If you’re interested in electrified vehicles rather than fully electric, here's our pick of the best new hybrid and PHEV cars, SUVs, and utes on sale in Australia.
What to do when your car breaks down – and who to call
From quiet country roads to busy freeways, there’s never a good time for your car to break down - but it doesn't have to ruin your day. Here's what to do if your car breaks down, so you can get back on the road ASAP.
A car breakdown is always an inconvenience, especially when you're on your way to work, driving to the airport, or travelling on a road trip. It can also be dangerous: several Australians lose their lives each year after being hit by vehicles when stopped in emergency lanes. For your safety and peace of mind, it's important to learn how best to deal with your car breaking down unexpectedly.
How to help prevent a car breakdown
Cars don’t generally break down for no reason. Regularly servicing your vehicle can fix potential problems before they affect your car's performance. Tyre maintenance is also important. Wear and tear, and improper tyre inflation are common causes of flat tyres, as well as punctures. When driving, be aware of any strange noises, a change in the way the vehicle feels, a lack of power, or warning lights on your dash.
If something doesn’t look, sound or feel right, pull into a service station or park well off the road and call a reputable roadside assistance provider such as RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance on 13 11 11.
You should also store some emergency essentials in your car in case of a breakdown. A torch, first aid kit, fully charged mobile, phone charger, and a bottle of water are all helpful items in the event of a car breakdown. If you regularly travel to remote locations where mobile service may not be available, it's worth investing in a satellite phone or personal location beacon (PLB), so you can call for emergency services if needed.
If you break down, look for the safest place to park at the side of the road and ring for assistance. Image: Getty
What to do when your car breaks down
Stop your car in a safe area and keep yourself far away from moving traffic
RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance customers in metro Melbourne receive an SMS notifying them when a van is due to arrive
When the RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance van arrives, a roadside specialist will find out what's wrong with your vehicle