Comfort
Easily adjustable vehicle fittings allow you to be comfortable and in control on the road. All adjustments should 'lock' in place until you change them.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning helps prevent fatigue by keeping you comfortable. It also demists the windows.
While air conditioning offers genuine safety benefits, using it increases fuel consumption. At speeds of less than 80km/h, it may be more fuel efficient to open car windows instead.
Head restraints
Head restraints protect you from whiplash by supporting your head in a crash. Preferably all seats - front and back - should have them. Head restraints should be permanently fixed or adjustable to a position high enough and close enough to the back of the head to support taller people.
Active head restraints move to provide improved support in a crash.
Seats
All seats must be sturdy and securely attached to the vehicle. Your driver's seat should adjust forward and backward, up and down, and the seat back should recline at different angles. A good seat ensures your comfort, provides good vision and allows you to operate controls easily. An adjustable lumbar section further improves comfort.
Anti-submarining seats stop you slipping down your seat in a crash.
Steering wheel
Adjustable steering wheels can move forward and backward, up and down, and tilt to different angles. A correctly positioned steering wheel helps you control your vehicle.
Collapsible steering wheels 'fold' to offer improved protection in a crash.
Brakes
Good brakes are essential for safe driving.
Keep your brakes well maintained by:
- having the brake fluid checked regularly. Brake fluid may absorb water over time, making it more likely to boil
- having the condition of brake hoses checked regularly and replacing them as needed
- ensuring any repairs or replacements are made to the whole axle set. Repairing only one end of the axle can result in uneven and unsafe braking.
Brakes are also important for fuel efficiency. With a good brake system:
- your vehicle can stop in the shortest possible distance and maintain stability
- your vehicle can be easily controlled during braking
- braking performance matches the pressure you apply on the brake pedal.
Drum brakes offer very good braking on the rear axle, but are not as effective on the front axle. Vehicles with disc brakes on the rear axle usually have a drum handbrake.
Disc brakes perform better than drum brakes during long or repeated braking, and when braking at high speed. Braking hard or frequently can create high temperatures where the brake surface and frictional material touch each other. This results in 'brake fade' - reduced brake efficiency. Brake fluid can also boil under repeated braking, causing the brakes to fail altogether. The best disc brakes incorporate ventilation to cool the brakes and increase their resistance to brake fade.
Some modern cars have more sophisticated brake systems, such as anti-lock braking systems, that greatly improve safety.
Exhausts
A good exhaust system safeguards your health, reduces exhaust noise, and reduces the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Leaky exhausts
Exhaust leaks can be dangerous. Exhaust fumes inside your car can cause you to pass out from carbon monoxide poisoning. For your own safety, check your exhaust system has no leaks. There may be a leak if you can smell petrol fumes while driving.
Pollutants and smoke
A good exhaust system ensures your vehicle burns fuel efficiently and emits fewer pollutant gases that affect air quality. Keeping the engine tuned and maintained helps keep emissions to a minimum.
Checks for smoky vehicles are now part of warrant of fitness inspections. Some causes of smoky emissions are easily fixed by changing the air filter; some by a simple tune-up. In other cases, a smoky exhaust indicates more serious engine problems.
Consult an experienced mechanic to ensure the most effective repair for your vehicle.
Noise
A good exhaust system and effective silencer will ensure your vehicle makes only a minimum of noise.
Objective noise tests can measure whether vehicles are excessively noisy. These tests use equipment-based, scientific procedures to measure noise level against a pre-determined standard. If your vehicle is found to be too noisy, it may fail its warrant of fitness inspection. Find out what the objective noise test involves.
Fire prevention and protection
Fire prevention and protection are important factors in vehicle safety.
The design and position of your vehicle's fuel tank and pipe connections should minimise any likely damage in a crash. However, always check for fire hazards when you're around fuel - check there are no leaks when you refuel. And be aware of any different fire hazards if your vehicle uses an alternative fuel such as CNG, LPG or bio-fuels.
Modern vehicle advances include fuel injection systems that incorporate an excess flow valve, which acts to prevent the fuel pressure pump discharging petrol if there is a rupture 'downstream' from the fuel tank. Some vehicles automatically shut off the fuel flow in a crash.
Handling and stability
A vehicle with good handling and stability is safer to drive, offering better road holding and greater driver responsiveness.
Vehicle manufacturers each have their own system of improving stability and handling but all use a combination of steering, suspension, braking, acceleration, body characteristics and weight distribution. Test-drive several different vehicles to find the one that best offers you good control of the vehicle under a range of conditions.
Learn to handle your car - you'll need control in an emergency.
Be aware of any common issues such as the higher rollover risk of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) that have a higher centre of gravity. Also be aware of any special safety features such as traction control.
Many newer vehicles have advanced features such as electronic stability control that improve handling and stability.
Load restraints
Heavy equipment or baggage in your vehicle can increase your risk of serious injury in a crash. Even small objects can become dangerous projectiles. Carrying dangerous goods - such as flammable liquids - adds the increased risk of environmental damage from any spills. Take extra care to restrain such goods if you have to carry them.
Vehicle boot (or trunk)
The vehicle boot should have tie-down hooks or eyes so you can secure heavy objects with rope or tie-downs. Ratchet-tensioned straps can also provide excellent load restraint.
Station wagons often have a luggage cover or net. These offer reasonable load restraint provided you can securely fasten them and the material isn't too stretchy.
Stowage boxes and compartments
Stowage boxes or pockets allow the safe storage of loose items. Stowage compartments are sometimes located under the floor to avoid taking up passenger space.
Cargo barriers
Cargo barriers usually have a steel tube frame with steel mesh or polycarbonate. Placed between the cargo and the front or back seat, the barriers prevent items from striking occupants.
When buying a cargo barrier, ensure it meets the applicable AS/NZS 4034 standard (external link).
Safety belts
Wearing a safety belt can halve the risk of death or injury in a crash. They stop you being thrown from the car in a crash. They also allow you to 'ride out' the crash, moving in the same direction and at the same time as the car. This lessens the likelihood of you colliding with the interior.
While all cars, vans, utes and four-wheel drives must have approved belts, the legal requirements for safety belts differ depending on the type of the vehicle.
The outer seats (including the driver's seat) of most cars, vans, utes and four-wheel drives must have three-point (lap-and-diagonal) belts. Legally, you can have two-point (lap) belts in centre seats, but three-point belts provide better safety.
All safety belts must be in good condition. Have your safety belts checked immediately if:
- the buckles are not working properly
- the belt is damaged or faded
- the belt starts to fray.
Modern advances have improved the performance of, and protection offered by, safety belts. Find out more about safety belt features such as pretensioners and adaptive restraints.
By law you must wear your safety belt so that it can support and protect you if there is a crash. Children must be in approved child restraints according to their age and size. See more information on safety belt requirements.
Tyres
Choosing and fitting tyres
No tyre is perfect for all driving conditions. You need to choose the tyres that are right for your vehicle and the driving you do.
- Choose tyres with an approved standards mark. It is illegal to use tyres that do not comply with an approved standard.
- Long-life tyres made of hard compounds usually last longer than softer tyres, but may not grip as well, particularly in the wet.
- The age of a tyre can affect its grip. As the tyre's rubber hardens its performance in wet weather reduces.
- A tyre with a big 'footprint' (the surface area in contact with the road) will provide good grip in dry conditions, but may not grip as well on wet roads.
- Most tyre manufacturers recommend placing the tyres with the best grip and cornering power - new tyres - at the rear, whether the car is front or rear wheel drive. Fitting new tyres to the front can result in oversteer and loss of control.
- Replace tyres in sets of four (or at least in pairs on the same axle) to maintain consistent handling.
- Car manufacturers recommend that replacement tyres be the same type as those originally fitted, to maintain all-round driving performance.
- If the replacement tyre differs in size from the original tyre, ensure the new size fits the wheel rim and that there is adequate clearance in all conditions (such as when fitting snow chains).
Tyre size and construction
Always check with a tyre specialist before changing an original rim or manufacturer-fitted tyre. Fitting tyres with a different diameter to the originals will affect the accuracy of the speedometer and odometer.
If you fit wider wheels and tyres, increasing the wheel offset beyond 25mm overall, you'll need to get your vehicle certified by a low volume certifier.
Having tyres of different construction or size fitted to the same axle is dangerous and illegal.
Mixing tyre types affects driving control. At the very least, fit the same type of tyre to the same axle (front or rear).
Speed ratings and load capacities
Every tyre has a maximum speed rating. A tyre with a high speed rating will generally grip and perform better at higher speeds than one with a low speed rating.
Tyres also have a load index that indicates maximum carrying capacity. If your vehicle carries heavy loads your tyres need to be capable of safely bearing the weight.
Both the speed rating and load index are marked on the tyres using symbols.
Balance
The life and performance of your tyres depend largely on how you treat them. Safe driving, regular inspections and rotating tyres (around the car for even wear) are essential components of good tyre care.
Correctly balanced wheels will ensure smooth and vibration-free running and improve tread life, as well as extending the life of your car's suspension and steering components.
Tyre inflation
Maintaining correct tyre pressure ensures balanced braking, maximum grip and long tyre life. Legally, you need to maintain your tyres at the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. All modern vehicles have tyre information displayed in a conspicuous place, showing the correct inflation levels for normal driving, for higher speeds and for maximum loads.
Driving on poorly inflated tyres uses more fuel. Driving on significantly over-inflated tyres affects vehicle handling and increases tyre wear. Avoid these problems by checking your tyre pressure - including the spare - every two weeks. This ensures their optimum performance, load-bearing and wear. Do this while tyres are cold. (Even a short trip to the garage will warm up tyres and raise the pressure.)
Space-saver tyres should only be used in an emergency. Keep space-saver spare tyres inflated to the pressure indicated on the wheel label. The label will also note the maximum speed you can use with this type of emergency tyre. See more on space savers.
Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and affect the safe handling of the car. Over-inflated tyres make for an uncomfortable ride and reduced grip. Both under- and over-inflation increase tyre wear.
Tread wear
Good tyre tread is essential for road grip especially in wet weather. Legally, treads must be at least 1.5mm deep across three quarters of the tread pattern around the entire tyre. However, if you have tread depth indicators in the principal grooves then you must have at least 1.5mm tread depth in these areas. See also winter tyres below.
Directional tyres
Some high performance tyres have directional treads to provide improved handling and performance. These tyres must be fitted to rotate in the correct direction.
If fitted the wrong way:
- in the wet, the tyre's tread pattern will effectively dam up water and reduce grip
- the tyre could destabilise your car when travelling at high speed.
Tyres with asymmetrical treads have tread patterns that vary across the width of the tyre. These tyres only fit one side of your car, the side shown on the tyre. If moved from one side to the other, the tyres must be removed from the rims and turned around to face in the proper direction.
Tyre repairs
Tyre repairs legally have to return tyres to 'within safe tolerance' of when they were manufactured. Approved vehicle standards will apply. Approved vehicle standards also set out which parts of the tyre are suitable for repair.
Many garages sell 'string repair' kits or sealants as a quick-fix solution for tyre punctures. Use these as temporary measures only, to get home or to a repair service. Drive slowly and for a short distance.
Some sealants are for use with new, unpunctured tyres. These limit the very slow loss of air pressure that usually occurs. While not intended for 'get-you-home' puncture repairs, these sealants may reduce air loss when a sharp object punctures the tyre.
Space-saver tyres
Many modern cars are equipped with 'temporary-use' or space-saver spare tyres that are smaller and lighter than standard spares. These tyres are usually about the width of a motorcycle tyre. They are safe to drive on as long as they are in good condition and you keep to the guidelines below - but their main use is to get you to a place where you can replace or repair the proper tyre.
- Keep space-saver tyres inflated to the pressure indicated on the wheel label.
- Use space-saver tyres only in an emergency - they're not designed to be used over long distances.
- Drive carefully and at no more than 80km/h when using a space-saver tyre. Your car's handling may be different when one is fitted.
- Never fit more than one space-saver tyre to a vehicle.
Winter tyres (sometimes called snow tyres)
Winter tyres are made with a softer rubber compound and deeper treads, specifically designed to maintain grip in cold weather (below 7oC), ice and snow.
They can be distinguished by their deep square-patterned tread blocks. Some of them are marked by a mountain-and-snowflake symbol or the word 'studless'.
If you're not regularly driving in winter conditions (on snow and ice, in temperatures below 7oC), you don't need winter tyres. If you do fit them, they need a deeper tread depth, ie 4 mm minimum.
Winter tyres should always be used in sets of four, and replaced before they get old and worn. It is now illegal to mix winter tyres with summer tyres, even in matched pairs on each axle.
If you have any doubt about the safety or suitability of the tyres on your vehicle, visit your local tyre retailer and ask for advice - many offer free safety checks.
See our Winter tyres pamphlet for more information
Seeing and being seen
Lights
Good headlights are crucial to driving safely at night and in poor light. Your car's headlights should provide a good view of the road and roadside without distracting oncoming traffic.
You may be able to fit other lamps to your vehicle to improve visibility:
- fog lamps - for use only in foggy conditions.
- daytime running lamps
Wipers or water jets fitted to some cars keep headlights clean.
Tail lights, brake lights, high-mounted stop lamps, reverse lights and indicators alert others to where you are and what you're doing, so crashes are less likely to happen.
Regularly check all your lights are in working order - replace defective bulbs as soon as possible.
See more information in our Get your lights right booklet.
Windows
The driver's windows should allow clear vision in all directions, including a view of people and objects behind your vehicle.
Watch for features that may reduce visibility:
- Some windows can cause glare or reflections.
- Front and rear pillars can cause 'blind spots'. Be aware of these
- Tinted windows can reduce vision, particularly at night or in bad weather. There are legal limitations on the level and position of tinting.
Also be mindful that any loads you carry may affect your ability to see out your windows. Make sure your view is not blocked.
Mirrors
Good mirrors reduce blind spots and help you see potential hazards when reversing, parking or changing lanes.
Mirrors should be easily adjustable from inside the car to suit different driving positions.
Heated mirrors prevent fogging.
Be aware of particular mirror features - eg convex mirrors reduce blind spots but they make vehicles appear more distant than a flat mirror.
Wipers and demisters
Windscreen wipers and demisters help maintain clear visibility and must be in good working condition.
Replace windscreen wiper blades regularly to get the best results in wet weather and for cleaning windscreens.
Demisters on side windows will improve visibility.
The most efficient demister is a good air conditioning system.
