Your questions answered: Why is my car not demisting quickly?

Long gone are the days when you had to have a clean cloth handy to wipe off the condensation on the inside of a car’s windscreen before it was safe to drive away on a cold morning.

But with the universal advent of high-efficiency climate control systems and heating elements for the mirrors in our cars, perhaps our expectations have become a little unrealistic.

Most cars will need more than the length of the driveway to start clearing the windscreen for a safe view ahead (and either side).

Of course, there is always the possibility that the new car has a fault and the demist function isn’t working to specification.

If you are in serious doubt that the car’s demist setting is operating correctly, by all means have it checked out by the dealer.

Question: We recently purchased a new Toyota Camry SX. My wife is the regular driver and we’ve found, as the colder weather has come, the windscreen and windows fog up repeatedly and at times even with the fan demisting at full speed the windscreen is not clearing quickly enough – or fully. We’re otherwise happy with the car, but this is becoming a safety issue and I was wondering what your thoughts were or if there’s anything aftermarket you could suggest so we can make it better? – Danny R

Answer: We modern drivers have developed a habit of turning the key and driving away, unlike the old days – remember the manual choke? – when the car would always sit for a few minutes for the engine to warm and all the systems to reach operating temperatures. The change means we expect a lot today from things like air-con and demisting. Without trying to be remotely rude, are you running the demister with the air-conditioning switched on? That will make a huge difference and, from my experience of Toyota air-con, it will blast away even high levels of condensation. If it’s still not right, get the Toyota dealer to check the operation of the system and particularly focus on air-con refrigerant gas leaks.

Question:

Answer: Your problem is quite common with people who go for the ‘big tyre’ look without investigating the impact (pun intended) of low-profile tyres on everything from road noise to punctures. Assuming the brake package allows the swap, the best solution would be to trade with the owner of a lesser Mercedes-Benz C-Class model who wants your good-looking wheels as much as you crave their higher-profile tyres. The dealer might be able to help with a changeover, something we’ve recommended successfully a number of times. Otherwise, you will need to buy new wheels and tyres, and that won’t be cheap.

Question: I would like your thoughts on a new first car for my daughter – choosing between the Suzuki Swift and Ignis. My daughter loves the Ignis, but my husband is concerned about buying a four-seater car because of the resale value. The price difference between the two is minimal and the Ignis gives you push-button start, auto sensor lights and LED lights. What are your thoughts? Do you see the four seats in the Ignis as an issue? – Michelle R

Answer: The biggest consideration for any first-timer’s car is safety, not the number of seats. The Suzuki Ignis does not have an official ANCAP score for Australia while, in contrast, the base Suzuki Swift GL gets four stars and the variants further up the chain with more safety equipment get five stars. The testing was done in 2017 but it should guide your thinking.

Question: We are looking at replacing my wife’s Hyundai ix35 and will look at the new Tucson. Is there something else we should be looking at about the same size? – John G

Answer: The obvious competitor is the Kia Sportage, which is related to the Hyundai Tucson. Check both for styling, equipment and – crucially – the deal, and remember that Kia has a longer warranty than Hyundai in Australia. Also bear in mind that the current Sportage will shortly be replaced by a new model, so you might want to wait a while before buying. The Hyundai Tucson has already been replaced and was recently named carsales’ Best Mid-Size SUV 2021. It also outshone the Haval H6 in a recent comparison test .

Question: I would like to purchase a small SUV with as many bells and whistles to the value of $30,000 for around the suburbs. I will be the only driver and I’m looking forward to your recommendation.
– Patricia L

Answer: If it’s only a suburban fun-about you’re chasing then the Kia Stonic ticks the boxes. It’s based on the baby Kia Rio hatchback and the fully-loaded GT-Line with DCT automatic comes in $490 over your limit at $30,490 drive-away. Along the same lines, the Ford Puma and Mazda CX-30 are also worth a look, although those two are likely to be a little more expensive. Also check out our Best Small SUV 2021 mega-test in which the Hyundai Kona came out on top.

Question: What are your thoughts on the LDV G10 Executive people-mover for a family of five with three children under 10? We’re looking for a people-mover, as boot space is required and we sometimes take next-door kids to sport and school. The budget is $40,000, so the choice is either the G10 fully-optioned for $37,000 or a used 2019 petrol Kia Carnival around $38,000 or a 2016 diesel for $38,000. We will occasionally do long country trips but most will be around town and the wife wants practicality and likes the auto door and boot features of the LDV, as she always has hands full. – Mark B

Answer: If your budget is tight then the LDV G10 will do the job and has some nice trinkets as well as a long warranty. It’s not the same quality or driving experience as the Kia Carnival but, most importantly, it only comes with a three-star ANCAP safety rating and the latest Carnival gets five stars. The previous Carnival also scored five stars, based on 2016 testing.

Question: I am after some advice on small SUVs. The car would be for my wife who wants everything for safety as well as self-parking etc. I have looked at Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Kia at this stage, but have not test driven yet. I am prepared to spend $50,000-$60,000 – Michael C

Answer: If you’re looking for something good, not just with a long warranty, then Kia and Hyundai make some very classy SUVs. Read our Best Small SUV 2021 mega-test for our top picks from the mainstream brands, or for something a little bigger, our Best Mid-Size SUV 2021.

Question:

Answer: The Volkswagen T-Roc is an impressive vehicle and the Kia Sportage is one of my favourite small SUVs. Both would be good choices for your needs, although keep in mind that the T-Roc is smaller than the Sportage. Consider, however, as there are big backlogs on many new car deliveries right now, taking a deal on a used Kia that is available now may be the decider. The Sportage will be in run-out as a new-generation model is coming later this year.

Question: I have purchased a 2011 Jayco Swan caravan and need a mid-sized tow vehicle. I’m working on a budget of around $50,000 and have looked at Volvo XC40, Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Outback and Audi A5. Can you suggest the best model and year to buy? – Mark D

Answer: Your first task is to weigh the rig, fully loaded, and use that to research the tow capacity of target vehicles. Also, decide if you’re buying a car for everyday use and occasional towing, or lots of serious towing. The Audi A5 will be the most enjoyable drive, but the SUVs will probably work better for towing. Picking the right one then comes down to price and condition, and your preferences after doing some proper testing driving. The Volvo XC40 is a great choice thanks to its combination of class and SUV practicality.

Question: It’s been a long time since we have bought a new car as our previous car was a 2003 Holden Commodore – recently laid to rest. Now on the hunt, the way we are approaching this is if I see something I like I investigate. I love the thought of a small SUV but a hatch is okay too. We’re looking to pay $25,000-$28,000. Since the first time I saw the commercial of the Volkswagen T-Cross I fell in love, I have driven it and like it a lot. I have driven the Hyundai i30 Active, which is quite a nice car and it offers a lot. I also drove the Mazda3 Sports Maxx and I was taken with it but now I’m not so sure; I think it doesn’t present as a $30,000 car and it sounded a little tinny. Also loving the look of the Ford Puma but haven’t driven it yet. What are your thoughts? – Anastasia A

Answer: If you love the Volkswagen T-Cross and it fits your budget, there is no reason – apart from finding one with delays on new arrivals and high prices for near-new cars – not to push ahead. The Ford Puma is fun and combines SUV with baby hatch looks and driving feel and is also worth a test drive before you commit to the Volkswagen. Consider the Hyundai Kona as well. It was recently named our Best Small SUV for 2021.

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