Car advice and safety

Independent and trusted reviews of used car and new car safety ratings and child car seats.

Car

Used car safety ratings

In the market for a used car? Here's how to choose a safe model.

1 Nov 2011 | Choosing a safe car model could mean the difference between getting out of an accident with a fright, or with a serious injury.

iStock_crash-test

New car safety ratings

The latest ANCAP car crash testing reveals which new cars offer the best safety.

2 Jul 2011 | The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to test the most popular new vehicles for safety.

Car-rentals-Lead

Rental car companies

CHOICE tells you which car rental companies to avoid.

18 Apr 2011 | CHOICE scrutinised the contracts of some of Australia's largest car rental companies - and found plenty to be concerned about.

Child car restraints

Child car restraints review

All the tested models meet the stringent requirements of the standard, but some offer extra protection.

14 Mar 2011 | Many injuries and deaths could be prevented by the use of a correctly fitted child restraint of the right type for the child’s size.

Driver-Fatigue

Driver fatigue alarm quick review

CHOICE road-tests these devices to find out how effective they really are.

29 Nov 2010 | Will these alarms help you avoid a microsleep?

Speed camera

Contesting parking and speeding fines

Ever wondered how to contest unjust parking and speed camera fines?

15 Sep 2009 | CHOICE found 30% of parking fine appeals to the NSW Treasury’s Office of State Revenue were successful. So what are your options?

Breathalyser and empty glass

Can you trust personal breathalysers?

CHOICE trialled electronic and disposable breathalysers and the results were disturbing.

4 Sep 2009 | Personal breathalysers give an indication of a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). CHOICE trialled nine priced below $200.

Rental car signage

Guide to low-risk car rental

Car rental contracts operate in favour of the rental companies, but you can reduce your risks.

21 Apr 2008 | Renting a car at your destination offers the flexibility to make the most of a holiday but nearly everyone knows of someone who's been ripped off.

Car rear visibility

Car rear visibility database

How well can you see out of the back of your car?

14 Jun 2007 | NRMA Insurance has developed a Reversing Visibility Index that measures the "blind spot area" behind a car where the driver can't see a small child.

Breathalysers

Breathalysers review 2005

Can you rely on a personal breathalyser to tell when you're over the legal limit?

9 Dec 2005 | While this was a small trial, based on its results we wouldn't recommend buying any of the six tested models.

 

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