Across The Years: The Changing Nature Of Car Ownership

In some ways, it’s hard to believe that cars have been with us for less than a century and a half. These vehicles have such a crucial role to play in our modern lives that we can barely fathom what a time without them may have been like, but you only need to skip back a few generations to see a time when cars, and therefore driving itself, was well beyond the means of the vast majority of people.

Nowadays, of course, cars and driving are more accessible than ever, but this isn’t the only truth about cars that has changed since the early days. In fact, even compared with just 30 years ago, driving and car ownership has changed almost beyond recognition. Let’s take a walk through car history and examine three areas where the difference between then and now for car owners is particularly obvious…

Difference #1: Being able to fix a car for yourself

Cars were, once upon a time, relatively simple machines. It was more than possible for car owners to learn to fix their vehicles for themselves.

This, however, is now easier said than done. As cars have become more and more complex, maintaining and fixing cars on an amateur level has become progressively more difficult. While it’s still possible to manage the care of a vehicle for yourself by doing your research, going through a comprehensive guide to OBD2 tools that can help diagnose faults, and being willing to dedicate hours to learning, doing so is far more complex than it used to be.

I also recommend this article  Top Summer Driving Tips

Difference #2: Being legally required to wear a seatbelt

Given the difference that seatbelts can make to the chances of surviving an accident, it’s amazing to realise just how recent the laws making seatbelts compulsory are. For example, as recently as 1995 there were still some states in the USA who didn’t have compulsory seatbelt legislation (though they have since been made obligatory in all 50 states), while in the UK it wasn’t compulsory to wear a seatbelt until 1983.

Thankfully, the acceptance of the necessity of seatbelts has now been widely accepted across the globe.

Difference #3: How long a vehicle will last

Thirty years ago, if a vehicle had racked up 100,000 miles, then that vehicle was destined for the scrap heap. In fact, 75,000 would be considered pushing it, and few people would have considered buying a second-hand car with anything over 50,000 miles on the clock.

In 2018, these numbers are little more than starting points. With the right care and maintenance, modern vehicles can breeze through the 100,000 mark, and some can surpass 250,000 miles on the clock with relative ease. The design and build of cars is improving all the time, which has meant that the lifespan of a car has risen almost exponentially in a relatively short time.

I also recommend this article  The all-new 2015 BMW X1. Urban all-rounder delivers boundless driving pleasure

Of course, this is very good news for car owners. We all know how cars can depreciate in value the moment they roll off the sales forecourt, but at least this newfound longevity now provides some way for owners to get their money’s worth!

In conclusion

In a relatively short period of time, cars have transformed from being a charming novelty into a must-have essential for the average family— and driving and car ownership has changed too. While some of these changes have made life more difficult, the overall sense is one of progress towards a better, safer, and more reliable automotive experience.

(Visited 59 times, 1 visits today)



Download the Car Rescue Book







Browse our latest car database to discover more cars                    

Discover more automotive news & videos


Articles from the main page



Browse the latest new cars


Discover the latest new cars

33,16,0,100,2
600,500,60,0,0,5000,250,0
90,300,0,50,12,25,60,2,70,12,1,30,2,0,1,0
The world’s most popular roadster, the Mazda MX-5, has a whole new look. After 25 years and over 947,00 sales worldwide, the new fourth-generation 2014 Mazda MX-5 (known as the Mazda Miata in the US) has finally been revealed. The MX-5 is one of Mazda’s most iconic models
All-new Mazda MX-5 Roaster
The centrepiece of the Mercedes-AMG GT, the new 4.0-litre V8 biturbo, responds instantly with extreme power right from low revs and delivers outstanding performance.
The new Mercedes-AMG GT
The Alfa Romeo has become synonymous with style. Many people crave the look of an Alfa. However, this car is not a one trick pony. It performs as well as it looks. For many, they feel that they have to compromise style over speed. With an Alfa, this is simply not the case.
The Classic Alfa Romeo Montreal: Is it Worth the Hype?


Sport car of the month


Discover All-new Jaguar F-Type Coupe & R



ENTERTAINMENT

All-new Jaguar F-Type Coupe & R



5-liter supercharged V8 engine and will reach 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited)2. The F-TYPE S Coupe and F-TYPE Coupe are powered by 3-liter supercharged V6 engines in 380hp and 340hp forms respectively, giving 0-60 mph in 4.8/5.1 seconds and top speeds of 171/161 mph2.

The F-TYPE Coupe visual message is defined by three key ‘heart lines’, that visual message beginning with the formidable grille. It is from the twin ‘shark gill’ openings that sit either side of the grille that the essential first heart line – which mirrors the design of the F-TYPE Convertible – flows and begins to take shape. Running up through the headlamp, and accentuated by the LED ‘J blade’ signature running lamps, the line then arcs up over the front wheel arch before dropping elegantly as it runs through the door, washing out into the muscular rear haunch.

The second heart line begins at the rear edge of the door, swelling outwards and upwards to create a visually strong wheel arch, emphasizing the car’s rear-wheel drive layout, before dropping vertically through the tail lamp ...





Auto Mechanic Advice


Advice from experienced mechanics from several fields!






Auto Speed Market is a car blog with the latest automotive, F1 and car news. Auto Speed Market is trying to provide extra
information to car enthusiasts, will be presenting new cars and concepts, prices and statistics of the automotive world.
Auto Speed Market also offer tips for buying a new car or second hand vehicle.


To reach us, please complete the form contact us.