Your questions answered: Can I take the badges off my new car?

Queries about the new Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton utes, hazard flashing curiosity, and a zinger about car badges this week in Your Questions Answered.

Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.

I recently read one of your articles on the 2026 Nissan Navara. Every time a new Navara comes out I buy it for two unusual reasons; it has an opening rear window, and, unlike the Toyota HiLux, it has a great tie-down system in the tray. I use these features all the time. I was wondering if you know if these features will be included in this new model? –David

Answer: Hi David, bad news I’m afraid. The sliding hatch on the rear window – a favourite party trick of mine, as well – has indeed disappeared from the new D27 Nissan Navara. Why? Because it’s now, for all intents and purposes, a light do-over of the current-spec Mitsubishi Triton.

While the nose is different and the shocks are revised, the rest of the D27 Navara is essentially a photocopy of the current Triton, a legacy of the Nissan/Renault/Mitsubishi Alliance. That also means the adjustable tie-down system (still featured in the NP300 Navara) is gone, along with the LED rear tub light.

Here’s a strange question for you. I had a discussion with my father-in-law on the weekend about badges on cars, and he believes very strongly that badges should not be removed from a car under any circumstance, otherwise the warranty is void. Now I know that makes no sense, but he was so convincing! Is he right? –Aaron

Answer: Hey Aaron, is your dad-in-law a practical joker? Because he must be pulling your leg! At a stretch, I guess I can see where he’s coming from, but no, there’s nothing to say that a brand or model badge must stay on a car.

Car brands sell the same model of car in different countries, often with slightly different model designations. Depending on the company, cars are often supplied to respective territories with generic badging, or in some cases incorrect badging, which then needs to be rectified before sale.

And it’s not done by dealers, either; large post-shipment holding yards are contracted by car companies to not only install the correct badges (by hand!) but will also fit accessory items like ute trays and tow bars.

Once you take delivery, it’s your car – you can remove badges if you want (within state road laws, of course). Personally, some brands go way overboard with badging, and I’d be reaching for the heat gun and fishing line quick smart!

Hi, sometimes I see people briefly flashing their hazard lights in traffic. Does this mean something particularly? – Liza

Answer: Hi Liza, I’m going to guess that it was a way of saying “thank you” to the car behind for something nice they did. It’s second nature in places like Japan, and while the single-handed, wide-fingered hand-up wave is the most common gesture in Australia, a quick hazard flash works well – especially if your car has dark tint or a narrow rear window.

The only issue? Some new cars, particularly Chinese brands, hide the hazard switch in odd places. In a Chery I tested recently, it was up in a roof panel!

The views stated in this advice column are advisory only. Questions may be edited for clarity and length.

Got an automotive question but you don’t know where to find the information you need? Never fear, email us here at editor@carsales.com.au.

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