Roadside Assistance: Smart cars unplugged

Car companies say ‘nothing can be done’ about a change that could increase emergency response times to serious smashes.

Motorists are worried potentially lifesaving technology that can call an ambulance following a crash will be disconnected from some models when data service providers deactivate the 3G mobile network. Many cars have an ‘SOS’ feature that can call for help and relay precise information including how many passengers were on board, whether airbags were triggered, and a description of the car and its location, following a crash,

Here’s what motoring advice columnist Iain Curry had to say to readers who asked for advice by emailing [e-mail].

Mazda introduced an 'SOS' button for the 2024 MX-5. Photo: Supplied

NETWORK DOWN

I’ve received notification from BMW that my 2019 X4 M40i is affected by the shutdown of Telstra’s 3G network and no updates are available. Surely in this day and age that can’t be correct? Is there a fix?

Ian Boucher, Carisbrook

How will the upcoming 3G shutdown affect cars? I own a 2019 Mazda3. Will we all need to have updates installed by dealers?

Peter Murphy, Gladstone Park

Mobile network operators are switching off 3G networks to boost capacity, speed and reliability of 4G and 5G networks – Tesla and Optus will drop 3G by September 1 2024; TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already done so.

How does this affect car owners? 3G is used for the likes of SOS calls, crash notifications and real-time traffic information in some cars. For now, it appears there’s nothing to be done about your X4, Ian.

Photo of the 2018 BMW X4

BMW’s ConnectedDrive Services and Apps rely on an embedded SIM card, and for some BMWs that needs a 3G mobile network.

“It will cease to function for reasons beyond BMW’s control … a hardware or software retrofit to upgrade the vehicle telematics is not available,” BMW Australia said. Its website has a VIN checker to see if your vehicle’s affected.

No worries about your Mazda, Peter. “We have no 3G connectivity in our cars; sat nav updates are instead via SD card,” a Mazda spokesman said. “The first SIM fitted in a Mazda was in the new MX-5, and that’s 4G.”

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe has blocky styling.

BOX OF DREAMS

I’ve just seen the new Hyundai Santa Fe on Australian roads for the first time. Congratulations to Hyundai. At last a brand not afraid to offer seriously different SUV styling. We won’t get one because my wife said it looks disastrous, but I love it.

Michael Woodbridge, email

The new seven-seat Santa Fe’s a boxy big thing, and I agree the styling is superbly bold. But I understand why some dislike its polarising rear end with very low lights. Squared-off SUV styling is in vogue – the new Toyota Prado and Land Rover Defender aren’t too dissimilar – while Kia’s incoming family of EV SUVs are all quite blocky. I’d expect other brands to soon follow suit.

Kia’s Picanto is one of the smallest cars on sale.

LITTLE THINGS

I enjoyed Iain and Jules’ ‘Two Critics’ Kia Picanto review, especially the comment: “More Australians need to wake up and realise these sized cars are perfectly suitable for many.”

It reminds me that our 2017 Honda Jazz is an ideal city runabout and is no disgrace on the highway with two up and light luggage on board. Highway fuel use is in the low 5L/100km. It’s too bad Honda deleted it from the range.

Bruce Watkins, Bentleigh

It’s tragic how many excellent little city cars have left our market. Dearly departed include the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, VW Up! and Honda Jazz, plus some less-missed efforts like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Hyundai Accent and Holden Barina. Now we’ve only got the Picanto and Fiat 500 in the city car segment.

Right-hand-drive UK still gets the excellent Up! plus the well-reviewed Hyundai i10, but there’s such a small margin when selling these cars most brands have given up. I’m hopeful city-sized EVs will mean a micro-car comeback for Australia.

THE HOLE TRUTH

Re 40km/h speed zones for roadworks where there’s no workers present, this is endemic in regional Victoria. Can I charge the government with fraudulent revenue raising?

On a similar note, how do I report a fair dinkum pothole that almost destroys your front end? If we didn’t have 4WD tyres on our Nissan Navara, one we hit could almost have written off the car.

Carmel Thomson, email

I’m not one to dish out legal advice, but suing the government? I’d pick a different battle, Carmel. In your state of Victoria, report urgent road hazards – including vehicle-damaging large potholes – by calling VicTraffic on 13 11 70.

Classic BMWs such as the 2004 M3 Coupe require special care.

CLASSIC SURVIVAL

I own a 20 year-old BMW that needs a lot of work. Can you suggest who’ll do a good job and I won’t get ripped off?

Jules S, email

I’ve no doubt a BMW dealership would do a good job revitalising your car, but costs would be monumental. As a fellow ‘modern classic’ BMW owner, I’d advise joining a BMW owner’s club in your state, plus model-specific online forums and social media groups. These offer great advice on specialist local workshops and getting hold of parts, plus which places to swerve to avoid being ripped off.

WELCOME INSPECTION

It’s been a long time since I’ve bought a used car from a dealership. I’m looking at spending around $30-40,000, but should I get a pre-purchase inspection done? If I buy brand new instead, do I still need one?

Rick R, email

Used car dealerships don’t have a sparkling reputation for honesty, but there are excellent ones out there. I’d absolutely get a pre-purchase inspection; it may cost $250, but that’s worth it to avoid a $40,000 lemon. Rules vary by state, but many dealer-sold used cars have a mandatory three-month/5000km warranty, offering some peace of mind.

No need for an inspection on brand new cars – factory warranties have your back there.

The Mazda3 is P-plate appropriate.

FIRST LOVE

My 17 year-old son’s looking for his first car. He really wants a Subaru WRX, but says he’d settle for a Subaru Forester if insurance is too much. I’m steering him towards a 2006 Mazda3 SP23 for sale locally. His budget’s around $8000 including insurance. What do you recommend?

Brian R, Coolum Beach

We all want our first car to be special and memorable, but I’d not want my son cutting his driving teeth in the performance-focused WRX. For safety’s sake, save that until he’s got more driving experience.

The Mazda3 is a solid choice, but it’s almost 20 years old. For under $8000 you can buy a 10 year-old VW Polo, Suzuki Swift or Ford Fiesta – all great first cars, especially with manual gearbox. Pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended.

Insurance is an issue, although your location helps – city-based car premiums are far higher. Cheapest comprehensive cover for a 17 year-old student, driveway parked at postcode 4573 and limited to 8000km per year vary greatly and could bust your budget.

Cheapest for a 2008 Subaru WRX is $2670; a 2012 Forester is $2200; 2006 Mazda3 SP23 $1240 and 2013 VW Up! $1200. The latter is just $680 for third party fire and theft coverage. Cheaper insurance gives you more to spend on a better car.

Car trouble? Send your motoring questions to [e-mail] and our advice columnist Iain Curry will get on the case.

Originally published as Roadside Assistance: Smart cars unplugged