Road rule Aussies just don’t get

This road rule is commonplace around the world and most motorists overseas are adept at following it. But we seem to have a problem with it.

Merging can be stressful but it needn’t be if drivers know the rules. Picture: Supplied.

The merge is a skill that Australian drivers can’t seem to master.

Travel overseas and you’ll see drivers merging on busy freeways, autobahns and arterial city roads without a problem.

In Australia, it becomes a flash point for road rage.

THE ZIPPER MERGE

Reader Stuart Green admits to “bewilderment” around on-ramps where it says “Lane ends, merge.”

“Who’s supposed to give way? I’ve written to the Department of Main Roads and the minister responsible, and I’m only told everyone should try to avoid accidents. Should I hold my line if I have right of way, or confuse things by slowing down?”

If it’s your lane ending, or you’re the one merging, you must give way to any vehicle in the lane you’re moving into. It relies on others giving you space, but we all know that rarely happens. The “Zipper Merge” is the solution, if only it were taught and executed correctly. At the source of the merge, both lanes take turns slotting into the single lane, like a zip piecing together. Done correctly, there’s barely any slowing and it’s a beautiful thing. The Japanese are good at it. Australians? Disastrous.

Here’s what some other readers said in response to Stuart’s question.

A broken line on the road works the same as a give way sign: the terminating road gives way. If there’s no line, no-one has right of way so a zipper’s used.

Peter Hanson, Matraville

It’s clearly stated in Victorian as well as most other Australian jurisdictions that if there’s a broken line the left lane gives way to the right lane. If there’s no unbroken line nor solid line, then the one in front has right of way.

Darren Szadura, email

Here are some other issues bothering our readers this week.

Paint protection can be worth it but it pays to shop around. Photo: Thomas Wielecki

PROTECTION MONEY

I’m soon to be proud owner of a new Toyota GR86. The dealership’s offered $1300 protective ceramic paint coating, among a plethora of other pre-delivery options. In general, I’ve noticed automotive paint’s getting thinner/softer and increasingly susceptible to damage. Is the expensive ceramic coating necessary to protect fragile paintwork? Or is it clever marketing undermining buyer confidence in paint integrity for the sake of profit?

Johnny S, email

Ceramic coating is like a liquid polymer coat of armour for your paint. It’s not cheap, as you’ve found, but those I know who use it agree it prevents minor paint damage while making cleaning and body maintenance easier. Toyota GR86 owner forums suggest its paint is quite soft and easily chipped, but why let the dealer decide which product you use? Take delivery and if you want ceramic coating, shop around and choose which company you most trust. The Toyota dealer will outsource the work anyway and take their cut. Look into paint protection film (PPF) too, especially if you plan track days in your new toy.

SAVIOUR IN A CAN

Re: your recent reader’s letter about their Kia Cerato’s fuel cap not releasing, I had the same problem. I sprayed WD-40 on its release mechanism while it was open and haven’t had an issue since.

Doug Townsend, email

I swear most car problems can be solved with a can of WD-40, some cable ties and strong electrical tape. From personal experience, I can tell you WD-40 also helps loosen stuck spark plugs, remove sludge from the outside of engine blocks and clean dirt and grease from spanners after a day on the tools.

If your car has a persistent problem the dealer can’t fix, you’re entitled to push for a replacement. Picture: Supplied.

RATTLE BATTLE

We’ve owned our 2021 Toyota Kluger GXL since new. It’s had dash rattling noises looked at five times and still not fixed and a rear tailgate issue looked at three times. What are our options? Is this considered a major fault? I’m worried the more they pull things apart the worse it will get.

Michael Bielaczek, Mildura

If you have not already done so, you must contact Toyota Australia to discuss options. Under Australian Consumer Law, a “major failure” is a problem that can’t be repaired “within a reasonable time”. Reasonable is an ambiguous term, so you must strike a deal with Toyota on what would be a fair time to have the issue remedied to your satisfaction. If they can’t hit that target, you can request a free replacement or refund. You can drive the Kluger and safety’s not affected, but if you insist you wouldn’t have bought the car had you known these consistent rattles were present, you have a strong case. Visit consumer.gov.au for comprehensive resources and guides.

VINTAGE AUDIO

Re: retrofitting Apple CarPlay/Android Auto infotainment, I looked at buying a $600 unit and was quoted $800 to fit it. After that, I decided my 2015 Mitsubishi Pajero’s radio sounded okay and its TomTom GPS worked fine with its regular free map updates.

Peter Haslett, email

Recognised-brand CarPlay/Android Auto aftermarket head-units can cost as little as $400, but installation costs vary wildly between vehicles, depending on the complexity. You’re one of the lucky ones getting free GPS updates – most systems from the previous decade don’t offer this.

For those planning to keep their car for a few years, I still reckon a smartphone-mirroring head unit’s a worthwhile convenience and safety upgrade.

Aftermarket suppliers offer retrofitting of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the installation costs can be high. Picture: Supplied.

COSTLY TEAR

My 2015 Subaru Outback has a one-inch tear in the driver’s door arm rest. I contacted my Subaru dealer about repair or replacement and was quoted $945, which I thought was ridiculously high. I requested a loyalty discount – this is my third Subaru – and they said they’d knock off GST value (10 per cent). Is this unreasonable? Any other suggestions?

Rienzie Machado, email

I’ve photos of the damage and agree the replacement cost’s ludicrously high, discount or not.

There are times when you must avoid car dealerships for repairs and this is an example. Take your business to a specialist car upholsterer.

I’d be surprised if it can’t be repaired for les than $200. Alternatively, scour eBay, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace or wreckers for a spare arm rest.

Most modern tyre pressure warnings recalibrate once the tyre is pumped up. Picture: Supplied.

KEEP THE PRESSURE UP

I love my 2022 Kia Niro EV, but last week I got a low tyre-pressure notification on the dash. I topped up all tyres to the same pressure (32psi) but the notification didn’t erase. I tried resetting it or finding another way to cancel the notification but no joy. The best my local Kia dealer could suggest was to book me in for a service appointment two weeks from now.

Walter Valles, Clayton South

Sounds like a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction, rather than a tyre issue. Looking at the Kia Niro EV’s owner’s manual (available online) there is no reset button. The TPMS should reset itself with the new tyre pressures once topped up. If the TPMS light flashes for a minute, there’s a system malfunction. That’s why the dealer’s booked you in. It’s an inconvenience but at least covered under warranty.