars Safer?

Yes! Yes, you can, and this is what most classic car collectors that drive their vehicles do. Common safety adjustments made to older cars include:

• A three-point belt system
• Anti-break lockers
• Power steering
• Electronic ignition
• Radial tires
• A backup camera

Unfortunately, there are some mods you can't make to older cars. For example, you can't add airbags because vintage cars don’t have the cavities, coverings, and sensors needed for the system. Moreover, you can't give old cars crumple zones. Even though you can’t do it all, doing what you can will improve the safety of your classic car immensely.

The Final Verdict

So, are vehicles over 40 years old safe to drive? They’re not the best cars to be in during an accident, but don't let that deter you from purchasing an older car. By performing a few mods and following best driving practices on the road, you can make these pieces of history safe to cruise in.

At Ideal Classic Car, we have custom classic cars for sale from a wide range of eras and manufacturers. If you're searching for a car older than 40 years to call your own, come and see what we have available today! As a premier dealer in Florida, you can count on us for high-quality classics of all kinds.