Articles by CarsGuide team

The survey found that 70 per cent of car owners fail to check ageing windscreen wipers, 62 per cent fail to check for broken bulbs or tail-lights.Perhaps the most worry is that 58 per cent fail to check their brakes and 43 per cent fail to check for balding tyres.For this reason Carsguide has a checklist of things to remember before hitting the slopes.CHAINSThey are compulsory in Victoria and must be carried in all vehicles and fitted where instructed.In NSW they must be carried in all two-wheel vehicles.If you are driving a 4WD or AWD vehicle chains can be fitted to the front, rear or all four wheels. Chains go on the front wheels on front-wheel drive vehicles and the rear wheels on rear-wheel drive vehicles.It is best to check the vehicle manufacturers specifications if you are unsure which wheels get chains.If you're unsure how to fit them try them out before you need them and check they are the right size.If hiring them, ask the ski shop or service station folk to help you.After fitting the chains drive a few hundred metres and get out and check their tension. Lose chains can and will damage wheels and mudguards. Limit your speed to below 40km/h.If you are staying at a resort for a long period you may also want to fit your chains when you park the car to make it easy to get out.FUELIF you own a diesel vehicle and plan on spending time in the snow make sure you fill up with alpine diesel, or "winter mix diesel" closer to the snow.Alpine diesel has a lower freezing point and additives to stop the fuel system waxing up.Service stations in and around Mount Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, have alpine diesel and if they don't just ask for the nearest station.It's best to blend this into the fuel mix so top up your car before you reach the snow.BLACK ICE NOT surprisingly, you'll often encounter snow and ice on the road in alpine areas. Its even a risk on roads around Melbourne and Ballarat.Black ice is dangerous and you will not know about it until you hit it.If you do the best thing is to slow down and try to stay in control. Change down a gear to slow the car and do not hit the brakes suddenly.Black ice often forms in shady areas where the sun does not shine. It is good practice to approach these areas with caution.BATTERYALONG with freezing radiators, one of the other most common problems in the snow is a dead battery.Check your battery before you head up to the snow and make sure it's fully charged. If not, have it recharged or get a new one.RADIATORMAKE sure your radiator has a blend of anti-freeze in it. If not, most service stations sell anti-freeze.Many newer cars tend to already have anti-freeze but check the owner's manual for guidance.WIPERSLIKE the battery and radiator, it's best to check them before you leave.If the wipers are old or don't clear the glass effectively replace them. Also, pack a plastic scraper to get excess snow off the windscreen and a small collapsible snow shovel to clear around the car.If the car is covered in snow, do not pour warm water over the windscreen glass as it may crack.Some people recommend lifting the wipers off the glass so they don't stick to the glass but this raises other problems.If there is a heavy snowfall, any snow slip off the car's roof may snap the wiper arm.It's best to leave the blades where they are, start the car up and allow the car's heater to warm the glass gradually.SPARE TYRE KNOW where it is and familiarise yourself with how to change it. It is important to pack the car carefully so you can access the spare easily and without too much trouble.Observe the 80km/h maximum speed limit for spacesavers.Also pack some gardening gloves and a plastic garbage bag so you can handle the flat tyre and kneel down without getting dirty.BRAKESWHEN driving in snow avoid sudden stops, brake gently and progressively and make sure you maintain adequate stopping distance from the vehicle in front, particularly if visibility is bad.PARKING WHEN you arrive at the resort it's best to reverse park into a designated parking bay with the nose of the car pointing outwards.This makes it easier to get the car out after a heavy snowfall.Remember to put the car in gear or park and leave the handbrake off. If you do accidently leave the handbrake on it can freeze, locking the brakes.Before locking the car, make sure the headlights are off and the windows are closed.

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However, the Carsguide search offers detailed searches for cars in a range of price brackets. For used car reviews be sure to check out our buyers guide section.RACQ technical officer Russell Manning advises what you can expect for your money on used cars.$3000 to $5000Few dealers operate in this segment, so look to private sales, and all the potential problems that come with them. There are no stand-outs in this segment.Buy the best you can find for the money. Steer clear of unusual, unpopular and modified vehicles, as they're more likely to cost more to keep on the road.$5000 to $7500Many dealers specialise in this bracket. Look for cars that are popular and have a good reputation, for example  Corolla, Pulsar, Lancer for small cars, and Commodore, Falcon, Camry for large cars.Beware of vehicles that have travelled big distances, so look carefully. Bigger, less fuel-efficient cars are less popular these days and, depending on your circumstances, may be a good buy. Larger cars are often more durable.$7500 to $10,000There'll be no shortage of cars in this bracket. Again, large cars should be attractively priced due to fuel prices, but you'll also find a range of quality Japanese small vehicles and plenty from Korean makers. Take your time selecting and pick the best your money will buy.$10,000 to $12,000There should be no difficulty finding a quality used car in this range. There will be plenty of Commodores, Falcons, Camrys and Magnas, as well as the full range of mid and small-sized cars.Consider putting in a few thousand dollars more and moving into an attractively priced new small car.New cars to $15,000All these are in the light car category. Suzuki Alto is a great little car starting from $11,790 plus onroad costs. Holden's Barina Spark starts from $12,490 while Honda Jazz starts from $14,990. The recently released Volkswagen Up starts from $13,990. 

Tyre pressures should be checked when they are cold to get an accurate reading.

PRIOR TO DEPARTURETyres: Check air pressure of your tyres, including the spare. Under-inflation is a leading cause of tyre failures and blowouts.Warnings lights: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on and that any outstanding vehicle services have been performed.Checks: Ensure all weekly checks recommended in the owner's handbook have been performed:Batteries: Weak batteries can lead to breakdowns, possibly at the worst time and place.Brakes: An expert inspection can determine whether brakes are functioning properly with full braking capability.Windshield wipers: Old or worn windshield wipers can lead to poor visibility.Headlamps: Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimal visibility.Oil: Change the oil and filter at recommended intervals to minimise engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage. Check the owner's manual for recommended intervals.Fluid levels: Improper fluid levels (coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid and even washer solvent) can negatively affect vehicle performance, durability and safety.Belts and hoses: A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.Wheel alignment: Maintain correct front and rear wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the wheels drag, which increases fuel consumption and causes uneven and premature tyre wear.Restrain loose items: Whenever possible, stow articles in the luggage compartment. Perhaps consider, if driving a wagon, fitting a cargo barrier to avoid loose objects entering the cabin. Check load capacity in the owner's manual.Mass distribution: Loading the vehicle changes the handling of the vehicle. After loading, be sure to take time to become familiar with the feel of the vehicle.Warnings: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on.Towing: Check wiring, lights and towing hitch tyres and pressures (trailer tyre pressures should be higher than car tyres around 40PSI). Make sure caravans are loaded correctly, placing most weight forward of the trailer axle to ensure there is sufficient weight on the tow bar. This reduces sway.ON THE ROADDo not speed: Stay within the speed limits at all times.Power naps: Try to avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. If tired or fatigued pull over and sleep for 15 to 20 minutes.Share the driving: If your passenger or passengers are licensed, share the drive. Change drivers at least every two hours.Safe distance: Leave a minimum two second gap between your vehicle and the one in front. If towing, driving four-wheel-drive or if it's raining increase to a four-second gap.Time: Accept that during the holiday period it may take a little longer to get to your destination.CHILD OCCUPANT SAFETYBack seat: The back seat is the safest place for children of any age. Where possible install the child restraint in the centre rear position.Child seats: Remember to use the child seat for all journeys, however short. A baby is not safe in your arms. Even in a minor crash, collision forces may tear the child from your grip. Where legally allowable, you may install a forward facing child seat in the front seat (without a side impact airbag), but always move the passenger seat as far back as possible.Child restraints: Fit child restraints properly. Follow instructions and make sure the capsule or child seat is firmly fitted, with minimal sideways or forward movement on the car seat. Don't use a child restraint that's been in a crash. The protective structure could be invisibly damaged. Every trip, make sure that the child restraint harness is properly adjusted, checking that only the thickness of two fingers can be inserted between the harness and the child's chest.Child safety: It's never safe to leave children in cars, particularly in summer when temperatures inside a closed car can quickly rise to more than 60C. Leaving windows open a little does not reduce the temperature enough.Concentrate: Make sure you keep your child occupied on long journeys (with soft toys, music and stories). A bored child can distract the driver, fiddle with buckles and wriggle out of position.Assistance: If you require assistance in the fitting of child restraints, contact your local state roads authority or auto club such as RACQ.Source: GM Holden and Murcotts Driving Excellence

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Many people don’t bother to do any extra checks to make sure their car is up to a road trip. But any journey outside your normal daily limits should mean running through a checklist – especially if you’re going to be travelling through areas where very few businesses are open. Prior to departureTyres: Check air pressure of your tyres, including the spare. Under-inflation is a leading cause of tyre failures and blowouts.Warnings lights: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on and that any outstanding vehicle services have been performed.Checks: Ensure all weekly checks recommended in the owner's handbook have been performed:Batteries: Weak batteries can lead to breakdowns, possibly at the worst time and place.Brakes: An expert inspection can determine whether brakes are functioning properly with full braking capability.Windshield wipers: Old or worn windshield wipers can lead to poor visibility.Headlamps: Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimal visibility.Oil: Change the oil and filter at recommended intervals to minimise engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage. Check the owner's manual for recommended intervals.Fluid levels: Improper fluid levels (coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid and even washer solvent) can negatively affect vehicle performance, durability and safety.Belts and hoses: A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.Wheel alignment: Maintain correct front and rear wheel alignment. Incorrect alignment makes the wheels drag, which increases fuel consumption and causes uneven and premature tyre wear.Restrain loose items: Whenever possible, stow articles in the luggage compartment. Perhaps consider, if driving a wagon, fitting a cargo barrier to avoid loose objects entering the cabin. Check load capacity in the owner's manual.Mass distribution: Loading the vehicle changes the handling of the vehicle. After loading, be sure to take time to become familiar with the feel of the vehicle.Warnings: Ensure there are no vehicle warning and reminder indicator lights on.Towing: Check wiring, lights and towing hitch tyres and pressures (trailer tyre pressures should be higher than car tyres around 40PSI). Make sure caravans are loaded correctly, placing most weight forward of the trailer axle to ensure there is sufficient weight on the tow bar. This reduces sway. On the roadDo not speed: Stay within the speed limits at all times.Power naps: Try to avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping. If tired or fatigued pull over and sleep for 15 to 20 minutes.Share the driving: If your passenger or passengers are licensed, share the drive. Change drivers at least every two hours.Safe distance: Leave a minimum two second gap between your vehicle and the one in front. If towing, driving four-wheel-drive or if it's raining increase to a four-second gap.Time: Accept that during the holiday period it may take a little longer to get to your destination.Child occupant safetyBack seat: The back seat is the safest place for children of any age. Where possible install the child restraint in the centre rear position.Child seats: Remember to use the child seat for all journeys, however short. A baby is not safe in your arms. Even in a minor crash, collision forces may tear the child from your grip. Where legally allowable, you may install a forward facing child seat in the front seat (without a side impact airbag), but always move the passenger seat as far back as possible.Child restraints: Fit child restraints properly. Follow instructions and make sure the capsule or child seat is firmly fitted, with minimal sideways or forward movement on the car seat. Don't use a child restraint that's been in a crash. The protective structure could be invisibly damaged. Every trip, make sure that the child restraint harness is properly adjusted, checking that only the thickness of two fingers can be inserted between the harness and the child's chest.Child safety: It's never safe to leave children in cars, particularly in summer when temperatures inside a closed car can quickly rise to more than 60C. Leaving windows open a little does not reduce the temperature enough.Concentrate: Make sure you keep your child occupied on long journeys (with soft toys, music and stories). A bored child can distract the driver, fiddle with buckles and wriggle out of position.Assistance: If you require assistance in the fitting of child restraints, contact your local state roads authority or auto club such as RACQ. 

Maintenance isn't just about having your oil changed every 15,000 km or so, it's about small, but important checks that will help to keep your car running smoothly and reliably, and safely. GET TO KNOW YOUR CAREstablish a checking routine as soon as you take possession of your car and stick to it. Pick a day of the week and allocate a few minutes to go over a few essential things. Take the time to read the Owner's Manual to familiarise yourself with the systems and features on your car.WEEKLY CHECKSFamiliarise yourself with the location of the engine oil dipstick, automatic transmission fluid dipstick, windscreen washer reservoir and cooling system reservoir and how to check the levels and replenish the fluids when needed. Checking these once a week will take no more than five minutes, and may save you thousands of dollars by preventing a breakdown. Also familiarise yourself with the tyre inflation pressures which should be checked weekly and reset as necessary. The recommended inflation pressures can be found in the Owner's Manual and on a sticker attached to the body. It's usually on the passenger's side door pillar, but it may be located elsewhere. It's location is detailed in the Owner's Manual. When checking the tyre pressures don't forget the spare tyre, there's nothing more frustrating than suffering a puncture and finding that the spare is flat. While checking your tyres inspect them for damage that could end in a blow-out. Particularly look for bumps and bruises on the sidewalls front being driven into or over kerbs etc., and check the tread for cuts, splits and nails. It's also worth familiarising yourself with the jack and how to change a wheel in the event of a flat. That way you won't be stuck by the side of the road trying to work out how to use the jack while the traffic is thundering past a metre or so away. Familiarise yourself with your car's warning lights and what they are telling you when they light up on the dash. The lights should all light up when you turn the ignition on as a way of checking they're working. If any don't come on during that ignition-on phase then have them checked because a faulty warning light may cost you thousands of dollars in repair bills if you miss aren't aware of a fault. If a warning light comes on while driving, check it out. Don't keep driving and assume it will go out. It's worth taking a few minutes to investigate and assess the potential danger before driving on. Have a mechanic check the reason the warning light is illuminated.MONTHLY CHECKSOnce a month check your lights to ensure they'll all in working order, including headlights, high and low beam, tail lights, reversing lights, front, rear and side turn signals, and brake lights. It's a good way of involving the kids by having them tell you each light is working as you switch them on. If any are not working check the bulbs and replace any that have blown.ANNUAL CHECKSThere are no accepted checks that should be made annually, but it's worth having the air-conditioning system checked annually for leaks and gas level. Re-gas the system as needed and repair leaks as various system components use the gas for lubrication and running low on gas can result in damage to components like the compressor. It's also a good time to inspect things like seat belts and child seats for wear and tear that might affect the operation in an emergency situation. Check the belt webbing for signs of fraying and replace the belt if it looks worn.SERVICINGThe Owners Manual contains details of the manufacturers recommended servicing. Read it and understand when you need to have your car serviced. Car makers specify service intervals in kilometres which applies to the vast majority of owners, or months to cover those owners who do little driving. Follow the recommendations and have your car serviced accordingly. Missing services is a recipe for disaster. While car makers like you to return the car to one of their dealers for servicing you are not obliged to do so. You can take your car to another independent service outlet, which is often cheaper, but it's important to establish that they are able to service according to the manufacturer's recommendation. By using a service agent other than one approved by the manufacturer you are leaving yourself open to a problem in the event of a failure which affects your warranty. Potentially you could find yourself in the middle of a frustrating and time consuming wrangle between the manufacturer and the service agent. If you choose to use an independent service agent check to see if they use genuine factory parts or generic aftermarket components which might affect the reliability of your car.PRE-HOLIDAY CHECKSBefore you embark on a long trip it's worth an extra check to make sure all is well with your car. If you're towing a heavy trailer or caravan with a car with an automatic transmission it's worth checking the transmission fluid, and consider having it changed. Check radiator hoses for leakage and replace if they show signs of a leak. Also check engine drive belts for condition and tension. If they appear worn or damaged have them replaced, if they appear loose have them checked and adjusted. Take particular attention to the condition of your tyres. Check the inflation pressures and reset them to the recommended pressures, which might mean setting them higher if you're loaded up with holiday gear or towing a trailer. If you're towing a trailer or caravan check that the lights on the towed vehicle are working correctly. If they're not fix them.