Mechanic warns about type of car owned by more than 300,000 that is the ‘deadliest’ in the UK

A car mechanic has issued a warning about why a type of car owned by more than 300,000 people in the UK are the ‘deadliest’.

When it comes to picking a new car, most of us are probably looking for something which isn't too expensive to buy and won't cost us a fortune every time it goes in for an MOT.

Meanwhile, the petrolheads amongst us may plump for the newest supercar on the market or even a vintage motor to add to their collection.

However one car expert has issued a chilling warning about which are the most dangerous to drive.

How safe is your car? (Getty Stock Images)

In a video on his YouTube channel explaining the differences between newer and older cars, mechanic Scotty Kilmer explained how advancements in car safety technology meant that older cars were more dangerous for drivers.

His argument came down to two points, with the first being that older cars often don't include airbags.

Created to minimise the injuries caused to the driver and front passenger in a crash, airbags were developed back in the 1950s, however, they didn't become commonplace in cars until much later on - which means older motors may not have the same level of protection.

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"Sure older cars are heavier but that doesn't mean it’s safer. Get into a wreck in this, no airbag, wham right into the steering wheel," Kilmer explained.

"Modern cars have airbags all over the place, so you get into a wreck, they pop out and you don't whack into something solid."

Vintage cars look cooler, but aren't always safer (Getty Stock Images)

Kilmer's second point focused on the broader construction differences between newer and older cars, with modern models being built with 'crumple zones' to absorb shock.

"Modern cars have crumple zones, they don't have solid frames, they've got a whole unibody construction," he explained. "Get into a wreck, instead of you taking all that energy the car accepts it and destroys the car instead of you. Plus modern cars have anti-lock braking and traction control systems so you don’t get into 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."

Which vehicles are considered classic cars?

According to HMRC (via Compare the Market), a classic car in the UK is any model older than 15 years old and worth a minimum of £15,000.

It's believed around 338,697 classic cars are owned by motoring enthusiasts in the UK, however, not all of these are being driven.