CAR ADVICE

If you’re running an older car without air conditioning, or your climate-control system is proving no match for the summer heat, here’s how to stay cool. Keeping your car cool in the summer is essential for your own comfort while driving, as well as for maintaining your car’s interior. The good news is there are some cheap, effective methods that work well to reduce the effects of the sun’s rays and improve airflow. RELATED: How to regas your air conditioning (safely and legally) Before we get started, a quick run-down on the types of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface: UVA makes up roughly 95 per cent of the radiation that reaches earth, causing immediate tanning and sunburn, as well as premature skin ageing over the longer term. Your windscreen is often the only glass on your car that will block UVA. UVB makes up roughly five per cent of the radiation that reaches earth, also causing sunburn and blistering, as well as skin cancers and premature skin ageing over...

There’s no shortage of new metal coming to Australia in 2024, from high-performance electric cars to city hatchback and diesel work utes. Here’s everything on the horizon. As the Australian car market prepares to post an all-time record for new vehicle sales, there is a glut of fresh new cars, SUVs, utes and vans due in local showrooms in 2024 and beyond. Last year (2023) was big for new-car launches, however 2024 is shaping up to be just as busy – as manufacturers look to not only introduce new models, but with stock shortages and production bottlenecks easing, have plenty of cars on the ground to sell. Among the stars of the 2024 launch calendar is the new Toyota Prado, the first new model in close to 15 years, which is due in showrooms in the middle of the year – pending any delays. The dual-cab ute category is set to welcome a new Mitsubishi Triton, a plug-in hybrid pick-up from Chinese car maker BYD, and the tray-backed version of last year’s Ineos Grenadier four-wheel-...