Heading on a road trip these school holidays but concerned about the price of petrol?

While the price at the pump is out of our control, there are a few ways you can save on fuel when you’re on the road.

1. Drive smooth – Save up to 30 per cent

Slamming your foot on the accelerator as soon as the lights go green isn’t just unnecessary, it’s also a waste of fuel. In fact, accelerating and braking aggressively can lower fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

Instead, gradually accelerate until you reach the required speed and brake earlier so you’re gentle on the pedal. This will help save fuel and reduce wear and tear on your engine, brakes and tyres.

2. Keep it cruisy – save up to 5 per cent

Do you have cruise control but never use this nifty function? You’re not alone. A survey by mycar Tyre & Auto found that three-quarters of Australian cars have cruise control, but just 32 per cent of motorists use the driving tool.

With sky-high petrol prices, it might be time to switch it on, particularly if you’re heading away these school holidays. Where possible and safe, use cruise control on higher-speed roads to help maintain a more consistent speed and reduce acceleration. Cruise control can reduce highway fuel use by up to five per cent.

3. Lighten the load – save up to 24 per cent

Does your family pack the entire house, including the kitchen sink, into the car or caravan before heading off on a road trip? A car packed to its maximum with a roof pod or roof box can increase fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent.

Before leaving the driveway, it might be a good idea to re-think what you’re carrying in your vehicle while on the road. Aim to pack as light as possible and only take items that you’ll need while you’re away. Buying your groceries locally is also A great way to support regional communities and get you on the road earlier.

4. Are those roof racks required? Save up to 15 per cent

Are those roof racks more of a decorative car feature than a platform to carry bulky items? When you’re not using roof racks, it’s best to remove them as they increase aerodynamic drag.

Taking kayaks or other large items on your roof racks these holidays? Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unload any bulky items before heading out to explore. Carrying unnecessary weight, especially on the roof, increases both drag and fuel consumption.

5. Check your tyres – save one per cent per 1 PSI

Underinflated tyres can increase rolling resistance when you’re on the road and can reduce fuel efficiency. Each one PSI below the recommended tyre pressure can increase fuel use by one per cent. So, before you hit the road, double check your tyres are inflated correctly.

Equally, don’t over-inflate your tyres as this can impact tyre wear and safety.

Check your owner’s manual to find the right pressure for your tyres. There may also be a sticker inside the driver’s door, in the glove box or on the fuel cap displaying the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.

6. Shop around

Don’t just buy fuel at the closest petrol station – it could be cheaper if you shop around. Drivers can download the RAA app and check the real-time price of fuel at all petrol stations across South Australia. On top of that, it also shows which retailers have fuel available, so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Australia has very stringent fuel quality standards so you can be confident that the fuel you buy from small and independent fuel retailers will be up to the task.

7. Service and save

Keeping your car maintained and having it regularly serviced can help you save and stay safe on the road. A dirty air filter or old oil can make the engine work harder, because an engine that can’t breathe easy or move freely will use more fuel and could make your vehicle less safe.

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Several years ago, drivers were faced with the exhausting task of turning on the windscreen wipers when it rained.

That’s all changed with many cars now fitted with sensors that instruct the wipers to turn on automatically when rain falls on the windscreen.

How does it work?

The rain sensor module attached to the inside of the windscreen contains LED infrared light transmitters.

The infrared light is directed at the windscreen at an angle sharp enough that the glass becomes a mirror, reflecting all the light back to photodiode receivers in the sensor – none of the infrared light passes through the windscreen glass.

However, when drops of water fall on the windscreen, this process is disrupted and some of the infrared light escapes through the water droplets, meaning less is received by the photodiodes.

When the photodiodes detect the reduction of light they’re receiving, they send a message via electronic gizmos to instruct the wiper motor to swing into action.

The more water splashed on the windscreen, the greater the loss of light signal received by the photodiodes, and the busier the wipers become.

The sensor sits in the area of the windscreen swept by the wipers, so it knows when the water has been cleared and the wipers can be switched off.

To ensure there’s no air between the sensor module and the windscreen that could affect the infrared light transmission, the sensor sits on a gel pad.  

Infrared light is used rather than visible light because infrared isn’t affected by other light sources, such as the sun and oncoming vehicle headlights. It’s also invisible to the human eye, so it won’t distract the driver.

Most systems have an override so the wipers can be operated manually if needed.

The first patent for this clever device was filed in1978 by Australian inventor Raymond J Noack, but the system wasn’t fully adopted by carmakers until the mid-1990s.

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We all have a glovebox that’s full of… well, let’s be honest, what’s even in there?

For me, it’s my car manual, a packet of dried-out wet wipes, some out-of-date sunscreen, and a lone golf ball that probably has a story I’ve forgotten.

While it can be a bit of a junk drawer, your glovebox is your car’s first line of defence in small emergencies. So, what should be in there?

Essentials for the car

• Car manual and logbook: these documents are a lifesaver when it comes to those unfortunate breakdowns or quick checks on maintenance. 
• Pen and notepad: you never know when you might need to jot down a numberplate or share contact details after an incident, so a pen and notepad can come in handy.

Safety and emergency items

• First-aid kit: carrying a first-aid kit is a great idea, but make sure it’s well stocked, and that the contents are haven’t expired.
• Small battery powered torch: a small torch is essential for any night-time emergencies.
• RAA Road Service information: keep your RAA Road Service info, including RAA contact details, in the glove box just in case you can’t access your phone when broken down on the road.

Convenience items

• Wet wipes and tissues: sticky child fingers, fast food spills… these always come in handy. Just make sure they haven’t dried out!
• Hand sanitiser: a necessary inclusion, because… well life.

Optional, nice to have items

• Microfibre cloth: a microfibre cloth is perfect for cleaning the inside windscreen or wiping down the dash.
• Snacks and water: it’s ideal for longer trips to have some non-perishable snacks and water on hand. They’ll keep the kids quiet… for at least 10 minutes!
• A small resealable bag: a few bags can come in handy for rubbish, sticky wrappers or anything messy you don’t want in your footwells.

If you have a random golf ball like me, it can stay if you really want it to, just maybe don’t rely on it in an emergency… unless you’ve run out of coins or tokens for the driving range ball machine.

Before your next drive, take five minutes to tidy up your glovebox. You’ll be surprised how a little organisation can turn that junk drawer into a mini lifesaver.

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Some of us may remember when leaded petrol was an option. Lead was added to fuel to improve engine performance and efficiency, as well as a cleaning and lubricating agent – pretty good for the car, but not so great for our health or the environment.

So now we have petrol stations dazzling drivers with a dizzying display of numbers, colours, prices and catchphrases.

Press play to find out what they mean.

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Ignorance is bliss – until it comes to your car. Here are five ways you could be damaging your vehicle without realising.

1. Resting your hand on the gear shifter 

Driving, especially on long road trips, can be tiring but now probably isn’t the best time to rest your hands – especially on the gear lever in manual transmission vehicle or the selector lever in a car with an automatic transmission.

Resting your hand on either of these might feel comfortable, but over time it can put unnecessary pressure on the selector linkage and increase wear. It’s also safer to keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving. That way, you always have better control of the car.

If one hand is on the shifter instead of the wheel, it can slow your reaction in sudden situations, like swerving to miss something on the road or braking quickly. You can also be fined $228 and a $105 Victims of Crime Levy for driving without having proper control of the vehicle.

Do: While not technically illegal to drive with only one hand on the wheel, it isn’t recommended. So, keep both hands on the wheel until you need to change gears.

2. Turning the steering wheel while stationary

Ever turned the steering wheel while you’re parked with the engine running? This is called ‘dry steering’ and can put extra stress on power steering components and front tyres when they scrub against the pavement.

Turning the wheel occasionally, like when you’re parking, won’t destroy your car but, as a general habit, it’s better to avoid the manoeuvre.

Do: Always ensure the vehicle is moving, even slowly, when turning the steering wheel.

3. Warming up before you drive

We’re not talking about a quick jog around the block but warming up your car each morning before you leave the driveway. Most modern engines don’t need you to warm up before driving. In fact, long idling can waste fuel and cause extra engine wear long-term.

Do: When it comes to most newer cars, all you need to do is start the engine and drive. Just be sure to accelerate gently until the motor has reached the optimal operating temperature.

4. Hitting the pavement (in the worst possible way)

Even a slight bump to the kerb can bend suspension components over time, give you a flat tyre or mess up alignment, safety and dramatically increase tyre wear. Take note: If the steering wheel starts pulling in one direction, this might be why.

Occasional minor contact at very low speed usually isn’t catastrophic, but repeated or hard kerb knocks can affect the safety, handling and long-term reliability of your vehicle.

Do: Use your mirrors and know your surroundings when parking kerbside.

5. Not washing your car regularly

PSA: This is for the one in five sa move readers who responded to a recent sa move poll that they never wash their car.

Washing your car regularly can help prevent rust, scratches and dull paint, all of which can depreciate the value of your vehicle. What’s more, if your vehicle is really dirty, it can obstruct your vision of the road, and you can be fined $414 and have to pay the $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

Remember, how often you should wash your car depends on where you live, how you drive, and where you park. Don’t forget all the nooks and crannies, and pay particular attention to the windows and mirrors. Find out about the five parts of a car that are often neglected during a wash.

Do: As a general rule, wash your car every two weeks. If you park under trees, scrub your vehicle as soon as you notice bird droppings, tree sap or pollen build-up as all three can damage your clear coat if left too long. If you park in a garage, a once-a-month clean may be enough.

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In this video, we show you how the two-bucket method can reduce the risk of scratching your car while washing it.

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You’re set to buy a new car, but don’t know where to start. Do I want a SUV or sedan? Electric vehicle (EV), hybrid or petrol-power?

The many decisions you need to make before buying a new car can make the whole process a little overwhelming.

We have seven tips to help you when purchasing a new car.

1. Determine your budget

Before you set foot on the showroom floor of a dealership, think about how much you want to spend on a car.

Remember to consider ongoing costs like registration, insurance and fuel. This will help determine the type of vehicle you can purchase and your negotiating power when speaking to the salesperson. It can also help prevent overspending.

2. Know your needs

You’ll want to find a car that fits your needs. If you have a growing family, maybe a SUV is worth considering or, if you only use the car for city driving, maybe a hatchback is a better option. Nowadays, you can also decide whether you want to purchase an EV, hybrid or petrol powered.

It might be worth sitting down and doing the maths to see if an EV or a hybrid could be cheaper in the long run.

3. Check ANCAP safety ratings

Safety should be a priority when purchasing a vehicle. Australian new-car buyers don’t need to check all the safety features on a car themselves. Instead, you can visit the ANCAP website and find an independently tested rating of one to five stars. Try to buy the safest car you can afford.

4. Shop around

Before purchasing a vehicle, do some research online and find out the recommended retail price. This will give you a good idea of what the price might be when you arrive at the dealership.

5. Take a test drive

You’re probably spending a few thousand dollars on a new car, so you want to take it for a decent test drive before handing over your hard-earned cash. Don’t rush and drive it in a variety of traffic conditions, including on city streets and at higher speeds on a freeway.

Try to be objective making a judgement on the vehicle. Can you imagine driving this car every day? Am I comfortable and does it fit my lifestyle?

6. Check the warranty

Buying a new car at a dealership can be intimidating, particularly when they hand you lots of paperwork to sign. Spend time reading the fine print, particularly for the warranty so you know exactly what it covers and how long it lasts.

7. Organise insurance before purchasing the car

Before you drive out of the showroom, consider getting insurance to make sure your brand-new shiny car is covered.

Not all insurance policies offer the same cover so be sure to check specific inclusions and exclusions as well as limits.

For example, RAA Premium Comprehensive Car Insurance also includes new-vehicle replacement for up to five years from the first registration if the vehicle has been written off. *

Allianz South Australia Insurance Limited ABN 14 007 872 602 AFSL 232525 (Allianz SA) is the insurer and Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited ACN 677 371 274 (RAA) issues this under binder from Allianz SA. RAA do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and underwriting criteria apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). The PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) are available on our website.

*If you purchase your vehicle brand new and within 5 years of the original registration, the vehicle is a total loss, then it will be replaced by a brand-new vehicle. If same make/model not available, your car’s quoted replacement value will be paid, or it will be replaced with a comparable car. Policy terms apply. 

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Whether it’s a car, bike or Abrams battle tank, all vehicles, including electric scooters, need to be maintained.

In July 2025, it became legal for privately owned e-scooters to be ridden on public roads and footpaths.

But along with the giddy joy of scooting down the street on electrically powered wheels, there’s also the fun-stalling, yet necessary need to keep your ride well maintained. 

So, how do you make sure your e-scooter is in tip-top condition?

Stopping

Going is fun but stopping is vital. Before every ride, check the e-scooter’s brakes are working effectively before you hit the street.

Many e-scooters come with disc brakes, similar to those found on cars and bikes. When you pull the brake lever, two brake pads pinch the disc (rotor) spinning between them.

Disc brakes come in hydraulic and cable varieties. The cable type will need adjusting as the pads wear down, so check the owner’s manual for instructions, while hydraulic brakes are usually self-adjusting.

On both types, the brake pads will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.

Other brake types include:

• Drum, similar to disc brakes but the pads push out to the inside wall of a drum rather than grip a rotor.
• Regenerative, which use the switched-off motor to create drag on the wheels, while also generating a small charge for the battery.
• Foot operated, a backup brake that relies on foot pressure on the mudguard to rub the top of the wheel.

Many e-scooters use a combination of brake types.

Keep it clean

The bulk of a scooter is at ground level so it doesn’t take long for it to get grubby. But just like you wouldn’t pop your dirty toaster in the kitchen sink, don’t wash your scooter with the garden hose. Water and electricity aren’t friends.

It’s best to use a damp cloth for an overall wipe down, while an all-purpose cleaner sprayed onto a clean cloth can remove stubborn grime.

While we’re on the theme of mixing electricity and water, avoid riding through puddles or in heavy rain as this can damage the e-scooter’s motor.

If you plan to clean the brake rotors, specialised spray cleaners are available from automotive parts stores.

Feel the pressure

Check the e-scooter’s tyre pressure regularly. Tyres that are too firm increase the risk of punctures, while too soft can result in tyre damage, and even wheel-rim damage in extreme cases. Running tyres too soft can also drain the battery quicker because the motor has to work harder.

Nuts and bolts

Over time, vibration can loosen nuts and bolts that hold everything together, so check them regularly and tighten any that are loose. But don’t overtighten them because it can strip threads or damage components.

High on the nuts-and-bolts checklist are:

• Wheel nuts, so the wheels stay on
• Suspension bolts
• Brake lever clamps on the handle bars
• The folding mechanism and stem bolts
• Mudguard screws.

A smooth ride

Parts like the folding mechanism and suspension need occasional lubrication. There’s plenty of lubricant advice online, but the dominant theory suggests a lithium-based spray lube will do the job.

Prior to spraying, make sure your brake components are covered – slippery brakes don’t brake.

For safety’s sake

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) batteries used to power e-scooters and e-bikes contain highly flammable electrolytes.

To reduce the fire risk:

• Don’t charge batteries when you’re not home, or overnight while you’re asleep

• Use only manufacturer specified battery chargers
• Disconnect the charger when the battery’s fully charged
• Charge in a well-ventilated area
• Charge on a hard surface like concrete or tiles, and away from flammable material.

For comprehensive information on Li-ion battery safety, visit the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) website.

Consult the owner’s manual for specific advice on maintaining and charging your e-scooter.

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