Tag Archives: motoring advice

Car batteries and cold weather

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woman checking her battery in cold weather

Is it harder to start your car in the cold weather?

Is the recent cold snap affecting your car? Is it harder to start in the morning than usual? There are a range of reasons why cars can be hard to start, from engine tune issues to fuel problems or simply a lack of oil.  But nothing can be affected more by cold weather than the battery.

On average the life of a car battery is 31/2 years so it’s worth asking yourself, when was the last time you replaced your battery or at least had it checked?  The good news is that new batteries use a lead-calcium-silver alloy construction which can deliver up to 20% longer service life than conventional lead acid batteries. Unlike a noisy engine in need of a tune-up or the squeal of worn-out brakes, you often get no warning before your battery runs out.  And a car battery on its way out can cause problems to the starter motor, alternator and car electrics.

If you’re concerned about the condition of your battery, Members can call NRMA Batteries for a free health check on 13 11 22 or visit your local NRMA MotorServe.

Have you had problems starting your car in the cold weather? And was the problem the battery or was it actually something else?

Using GPS while driving

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As the number of cars with GPS systems increase, NRMA’s Motoring Advice team have received many enquiries from drivers uncertain about the legality of fixing them to their windscreens and using them while driving.

There is no specific provision under the Road Rules which prohibits the affixing of GPS units to a vehicle.

Road Rule 297 (2) states: “A driver must not drive a motor vehicle unless the driver has a clear view of the road, and traffic, ahead, behind and to the side of the driver.”

This rule makes no reference to the type or description of the object that may constitute a breach of the rule. In other words, this is a general rule where a driver may be held to be in breach of it, if the evidence establishes the placement of an object deprives the driver of a motor vehicle from having a clear view of the road and traffic.

There is also a rule, which in certain circumstances permits a driver to drive a motor vehicle with a visual display unit if it is, or is part of, a driver’s aid. A ‘driver’s aid’ is navigational or intelligent highway and vehicle system equipment, which could be a GPS. The rule does not state where on the vehicle it is to be fitted.

Therefore, should a driver’s aid, such as a GPS unit fitted on the vehicle, deprive the driver of a clear view of the road and traffic ahead, behind and to each side of the vehicle, the driver may be fined or prosecuted for breaching this rule.

Have you found your GPS restricts your vision when driving? Are they safe to operate while driving or should there be stricter laws governing their use?