The latest

62/ THE LATEST 64/ CHANGING GEARS 67/ LEARNER ROAD SAFETY 71/ MEMBER REWARDS 73/ PUZZLES 74/ REAR VIEW

community

Raising better drivers

We need to do things differently. That’s our message to the Tasmanian State Government on road safety, as well as to drivers who supervise learner drivers. An Australian researcher has some valuable lessons for those who help young people get their driver’s licence. The key? Let the learner take more responsibility for road safety once they’ve mastered the technical skills of driving. Read the story on p. 67. There’s also plenty of room for improvement with experienced motorists – all drivers need to take more responsibility for road safety. There are certainly many who support that view, judging by the 2010 responses we received from Tasmanians that helped shape our submission to the Legislative Council Select Committee into Road Safety (learn more on p. 64). We thank everyone who sent us their comments, observations and ideas about how to make our roads safer.

P Read more at ract.com.au/community/advocating-change

the latest.

Our partners in the EV expansion

Once a foreign and futuristic thought, solar panels have become a common sight on the roofs of many Tasmanian homes and businesses. So it comes as no surprise that the next emerging trend in solar is home EV charging.

Locally owned company I Want Energy, a member rewards partner, has proudly been helping to push the electric movement, having completed more than 4000 solar installs in the past 13 years. Its Zappi Smart EV charger operates as a standard EV charger, harnessing power from the grid, but also has a charging mode that utilises 100% green energy generated from your home solar system. Think – your next family road trip could be powered entirely by sun rays that would otherwise just have bounced off your roof.

Australian owned-andoperated Chargefox is the country’s largest and fastest-growing EV charging network. Its aim is to reduce road transport emissions by making EV charging simple, affordable and reliable for all.

All Chargefox ultra-rapid stations are powered by 100% renewable energy, with a constantly expanding network of stations in Tasmania, as well as across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

RACT is a proud partner of Chargefox, and we share its commitment to making EV charging more accessible. As the rollout of EV charging infrastructure continues across the state, EV uptake is rapidly growing for Tasmanians and visitors alike.

On the road with an EV? Members can save 20% at Chargefox sites across Australia. Download the free Chargefox app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

To find your nearest charging station on the RACT Fuel Saver app by selecting ‘EV charge’ as your fuel type, or use the Chargefox app.

Competition Winner

The RACT and United have teamed up to give one lucky customer a new car.

Tasmanian Roger Lockhart from Longford in the state’s north was thrilled to get the news.

“When I got the call I thought Christmas must have come early,” Mr Lockhart said.

Mr Lockhart is an RACT member and entered the draw when he filled up at United. United’s State Sales Manager, Michael Coles congratulated him. “After a tough year for many Tasmanians it was great to put a smile on someone’s face,” Mr Coles said. “United is a proud part of the Tasmanian community and it’s fantastic to work with RACT and be able to give back to our customers.” RACT’s Chief Experience Officer, Stacey Pennicott, said the competition was a hit with members. “It pays to be with RACT, whether it’s accessing roadside assistance, great value with one of our many partners, discount fuel at United outlets or going into the draw to win a car,” Ms Pennicott said. “In fact, between July last year and the end of June this year, RACT members have saved $3.75 million on fuel by flashing their member card at United outlets and receiving a 6 cents per litre discount. Our Fuel Saver app has also helped people find the cheapest fuel in their area.” Ms Pennicott thanked United for supporting the competition and all of the RACT members who entered.

CAR

MEDIC

QMy 1998 sedan is getting thirstier for oil lately, yet I can’t identify any leak. It has clocked up around 280,000km. What could be causing this?

Janine Jeunet // Primrose Sands

AOil leaking into the car’s combustion chamber can result from the following: the piston rings aren’t sealing on the bore; or you have worn valves, valve guides or valve stem seals. These issues will cause a lot more oil to be used up by your car. The oil is slipping past the rings, going into the combustion chamber – and out the exhaust as filthy blue smoke. I’d advise you to consult your mechanic, but when you buy new oil, go for oil that’s one grade thicker than the manufacturer’s specifications, and a betterquality oil (semi-synthetic or fully synthetic). At the end of the day, though, you’re driving an old vehicle, and these measures will simply slow down the wear of the engine, when the engine probably needs to be replaced.

RACT Roadside Patrol // Julian McGarry

Fair fuel prices for all

Since real-time fuel price reporting started in September last year and our RACT Fuel Saver app launched in December, Tasmanian motorists are finally getting fairer prices for fuel. Recent research by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has revealed that the gap on average fuel prices has closed around Australia, with Hobart seeing the biggest price fall of any capital. We are proud of the role the Fuel Saver app has played in this.

Download the RACT Fuel Saver app via Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit ract.com.au/fuel-saver