<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0">
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        <atom:link href="https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-advice" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
        <title>CarsGuide - Car Advice </title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-advice]]></link>
                <description>Car advice from the leading motoring journalists in Australia. We're here to help you with any car issues that you may be having. Buying and maintaining a car can be an overwhelming experience if you can't get advice from industry experts. Here at CarsGuide we have you covered with all the latest information on researching, buying, maintaining and selling your vehicle.</description>
        <language>en-US</language>
        <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 21:22:58 +0000</pubDate>

                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Apple CarPlay Ultra 2026 review]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/apple-carplay-ultra-2026-review-99863</link>
            <description><![CDATA[This could be the future of car multimedia.Officially launched in May this year, Apple CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of Apple CarPlay, a smartphone mirroring platform that&rsquo;s enjoyed by millions of iPhone users every day.Yep, Android owners, this review isn&rsquo;t for you &ndash; unless you&rsquo;re considering making the switch to Apple&rsquo;s iOS mobile software.What is Apple CarPlay Ultra?It&rsquo;s the Apple CarPlay many have come to know and love, but it takes control of all of your vehicle&rsquo;s screens, as opposed to just its central display.It also assumes control of (nearly) all of your vehicle&rsquo;s functions, including its climate, camera and radio controls, plus all other general settings.Point being, it&rsquo;s a complete Apple takeover, which is good news if you&rsquo;re a fan of its ecosystem.And let&rsquo;s face it, many car brands&rsquo; default multimedia systems are underwhelming for a multitude of reasons, including bad user interfaces and limited functionality.  @carsguide.com.au The future of car multimedia? Apple CarPlay Ultra takes over all of your car's screens and its climate, radio and general vehicle controls! #Apple #CarPlay #CarPlayUltra #Aston #AstonMartin #DBX #DBX707 #car #multimedia #carsguide #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   Apple CarPlay and even its Android Auto competitor don&rsquo;t suffer from those issues as they are literal mirrors of the user-friendly and highly capable smartphones that we love to use every day.Most users will say their primary reason for preferencing Apple CarPlay or Android Auto over their vehicle&rsquo;s default multimedia system is access to their favourite satellite navigation platform, be it Apple Maps, Google Maps or a third party.How does Apple CarPlay Ultra compare to Android Automotive?Several car brands have either launched or are in the process of rolling out new default multimedia systems based on Android Automotive, which is a car-specific derivative of Android Auto with Google Maps and Google Play built in.Much like Apple CarPlay Ultra, Android Automotive takes over all of a vehicle&rsquo;s screens and functions &ndash; and sometimes even still offers Apple CarPlay support &ndash; but it differs by being the default multimedia system.Apple CarPlay Ultra sets itself apart as it can be wirelessly streamed on demand to any vehicle that supports it.What issues does Apple CarPlay Ultra have?Apple CarPlay Ultra&rsquo;s first problem is availability. The first model to support it was the highly attainable Aston Martin DBX707 large SUV. It&rsquo;s priced from a lazy $462,500, plus on-road costs, for reference. And yes, I am being sarcastic.You would&rsquo;ve thought that car brands beyond Aston Martin would&rsquo;ve jumped at the opportunity to offer the latest smartphone mirroring platform, but they haven&rsquo;t for several reasons.Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Renault, Rivian and Lincoln have either cancelled or said they have no plans to support Apple CarPlay Ultra, with some saying they are not impressed with its first version due to the level of control it gives to Apple.General Motors&rsquo; Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC brands are also unlikely to support Apple CarPlay Ultra in its new electric vehicles due to its controversial decision to not even support regular Apple CarPlay.That said, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche and Genesis, as well as Aston Martin, remain committed to adding support for Apple CarPlay Ultra in the 12 months from its launch, meaning they should start to release their versions by May 2026.Nissan, Honda, Land Rover, Jaguar, Infiniti and Acura also announced plans for Apple CarPlay Ultra support when it was previewed at Apple&rsquo;s WWDC 2022 event, but it remains to be seen if they&rsquo;ve changed like so many others have.What aren&rsquo;t more car brands supporting Apple CarPlay Ultra?Another sticking point for car brands is the implementation of Apple&rsquo;s user interface and]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Justin Hilliard]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/apple-carplay-ultra-2026-review-99863</guid>
            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:00:00 +1100</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[How to push-start a car]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-push-start-a-car-99234</link>
            <description><![CDATA[It’s a horrible feeling - you turn the key on your car and nothing happens.

The most common cause of a car failing to start is a flat battery and the easiest way to get it going is, typically, to find a friend who can give you a jump start. But what happens if you have a dead battery and no other car to help you jump start or any jumper cables?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-push-start-a-car-99234</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2025 11:21:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Why can't you use your phone at a petrol station?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/why-cant-you-use-your-phone-at-a-petrol-station-99213</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Like running with scissors, swimming after eating and sitting too close to the television - using your mobile phone at a petrol station is just one of those things you&rsquo;ve always been told not to do.But why? What is the scientific reason for it?&nbsp; What are the petrol station rules and regulations in Australia? And is it really that dangerous or just an urban myth?&nbsp;In this article we&rsquo;ll answer all those questions so you&rsquo;ll know what rules to follow and why.Why can't you use your phone at a petrol station?The simple reason is the fear of a spark from the phone igniting petrol vapours and creating a fire or explosion. Static electricity, which can be generated from a phone or other sources, can create a spark too and is therefore another concern.However, these are considered incredibly unlikely by most experts. But in an age of workplace safety importance, petrol station operators are unwilling to take any risks - hence the blanket ban.Are there particular places that are okay for phone use?Service station operators are happy for you to use your phone while in your car or in the store, but it is against the rules to use it in the forecourt around the petrol bowsers.Although, be mindful if you sit in your car at a petrol bowser checking emails or social media, you might cause a traffic jam at busy times, so be mindful of other drivers.What are the dangers of phone use while pumping petrol?There are other risks beyond simply starting a fire. Using a phone while filling petrol into your car is simply a distracted state to be in while undertaking a potentially hazardous task. While modern petrol pumps automatically cut off when they detect the tank is full, the risk of a fuel spill remains.There&rsquo;s also the simple fact that smartphones have made us dumb pedestrians and having your head buried into your phone in an area where cars are moving in and out on a regular basis is not a safe choice. It&rsquo;s understandable that service stations don&rsquo;t want potential pedestrian accidents on a regular basis.What is the history of these concerns?The concerns over mobile phones starting fires appears to be largely a myth, with very few credible reports of a spark from a phone igniting petrol vapour. The origins of this urban legend appear to go back decades, with famous Australian scientist, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki writing a piece in 2006 revealing the cause.&lsquo;Dr Karl&rsquo; claims the initial concerns are largely centred on false claims in a hoax email, which just happened to get help from an unlikely source.&ldquo;This email has been traced back to a hoax email that landed in the inbox of a Shell employee in Jamaica,&rdquo; Dr Karl wrote in 2006. &ldquo;He rebroadcast it, but with the Shell Company signature now on the email - and this accidental non-approved signature gave the hoax more credibility.&rdquo;The TV show Mythbusters tried to recreate the effect of a mobile phone igniting vapours but couldn&rsquo;t.So, it seems the concerns are largely unfounded in historical events, but service station operators have chosen to take extra precaution just in case.Is it against the law to use phone at petrol station? Does this differ in different Australian states?Mobile phone petrol station law across Australia is a grey area. Legally speaking it&rsquo;s not against the law to use your phone but the majority of petrol stations have rules against it. So, if you want to use the service station, you need to follow the rules of the business, thus using a phone is practically banned across the country.How can you make sure you use your phone safely at a petrol station?Short answer - don&rsquo;t. Filling up your car should only take a couple of minutes, so best to leave your phone in your pocket, bag or inside the car while you pump your petrol or diesel.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/why-cant-you-use-your-phone-at-a-petrol-station-99213</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:15:23 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[How to dispose of used engine oil]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-dispose-of-used-engine-oil-99186</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Q: How to dispose of engine oil?A: Changing your car&rsquo;s engine oil at home is a great way to save a few dollars, develop a little knowledge of how things work as well as establishing a closer relationship with your car. The latter might sound a bit corny, but 'knowing' your car means you&rsquo;ll get more from it, even if that&rsquo;s as simple as the dollars you save each time it needs an oil change.Beyond the actual method of changing a car&rsquo;s engine oil, the big question is what the heck you do with the four or five litres of used oil that is drained from the engine and replaced. Knowing how to dispose of car oil is something you need to figure out before you reach for the jack stands and spanners and dump the old oil into a drain pan.In the days before environmental awareness, this was not such an issue. And while it would make the average Gen-Zer cringe, the conventional wisdom was to pour the used oil along the fence-line of your backyard paling fence.This had three results. It stopped the weeds growing along the fence-line, it stopped the timber palings form rotting or being eaten by termites, and it got rid of the old oil. I&rsquo;m not making this up.In rural areas, many farmers would change the engine oil in the family car with the old oil finding its way into the tractor or farm truck as a means of giving the used oil a second life. Then it would often find its way along the fence-line. Obviously, in Australia in 2025, this form of engine oil disposal is going to get you in big trouble.These days, of course, our greater respect for the environment means you simply can&rsquo;t perform such acts of enviro-terrorism and there are some pretty hefty penalties if you were to try it.The same goes for tipping oil down a drain or gully trap. It&rsquo;s just not a thing any more. Don&rsquo;t forget, used engine oil can be quite acidic or contaminated in other ways, so it can be a pretty harmful commodity by the time it&rsquo;s been in your engine for 10,000km. So what is the solution for getting rid of used engine oil?The simple answer is that you have to dispose of the stuff in a way that ensures it can&rsquo;t find its way into waterways or into the soil, or anywhere else where it could harm flora, fauna or contaminate anything. Fundamentally, that&rsquo;s pretty limiting (in a good way) but even so, there are choices to be made.Choice number one is to take the car to a workshop where the mechanic will have a bulk waste oil drum that is taken away and recycled back into useable oil. In fact, recycling old engine oil is the best outcome, because it means it gets several more chances at life and, as a finite &ndash; and expensive &ndash; resource, that&rsquo;s got to be a good thing.But if you still want to change your own oil at home, you can sometimes talk to your local mechanic who may allow you to dump your oil in his or her bulk drum. Obviously, not every workshop is going to be happy with that arrangement, but if you have a relationship with the workshop and it has a deal where it gets paid for used oil to recycle, you might get the green light. Just don&rsquo;t abuse the privilege by dumping all your mates&rsquo; used oil at the same time.Local councils and waste transfer stations (formerly known as the local tip) will often have recycling programs, too. You need to carefully pour the old oil into a clean plastic container and present that at the tip at the appropriate station where you will be charged a fee per litre (some councils will take it for free) for the waste oil you want to get rid of.Sometimes, you&rsquo;ll need to pour the oil into a bulk drum by yourself, and you may also be able to leave oily rags at the same place. But check first. The same goes for the used oil filter. This is also contaminated with the same oil (and the metal casing can be recycled, too) and needs to be disposed of professionally, not just placed in a plastic bag and put out on bin night.Aside from your local council, there]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-dispose-of-used-engine-oil-99186</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:59:44 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Do diesel engines have spark plugs?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/do-diesel-engines-have-spark-plugs-99153</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Q: Do diesel engines have spark plugs?A: No, diesel engines do not have spark plugs.What are spark plugs? What do spark plugs do?Spark plugs are located at the top of the cylinder head in petrol-fuelled internal-combustion engines.&nbsp;As the name implies, these engines rely on the combustion process to power the engine.&nbsp;And a spark plug &ndash; as the name implies &ndash; is an electrical component which produces a spark that ignites the petrol-air mixture, causing the combustion process to kick off in order to power the engine. That spark is created between two electrodes at the tip of the plug as a result of a high-voltage charge received via the ignition coil at the other end of the spark plug.What kinds of cars have spark plugs?Spark plugs are found in cars with petrol engines.Do diesels have spark plugs?No, they don&rsquo;t.How many spark plugs are in a diesel?None, but they do have glow plugs which we&rsquo;ll get to in a couple of sentences below this. Most diesel engines run on one glow plug per engine cylinder.Why don't diesel engines have spark plugs?Because diesel engines use high compression, rather than an actual spark, to ignite the fuel. Air is drawn into the engine cylinder and compressed to an extremely high pressure and consequent temperature.What do diesels have instead of spark plugs?Glow plugs.What do glow plugs do in a diesel engine?As mentioned above, diesel engines use high compression, rather than an actual spark, to ignite the fuel.&nbsp;So, instead of spark plugs, diesel engines use glow plugs, electrical heating devices located in each cylinder of the diesel engine, which preheat the air in the engine&rsquo;s cylinders to expedite the combustion process necessary to start the engine.A glow plug in a diesel-fuelled vehicle is only needed during the ignition process, whereas a spark plug in a petrol-fuelled vehicle works continuously while you&rsquo;re driving.Do all diesels have glow plugs?No, not all diesel engines have glow plugs.When the diesel-air mixture is compressed quickly in a diesel engine, it ignites without any need for an actual spark and that produces heat enough to kick-start the combustion process.But smaller diesel engines have difficulty maintaining the temperature necessary for combustion and the purpose of glow plugs is to warm the diesel-air mixture in order for it to combust of its own accord.Many larger diesel engines don&rsquo;t need any glow plugs because their diesel-air mixture ignites without any need for assistance. . The diesel-air mix has sufficient heat coming from the air, which becomes increasingly hotter as it is quickly compressed.How does a diesel engine work?This is best explained by a panel of diesel experts over at Cummins who came up with this nifty explanation &hellip; and it reads like poetry to me:&ldquo;In general, a diesel engine works by using a piston to compress air to increase the temperature in the cylinder and then injecting atomised diesel fuel into this cylinder.&ldquo;When the fuel comes into contact with the high temperature, it ignites, creating energy that drives the piston down transferring energy to the crankshaft and through the powertrain.&ldquo;This process is repeated over and over again at a high speed, making a diesel engine a powerful piece of technology.&nbsp;&ldquo;Different types of diesel engines will have varying compression ratios. The compression ratio of the diesel engine impacts how much power the engine puts out. The higher the ratio, the more power is generated.&rdquo;Couldn&rsquo;t have said it better myself.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/do-diesel-engines-have-spark-plugs-99153</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:43:25 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[How to wear seatbelt when pregnant]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-wear-seatbelt-when-pregnant-99150</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Q: How to wear seatbelt when pregnant?A: The best way to wear a seatbelt while pregnant is to have the lap belt under your pregnancy bump, ensuring it is low and snug across your hips, and that the shoulder belt sits between your breasts and to the side of your bump, not across it.How can you ensure you use a seatbelt safely during pregnancy?By maintaining the correct seatbelt position and checking it often during your trip.A recent study by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) that involved 1491 pregnant participants showed that despite 99.1 per cent saying they always wore their seatbelts while driving, only 41.4 per cent were wearing their seatbelts in the correct position!The lap belt should sit under your pregnancy bump, across your hips and upper thighs, not your stomach. It should be snug but not tight.The shoulder belt should go between your breasts and off to the side of your belly, resting across your chest and shoulder - not your neck or arm. Check your states relevant rules on whether a sash guide is allowed.Never place the lap belt over your belly, and never tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.This positioning ensures you get the protection you need in a collision without risking injury to your unborn baby.Pregnancy seat belt Australia - Imaged sourced from MUARC website.Why are seatbelts difficult or uncomfortable during pregnancy?Ah, pregnancy. One of the most glorious and beautiful periods of a woman&rsquo;s life. It can also be filled with doubt, confusion and unease as you navigate the sheer onslaught of information available. The dos and don&rsquo;ts, what to buy, what supplements to take, the cravings and the pee breaks during the night which make you feel like an 80-year-old man with a prostate issue.As your pregnancy progresses, your growing bump can make standard seatbelt placement feel tight, awkward or even painful. The pressure of the lap belt near your belly (and bladder) may cause discomfort and the shoulder belt near your bump or tender breasts might also cause anxiety, especially in the third trimester.Understanding how to wear a seatbelt when pregnant is essential for protecting yourself (and your baby) in a crash and staying comfortable behind the wheel. Transport NSW says that &lsquo;the main cause of foetal deaths in car crashes is the death of the mother&rsquo;. So, it&rsquo;s crucial to buckle up.Image by jcomp on FreepikDo you have to wear a seatbelt when pregnant in Australia?Yes. In Australia, wearing a seatbelt is compulsory for all drivers and passengers, including during pregnancy. Failing to wear one can result in fines and demerit points. More importantly, it significantly increases the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.Seatbelt safety pregnancy &ndash; always buckle up! Image by senivpetro on FreepikAre pregnancy seat belts legal in Australia?Products marketed as pregnancy seat belt adjusters or pregnancy seatbelt adapters sit in a murky area. Technically they can be legal if they do not alter the function of the seatbelt itself, and what that means is they must not affect the seatbelt&rsquo;s ability to restrain you in a crash.According to the Australian Design Rules (ADR), aftermarket devices must not compromise seatbelt safety. Some maternity belt accessories are fine if they simply guide the seatbelt into a better position (such as low across the hips), but others may not be compliant. While there are no significant differences in laws between Australian states, always check your local road authority if you're unsure.It&rsquo;s also best to choose a product that has been crash-tested and clearly states it meets Australian standards.To be frank, it would be wise to approach pregnancy belts and adjustors with a degree of caution. Currently, there is only one Australian product on the market which has had any sort of crash-testing applied to it and which has been designed to comply with our ADRs and that&rsquo;s the Tummy Shield]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-wear-seatbelt-when-pregnant-99150</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:38:30 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Can you mix 91, 95 and 98 petrol together?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/can-you-mix-91-95-and-98-petrol-together</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Q: Can you mix 91, 95 or 98 petrol together?

A: Yes, you can, as long as you always use fuel with a higher RON (Research Octane Number, also known as octane rating or octane level, is an indicator of fuel stability, and recognised industry- and world-wide. The numbers in the RON denote the level of pressure generated within a vehicle's engine during fuel combustion) than your vehicle’s manufacturer-specified minimum octane requirement. ]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/can-you-mix-91-95-and-98-petrol-together</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:23:03 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Gotcha! Which traffic offences can be caught on camera?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/gotcha-which-traffic-offences-can-be-caught-on-camera</link>
            <description><![CDATA[What offences can cameras catch you committing when driving?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Corby]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/gotcha-which-traffic-offences-can-be-caught-on-camera</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:37:11 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[How to inspect a used car]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-inspect-a-used-car</link>
            <description><![CDATA[One of the nicest things about buying a brand new car is that it should (on balance) be just about as good as it will ever be. And if there&rsquo;s something amiss, then there&rsquo;s the factory warranty to fall back on. But a second hand car? Not so much.Buying a used car requires a smarter, more analytical approach if you&rsquo;re to avoid buying a dud. And a large part of that approach is knowing how to inspect a used car. Conducting a meaningful pre-purchase inspection sounds simple, but there&rsquo;s a bit to it. There are two main ways to go about this, too.The less-hassle way is to engage the services of a company that specialises in the pre-purchase inspection, or a mechanic that you trust, to inspect the car in question and give you an idea of what&rsquo;s wrong with it and how much it might cost to put right.A professional will know exactly what to look for when inspecting a car. This can cost anything up to several hundred dollars depending on where the car is, the mechanic&rsquo;s hourly rate and how deep a dive you specify for the inspection.The final question of how much for a mechanic to inspect a used car should be factored into the total cost of the transaction at the outset, along with transfer and registration fees and stamp duty.The second method is to save a little money in the first instance and perform the inspection yourself. But get it wrong and those dollars you saved at first might disappear - and then some &ndash; if you miss something important. But if you know what you&rsquo;re looking for, have the basics covered and can tackle the process logically and patiently, then performing your own pre-purchase inspection is definitely doable.To be honest, there&rsquo;s probably a whole book to be written on this subject, but the basics of this process haven&rsquo;t really changed over the decades apart from new technology requiring a few new skills.So where do you start on your pre-purchase check of any second-hand car, and what are the hard and fast rules? Just knowing what to check for is a great start. And that starts with the service books.The contents of these should tell you lots about how the car has been cared for and maintained. Missing service books (they should be in the glove box) is a warning sign as this suggests the owner doesn&rsquo;t take much notice of routine maintenance. Not a good sign.You should also find receipts for any work on the car or new parts that have been fitted. Even a new set of tyres should be evident in the paperwork, so take the time to read it all rather than just flick through it in the driveway.Even before you meet the seller, you should be starting your inspection of the car. How the car looks in the driveway as you pull up to the seller&rsquo;s house. Does the car sit nice and level side to side? Is it all one colour? Is it parked in a driveway or on the street? Does it look neglected in any way? Is it filthy dirty and full of junk inside? Would you be seen dead in it? All these things can tell you a lot about what you might expect as you dig deeper.And all this is dependent on rule number one of car inspections: Never look at a car in the dark, under artificial light or in the rain.Without good natural light you won&rsquo;t see the minor variations in paint colour that suggest previous body repairs. Or the little scratches and dings that turn a nice car into an ordinary one. Even a wet car can hide paint or panel damage that you won&rsquo;t see until it&rsquo;s dried off in your driveway. If the seller has hosed the car off before you arrive, ask why.Beyond that, the body inspection needs to focus on damage, repairs and paint quality, as well as making sure there&rsquo;s no rust or missing bits and pieces. Be extra wary of a car sporting fresh, shiny paint rather than the original paint it came with. That new paint could be hiding absolutely anything including poor repairs and rust that will pop out from under the paint in six months&rsquo; time to ruin your]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/how-to-inspect-a-used-car</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:59:05 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[What countries drive on the left and which are on the right?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-countries-drive-on-the-left-and-which-are-on-the-right-98934</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Q: Do more countries drive on the left or right?  A: It’s a significant advantage for right-hand-side countries, with approximately 65 per cent of the world driving on that side of the road. This includes some of the biggest countries and those with some of the biggest car industries - namely the USA, China, South Korea, Germany, France, Italy, Canada and Mexico.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-countries-drive-on-the-left-and-which-are-on-the-right-98934</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 11:08:32 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Jeep Easter Eggs: We reveal the hidden design surprises]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/jeep-easter-eggs-we-reveal-the-hidden-design-surprises-98930</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Jeep does two things well: it makes some great off-roaders (e.g. the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon) … and it hides a stack of Easter eggs (subtle design features, not chocolate) in its vehicles.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/jeep-easter-eggs-we-reveal-the-hidden-design-surprises-98930</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:09:44 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Funniest custom number plates on Aussie roads]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/funniest-custom-number-plates-on-aussie-roads-98864</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Much like one of those tricky mathematical equations that always comes up with the same result, or Pi, no matter which numbers you enter, all personalised number plates somehow dissolve and dissemble into the same sentiment: 'LKATME'.The fact so many people are so willing to spend money on allegedly funny license plates that they will sell their vehicles separately to their hilarious number plates is an enduring mystery.And yet, for a great many people putting 'MYWRX' on their Subaru WRX, which is clearly, their WRX, somehow increases the value, to them personally, of the ownership experience.There are, of course funny number plates in Australia, and indeed the world is full of funny number plate ideas. Where can you find funny custom plate ideas? Right here, of course, or splattered all over the internet.And what justifies the description of funny custom number plates is very much a personal thing.'D3FEKT' is a weird clever number plate, because it reminds us that some of these funny personalised plates feel like they are crying out for police attention, along with 'BOOKME'.On the other hand 'OVAWRK' is a simple, effective creative number plate idea, particularly on an adventure vehicle, like the large SUV that was seen carrying this plate in Queensland.Someone just wants to get away from it all, and thought it would be worth investing in a funny custom number plate to tell other people.Funny personalised plates obviously amuse a lot of people, however, with special Facebook pages set up to recognise their comic genius, including Stupid Australian Number Plates, which has more than 46,000 followers. One particular favourite from that site is &ldquo;I (heart emoji) Self&rdquo;, which is simply a more colourful way of saying w****r.I also enjoyed 'FAH Q' on a classic Ferrari, 'NOB' on a Bentley and 'SEXSUS' on a Lexus. Just wow.There are, of course, general or mainstream funny number plates for sale, all over the internet, but then there are many more specific examples as well.Funny Tesla number plates, for one, take a particular approach, in line with Tesla values and tropes, like 'BYBYGAS' (clearly an American example), 'CHARGEME', which could be a cry for help, 'CO2FREE' and 'IMGRNRU'.'POWERUP' is another funny Tesla number plate that&rsquo;s quite appropriate on a Tesla Model 3 Performance or similarly wild example.I do also like the 'look at me, I&rsquo;m saving the world' vibes of 'R3VOLT', which is at least a bit clever.The winner for funny private number plates, however, goes to the self-aware Tesla owner in WA who went with 'TOSLA'.Another rich vein of specific private number plates is funny 4WD number plates, which include simple offerings like 'MUDDY1' and '4WDRIV', along with my favourite, 'BAABAA' on a black Jeep.Remarkably, this love of funny customer number plates is not uniquely Australian, or even western.For example, there are plenty of funny Punjabi number plates out there, some of which might not make a lot of sense if you don&rsquo;t get the context.Many Punjabi number plates incorporate words or phrases from Punjabi culture, like 'Jatt' (which is a term for a Punjabi man) or 'Dhillon' (which is a common Punjabi surname). Punjabi plates also quite often use numbers to stand in for letters, so for instance '12' might take the place of the latter 'R'. Watch out for examples like 'JATTMOOD' and 'FRESHYDILLON'.You might be wondering how much does a custom number plate cost?The answer varies greatly depending on where you live, and if you&rsquo;ve ever been to Queensland, where personalised number plates seem colossally common, you&rsquo;re not be surprised to learn that personalised plates are cheaper there than in some states, at a costs of $165.In South Australia, personalised plates have a one-off fee of $212.In Victoria, prices for your personal plate start from $395, which is a lot more than Queensland.In Tasmania, a custom number plate will set you back from $299. Western Australia is another place that]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Corby]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/funniest-custom-number-plates-on-aussie-roads-98864</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:57:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Everything you need to know about the Toyota Mirai hydrogen car]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-toyota-mirai-hydrogen-car-98824</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Is it the magic solution to save driving as we know it? Or a fool’s errand that some of the biggest carmakers in the world are wasting billions on?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-toyota-mirai-hydrogen-car-98824</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:55:48 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
                    </item>
                <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Is it illegal to use your phone in the car if it is mounted?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/is-it-illegal-to-use-your-phone-in-the-car-if-it-is-mounted-98798</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Can you use your phone while driving if it’s mounted?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/is-it-illegal-to-use-your-phone-in-the-car-if-it-is-mounted-98798</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 17:35:24 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[History of the muscle car]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/history-of-the-muscle-car-98753</link>
            <description><![CDATA[You hear the term all the time, but what is a muscle car? To be honest, there’s no hard and fast definition. Just as a coupe can be either a two-door or four-door car depending on your point of view, different enthusiasts will describe the muscle car concept differently, and there’s a range of debatable points on offer.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/history-of-the-muscle-car-98753</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:56:26 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Used car financing options]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/used-car-financing-options-98729</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Financing a used car in Australia often comes with more strings attached than financing a new one and usually a higher interest rate to match. That&rsquo;s not to say you can&rsquo;t get a good deal on a used car loan, just that you need to be prepared for lenders to reduce their exposure by tacking on an extra premium to cover their risks.And really, you&rsquo;re all in this together. You might well be buying used rather than new to save some money, but in doing that you&rsquo;re obviously accepting a level of risk yourself.Used car loans usually run anywhere from one to seven years, so you can stretch your repayments well past the point where the car still smells like someone else&rsquo;s dog. A longer loan term does mean smaller monthly repayments, but it also means paying a lot more in interest over time (you up the back, prepare for a math lesson).For instance, borrowing $10,000 at 6.5 per cent over three years will set you back about $306 a month, with $1003 in total interest. Stretch it to seven years and your monthly repayment will drop to $148, but you'll pay more than double the interest ($2398).That&rsquo;s because interest has more time to accumulate the longer the loan drags on, even if the rate stays the same. The devil is in the retail detail with insurance companies.Current used car loan interest rates average between six per cent and 10 per cent, depending largely on your credit history and the age and condition of the vehicle you&rsquo;re buying.Unsecured personal loans tend to have even higher rates (around 10 per cent), while financing through a credit card can attract rates as high as 20 per cent (I&rsquo;ll let you do the interest math yourself there, but here&rsquo;s a tip, it hurts).As tempting as it might be, it's important to remember the lowest advertised interest rate might not be the best deal overall, as it could involve hidden fees or restrictive conditions, like balloon payments (unlike real balloons, these are not fun and hit with a more physical bang).The best way to cover yourself is to refer to the comparison rate, which includes most fees and charges, for an accurate cost assessment.Here&rsquo;s a breakdown of popular used car financing options.BanksSecured car loans from banks or credit unions usually have the most favourable terms for used car financing. Because these loans use the vehicle as collateral, lenders feel more secure and usually provide better interest rates.However, there are often age and condition restrictions for eligible vehicles. Most lenders want a car that will still be less than 12 to 15 years old by the loan's end, and many cap it at seven years old. That&rsquo;s partly because many vehicles are out of warranty by then, which increases the risk of major repairs during the loan term.While many loans allow early repayments to reduce interest costs, some fixed-rate options come with exit fees. And finally, if the car is written off or stolen, you&rsquo;re still liable for any remaining loan balance, even if insurance doesn&rsquo;t fully cover it.Just let that sink in for a moment - paying interest on a loan for a car you don&rsquo;t even drive any more.Dealer FinanceDealer finance can seem like a no-brainer due to the convenience and quicker approval times. However, that convenience can come with a markup. Dealer-arranged loans can have variable interest rates, which are sometimes competitive with bank loans but often higher, due to dealer margins or hidden fees.Always compare dealer finance carefully against independent lending options and check the comparison rate to avoid unexpected costs. This is why we have an internet.Personal LoanUnsecured personal loans can be a real lifesaver when your dream car is too old, too cheap, or listed as a private sale. These loans don&rsquo;t use the car as collateral, which means you duck all the age and value limits, and you can also spend the money however you like.But the cost of that extra freedom is that interest rates for]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Corby]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/used-car-financing-options-98729</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:38:47 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[What are the best sounding cars?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-are-the-best-sounding-cars-98688</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Sound has never been a hotter topic in the world of cars than it has been in the past decade. From the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles to even the more muted soundtrack of modern F1 cars, the noise cars make has become a major talking point.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-are-the-best-sounding-cars-98688</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:53:20 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Are water-powered cars a thing?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/are-water-powered-cars-a-thing-98675</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Here’s a perennial one for the conspiracy theorists out there: Is there such a thing as a water-powered car?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[David Morley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/are-water-powered-cars-a-thing-98675</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:42:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[What is black ice?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-is-black-ice-98672</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Black ice is “a dangerous type of ice that forms on roads and that is so thin that it cannot be seen by a driver”, according to the Cambridge Dictionary. ]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-is-black-ice-98672</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:02:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Ultimate cars for a bachelor pad]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/ultimate-cars-for-a-bachelor-pad-98650</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If you’re a man - particularly a married one with kids and decades between you and your single days - hearing “bachelor pad” might be ever so slightly bittersweet, but there’s also every chance those words make you remember a time in your life when you were so footloose and fancy free you were basically Kevin Bacon.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Corby]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/ultimate-cars-for-a-bachelor-pad-98650</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:24:43 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Manual cars in Australia - The best new cars with a manual gearbox]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/manual-cars-in-australia-the-best-new-cars-with-a-manual-gearbox-98483</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Cars with a manual gearbox are becoming a rare breed on our roads as vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions now dominate the market. But, fear not my gearbox-loving friend, for there are still new cars with manual transmissions for sale in Australia.What is a manual car?Here's a super-simplified explanation. A manual car is a vehicle that has a manual gearbox, not an automatic transmission.A manual car has three pedals - from the driver&rsquo;s point of view, left to right, a clutch, brake and accelerator.The clutch must be physically engaged/depressed by the driver (that is, left foot flat to the floor on the clutch pedal) before the gear stick can be moved in order to change gears and then the clutch must be disengaged/released in order for the car to then move forwards, via first, second, third gear etc, or backwards in reverse.A vehicle with an automatic transmission has two pedals. From the driver&rsquo;s point of view, brake on the left, accelerator on the right.There is no clutch in a car with an automatic transmission because the auto does all of that aforementioned engaging/disengaging for the driver. However, the auto shifter needs to be moved to the &lsquo;D&rsquo; (Drive), &rsquo;N&rsquo; (Neutral), &rsquo;R&rsquo; (Reverse), or &lsquo;P&rsquo; (Park) position.Are they still popular in Australia? Yes, there are still new manual cars in Australia but they&rsquo;re much less popular than in years gone by when manual cars dominated the roads, way back in those sweet pre-internet days&hellip;Are manual gearbox cars still being made? Yes, but there are fewer of them being made and cars with manual gearboxes are generally small, cheap cars or workhorse vans or high-performance sports cars.What has changed in the trends of manual car sales in recent years? When it comes time to decide manual or auto, people have increasingly favoured auto transmissions because these tech-advanced transmissions are generally smarter at selecting the correct gear ratios than the drivers themselves.What should you look for when buying a new manual car?Apart from any usual signs of misuse, damage or lack of maintenance of the vehicle itself, take the car for a test-drive and note any clunking or grinding noises emanating from the gearbox or if it slips out of gear, or if there are strong burning smells (transmission is overheating, low fluid level), obvious leaks (worn-out seals or gaskets) and/or the &lsquo;check engine&rsquo; light comes on.Here are the top five manual cars available in Australia as new or, in the case of one particular vehicle listed here, near new.Read on.1. 2025 Subaru WRX AWD tS Spec BThis all-wheel drive Rexxy has a 2.4-litre turbocharged, horizontally-opposed direct-injection 'boxer' four-cylinder, petrol engine (202kW at 5600rpm and 350Nm at 2000-5200rpm) and a six-speed manual gearbox.Punchy off the mark and gutsy on the move, this is a driver&rsquo;s car, through and through, with the added bonus of Recaro front seats, Brembo brakes (with ventilated and drilled brake discs) and 19-inch matt-grey alloy wheels.The WRX made this list because what&rsquo;s not to like about this Subie?Price: From $67,540 (MSRP)2. 2025 Hyundai i30 N hatchbackSmall manual cars are still popular as they&rsquo;re at the cheaper end of the market and so more budget-friendly than their automatic stablemates or rivals.This Hyundai has a punchy 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (206kW and 392Nm) and six-speed manual. This neat all-rounder offers plenty of driver enjoyment in a modest package.This compact car made the list because of its bang-for-buck appeal.Price: From $50,000 (MSRP)3. 2025 Toyota HiLux SR5This range of traditional workhorses retain its appeal &ndash; and its manual gearbox options across WorkMate, SR and SR5 variants.Manual utes are still popular in Australia, as is a manual 4x4 or manual 4WD or manual SUV. An SR5 with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (150kW and]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/manual-cars-in-australia-the-best-new-cars-with-a-manual-gearbox-98483</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:42:21 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Car air conditioning not cold? Here's why your AC isn't blowing cold air.]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/car-air-conditioning-not-cold-heres-why-your-ac-isnt-blowing-cold-air-98476</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Why is my car aircon not cold?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Marcus Craft]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/car-air-conditioning-not-cold-heres-why-your-ac-isnt-blowing-cold-air-98476</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:24:22 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Dual-clutch transmission: What is it and how does it work?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/dual-clutch-transmission-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work-98437</link>
            <description><![CDATA[What is dual-clutch transmission?]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/dual-clutch-transmission-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work-98437</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:03:44 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[What do seatbelt cameras look like?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-do-seatbelt-cameras-look-like-98426</link>
            <description><![CDATA[What Do Seatbelt Cameras Look Like?Seatbelt detection cameras are advanced traffic enforcement tools that use high-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify drivers and front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts properly.These cameras capture images from elevated angles to monitor compliance with seatbelt laws. The AI system analyses these images to detect violations, such as not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. For example, under the arm rather than across the chest. If a potential offence is detected, the image is reviewed by a human before a fine is issued.What Are Seatbelt Detection Cameras and What Are They For?These cameras use AI to scan vehicles and spot anyone not wearing their seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. Their job is simple: reduce injuries and deaths on the road by enforcing seatbelt laws. They also double as mobile phone detection units, picking up drivers using their phones illegally.If you&rsquo;re caught, it&rsquo;s not instant. A flagged image is reviewed by a human before a fine or demerit points are issued.Can You Find Out Where the Cameras Are?That depends on the state. NSW keeps locations under wraps. Victoria is more transparent, with camera locations published monthly. Queensland gives updates via the Department of Transport. WA's system is newer, but info is starting to trickle out about where trailers are set up.If you&rsquo;re asking because you want to dodge them, it&rsquo;s smarter to assume they&rsquo;re everywhere and just do the right thing.All states employ AI technology to analyse images for seatbelt compliance, but the specific systems and deployment of cameras may differ.What do mobile phone and seat belt detection camera look like in NSW? They&rsquo;re mostly fixed installations on overpasses and poles.The detection technology has been integrated with mobile phone detection systems. They capture drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts correctly including if it&rsquo;s slung under the arm.Fines and demerits began to apply from July 2024. In NSW, a driver or passenger not wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt can face a $410 fine and three demerit points.If a driver is caught with two passengers not wearing a seatbelt, then the fine rises to $818 but the demerit points remain at three.Seatbelt camera locations are not publicly disclosed.VictoriaMobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in Vic are found on mobile trailers or roadside poles. They use AI to scan for phone use and seatbelt compliance. Unlike NSW, locations of these cameras are updated monthly on relevant government sites, like this one.There is a $395 fine for not wearing a seatbelt correctly, and three demerit points.QueenslandIn Qld what do phone and seatbelt cameras look like? They can be a fixed camera, where they are fitted to existing infrastructure and operate 24 hours, seven days a week. Or they can be portable cameras, which are used at random locations in both urban and regional areas for shorter periods.Their locations are based on where road crash injuries or fatalities have occurred where using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt were contributing factors.Phone and seatbelt cameras detect violations from 10 to 20 metres away.There is a steep fine of up to $1161 and four demerit points if you or your front passenger aren't wearing a seatbelt properly. Yikes. Queensland government wants you to know where the cameras are, to assist with awareness and, hopefully, prevention. You can find current locations here.Western AustraliaCameras are mounted on mobile trailers and typically parked by the roadside. They use the same infrared and AI tech as other states but cameras are newer and still rolling out. Camera locations are not always disclosed, but currently (in 2025) six mobile safety camera trailers have been deployed across the state.As a general summary, your seatbelt buckle must be clicked in and your top seatbelt sash has to be properly positioned]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Agar]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/what-do-seatbelt-cameras-look-like-98426</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:16:05 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[What's the penalty for driving a manual on auto license in Australia?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/whats-the-penalty-for-driving-a-manual-on-auto-license-in-australia-98398</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Can you drive a manual car with an automatic license in Australia?Like Ford vs Holden, the debate between manual vs automatic was once a great divide in Australia. But in recent years more and more people have chosen to skip learning how to drive and change gears themselves, and opted for an automatic-only license. But what exactly are the rules around it in each Australian state and territory?&nbsp;In this article we&rsquo;ll break down the key questions, like, &lsquo;do you need a manual license?&rsquo; And find out &lsquo;can you drive manual on full license?&rsquo; The rules are fairly straightforward, but it is important to know exactly what they are before you get behind the wheel.Naturally, if you break rules the penalty for driving manual on auto license can be significant but it varies from state-to-state and will be determined by the individual circumstances, but expect both a fine and demerit points.&nbsp;NSWIf you decide to get your New South Wales provisional P1 driver&rsquo;s license in an automatic-equipped car you cannot drive a manual unless you are being supervised by someone with an unrestricted license.&nbsp; Alternatively, you can wait until you get your P2 or unrestricted license, at which point you are free to drive either an automatic or manual vehicle. If that&rsquo;s taking too long, your final option is to sit your P1 test again but do so in a vehicle equipped with a manual gearbox.VIC&nbsp;In Victoria an automatic-only license is known as an &lsquo;A condition&rsquo; license and is valid during your probationary period. Once you complete your probationary period, you are free to drive a manual vehicle without any further testing.QLDThings are slightly stricter in Queensland, with anyone wanting to drive a manual transmission vehicle needing to pass a specific test, even if they have their open license. To achieve this you will need to learn with supervision from someone with an open license or when you are a learner with L plates displayed.SASouth Australia has a simple approach - your driver&rsquo;s license (not your provisional license) allows you to drive either type of transmission.&nbsp;WAWestern Australia follows a similar strategy to Queensland, with a clear difference between a manual (C class) and automatic (C-A class) licence. In order to drive a manual you must pass the specific practical test, even if you have your full licence.TASTasmania has some of the strictest practices in this regard, with drivers on an automatic licence required to spend at least three years (without any suspensions or disqualifications) before they are allowed to drive a manual without any additional testing.Even if you have your full licence, to practice driving a manual vehicle on an automatic licence you will need to display an L plate, be restricted to 90km/h and be accompanied by a qualified manual driver.However, if you need to drive a manual sooner than three years, you will need to pass a driving assessment in a manual vehicle.ACTThe nation&rsquo;s capital is another to take a firmer stance. It&rsquo;s automatic only until you pass a specific manual test regardless of what licence you have.NTIn the Northern Territory you are able to drive a manual vehicle on your provisional automatic licence, provided you are supervised by a manual-licence holder. You can choose to take a manual driving test during your 12-month probationary licence period, or when you graduate to your full licence the restriction is removed anyway.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/whats-the-penalty-for-driving-a-manual-on-auto-license-in-australia-98398</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:12:25 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>Advice</dc:category>
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