Your mate is sitting alongside you in the passenger seat of your car. They reach out their hand to change the song. Has your passenger committed an offence? By law, no; it’s perfectly acceptable for them to switch to another radio station, right? Not in your car.

From no eating to no smoking, some drivers have their own rules when it comes to passengers riding in their cars. Now we want to know your non-negotiables.

Cast your vote below. Select your number one, most important car rule only.

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‘Wash me’: if you’ve ever used your finger to innocently write these words on a dirty car, you might want to stick with pen and paper.

Writing or drawing on a dirty or dusty vehicle can be damaging. Here’s why.

Why you shouldn’t do it

Put your finger down. According to RAA Manager of Approved Repairers Simon Halford, running your finger innocently along a car covered in dust can scrape the vehicle’s paint work. How? On a microscopic scale, dust can be sharp and abrasive.

“When dirt sits on paint, anything that moves across it can scrape the surface underneath, causing small scratches and clear-coat damage,” Simon explains.

“So, drawing a smiley face or writing ‘wash me’ can sometimes cause damage to the finish.

“Remember, dirt washes off, but scratches are in the clear coat and could still be visible.”

Press hard enough and you can leave what’s known as ‘ghost’ writing, which is when the writing or drawing is visible even after the car has been washed.

Can’t resist the urge?

The dust that’s collected on your mate’s car is too tempting not to squiggle on. You quickly write whatever comes to your mind: ‘[insert your name] was here’.

When it comes time to wash off a vehicle’s dusty artwork, don’t scrub too hard. Instead, Simon recommends rinsing the loose dust off with water first, then wash with soapy water and a microfibre cloth to prevent deeper abrasion.

Use the two-bucket method here (one bucket for soapy water and the other for rinsing the mitt) so grit isn’t reintroduced. Follow up with a wax to protect the paint. If the scratches are still visible, a light polish can help.

“Don’t overdo it, as polishing can remove a thin layer of clear coat,” Simon says.

Can I be fined for writing/drawing on a car?

The writing isn’t always on the wall – sometimes it ends up on the car.

In South Australia, there’s no law that specifically prohibits someone from writing offensive words in the dirt or dust on your car. However, if the message is genuinely obscene or likely to cause offence to people who see it, police could issue a fine on that basis. Try to keep dusty artwork PG and make sure it’s not offensive.

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Not quite ready for an EV? A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) could be perfect for you. At $33,990, we drive Australia’s newest and cheapest PHEV.

Two cars in one

The humble PHEV is having its time in the sun. Once ridiculed as something of a joke technology, rapid advances in EV battery technology, amounting to an increase in battery density for a lower cost, has seen PHEV sales surge 130 per cent in 2025 to 53,484.

By infusing a conventional combustion vehicle with the latest EV technology – think a muscular electric motor and a battery that can be independently recharged – you effectively get two cars in one.

You get an EV for emissions-free shorter trips. Then, when the battery is flat, you have the conventional engine and petrol tank for longer journeys. Some of the latest PHEVs have more range than some of the earliest EVs.

Australia’s cheapest PHEV

The influx of Chinese brands has also seen PHEV prices plummet. At $33,990, the BYD Sealion 5 Essential joins a now 10-strong BYD range and is currently Australia’s cheapest PHEV.

Under the bonnet, a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 72kW and 122Nm, while a 145kW/300Nm electric motor pairs with a 12.9kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery. Electric-only range is 71km, while BYD says fuel efficiency with a flat battery is 4.5L/100km. Combined power is a hearty 156kW.

Inside the cabin

With a longer, wider and taller body than a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, inside the cabin there’s at least as much space. It’s arguably more modern than the Toyota, with its combination of 10.1-inch central touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and 8.8-inch instrument cluster. BYD has kindly fitted buttons for various common controls including a roller for volume.

While the manually adjusted front seats remind you that you bought the base model, the Sealion 5 is still fairly generously equipped. It drives well too. In its EV-only mode, the electric motor offers decent and responsive instant torque with brisk, near-silent front-drive acceleration. With its regenerative braking, it may as well be an EV.

We got about 65km in EV-only mode and when the petrol engine kicked in, the drive was smooth and not too loud. And it still has plenty of acceleration in short bursts.

Where it falls short

The Sealion 5 isn’t perfect. You could argue it has all the personality of a user manual. The unusually wide turning circle will give you plenty of three-point turn practice; some of the active driver aids are a bit trigger-happy; and if you can’t, or don’t, plug it in regularly, you may as well get a more conventional hybrid like a RAV4 or Hyundai Tucson. With a flat battery, the Sealion 5 returned 6.5L/100km, about 20 per cent more than a RAV4 Hybrid in the real world.

The verdict

And at one point during our testing, the Sealion 5’s infotainment screen froze and wouldn’t come back, despite restarting the car. Forgivable given the price?

Plugged in at home overnight, a full charge will take roughly five hours. One in three Aussie homes now have solar on the roof and if that’s you, a solar-powered PHEV charged during the day could save you thousands of dollars in petrol each year. No joke.

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Safer cars save lives, which is why safety should be at the top of your list when shopping for a new vehicle.

Thankfully, modern cars are safer than ever and if you’re considering an electric vehicle (EV), you’re in luck. EVs dominate Australia’s safety rankings at a range of price points, so read on to discover some of the safest on the market.

How do I find a car’s safety rating?

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is Australia and New Zealand’s independent vehicle safety authority, and conducts regular crash tests on popular new vehicles, assigning a rating of zero to five stars.

RAA’s Principal Advisor of Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says the safer the car is, the more stars ANCAP awards it.

“Visit the ANCAP website and search for the make and model,” Peter says. “If the car’s been crash tested, you’ll find its star rating and a full breakdown of its safety performance.”

What else does ANCAP test?

ANCAP also evaluates vehicles across what it calls stages of safety, assessing performance before, during and after a crash.

• Safe driving: technologies and features that support a safer driving experience for the driver and occupants.
• Crash avoidance: technologies that prevent or minimise critical incidents through warnings or autonomous intervention.
• Crash protection: vehicle structure, seatbelts, airbags and head restraints designed to minimise injuries to occupants, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Post crash: emergency-response systems that support rescue services during the critical period following a collision.

To compile our sample of safe, affordable EVs, we’ve selected models with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and strong scores across all four key safety pillars: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection and safety assist (advanced driver assistance systems). Together they measure a vehicle’s ability to protect occupants of all ages, safeguard vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, and use technology to avoid crashes altogether.

Here are some EVs that make the cut.

Small SUVs and hatchbacks

Medium SUVs

Medium sedans

Large SUVs and utes

So, what have we learnt?

Buying a safer car is one of the best decisions you can make, and if it’s an EV you’re after, you’ll find plenty of affordable makes, models and body types.

At a minimum, look for a 5-star ANCAP rating but, as Peter says, dig deeper and compare performance across all four safety pillars to find the safest option for your needs.

“Doing a bit of research and checking the ANCAP website only takes a few minutes, and it could make all the difference to yourself, your family and other road users if you’re involved in a crash,” Peter says.   

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English writer Alexander Pope once wrote that to err is human and nowhere is that truer than behind the wheel.

We all make mistakes while driving, but thankfully modern technology helps us reduce their impact or avoid them altogether.

What type of technology do we mean?

Newer vehicles come equipped with a variety of safety-related technologies, known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Using onboard sensors, cameras and software, these systems monitor the road and surrounding environment to help protect the vehicle’s occupants and other road users.

Existing research indicates that different ADAS functions may reduce crash rates by 25 to 30 per cent.

What does ADAS do?

ADAS performs a range of functions, from collision warning and braking assistance to lane keeping, speed management, parking assistance and driver monitoring.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) senses danger ahead and can brake automatically before the driver has time to react. Lane keeping assist (LKA) helps keep vehicles from drifting out of their lane and into danger. And electronic stability control (ESC) is another common but important feature that helps drivers reduce or prevent skidding in difficult driving conditions.

Other modern features include blind spot warning, intelligent speed assistance, and cross traffic warning, which alerts drivers to vehicles approaching from the side, front or behind they may not be able to see. In simple terms, driver assist technologies help reduce road crashes by helping you react to emergencies quicker.

Director for Road Safety Policy and Reform at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) Sarah Clark says ADAS are critical for road safety.

“ADAS act as a second set of eyes, warning drivers of potential hazards and helping them avoid danger before it happens,” Sarah says.

How do I use ADAS?

Depending on your vehicle, you would typically activate ADAS features via touchscreens, steering wheel buttons and dashboard menus, while some come on automatically. The system communicates through beeps, vibrations, dashboard icons and, in some cases, automatic braking or steering.

Some features can be turned off while you’re driving but consider the risk you’re taking if you do switch the features off. ADAS has been proven to make vehicles considerably safer than those without it. Turning them off means losing features that could save your life in a crash or prevent a crash altogether.

Remember, ADAS doesn’t replace the driver’s judgement and skill; the technology is there to support you. So, think of it as a second set of eyes watching the road, warning you of danger and using cameras and sensors to step in and assist with braking, steering or skid control when needed. Stay safe by keeping them switched on.

“Even good drivers make mistakes, so it’s important to keep ADAS turned on. It could save your life,” Sarah says.

Before you drive your new pride and joy on the road, ask the dealer to explain what your vehicle’s ADAS features are, how they work and how to use them.

How do I buy a safer car?

When buying or leasing a vehicle, put safety at the top of your shopping list and get the safest car you can afford that suits your needs. The right choice could save the lives of you, your family, other drivers and vulnerable road users like pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.

The good news is the hard work has already been done when it comes to checking a vehicle’s safety features. ANCAP – Australia and New Zealand’s independent vehicle safety authority – conducts regular crash tests and safety assessments on new vehicles, assigning a rating of zero to five stars. The more stars, the safer the car. Before you buy, visit ANCAP and search for the make and model you’re considering; if ANCAP has tested the vehicle, you’ll find its star rating and a breakdown of results.

You don’t have to be buying new either. Used cars are also rated on their safety performance, although it’s based on real-life crashes rather than lab conditions. Visit the THINK! Road Safety website to find the safest used car within your budget.

The post Saving lives with technology appeared first on samove.com.au.

In June, the Tesla Model Y was the nation’s best-selling vehicle for a second month running, according to VFACTS data.

More Australian new-car buyers bought the Tesla Model Y (8072 sales) in June 2026 than the ever-popular Toyota HiLux (5175 sales) and Ford Ranger (5999 sales). 

Accounting for more than 35 per cent of sales, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles dominated the June rankings on the back of a recent increase in popularity. Chinese car maker BYD sold 18,881 vehicles in June – a mere 243 cars fewer than Toyota, the best-selling brand for the month. 

Fully electric vehicles (EVs) made up almost a quarter of all car sales for the last month of the financial year, with many of the car models in the top 10 being either hybrids or fully electric cars. 

Chinese-built vehicles – including Tesla, Polestar and BYD – accounted for about 39.6 per cent of all deliveries in June. 

RAA Principal Advisor Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattrass says RAA expects EV interest to accelerate due to fuel prices remaining high. 

“South Australians are considering the cost of running their vehicles right now, and EVs are increasingly being seen as a good way to reduce the cost of driving,” Peter says. 

“The most-recent sales figures show that those who are in the market for a new-car are increasingly considering an electric option, whether it’s a plug-in hybrid or fully electric model. 

“We’re seeing a clear shift where more motorists are moving beyond thinking about buying to committing to buy electric vehicles, particularly after they learn more about the potential savings on fuel and maintenance.”

Looking to buy an EV? Here’s what you should consider before you start searching for a new vehicle.

The post Tesla tops Aussie sales appeared first on samove.com.au.

Those cold winter mornings have arrived in SA, and on occasion you might wake up to ice on your windscreen.

While it might be tempting to pour hot water over the windscreen, leave the kettle in the kitchen where it belongs. It can crack the windscreen leaving you with a nasty repair bill.

Instead, follow a few simple tips to clear the ice before you leave the driveway.

1. Start your car

Sounds straightforward, but starting your car and turning on the heater will help melt the ice on your windscreen. Begin with cooler air before turning the heater up to avoid sudden temperature changes that may damage the glass.

2. Use a de-icing solution

Buy some de-icing solution from the store and spray it on your windscreen. Avoid homemade concoctions – while they may melt the ice, they could also be corrosive to your car’s glass, paint, plastics and other delicate surfaces.

No de-icing solution on hand? You can use a little bit of room-temperature water to loosen the ice.

3. Give it a scrape

Use a plastic scraper or soft-bristled brush to gently scrape the ice off your windscreen. Don’t use anything metal, like a knife, as it could scratch the windscreen.

Avoid improvising an ice scraper. Keep the credit card in your wallet; it might seem like a good idea, but store-bought ice scrapers have a larger scraping area and handle so they’re easier to use.

4. Wipe it away

Once the ice is loose, use your windscreen wipers to clear any remaining slush or water. Don’t be tempted to use your wipers when the windscreen is icy as it could damage the blades.

Prevention better than the cure

If you want to avoid waking up to an icy windscreen, try to park your car in the garage or undercover whenever possible. If you’re unable to park undercover, try a windscreen cover or park facing the east so the sun will begin to melt the ice.

The post Defrosting your windscreen appeared first on samove.com.au.

It’s widely accepted that a brand-new car loses value the moment you drive out of the dealership. But how much? The figure depends on the vehicle you drive and how you look after it. Let’s find out more.

It’s quite a thrill to buy a brand-new car. You get a full manufacturer’s warranty, the latest tech and safety features, and no hidden problems from previous owners. Plus, the emotional benefits: your choice of colour and trim and that new-car smell we all love. Unfortunately, there’s a financial price to pay: depreciation.

What’s depreciation?

Simply put, depreciation is the decline in your car’s value over time, and it hits hardest in the first few years. Depreciation applies to new and used cars, but new cars typically depreciate faster. When it comes time to sell, the price you’re offered may be considerably less than what you paid.

The idea that every car drops by a fixed percentage the moment it leaves the dealership is an oversimplification. Rather, driving away marks the start of a depreciation curve.

What affects a car’s depreciation?

Make and model

Well-known brands have a history of retaining value better than others. Think Toyota, Mazda, Ford, Hyundai, Subaru and Honda. Popular models like the RAV4, Hilux, Corolla, CR-V, Forester, Mazda3, Landcruiser and Ranger tend to hold their value reasonably well.

Conversely, luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover and Audi often depreciate faster given their high purchase price and maintenance costs.

Kilometres and condition

The more you drive, the faster your car depreciates; more wear and tear and possibly an expired warranty means more risk for the next buyer. Would you pay the same for a three-year-old Toyota Camry with 100,000km on the clock as one with 30,000km? You know the answer. Condition matters just as much. Dents, scratches, faded paint, bald tyres and a poor service history will cost you at resale.

Colour and configuration

White, silver and black cars hold their value better than quirky colours like purple, orange and light green, which reduce your pool of potential buyers. Buying a model with more features may help future-proof the car, ensuring it’ll have the tech and other extras that’ll appeal to buyers later.

Other factors

Market conditions play a role too. For example, COVID-19 new-car shortages pushed used car prices up, narrowing the depreciation gap.

Engine type also matters. Diesel and petrol vehicles depreciate faster in some markets, as electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, while some EVs depreciate quickly as newer, cheaper models arrive.

So, what’s the real figure?

Research suggests that a popular, high-demand car’s value can drop by 10 to15 per cent as soon as you drive it home. For certain makes and models, that figure can climb to 35 per cent or more.

After three years, some mainstream cars retain 75 to 80 per cent of their value, while certain luxury sedans and EVs can drop to 50 to 60 per cent.

At the seven-year mark, a standard car with average kilometres may be worth about 40 per cent of its original purchase price.

Use the Australian Tax Office’s online tool to estimate the value of depreciating assets such as cars. Although it’s primarily for business tax purposes, it can give you a general estimate of your car’s depreciation.

How to boost your car’s resale value

Keep it serviced and clean

Keep up with servicing and maintain a stamped logbook, as buyers will pay more for a verifiable service history. Replace brakes and worn tyres, repair dents and scratches, and fix mechanical issues promptly.

Wash and wax your car regularly to maintain the paintwork and trim and keep the car in the garage if possible. Don’t smoke inside as the odour will put buyers off.

Keep the kilometres reasonable

Cars that are driven less depreciate slower, so try to limit your kilometres. However, don’t let your car sit idle for long periods as that can cause another set of problems. If you have more than one car, you may want to vary which you use for long and short trips.

Keep it simple

Choose neutral colours over bold or unusual ones and avoid aftermarket modifications, such as body kits, custom wheels and performance upgrades; most buyers prefer stock standard cars.

What have we learnt?

Depreciation is real but it’s not the dramatic, fixed drop you may have heard. Choose your car wisely, look after it and keep the kilometres down and you’ll get the best possible return at resale time.

Final note: depreciation is a key reason why buyers choose two to three-year-old, low-kilometre, mainstream models in good condition. The previous owner has already taken the depreciation hit, leaving a potentially significant saving for the next buyer.

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