Guides & Maintenance

The Guides & Maintenance category is dedicated to practical how-to articles, buying guides and maintenance tips. Here you will find explanations of key car technologies, EV battery care, tire and brake advice, seasonal checks and step-by-step guides to help drivers keep their vehicles safe and efficient.

Beach Day with Your Car: Tips to Stay Damage-Free This Summer
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Beach Day with Your Car: Tips to Stay Damage-Free This Summer

Summer's here, and the beach is calling your name. But before you hit the sand in your trusty 4X4, there are a few things you need to know to keep it safe from saltwater damage.Key TakeawaysAlways deflate your tyres for better traction on soft sandClean your car thoroughly after beach excursions to prevent corrosionCarry a basic recovery kit and learn how to use it before you goDriving on the beach can be exhilarating, but it's not without risks. Sand gets everywhere, salt corrodes metal fast, and waves spray your car with salty water. To avoid costly repairs later, take these simple steps.First off, make sure you have a reliable way to deflate and inflate tyres. Driving on soft sand requires lower tyre pressure for better traction. Most 4WDs come with air compressors or portable pumps tha...
Top Car Stories of 2025: Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai Take the Lead
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Top Car Stories of 2025: Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai Take the Lead

The year 2025 saw a resurgence in interest for key automotive reveals from brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai. As we wrap up another exciting chapter in the car industry's evolution, it’s clear that certain models captured the imagination of drivers across Australia.Key TakeawaysNew-generation versions of popular SUVs like Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 garnered significant attention before their reveals.The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid was crowned as the Drive Car of the Year, impressing critics with its family-centric design.Australia mandated all new vehicles to be fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems starting in 2025.One standout story from this year is the unveiling of the Toyota RAV4. The latest iteration builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering improved fu...
Charging Your MINI at Tesla Superchargers: What You Need to Know
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Charging Your MINI at Tesla Superchargers: What You Need to Know

Are you a MINI Countryman SE owner looking for the quickest way to juice up your electric ride? Well, guess what—Tesla's extensive network of NACS Superchargers is now open to eligible models. It’s like having access to an exclusive VIP lounge for EV drivers.Key TakeawaysYour MINI Countryman SE ALL4 can charge at Tesla's NACS stations with a special adapter.The MINI App will guide you through the process, integrating seamlessly into your charging routine.Pricing and fees are straightforward once you're plugged in.First things first: make sure your ride is on the list of approved models. If it’s a Countryman SE ALL4 with a CCS port, then congratulations—you’re good to go! But if not? Don’t worry; there's always Shell Recharge or another network for you.The Lectron Vortex Plus adapter is you...
Chad Green Motorsports Reveals Secrets of Racing a Nitro Funny Car
Guides & Maintenance, News

Chad Green Motorsports Reveals Secrets of Racing a Nitro Funny Car

Imagine strapping into a car that can reach speeds of up to 330 MPH in just four seconds. Chad Green, the fearless driver for Chad Green Motorsports, has given us an exclusive look at what it's like behind the wheel during one of the world’s biggest drag races—the NHRA U.S. Nationals.Key TakeawaysExperience four days of intense racing from August 28th to September 1st in Indianapolis.Cockpit footage shows the heart-pounding adrenaline rush and technical challenges faced by drivers.Late-night preparations are a crucial part of maintaining performance for each run down the track.Chad Green Motorsports invites viewers into their world, sharing both the excitement and pressure that come with racing one of these incredible machines. It's not just about driving fast; it’s also about precision en...
Stacey David’s Gearz: A Dive into Custom Cars and Drag Racing
Guides & Maintenance, News, Pickup Trucks

Stacey David’s Gearz: A Dive into Custom Cars and Drag Racing

Hey gearheads, Stacey David's latest episode of Gearz is a must-watch for anyone who loves custom cars from the '70s or wants to learn how to strip a truck cab. This week's show features an insane Mod Rod that'll make your jaw drop and tips on turning old trucks into sleek new rides.Key TakeawaysA wild custom car from the 1970s eraTips for stripping a truck cab to start your restoration projectDive into live drag racing events and auctions featuring classic carsThe episode kicks off with an incredible '70s Mod Rod that's been customized beyond recognition. It’s like stepping back in time, but with modern touches that make it stand out from the crowd.Next up is a guide on stripping down a truck cab for those looking to start their own restoration project or just wanting to understand what g...
Fixing Flat Tires: Costs and Tips for a Smooth Ride
Guides & Maintenance, News

Fixing Flat Tires: Costs and Tips for a Smooth Ride

Got a flat tire? You're not alone. Every driver has been there, stranded on the side of the road with their heart sinking as they realize it's time to call roadside assistance or head straight to an auto shop.Key TakeawaysTire patching costs vary from $5-$60 depending on location and service level.A DIY approach is cheaper but might not be as durable for larger punctures compared to professional services.Patching a tire can extend its life, but it's important to assess if the damage warrants replacing the entire tire instead of just patching up.Flat tires are more than an inconvenience; they're a safety issue. A flat occurs when something sharp like a nail or stone punctures your tire, causing air leakage and potentially dangerous driving conditions.Tire repair services typically start wit...
Oil Change Myths Debunked: How Often Should You Really Change Oil?
Guides & Maintenance, News

Oil Change Myths Debunked: How Often Should You Really Change Oil?

For decades, drivers have been told to change their oil every 3,000 miles. But advancements in engine technology and lubricants mean that's no longer the standard recommendation. Now many manufacturers suggest changes at 10,000-mile intervals under ideal conditions.Key TakeawaysAdvancements make modern engines more durable with better oil performanceMaintenance schedules vary widely between vehicles and driving habitsOwner's manuals provide guidelines but not one-size-fits-all solutionsThe traditional advice to change your car’s engine oil every 3,000 miles has been challenged by recent advancements in both lubricants and engines. Modern oils are formulated with additives that prevent wear better than ever before.Manufacturers now recommend longer intervals between changes—up to 10,000 mil...
Beware of Fake Spark Plugs: Tips to Stay Safe and Save Money
Guides & Maintenance, News

Beware of Fake Spark Plugs: Tips to Stay Safe and Save Money

Changing your car's spark plugs might seem like a straightforward DIY job, but beware—counterfeit parts are everywhere. These fake spark plugs can cause serious damage to your engine if they're not up to the mark.Key TakeawaysAvoid buying from unknown third-party sellers online; stick with trusted sources like dealerships or reputable auto parts stores.If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine spark plugs typically cost around $13 each for popular brands.Inspect your purchase carefully before installation—look out for irregularities in packaging and quality.Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries found that 60% of spark plugs sold online were counterfeit back in 2019. And it seems like this problem hasn't gone away since then, with many still falling victim...
Avoiding Common Mistakes Around Semi-Trucks: Stay Safe on the Road
Guides & Maintenance, News, Pickup Trucks

Avoiding Common Mistakes Around Semi-Trucks: Stay Safe on the Road

Sharing the road with semi-trucks is a daily reality for many drivers, but it's easy to fall into dangerous habits when you're used to maneuvering smaller vehicles. As an automotive journalist with over two decades of experience, I've seen my fair share of close calls and accidents involving these massive trucks.Key TakeawaysAvoid moving back into a lane too quickly after passing a semi-truck due to their large stopping distance.Maintain safe distances when following a truck trailer, as the driver can't see you in blind spots.Awareness of your surroundings is crucial; understand that trucks behave differently from cars and require more space.One common mistake drivers make is moving back into their lane too quickly after passing a semi-truck. It's tempting to squeeze between the truck and ...
AMETEK’s Guide Aims to Drive Fuel Cell Advancement with Programmable Power Solutions
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

AMETEK’s Guide Aims to Drive Fuel Cell Advancement with Programmable Power Solutions

The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift towards hydrogen and fuel cell technology, as companies like AMETEK continue to push the boundaries of innovation. With their latest whitepaper on driving fuel cell advancement through programmable power solutions, they're offering engineers valuable insights into optimizing electrolysis processes, testing fuel cells under real-world conditions, innovating EV powertrains, and enhancing energy efficiency.Key TakeawaysH2 Electrolysis Optimization with precise voltage control for higher hydrogen yield and system efficiencyFuel Cell Testing & Simulation using AMETEK's Mi-BEAM, SGX, and HPX systems to replicate real-world scenarios without complex hardware setupsEV Powertrain Innovation through advanced testing methods that simulate ...