Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

It's not only bad for your health, but also reduces the resale value of your car by hundreds of dollars.Dealers recommend motorists repair smoke and burn damage and professionally deodorise their car before putting it on the market or attempting to trade it in.The same goes for pet odour. Obtaining a high resale value starts when you buy the vehicle. Buy German or Japanese, light or small, diesel engine and a plain colour.White, silver or grey are the best resale performers, but if you do buy something bright, sell it quickly before it goes out of fashion.Other tips for motorists to retain high trade-in prices are:1. Try to keep mileage low and especially short of major services such as timing belt replacement.2. Dealers will often look at logbooks, so it is important the vehicle has all of its services performed on time and stamped in the book by a reputable mechanic.3. While aftermarket and factory fitted accessories such as stereo systems, bull-bars and upmarket wheels can make your vehicle appear and feel more valuable, dealers often disregard them, so it can be money wasted when the time comes to sell.4. Your vehicle should be clean and undamaged when it comes time to trade in. A good dealer can usually find damage, even if it has been repaired by the most professional panel beater.TOP 10 RE-SELLERS(Weekly depreciation based on RACQ running costs survey, 3 and 5 year depreciation percentage based on Glass's Guide).

It's reversing that's the hard part, but even that comes with practice. (The basic rule is to steer opposite to the direction you want the trailer to go.)VEHICLEMost SUVs are capable towing vehicles with a high driving position providing good visibility. Towing is easier in SUVs with all-wheel drive which provides better grip and traction on slippery surfaces such as boat ramps.Diesel-powered SUVs have extra torque which helps with acceleration when pulling a heavy load.Manual transmissions are usually better in compact SUVs because of the power losses, but modern automatic transmissions are very strong, reliable and can sometimes pull bigger loads than a manual gearbox in the same model. However, be aware that auto boxes are prone to overheating when towing. A transmission cooler can be fitted to solve this problem.While compact SUVs are limited in their towing capacity, there are many lightweight caravans (about 1500kg) available now that can easily be towed by mid-sized SUVs.PRECAUTIONSBefore towing any trailer or vehicle, drivers should check their owner's manual for allowable towing capacities, tow ball rates, gross combination vehicle mass, axle load, correct tyre inflation pressures, accessories that need to be fitted and maximum speed for the towing weight.You should also check with your state transport department or auto club to see if there are any special legal requirements. If travelling interstate, check with authorities in that state. For example, the speed limit when towing is generally the posted speed limit, but in Western Australia the maximum speed for trailers over 750kg is 100km/h.It's important to remember that when towing, your vehicle is heavier and will be harder to start, accelerate and stop. You should therefore allow more space for stopping and avoid trying to overtake, especially on an incline.If your tow vehicle or trailer is not fitted with brakes, towing capacity is limited to around 500kg which is only useful for light trailers. Remember to take into consideration the weight of the load and not just the trailer weight. For example, one trail bike will add about 100kg.So for any useful towing, you are going to need a braked trailer or vehicle, which can usually treble the towing capacity of your SUV.ACCESSORIESYou can make the job of towing easier and safer with the right accessories. Most importantly, have the right tow bar for the job. Sometimes tow bars fitted to vehicles are not sturdy enough for the load you want to pull.A handy accessory is wing mirror extensions will make it easier to see what is behind your tow vehicle. The Coast Towing Door Mount Mirror ($62.50) comes with a 50mm blind-spot mirror to improve vision even further.There is also a range of clever devices which help hitch a heavy tow vehicle on to the tow ball. Some are motorised and some even come with a remote control, such as the Reich Eco Mover. It is available to suit both single-axle ($1903) and twin-axle ($3649) tow vehicles either on the front or back wheel and does not affect the suspension.The electronic Caravan Reversing System ($515) will do the job without another person on guard duty. It has a 14.7cm LCD screen with sun shield to reduce glare, a waterproof eyeball camera with audio, video, and infra-red night vision.The unit comes with 15m and 7.5m four-pin cables and a suction mount, and the monitor can also accept a second video input.Towing is made safer with EAZ LIFT Weight Distribution Hitches ($577) that balance the weight between the trailer axle and the point linking the vehicle, trailer and rear axle. This helps level out the point joining the two, reducing "snaking" and "swaying" triggered by passing cars and trucks.You can also level the join between the tow vehicle and caravan/trailer being towed with Coast 4 Bar Equaliser Kits ($175). They are easy to use and install and improve steering and handling while reducing tyre wear.The Tekonsha P3 Digital Brake Controller ($233) is suitable for single, double, triple and quadruple axle trailers and has a digital display of diagnostics, such as output current, battery/brake and output voltage and will warn you if the brake is disabled.There is a wide range of aftermarket parking sensors which can be fitted to trailers and caravans to avoid damager and aid in parking. If towing big loads, you might also consider beefing up the suspension of your SUV.MAINTENANCEAt the very least you should have your vehicle checked more regularly than the normal servicing intervals as towing places strain on engines, transmissions, cooling systems, brakes, tyres and suspension.Towing vehicles should always be kept in the best mechanical condition as should trailers, especially those carrying boats as these are prone to rust. It is best to store them out of the weather and have wheel bearings serviced once a year.RECOMMENDED TOWING SUVsCompact SUVHolden CaptivaPrice: $33,990Engine: 135kW/400Nm 2231cc 4-cylinder turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoBody: 5-seater wagonTowing: 750kg unbraked, 1500kg brakedMid SUVNissan PathfinderPrice: $51,490-$65,990Engine: 140kW/450Nm 2488cc 4-cylinder turbo dieselTransmission: 5-speed autoBody: 5-seater wagonTowing: 750kg unbraked, 3000kg brakedLarge SUVToyota LandCruiser GXLPrice: $87,664-$Engine: 195kW/650Nm 4461cc V8 turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoBody: 5-seater wagonTowing: 750kg unbraked, 3500kg brakedLuxury SUVRange Rover SportPrice: $99,900-$112,900Engine: 182kW/600Nm 2993cc 6-cylinder turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed autoBody: 5-seater wagonTowing: 750kg unbraked, 3500kg brakedTOWING TIPSGet a mechanical check on the towing vehicle, especially the brakes and tyresInspect the caravan or trailer for roadworthiness before you set out, especially the tyres and rimsCheck your caravan/trailer lights, indicators, hitch and security chain before setting off each dayCheck the tread and inflation of all tyres including the spareEnsure the wheel bearings are sound, well greased and free of rust or damagePractise reversing in a vacant carparkLeave an extra 20m stopping distance between you and the next vehicleTravel at a lower speed and use a low gear travelling down hills.

Yet few motorists know how they work or how to maintain them.A battery has two terminals, one marked positive (+) and one negative (-) to which are connected to leads that run to the ignition, starter motor, lights and other electrical components.Inside the typical lead acid battery are lead plates in electrolyte liquid which creates an electro-chemical reaction to produce a charge to the battery terminals.These batteries can get a build-up of lead oxide on the terminals, which need to be cleaned for optimum performance. You should also keep the electrolyte topped up with de-mineralised water, not tap water or acid. Don’t overfill.Batteries are recharged by the alternator, which turns mechanical energy into an electrical charge. A failed alternator can allow the battery to go flat. In this case the battery can be recharged however fully depleted batteries will have a shorter life.Most modern car batteries are either absorbed glass mat or gel cell. These are sealed for life requiring no maintenance. When they go flat, you simply replace them.Electric cars and some luxury models use lightweight lithium-ion batteries (See image to the right), which use lithium-ion instead of electrolyte liquid to create the charge.

 For a start, don't tie your dead granny to the roof racks like the Griswald family did in the classic comedy movie National Lampoon's Vacation. It will not only ruin your car's handling and fuel economy, but probably your holiday as well.Roof racks are good for things you don't want inside your car such as gas bottles, firewood, camping rubbish, spare fuel and smelly items like dead relatives. But tying your dead grandmother to the roof would create too much wind drag which would reduce fuel economy and cause destabilisiation at high speeds.Even filling up the boot with heavy suitcases can affect the handling of your car. Some vehicles, like the new Subaru Forester, have self-levelling rear suspension which takes account of the weight in the cargo area. If you don't have that, then you should consider getting stiffer shock absorbers on the rear if you are going to carry very heavy items in the boot.Even if you don't fill your boot with your gym weights, the extra kilograms in the boot will still have an effect on the tyres. Consult your owner's manual which will indicate the correct tyre pressures for carrying a load.As much as possible, try to distribute the load more evenly through the car, putting the heavier items toward the front of the luggage compartment or roof racks rather than the rear.But don't be tempted to put heavy items in the passenger compartment as these can act as dangerous projectiles in a crash. These items belong in a trailer. However, towing a trailer will have an even bigger impact on your car's performance and handling.A better, cheaper and more convenient option is roof racks. They come in all varieties from soft racks that hold light loads and are easily removable to more permanent stainless steel racks that can take quite heavy loads. However, there are some issues you need to consider.Firstly, check the load rating of your vehicle and your roof rack and never exceed them.Roof luggage also raises the centre of gravity making your car about as stable as an upside down tenpin.Roof luggage acts like a weight at the end of a pendulum, making the swaying motion even more pronounced.This is emphasised in off-road driving where vehicles already sway and lurch dangerously over uneven surfaces.There are some simple guidelines to packing the boot or roof racks of your car, ute or SUV that will ensure you travel safely and conveniently this Easter.Pack light. Don't take everything on holidays. After all, you are getting away from it all, not taking it with you. Roof racks are an ideal place to store fuel, but keep this to a minimum as any liquid is heavy for its size.Secure the load tightly. Load shift could cause your vehicle to lurch out of control. Spread the load, especially on roof racks. Too far forward and it will dive under brakes, too far back and it makes the steering light and vague.Loading and unloading can be a real task. Keep important things that you may need to access at the back of your boot. Use roof racks to store things you don't need to access often.If you have roof racks, remember that your car is now taller, so don't go into undercover car parks without checking the height of the vehicle or you might get a nasty surprise.Roof racks can get wet and dusty, so keep valuables inside the car or wrap them in bags that are waterproof and dustproof.An aerodynamic roof pod will protect your gear, prevent load shift and reduce drag thus preserving fuel economy. However, they are rigid and more difficult to pack than soft bags which are not as aerodynamic.Racks on the back of the car are convenient for carrying bikes, but remember you will need to remove the rear number plate and fix it on the back of the bar.Bike racks will also make it more difficult to access the boot.Finally, don't forget to pack water for everyone and plug in those 12V chargers so you don't run out of mobile phone battery when you need it, or even worse, the kids' portable computer games consoles run flat.

RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding says the club has just completed fact sheets that it will post on its website in the next few days.  One will help motorists identify vehicles affected by floodwaters and the other will help them clean the vehicle and make it roadworthy.The move comes as thousands of damaged vehicles are expected to be offered for sale and auction through dealers and privately.  Spalding said dealers and auction houses were obliged to register flood-affected dealers, but uninsured cars could be cleaned up and offered for sale without the customer knowing of the damage.Spalding says the fact sheet provides advice such as to check inside the glove box for mud.  “I have seen a car with a tide mark in the glove box,” he said. Other points for buyers to look for when checking a car for possible flood exposure include:Mud debris under seats and behind the dash that remain even after cleaning, check inside the glove box, ashtray or any other compartment as these areas sometimes get overlooked in cleaning;Water damaged log books or service records;Check inside the air cleaner housing and intake ducting as this will show if any water has reached the engine;After a short while corrosion will start to form on exposed metal such as underbody seam joints and inside the engine bay;If it is salt water exposure, check for corrosion forming on alloy components (a white powder in appearance); Corrosion on electrical joints (a green powder appearance), it may be necessary to carefully separate a joint to check the terminals; Mud caked on underbody components such as suspension parts; Mud inside the chassis rails on utes and 4WDs, carefully look inside the rails for any signs of a build-up;Corrosion around the spare wheel well and inside the tool pouch – again, easily overlooked in cleaning; andIf the car has recently been exposed to flood water, or been heavily cleaned, it will take some time for seats, mats and floor insulation to dry out – check for a damp smell and any underlying dampness to fabrics. 

However, the popular "softroaders" don't have low range. In which case, simply choose a lower gear.  If your vehicle is automatic and has sports mode, then use that.Keep the engine revving so it has power for when you hit soft sand.  Be aware that an automatic gearbox can heat up in these conditions, so it's a good idea to rest the vehicle periodically.The smoother you drive, the better. Don't make sharp turns because the vehicle won't respond. Instead, you will plough straight ahead, like understeering on a wet road. If this happens, unwind the steering and wind it on again. You may have to repeat this manoeuvre several times and slow down a little.Turn in long, slow arcs a good distance before you need to avoid an obstacle.  Place your hands gently at three and nine o'clock on the wheel and keep your thumbs pointing out. The steering wheel can get flicked around by ruts and can dislocate your thumb.Don't fight the steering. Let it go where it wants.  In deep, hard ruts you may need to "row" the steering wheel to gain traction on the sides of the ruts.  Also, be smooth on the brakes. Sudden braking will lead to slides and can bog your vehicle.If there are dunes on the beach, drive up swiftly but pause at the top in case traffic is coming the other way.  Fit a tall flag on the front of your car so people can see you approaching from the other side of the dune.Never turn on a dune. You can easily get bogged or roll.  Don't follow too closely. If the vehicle in front becomes bogged, then you won't have time to steer around them or brake safely. If you follow a slow-moving vehicle too closely you also run the risk of losing momentum and getting bogged.When you stop on the beach, park on hard sand. When taking off again, move slowly to avoid wheel spin then pick up speed as quickly and smoothly as possible.  On beach tracks always give way to vehicles travelling uphill as they need to keep up momentum.TOP 10 SAND DRIVING TIPS1. Check tide times and drive at low tide.2. Momentum is your friend, so keep revs high.3. Deflate the tyres to about 18-20psi, depending on load.4. Use a tyre pressure gauge. Do not guess the pressure.5. Be smooth with steering, acceleration and braking.6. Keep your thumbs pointing out from the steering wheel.7. Look ahead for gullies and other obstacles.8. Don't follow other vehicles too closely.9. Obey all normal road rules.10. Watch out for children.

What you do next could save you quite a bit of money. Consumer group Choice suggests that instead of automatically renewing, you should shop around first."The main thing people do is when their renewal comes through they just send that off because they think that is the best they can do," says Choice media spokesman Christopher Zinn."That may be the case, but they should at least check to see what is out there.""The car insurance industry is very competitive at the moment and the policy offers are always changing."He said that just because people had built up loyalty with an insurer did not mean their premium would not increase, nor that another insurer wouldn't offer better."Don't assume that if you have a protected no-claims bonus, for example, that they won't increase your premium," he said."Some insurers will increase your premium even if you make a no-fault claim.""And here's a tip: if you talk to your insurer about moving to another insurer, then they can sometimes offer a better deal to keep you."Choice has provided a range of tips to getting the right car insurance at the right price.THE RIGHT POLICYZinn said consumers should make sure they have the right policy for them."Not everyone should get comprehensive insurance," he said."Some people might be better off just with third party. It is possible to overinsure your car."Compulsory third party (CTP or green slip insurance) is the most basic cover and every car must have it. It provides essential cover against claims for compensation if you injure or kill someone in a motor accident. Shop around as the prices vary. If your car is not worth much you may think taking out CTP is enough. However, it doesn't cover you for damage caused to other people's property such as hitting a luxury car.Third party property is the least expensive option. It covers you for the damage you may cause to another car and may include limited cover for damage caused to your car by an uninsured driver. Third party property, fire and theft also covers you if your car is stolen or burnt.Comprehensive car insurance is the best cover option but also the most expensive. It includes the cost of crash repairs or replacing your car, even if you're at fault.OTHER TIPSInsurance companies ask much the same questions, but you can also volunteer extra information that may have a bearing on your premium, such as your good driving record, any driver training you may have done and extra security you have in your garage or on your car.You can get a discount by restricting the age of the drivers you nominate to be covered by your policy. Insurance for young male drivers can drive up the excess and premium.Don't get pushed into a cheaper insurance premium by having a high excess. It then isn't worth your while to make small claims.It is important to be straight and truthful in the information you provide your insurer as failure to disclose could nullify your policy.Look for no claims bonus discounts. They can be worth up to 70 per cent savings.Some insurance companies offer discounts if you have other vehicles insured with them or other insurance policies with them, such as for your home, contents, boat etc. It is worth

Subaru will not only debut a hot production version of the coupe with an after-market sports kit at the Australian International Motor Show, but also a stunning BRZ motorsport pack. The car, which has already sold out until the middle of next year, will be a catwalk highlight at the show. The company is now offering buyers a range of genuine factory backed Subaru Tecnica International (STI) and performance parts and accessories on delivery of their BRZ sports car or after-market for those who have already taken delivery. Prices have not yet been negotiated with Fuji Heavy Industries, but the products will be backed by a factory warranty. The BRZ STI parts and accessories on the display car include: front under spoiler, side under spoiler, boot lip spoiler, flexible tower bar, black wheel nut set, 17-inch STI alloy wheels, coil spring set, quick shift gear lever, sports muffler, gear shift knob and rear under diffuser. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior said the kit would satisfy pent-up market demand.  “All indications are that many BRZ buyers want to add performance touches to their cars,’’ he says. “Choosing Subaru-backed equipment offers great design, quality and peace of mind that isn’t necessarily guaranteed by after-market suppliers.’’ STI is Subaru’s performance arm and is respected worldwide by car enthusiasts for its fully tested range. The motorsport pack will be available for sale to BRZ customers for recreational or competitive track time. While details of the BRZ motorsport pack are not yet available, Subaru has ruled out a turbo or supercharger. They also can’t reveal if there is a computer chip available for a power boost. It’s only a matter of time before the sports coupe starts hitting the tracks around Australia and, with the level of online discussion, possibly even their own racing category. The potent BRZ variants will share some of the spotlight at the Subaru stand with two new Liberty variants as well as the 2013 model Outback, XV and Impreza.  

At the top end is the Aprilia RSV4 Carbon Special Edition which adds racing technology and luscious carbonfibre to the already macho Factory APRC model. Despite $17,000 worth of extras, the price increases $10,000 to $39,990, plus on-road costs. Only 16 are available. At the other end of the scale, Aprilia has received its only shipment of the 2012 World Superbike race team liveried RS4 125 4T at the rideaway price of $6250. But it's the RSV4 Carbon that will have lovers of the Italian marque fidgeting with their throttles. It comes clothed in an Aprilia Racing carbonfibre body kit which includes the fairing, tail piece, front and rear guards and engine covers. The replica's racing graphics are clear coated in a protective three-layer, two-pack clear lacquer. Other cosmetic changes, some of which also help reduce weight, include Aprilia DPM clutch and brake levers, tail tidy, adjustable billeted aluminium racing footpegs, handlebar weights, tinted race screen, pick-up knobs and lightweight lithium battery. But the Carbon model is not just about light weight and racing cosmetics. The bike also has been fitted with an up-spec adjustable Ohlins TTX rear shock absorber and full titanium carbon exhaust system by Akropovic with Aprilia Race mapping. Kris Matich, manager for importer John Sample Automotive, says Aprilia buyers "want the best". "We also know from previous limited edition models that the more exclusive the model the more desirable they are," he says. "The Carbon Special Edition represents the best of the very best that Aprilia can offer right now and in very limited numbers making it a very desirable bike to own." Each bike has a numbered identification plate on the frame representing the Carbon SE's build and VIN number. It also comes with a bonus merchandise pack of Pirelli Diablo Corsa SP tyres and race cap; Aprilia race jacket, cap, key ring and USB with racing video; and a race stand and bike cover.  

If Victoria Beckham were French, she’d drive a Peugeot 4008 instead of a Range Rover Evoque. The former Posh Spice had a hand - so they say - in styling the interior of the Evoque and she wouldn’t be disappointed with the 4008.While the Pug is French, there are none of the usual French quirks about styling or utilitarianism inside. The blinkers are on the right side, the handbrake is close to the driver and all the controls are intuitive – all this in a very stylish catwalk model. Kind of like having a French girlfriend with no nasty habits liking smoking Gauloise in bed.VALUEHere’s one of the best attractions about this French model - she’s not expensive. The two-wheel-drive models start with five-speed manual in Active trim at $28,990 which makes them comparable to Japanese and Korean models (Nissan Dualis, Hyundai ix35 and Mitsubishi ASX on which it is based). CVT adds $2500 and all-wheel drive an extra $2000.The Active comes with a host of features including cruise control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, chilled glovebox, daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, cloth seats, leather steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels. Allure adds 18-inch alloys and leather seats which are heated and electronically controlled up front. Top of the line is the all-wheel-drive Allure with CVT at $38,490 with all the fruit.It’s French class at Asian prices. However, the sting is in the cost of metallic paint at $800 and the “premium” shade which is an extra  $1300. Peugeot has followed the trend with fixed-price servicing of $330 a year for three years making it a practical as well as attractive proposition. This is also available on fleet sales. Peugeot even throws in a valet service.TECHNOLOGYPeugeot has been at the forefront of diesel cars in Australia and the company has championed diesel on the famous Le Mans circuit with some success. Yet there is no diesel on offer here. Instead, it’s the same two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from the ASX. The 110kW of power pulls the 1.4-tonnne vehicle to 100km/h in just under 10 seconds, which is ok but hardly sizzling.And it’s not as if it’s frugal at claimed figures of 7.7L/100km for the manual two-wheel drive and up to 8.1L/100km for the CVT AWD. On our tests in the Allure AWD CVT and Active AWD manual over a mix of road and traffic conditions, we scored a dribble under 9L/100km for both.DESIGN The resemblance to the stunning Evoque is uncanny, particularly in the bold front end. However, the roof line doesn’t dip as far toward coupe-like styling as the Evoque and the result is that the rear compartment is not as cramped or claustrophobic. You wouldn’t think it was based on the rather plain-Jane ASX. Inside, it is not as stylish as the Evoque, but still quite a classy place to be. And thankfully all the controls are intuitive and easy to use. This is very atypical of the French who like to make things difficult and quirky. No stalks hidden behind steering columns here or audio systems that make you guess what the buttons are for.SAFETYThe 4008 has not been crash tested here yet, but it has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP score. All models come standard with a rear camera and seven airbags. Strangely there is a full-size spare wheel under the boot floor but it is only rated up to 80km/h. It takes up cargo space, yet doesn’t really provide much peace of mind if you venture out bush to test its AWD capabilities.DRIVINGPeugeot has toughened up the suspension over the ASX to give this more off-road capability. It feels remarkably tied down on sealed roads with little wallow around sweepers or sway in quick changes of line. Yet it does crash and bang over the hard hits off road or in city potholes. There is substantial road grip out of the road-biased tyres, but these are compromised in sticky off-road situations. While the suspension is taut, the rest of the drive experience is a little on the soft side. Brakes lack initial bite and the steering feels a little ponderous. Still, they both have feel and effect. The engine is smooth and refined without being either lusty or frugal like some of its peers from VW and Mazda. It is perhaps hampered by transmissions that don’t match the performance.While the CVT is smooth and doesn’t scream like most, it doesn’t provide swift responses to throttle input. The five-speed manual just seems out of date with today’s six-cog units. The manual does have a nice gate and the clutch is very light. A hill-start hold is a handy addition. Driver and passenger accommodation is comfortable with easy access and plenty of leg and headroom. However, it will still only fit two teens or adults comfortably in the rear. Extra sound deadening material provides a quiet cabin. Surprisingly there seems to be more luggage space than the ASX.VERDICTFor French flair without the price tag, this is a good value proposition.