How to Modernize your Old Car to Make it Safer to Drive

A shortage of semiconductors and other supply chain issues drove up the prices of new cars to historical prices, though that has been leveling off for some time. Still, it’s not as easy to score a deal on a new or used car as it was just a few years ago.

The unstable market might have you holding on to your old car. Whether you drive a classic or a 10-year-old car, safety should still be your chief concern. Here are some ways to bring your vehicle up to speed.

1. Backup camera

In 2018, a law was passed requiring all vehicles to come equipped with backup cameras. If your car is older than that, you may not have one. You may be happy with standard rearview mirrors, and nobody is saying to stop using those. But adding a backup camera offers important benefits, such as a wider view of what’s behind you. Backup cameras reduce or eliminate blind spots and help you better see children and animals behind your vehicle. Plus, they make parallel parking a breeze!

Aftermarket cameras are affordable and can be purchased with or without a screen (if your car already has a display, you can connect the camera to it). Some kits come with a screen you simply strap over your existing mirror.

2. Global Positioning System

Is your glove compartment full of old maps you got from the gas station? While you can hold onto those, you’ll have an easier time getting around with a Global Positioning System (GPS). You can get a standalone GPS unit that installs inside your dashboard or mounts elsewhere in your car. You get traffic reporting and map updates, and some units even come with safety options such as lane assist.

Yes, you can use your smartphone, but you’ll have to ensure it’s plugged in when navigating, or your battery will drain quickly. You’ll also worry about data usage and your cellular signal dropping out during a trip.

3. Parking sensors

Nobody likes to admit they need help parking, but there’s nothing wrong with having some assistance. Whether it’s another car, a tree, or even a person walking behind you, parking sensors alert you to obstacles while parking. You can also get sensors for the front of your vehicle.

Parking sensors typically use beeps to alert you to how close an object is to your car. The interval between beeps becomes shorter as you get closer to the object. A steady beep means you’re way too close! Combined with a backup camera, parking sensors take much of the headache out of parking and greatly reduces your chances of backing into something — or someone.

4. Tire-pressure monitoring system

Did you know that maintaining proper tire pressure will increase fuel economy? That is especially important now, as fuel prices are still high around the U.S.

A tire pressure monitoring system (TMPS) monitors tire air pressure and alerts you when it’s running low. This helps constantly maintain the best tire pressure, which helps with vehicle handling while decreasing tire wear and reducing braking distance.

5. Automatic crash response

You never know what can happen out there. You could run off the side of the road with nobody around to see it. You could be injured and unable to call for help.

This is where automatic crash response systems can be a lifesaver. These systems detect a crash and connect you with an operator, who will notify emergency services if needed, even if you cannot communicate. The system’s built-in GPS sends your location to emergency responders.

You don’t have to be involved in a crash to get some use out of these systems, either. If you run out of fuel or break down, you could also contact an operator to send the help you need. You can add a system that does all of the above to any car. Some physical devices plug into your car’s OBD-II port and communicate with a speaker mounted to your overhead console. Others consist of an app that uses the sensors in your smartphone to detect if you’ve been in a crash. If one is detected, the app contacts an operator who can speak to you and get you the help you need.