lifestyle
Buckle up your dog.
Pets need seatbelts too
Almost 500 motorists have been caught driving with a pet or person on their lap in the past five years, according to SA Police data.
Not only could drivers receive a $228 fine and $105 Victims of Crime Levy, it’s also extremely distracting and dangerous to all road users.
Passengers should be in their own seat with their seatbelt on, but what are the rules about pets?
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says it’s easy to be knocked by an unrestrained dog or cat while driving.
“This could result in a crash with potentially disastrous consequences,” Charles says.
“If you have to suddenly brake, your unrestrained pet could be thrown around the vehicle.
“This could result in serious injury or death to your pet, your passengers, or you as the driver.”
So, what can you do to keep your pet safe in the car? Here are a few simple tips.
Use a safety harness for your pet, which attaches to your car’s seatbelt. Available from pet stores, make sure you follow the individual harness’ instructions.
Small dogs and cats can be placed in a pet crate, which can be secured in your vehicle. Pet fish in plastic bags should be placed in a bucket on the floor for safe travel. Birds should be in a cage and restrained away from seat trim as their beaks can bite holes in the upholstery.
If you have a station wagon or four-wheel drive with a boot area sectioned off by a cargo barrier, transport the pet in the rear with a pet restraint.
Need a pet restraint or crate? RAA members get $20 off when they spend $120 or more at Petstock online. Visit raa.com.au/petstock for more information.
Need a pet restraint or crate? RAA members get $20 off when they spend $120 or more at Petstock online. Visit raa.com.au/petstock for more information.
What should I do if my hot water system isn't working?
Gone to have a shower, turned on the tap and the water just won’t heat up? Is your hot water system on the fritz? RAA Product and Pricing Manager Roy Lee explains what you should do before calling in the experts.
When you turn on the tap and only cold water runs out, you’ll need to find out why the water isn’t heating. Before checking your hot water, you’ll need to identify the type of system you have installed at your house. There are four types usually found in the home: electric, gas, solar and heat pump. Once you’ve determined the type of system, you can troubleshoot to see why you’re not getting any hot water coming through your taps.
For electric systems, check if the circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, switch it back on, but if it continues to trip when you’re using hot water, you’ll need to call in an electrician.
If the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped, check the hot water switch if you have a dedicated one. It’s also a good idea to check for any visible leaks or rust around the hot-water tank.
If you have a gas system, first check the gas supply is on at the mains. Gas hot water systems also have a pilot light. If the pilot light has gone out, re-light it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some newer models have a digital screen that may be showing an error code. If there’s a code, refer to the owner’s manual to identify the issue.
For solar systems, check the booster switch and confirm there’s been enough sunlight – prolonged
cloudy days can impact output. If you have a heat pump hot water system, check it’s powered and the fan is running. Make sure it’s not making any unusual noises or showing error codes.
If none of this solves your hot-water issues, try a basic reset. Sometimes, simply turning off the system at the mains, waiting 30 seconds and switching it back on, can resolve minor glitches. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to call a licensed plumber or electrician who specialises in hot water systems.
Still not sure what’s wrong? Contact RAA Trade Assist on 8202 4988 or visit raa.com.au/trade-assist
RAA Rewards in the regions
RAA Rewards’ dining program has expanded into regional South Australia, giving country members discounts at various eateries and wineries.
Whether you’re in the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills or on the Fleurieu Peninsula, RAA members can access special offers on food and beverages at some amazing venues across regional SA.
Locals and visitors to the Clare Valley can get discounts at several eateries, including Paulett Wines. RAA members receive a complimentary upgrade to a premium wine tasting when enjoying a delicious Canapes & Flight Experience for only $55 per person.
In the Riverland, members can get deals at Earth Restaurant in Berri and Temperance Restaurant in Renmark.
And, if you’re down south along the Fleurieu, you can get deals and discounts at a dozen establishments, including The Salopian Inn, Swell Brewing, The Currant Shed and McLaren Vale Hotel.
On the Limestone Coast, RAA members can get deals at Elementary and Raidis Estate.
For a full list of RAA’s dining partners and info about the discounts and deals, visit raa.com.au/dining
100 years at Wayville for the Royal Adelaide Show
In 2025, the Royal Adelaide Show will celebrate 100 years of being based at the Adelaide Showgrounds in Wayville.
To celebrate the milestone, the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society has built a collection of historical items for showgoers to explore from 10am to 6pm every day of the show.
As part of the celebrations, the Royal Adelaide Show is also teaming up with Antiques DownUnder, the popular TV series that explores Australia’s most fascinating artefacts and the stories behind them.
Showgoers have been able to submit items that will be appraised by the team from Antiques DownUnder.
The Royal Adelaide Show is held from 30 August to 7 September.
IMAGES: Getty; HEY GENTS; RAA; State Library of South Australia/B77526; Tourism Australia/SATC.
