| Q Why is diesel more expensive than petrol in Port Macquarie? Is there something we can do about it? |
A The higher price of diesel is of great concern to NRMA. However, we cannot influence an immediate change to it, as there are several factors at play. Diesel consistently costs more than standard unleaded petrol because most is sold under contract to fleet operators, mainly for heavy vehicles. The volumes sold through retail outlets are therefore low and there is little incentive for retailers to discount. The time lag between when the station buys the diesel in bulk and when it is sold retail can also be considerable. The retailer's margin will normally reflect the variation in the bulk purchase price and is determined at the time the service station tanks are filled. High demand for diesel in Asia, where most transport uses it, is also pushing up prices. As with other commodities in Australia, there is no price control on fuels. We understand the recently appointed petrol commissioner will be monitoring and investigating the prices of all fuels – not just petrol. |
| Q The petrol price breakdown shows excise as 31 per cent of the total price of a litre of fuel, then a GST of nine per cent on that. Is the Government charging GST on tax? |
A GST is applied to the total selling price of petrol which includes the fuel excise tax. This ‘tax on tax’ also applies to other commodities in Australia and has been the subject of much debate. For more information on this topic please go here. |
| Q I was recently issued an on-the-spot fine for driving with unsecured grocery bags on my back seat. I’m sure this would have to be an extreme interpretation of the road rules. Does this legislation exist? |
A There is no specific legislation regarding ‘unsecured shopping bags’, although there is legislation regarding the carrying of insecure loads under Rule 292 of the Australian Road Rules. If a penalty notice were issued to a driver for having open shopping bags on their vehicle’s seat, the prosecution would have to prove to a magistrate beyond reasonable doubt that the items in the shopping bags would constitute an offence under the above rule. |
| Q After reading a through a New Zealand travel brochure I was surprised to see diesel was considerably cheaper than unleaded petrol. Unleaded petrol was $1.78 per litre while diesel was selling for $1.35 per litre. The figures quoted were average prices in Christchurch during March 2008. Could someone please explain why the inflated Australian diesel prices do not exist in New Zealand? |
A Many Australians holidaying in New Zealand have come back wondering why diesel over there is significantly cheaper. Trans-Tasman diesel prices cannot be compared, however, as diesel in New Zealand is not taxed at the point of sale. Rather, diesel vehicle owners are required to pay a road user charge (RUC) for distance travelled (in slots of 1000km), making the actual cost of the journey much more expensive than it may appear. |
| Q I am considering an LPG conversion for my Toyota Corolla. I know it is okay to convert large six-cylinder engines over to LPG, however I have heard it is not advisable to convert small four-cylinder cars due to engine temperature problems. Can you tell me if there are any mechanical reasons such a conversion should not be done? |
A LPG Autogas is a ‘dry fuel’ because unlike petrol, it has no cooling effect on internal engine components. During the combustion of LPG there is reduced carbon production and no fuel additives present that could provide some lubrication, particularly to the exhaust valve seat. Some Japanese four-cylinder engines are known to have soft exhaust valve seats, which perhaps this explains the compatibility issue – however we are unable to confirm this is the case with your Toyota Corolla. |
| Q Can you give me any information about the difference in consumption rates between running a car on LPG and petrol? I have heard that a car using 10L/100km on petrol would use approximately four or five litres of LPG over the same distance. |
A Unfortunately, someone has given you incorrect information. When a vehicle is converted to LPG it uses more fuel, not less – usually in the area of 30 to 40 per cent more. Therefore, a vehicle that uses ten litres of petrol will use from 13 to 14 litres of LPG to travel the same distance. For independent fuel consumption testing results, go to Green Vehicle Guide. |
| Q I would like to buy my wife a new luxury sports vehicle, but finding something suitable is proving difficult. She currently drives a 2004 Toyota Celica, which is sporty, economical, reliable, and extremely versatile – the back seats can be lowered to carry golf clubs, luggage, our pet dogs, etc. I'm happy to spend up to $60,000 on a second hand car in the luxury sports category. What would you recommend? |
A The task of buying a new car is often daunting and difficult. A magazine called Australia’s Best Cars tests a variety of models and one of the classes is luxury sports. This magazine would be a good place to start so you can see what’s available. All the cars tested in the luxury sports category are out of your price range as new cars, but you might find some as second hand cars. You may also want to look at sports cars, as they are generally not as expensive but have the same sorts of features as those in the luxury sports range. |
| Q My car has a noise that my mechanic says is caused by a wheel bearing that needs replacing. However, we disagree about whether the noise is coming from the front or rear wheel. The car is a 1994 Commodore Acclaim. Is there a service available to test wheel bearings while they are still on the car? |
A We are not aware of any such service. However, we believe an experienced mechanic should be able to detect the source of the noise by carrying out a road test or simulating one on a vehicle hoist. |
You may like to contact an NRMA Approved Repairer for a second opinion. For details visit Approved Repairer Network.
Open Road e-zine August 2008
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