Classic Jeeps are absolutely wonderful cars: they’re beautiful, timeless, and have a charm you can’t find in any other vehicle. Despite that, however, it’s undeniable that there have been many advances in safety technology that classic Jeeps lack. Fortunately, you can make some key upgrades to make your classic Jeep as safe as any modern car to drive in the 21st century.
From improved braking and better control to more reliable ignition, there are many upgrades you can install on your vintage car to make it safer to operate without sacrificing any of the classic look and feel of the car. If you own a classic Jeep or are thinking of purchasing one, here are three safety upgrades to consider for your beautiful classic car.
Disk Brakes
Most classic Jeeps built between 1941-1986 were equipped with drum brakes, a braking mechanism that employs the use of friction between a set of pads that apply pressure on a rotating cylinder known as a brake drum. These brakes, while very effective by providing a huge amount of surface area to increase stopping power, tend to degrade more quickly than modern brakes do and require consistent maintenance in order to remain safe and functional.
Modern disk brakes work by applying pressure through a set of pads against a disc to generate friction, slowing the car down. These types of brakes are much more reliable than old-fashioned drum brakes and don’t require nearly as much maintenance. Brakes are obviously one of the most important parts of the car and functional brakes can mean the difference between life and death during a road accident. Fortunately, upgrading the brakes on your classic Jeep from drum brakes to disc brakes is pretty straightforward with a disc brake upgrade kit, so you can drive your classic Jeep confident in its safety on the road.
Power Steering
Another area in driving safety where modern technology has made significant advances is power steering. While traditional steering systems rely on the strength of the driver to turn the steering wheel and control the direction of the car, a power steering system assists the driver by making it easier to turn the steering wheel, giving the driver more control when making tight turns or emergency maneuvers.
Power steering can also make a big difference in emergency situations when the driver needs to make precise movements with the steering wheel quickly, or simply when navigating crowded or dangerous streets. You can easily replace the original steering system in your car with a power steering system, to ensure you’re able to make split-second movements in your Jeep in case of emergencies.
Electronic Ignition
Most cars built before 1975 use what’s known as a points ignition system to start the car, which employs a series of electrical contacts that switch the ignition coil on or off depending on whether or not the driver wants to start the car. These systems are subject to electronic corrosion over time on the electrical contacts, resulting in potential reliability issues or even dangerous ignition or performance problems down the line. Modern cars use an electronic ignition system, allowing your car to start dependably without having to worry about electric corrosion.
You can replace the points ignition system in your car easily with a new electronic ignition system, so that you’ll know your classic Jeep will always be there for you when you need it. Be sure to always drive safely as well, so that you can enjoy your classic Jeep for years to come. To learn more about how to keep your Jeep running optimally, please do not hesitate to contact us today!