When winter arrives, many drivers suddenly experience slow engine cranking, warning lights, or vehicles that refuse to start altogether. In most cases, the culprit isn’t the engine or fuel system—it’s the battery. Battery health plays a critical role in vehicle…
Spills involving hazardous substances don’t just create a slip hazardous or environmental risk; they can also present a serious fire and explosion hazard. Many fuels, solvents, and chemicals release flammable vapours that can ignite quickly, often before anyone realises the…
Tyres must be checked before every trip as part of your pre-trip inspection. Tyre failures on a steer axle can cause loss of control, while tyre failures on twin-tyred axles can wipe out suspension components and leave debris on the…
Checking your tyres regularly is one of the simplest ways to stay safe on the road. If you’re going to drive in bad weather, it’s the main factor keeping you on the road. 1. Check tyre pressureKeep a tyre pressure…
Spill kits are designed to reduce risk, not create it. Yet many workplace spill incidents become more serious because of how the spill is handled, not the spill itself. Injuries, fires, environmental damage, and costly clean-ups often trace back to…
When people think about injuries related to crane operations, they usually picture dramatic events: dropped loads, collisions, or crushing incidents. What’s far less visible, but far more common, is musculoskeletal strain, particularly neck strain, among crane operators who work from…
Many commonly used workplace chemicals give off vapours or fumes that are heavier than air, meaning they can sink, spread along floors, and accumulate in low areas such as pits, drains, sumps, basements, or inside vehicles and containers. This makes…
Riding a motorbike is cheaper than driving a car, but it still costs money to go through the licensing process and to get lessons from an instructor. This article outlines the costs. Getting your licence is a three-step process, but there’s…
If you’re considering your learner licence and need some wheels, you might be fortunate enough to have the use of a parent’s car, but eventually, you’ll need your own as you progress onto your restricted and full licences. The things…
Keyless entry and ignition systems in cars use wireless technology to allow drivers to unlock and start their vehicles without inserting a key into a traditional lock or ignition switch. Some systems even allow you to start the vehicle remotely,…
Winch wires and ropes are critical components for trucks, trailers and off-road vehicles fitted with winches, yet they are susceptible to damage if not properly handled and maintained. Understanding the common causes of damage and implementing comprehensive inspection routines can…
Clutch failure is a significant concern for drivers, whether they are operating a manual or automatic vehicle. Clutch failure in manual cars Many older vehicles have manual gearboxes, along with some specialist and sports cars, and some cheaper models of…
A U-turn is a manoeuvre where you turn the car 180 degrees so that you’re facing in the other direction. Rules The Road Code states that traffic doing a U-turn gives way to all other traffic. You must not do…
In the colder months, rats will look for a nice warm place to nest, and your engine bay is the perfect dark, enclosed shelter away from the wind and rain. Rats are also attracted to some of the materials in…
Permitting flying cars to New Zealand would generate some significant changes, both positive and negative. New Zealand is a relatively sparsely populated country that is mostly urbanised. It has some difficult terrain with a mountain range running from the bottom…
If your vehicle breaks down, the things to consider are: In all cases, if your vehicle is causing a danger to other road users, advise the police on *555. If you have a breakdown service, call them. If you are…
New Zealand has a large number of roads that pass under bridges for roads, rail and pedestrians. The legal maximum height for a vehicle before a permit is required is 4.3m, and the majority of bridges fall into that category,…
If you’re partial to a bit of tinkering with your vehicle, a garage or large shed is essential so that you can keep your tools safe, and so that you have a sheltered place where you can take things to…
Cyclists always come off worst in a vehicle vs bicycle accident, so to help cyclists think like a driver and vice versa, let’s have a look at some thought patterns that motorists have that influence how they drive, and thought…
V2X means ‘vehicle-to-everything’. Its a set of technologies that enables a vehicle to communicate with other connected technology, and transfer power. The concept behind it is to improve road safety, fuel economy, and traffic throughput, and to spread the load…
