Practical Motoring

MOST 4x4s make very good towing platforms as they usually have the size, torque and heavy-duty design to do the job. But the aftermarket industry can always improve on a stock vehicle, and so it is for towing. In most cases, you’ll need to buy a towbar and often your best option is typically the manufacturer option fitted at time of purchase. There have been occasions when the aftermarket does a better job – notably, Ford Ranger PX/PX2 and Land Rover Discovery 3/4.

With technology advancing at an exponential rate, the conveniences of modern life have become second nature. From smartphones to smart homes, we rely on innovation to make our lives easier. Something we use nearly everyday is keyless car entry, where you don’t have to fumble around for your keys – your car automatically unlocks when you approach and starts at the push of a button. But with every convenience comes a hidden risk.

What’s new? Zeekr has introduced upgraded lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries. Charging speed? These new batteries support 5.5C ultra-fast charging, cutting down charging time from 10% to 80% SOC to just 10.5 minutes. Which model? The 2025 Zeekr 007 sedan will be the first to feature these new batteries, with deliveries starting next week. Why it matters: This technology aims to reduce range anxiety by making charging faster and more convenient. Extra features?

Projecta has released its latest INTELLI-CHARGE Automatic Battery Managers, the HDBM35 and HDBM150, designed to efficiently maintain, test, and charge 12V and 24V batteries across various chemistries. Tailored for both professional and DIY users, these models offer customisable charging profiles suited to different battery types, including Lead Acid, Lithium, AGM, and Gel. This ensures that each battery receives the right charge needed for better performance.

Nissan is collaborating with Radi-Cool in trialling a new automotive paint that could be a game changer for Aussie cars. This new formulation aims to lower a vehicle’s ambient cabin temperature and reduce the energy usage of the air-conditioning system, making it particularly beneficial for Australia’s scorching summers and EV battery life.

LED is an acronym for Light Emitting Diode. They are very common all over the place, from kitchen cabinet lighting to torches and car headlights. The big advantage is that for the same brightness (measured in Lumens), LEDs are more energy efficient than regular light bulbs and also last longer. We’ve known this for a long time, but until recently they couldn’t produce sufficient amounts of light for use in either automotive or general household lighting applications.

When the day involves dropping the children at school, doing the shopping and heading out for a weekend camping trip, you need a vehicle that can handle it all. This is why SUVs have become so popular in Australia. They offer the space and flexibility needed for busy family life and outdoor adventures. The GWM Haval H6GT is a great example of a modern SUV. It boasts impressive safety features, delivers strong performance and looks great to boot.

GWM’s latest offering in the large SUV segment promises a blend of space, comfort, and off-road capability, all at an attractive price. The 2024 GWM Tank 500 is a luxurious addition to the large 4×4 wagon market by GWM, formerly known as Great Wall Motors. Designed to compete with prominent models like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado this seven-seat, three-row SUV offers a blend of performance, space, and modern technology.

AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, antifreeze is designed to keep the water in your car’s engine from freezing. But it’s also designed, rather confusingly, to keep your engine cool by reducing the chances of the water in the engine from overheating – just about every single engine on-sale today (petrol and diesel) is water-cooled. Confused? Don’t be.

There’s a well-worn cliché that suggests, next to your house (if you can even afford to buy one of those these days), a car is the biggest purchase of your life, and one that you’ll probably make a couple of times. So, what’s the best way forward? There are various loan options available and they have their advantages and disadvantages. Some will certainly be better suited than others depending on your circumstances.