4 Major Safety Upgrades Your Classic Car Urgently Needs

Over the last fifty years, automotive safety standards have greatly improved, at least for new cars. But what about your classic? Many classic car owners value originality above all else. This makes them reluctant to make adjustments to preserve their car’s parts.

However, it's generally wise to strike a balance between originality and safety, even if you only drive your classic car a few times per year. While keeping your car in mint condition is one priority, your protection from accidents is a greater concern.

Here are the four major safety upgrades you should consider installing on your classic car:

1. Safety Belts

Perhaps the most common safety upgrade is adding seat belts. But how many of us drive our classics regularly enough to justify the cost? Unless you're a vintage racing enthusiast, the answer is likely none of us.

For a price, you can install seat belts as a retrofit to modern standards. It's a bit more expensive than adding belts to a car built with them from the factory, but it's a far better option than not having them installed.

If you plan to install a seat belt in your classic car, you have to consider many factors. While the retracting shoulder belts are the most suitable for classic cars, you can also choose from the following classic car seat belts:

• manual belt
• automatic belt
• chest harness
• automatic belts with headrests
• premium belt
• buckle belt

2. Airbags

Can you put airbags in classic cars? The answer is yes, but a few things come into play here. Airbags are standard in almost every modern car, but they were only introduced in the 1990s. Unlike seat belts, airbags are easy to install in your classic car. You can even find modern replacement parts for your classic car's steering wheel.

When installing seat belts, the first thing to consider is whether or not the center console is available. You'll need the console to use the retractable belt.

After installing the console, determine whether to use the retractable or non-retractable belt. Non-retracting belts are easy to install. In an accident, retractable belts might pull you back into the seat.

A retractable shoulder belt allows you to change from a car-like seating position to a lounging one. An automatic belt tensioner is required when installing a retractable shoulder belt. A release lever is also helpful if you need to leave the automobile fast.

3. Tires

It's vital to check the tire pressure, including the spare tire, at least once a month. You don't want to get stuck on the road without air in your tire. Also, you don't want to be stuck on the road with a flat tire and no spare tire.

Since there are no spare tires in the rear, you can easily be stuck for a long time, especially if you don't have the tools to fix a flat. That's why you need to invest in a modern tire pressure gauge, and it's a good idea to also invest in a digital tire pressure gauge.

4. Brakes

Always make sure that your brakes are in good condition. Your braking system consists of several parts: the brake pedal, master cylinder, brake pads, and brake pads.

The brake pedal is the metal or plastic rod that allows you to depress the brake pedal. The master cylinder is the part of your braking system attached to your brake lines or the rubber tubing that connects your master cylinder to the brake pads. The brake pad is a part of a brake disc on your car used to stop it.

Conclusion

Putting in the time and money to ensure that your classic car is safe to drive is an investment. There's no telling when you'll get into a car accident or be involved in a potentially dangerous situation. But, having the right safety systems and materials installed in your classic can prevent these situations from becoming dangerous or even fatal.

If you need SRS repair services for your classic car, RepairMySRS provides trustworthy and excellent service for all your retrofitting needs, as well as SRS airbag module reset, seat belt repair, webbing replacement, buckle pretensioner repair, and dual stage seat belt repair. Our nationwide services rely on a bulletproof mail-in system that guarantees a 24-hour turnaround. Contact us today!