The popular motoring personality Scotty Kilmer has warned drivers that older and cheaper used cars may seem like good value, but are considerably less safe than more modern alternatives.
Scotty has worked as a mechanic for more than 50 years and often posts videos to his YouTube channel to help viewers cut their motoring bills and avoid causing serious mechanical damage.
In one of his most recent videos, Scotty shares why modern cars are much safer than old models, stating they have a number of systems to keep occupants secure.
He explained: “Today I’m going to show you why newer cars are safer than older cars. Sure, older cars are heavier, but that doesn’t mean safer. If you get in a wreck in this with no airbag, [you will go] right into the steering wheel.
“Modern cars have airbags all over the place so, if you get into a wreck, you won’t whack something solid. And modern cars have crumple zones. They don’t have solid frames, it’s a whole unibody construction. Instead of you taking all that energy, the car destroys itself instead of you.”
In the video, the mechanic noted that vehicles made before 2000 often used more steel than modern vehicles, making them more durable but absorbing very little energy in a crash.
In comparison, virtually all modern cars feature crumple zones, areas of the bodywork that are designed to take damage in order to soften the blow.
Whilst this means that these vehicles will typically have to be written off after getting into a crash, drivers are much more likely to stay safe and objects the vehicle hit will be less impacted.
Later in the video, Scotty noted that new cars also feature safety systems to prevent crashes from taking place, such as anti-lock brakes.
He continued: “Plus modern cars have anti-lock braking and traction control systems, so you don’t get in a wreck in the first place!
“So, if you’re worried about safety, it’s probably not a good idea to buy an old clunker like this!”
Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) rapidly apply and release the brakes of the vehicle to prevent skidding or the wheels from locking up, allowing the driver to remain in control during an emergency stop.
In comparison, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a computer system that monitors if the vehicle does not have enough grip with the road, applying the brakes in order to prevent skidding.
Once considered a luxury item, all cars sold in the UK since 2004 are required to feature ABS, whilst ESC has been a standard item on all models since 2014.
