With some car noises, you just know something’s wrong. And when you’re driving slowly and hear a rhythmic click, click, click or thump, thump, thump, it often means you have a nail or screw in your tyre. Here’s what to do.

What’s the damage (and where)?

If you think there’s a problem with your tyre, don’t panic or brake suddenly. Pull over safely as soon as you can and inspect your tyres thoroughly. If you notice damage to the tyre’s sidewall or the outer edges of the tread (shoulder), chances are it’s irreparable so don’t continue driving on it.

If the tyre is totally flat, don’t drive on it either, even at low speeds or for a short distance. You can damage the wheel rim and could lose control of the vehicle.

In either case, you’ll need to call for assistance or fix the tyre yourself (see below).

If your tyre isn’t flat, check for any foreign objects in the tread, such as nails, screws or sharp stones. You may need to move your car forward or backward slightly to position the tyre correctly.

So, there’s a nail or screw in the tread. What now?

Your first instinct might be to remove the nail or screw, but don’t do that yet. Leave it in the tyre for now. It might be acting as a plug and slowing air loss. If you remove the object, the tyre will deflate rapidly, making the situation worse.

If you have a tyre pressure gauge, check whether the tyre is losing air. If the air pressure is similar to the level you normally inflate it to, the tyre might have a slow leak and be driveable for a short time. If the pressure is significantly lower or dropping quickly, don’t drive on it.

Option 1: Take it to a tyre retailer

During business hours, you may be close enough to drive to a nearby tyre retailer. If the damage is limited to the tread, it may be repairable, but then again you may need a new tyre. A technician first needs to remove the object and make an assessment.

Option 2: Fix it yourself

If you’re confident fixing the tyre yourself, you have a few options. For a temporary fix, use a puncture repair kit if your car has one, or a can of tyre sealant. The only way to permanently repair a puncture is to take the tyre off the rim and inspect it for internal damage, so have it checked by an expert as soon as possible. Replace the punctured tyre with your spare; not all cars have a spare, so it’s worth checking before you need one. If it’s a space saver spare, remember they’re typically speed limited to 80 km/h so don’t travel too fast or too far and have the tyre repaired as soon as possible.

Option 3: Call RAA

If you’re not confident fixing it yourself, or it’s damaged beyond repair, RAA is on hand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call RAA roadside assistance on 13 11 11 or visit the RAA app to report the incident and a patrol will assess the situation, fit your spare wheel, or arrange a tow.

Look after your tyres

When it comes to car maintenance, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. You’re not going far if your tyres aren’t up to scratch and although you can’t help bad luck, you can keep an eye on your tyres before they become a problem.

Check your tyre pressure regularly and if your car has a tyre pressure monitoring system, refer to your owner’s manual and learn how to use it. It may help you notice any drops in air pressure before you get stuck. And, when you’re inflating your tyres, remember to add some air to the spare tyre too if you have one. There’s no point having a flat spare tyre when you need it the most.

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A sure-fire way to extend the life of your engine is to check the oil. The right quantity and quality of oil lubricates components, clears out debris, and prevents corrosion – all vital for engine health and performance.

Your owner’s manual will outline recommended oil change intervals, but it pays to check at home between services.

1. Hot or cold?

For accuracy, check the oil on level ground with the engine at operating temperature, rather than stone cold. To get there, let the engine idle for about five minutes, then turn off the ignition and lift and secure the bonnet. Do it the same way each time so you can compare readings and monitor any changes. Be mindful of hot surfaces before you start touching anything.

2. Find the dipstick

If your engine doesn’t have a dipstick, consult your owner’s manual to see how to check levels. But if it does, it’ll be on top or at the side of the engine block, usually with a red, orange, or yellow ring or handle. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re having trouble finding the dipstick. Have a clean, lint-free rag in your other hand, then pull firmly on the dipstick to remove it. Wipe the dipstick on the rag, reinsert it fully into its tube, then remove it again.

3. Check the level

The dipstick should have two lines or marks near the bottom end to indicate the oil level. They indicate MAX for maximum and MIN for minimum, H for high and L for low, or something similar. The oil level should sit between the two, or on the maximum line if the car’s just been serviced. Near or below the minimum means it needs a top-up. If the oil is dark brown or black, watery or sludgy, have an RAA Approved Repairer take a look. Worth noting: some diesel engines have an extra indicator above the full mark, and oil levels can sometimes rise on their own between services. Check your owner’s manual if anything looks unusual.

4. Oils ain’t oils

Okay, we’ve borrowed a line from an old Castrol commercial, but the point stands. Motor oils differ by type (mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic) and by viscosity (resistance to flow). Check your owner’s manual or consult an expert before adding oil to your engine. If you need a top-up, place a funnel into the oil filler hole and add the oil gradually. Check the dipstick regularly as you refill to avoid overfilling.

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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.

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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.

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