GAS / DIESEL TIPS

by Rory Esperanza (09/28/02)

DIESEL

1.                  The indirect-injection engine utilizes a swirl chamber to gather power (fuel and air) before it goes to combustion.  With direct-injection, the air-fuel mixture goes directly into the engine’s cylinders for quicker, more efficient combustion.  Excellent efficiency is carried out to most engine speeds to give more power and fuel economy.  The result is more explosive, quicker-responding, highly efficient diesel engine.

2.                  Direct injection is the means by which the fuel injector nozzle introduces diesel fuel directly into an engine’s combustion chamber without having to pass through a pre-chamber which is typical of indirect injection diesel engines.  Direct injection (DI) diesel engines also employ higher pressure injectors as compared to non-DI engines, resulting in a more evenly spread air/fuel mixture and therefore more efficient combustion.  Using direct-injection technology, Isuzu engineers have achieved several substantial improvements over diesel engines with similar displacement but with indirect injection, namely:

·                    A five-decibel reduction in noise levels;

·                    A 75-percent reduction in vibration felt through the steering wheel and the cabin floor;

·                    A 3.5-second increase in acceleration time from 0-100 kph;

·                    A 60-percent reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) emissions;

·                    A 35-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions;

·                    A 15-percent improvement in fuel economy; and

·                    Simple configuration of cylinder head resulting in better reliability.

Isuzu achieved improved fuel economy and cleaner exhaust emissions through the use of the common-rail high pressure direct-injection and an electronic control module.  An exhaust gas recirculation system and an oxide catalytic converter further clean up the exhaust gases.  High power and enhanced drivability come from the efficient cylinder head design.  The low noise and vibration levels, which approach those of gasoline engines, were achieved through the combined use of a secondary internal engine balancer, flywheel, damper, an intake silencer, a gear backlash eliminator and pilot injection.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.) released a report stating that diesel engines produce significantly lower (carbon dioxide) CO₂, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) emission.  Current diesel engines research now focuses on the reduction of nitrogen oxide, the only pollutant which diesel produces more than gasoline.  Clearly, diesel shows better potential as far as environment protection is concerned.  Diesel has higher thermal efficiency than gasoline, making it the logical opinion today if mankind is to preserve the limited amount of the earth’s fuel.  Experts believe will be wiped out in the next 45 years at the rate fuel is now consumed.

For the pickup (Fuego in the Philippines) and the all-purpose vehicle (Hi-Lander in the Philippines), its fuel economy translates to 11 to 14 kilometers to a liter in city driving conditions.  Isuzu uses timing gears instead of timing belts.  Timing gears are tougher and more reliable compared with timing belts in terms of life span.  Timing belt is suitable only for vehicles in countries where they banish cars from the road after 5 years, like in Japan.  This is so because a timing belt is good only for that short a period or a mere 100,000 kilometers – whichever comes first.  After that, it needs to be replaced or the vehicle owner faces the risk of an engine breakdown.

3.                  Isuzu N Series Trucks are known as the Elf in Japan started in 1974.

DDI – direct diesel injection

IDI – indirect diesel injection

CDI – common rail direct injection

(MUST 2000, Philippine Star, page 26, 06/20/00)

Some pointers on how to drive safely

·                    You must not assume that you will be given the right of way.  The other person may not think that he / she should grant it.

·                    Slow moving vehicles must drive to the extreme right and must not impede traffic.

·                    You must not pass on a hill or curve at anytime.

·                    When stopping, make sure that you and your vehicle are clear of the paved surface or close to the curb.

·                    You must know and obey all traffic signs and signals.

·                    You must not ride the line.

·                    You must never pass on the approach to an intersection, a bridge or a railroad crossing except when driving in two or more marked lanes going in the same direction.

·                    You must always check oncoming traffic and signal when leaving a parked position.

·                    A driver must yield the right of way to a pedestrian is a crosswalk or in an unmarked crosswalk at the end of a block.

·                    You must always observe road and weather conditions and adjust your speed accordingly.

·                    When passing, you must check for other traffic, ahead and behind.

·                    You must always signal before changing lanes and sound your horn for the driver you are passing.

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page C7, 07/20/00)

Ways to optimize fuel mileage

·                    Periodic vehicle maintenance is the 1^st step.  Regular servicing of your vehicle ensures A-1 efficiency and engine performance.  An inefficient engine makes a fuel-guzzler vehicle.  Check on those often overlooked little details – the air in your tires, clean air filter, fuel filter and wheel alignment; these help improve fuel economy.

·                    Planning makes perfect.

·                    Drive smart.  Be a different driver.

·                    There are many ways in going to Rome!  Getting these does not mean using your vehicle.

·                    And knowing is half the battle.  Road and weather conditions are also contributing factors in fuel economy of your vehicle.  Driving into headwinds, up mountain road, or on gravel requires more fuel than highway driving.  Bigger vehicles, bigger engines, and other added functionality altogether add up to a vehicle’s weight, consequently reducing its fuel efficiency.  Even larger tires can lower fuel economy.

(Isuzu Philippines Corp., Business World, page 19, 01/23/02)

tips to cut down on fuel use

·                    Planning and combining trips save you time and money.

·                    Should you be going to an unfamiliar place, keep those road maps handy.

·                    Keeping your vehicle in shape ensures efficiency and engine performance. 

·                    Efficient driving can cut down fuel expenses.

(Diamond Philippines Inc., Philippine Star, page 24, 06/09/98)

How to keep your truck always in top condition

1.                  Be religious about tune-up schedules.

2.                  As much as possible, keep out of the sun.

3.                  Attend to scratches and dents as soon as possible.

4.                  Don’t haul in more cargo than your truck can carry.

5.                  Protect your truck bed.  A sprayed-on truck bedliner like Diamond Liners will protect it from chemicals such as animal waste, fertilizer, pool chlorine, paint, bleach, paint thinner, turpentine and organic solvents.

(MUST Handbook, Philippine Star, page 24, 06/09/98)

Have you checked your car lately?

Once a week or during gas fill-up:

·                    Check oil

·                    Check coolant

·                    Check brake fluid

·                    Check washer fluid

·                    Check tire pressure

·                    Car wash

·                    Paint touch up

Every 5,000 kilometers

·                    Replace oil

·                    Inspect belt tension and condition

·                    Inspect cooling system

·                    Clean air cleaner element

·                    Inspect fuel tanks/lines/connections

·                    Inspect brake fluid

·                    Inspect all fluid levels

·                    Inspect battery levels

·                    Inspect freon gas levels

·                    Inspect compressor clutch and joints

Every 8,000 kilometers or any sign of irregular tire wear

·                    Rotate tires

Every 10,000 kilometers

·                    Inspect valve clearance

·                    Clean replace spark plugs

·                    Inspect brake pads and disks

·                    Inspect tear drums and linings

·                    Inspect suspension mounting bolts

·                    Inspect steering functions

·                    Inspect tires (wear, pressure, space)

·                    Inspect body bolts

Every 20,000 kilometers

·                    Replace fuel filters

·                    Inspect distributor cap and rotor

·                    Inspect brake hoses and lines

·                    Inspect steering/clutch free play

·                    Inspect driveshaft boots

Every 40,000 kilometers

·                    Replace transmission oil

·                    Replace engine coolant

·                    Inspect ignition timing/control system

·                    Replace air cleaner element

·                    Inspect crankcase ventilation valve

·                    Inspect parking brakes

·                    Replace brake fluid

·                    Inspect exhaust system and condition

·                    Inspect tire rods, gear box, and boots

·                    Inspect throttle control system

Every 80,000 kilometers

·                    Replace timing belt

·                    Inspect water pump

Every six months

·                    Do engine power wash-up

(Isuzu Philippines, Manila Bulletin, page B-10, 05/19/00)

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B-5, 04/20/00)

BASIC VEHICLE CARE TIPS

The parts that need monthly checks are the air filters, accessory belts, batteries, radiators, hoses, level of fluids, wiring systems, windshield wipers, and the tires.

·                    Check the air filter because it accumulates dirt over time, being tasked to extract impurities from the air that enters the engine.  Usually, air filters need replacing once a year, unless you drive around dusty or sandy areas.

·                    Check the belts that drive the fan, the alternator, and other parts of the vehicle.  In most modern vehicles, there’s the serpentine multi-accessory drive belt that drives all the engine accessories.  If a belt sags more than half an inch when you press on it, you might need to replace it.  Also, check for cracks or see if a belt is already shiny.  These, too, suggest you install a new one.

·                    As for battery, you should be on the lookout for a few things.  Add distilled water if the liquid inside the battery doesn’t reach the top of the plates.  Clean off powdery deposits on the terminals, after which you should coat the deposits on the terminals, after which you should coat the terminals with grease or petroleum jelly.  Check if the battery cables and clamps are corroded.  Check also for cracks in the battery case.

·                    For the radiator, check if it still has a sufficient level of liquid, which, you have to note, should be a 50-50 mixture of coolant and water.

·                    Hoses are the easiest to inspect.  You simply need to squeeze all hoses you see under your vehicle’s hood.  If any of these is leaking or bulging or soft and squishy or hard and brittle, it needs replacement.

·                    Your vehicle is also dependent on a good number of fluids, chief of which is oil.  You need to check the oil dipstick to see if there’s enough oil.  Oil dipsticks shouldn’t be difficult to check because they usually have the words “Add” and “Full” carved on them.

Other important fluids you need to check are the brake fluid, the power-steering fluid, the windshield-washer fluid, and for automatics- the automatic transmission fluid.

·                    Inspect the wires under the hood.  Look for the presence of corrosion or metal that is already showing through the insulation, in which case you have to replace the wire before it short-circuits.  Hard and inflexible wires usually need to be changed, too.

·                    Check if your windshield wipers and tires are all in good condition.  You know wipers need to be replaced when the metal blades are already crooked or the rubber inserts are already worn-out, such that they are scratching the windshield or making irregular squeaking sounds.

·                    For the tires, the most important thing is air pressure.  Under inflated tires wear down faster and make steering more difficult.  Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, face the real danger of blowing out.  As a general rule, inflate your tires to within the specified range of the manufacturer.  You can check the air pressure of your tires by using a tire gauge, which should be available at car accessories shops.

Bear in mind that an ounce of prevention is far better than a pound of cure.

(Avelyn C. Kee, Manila Bulletin, Page 34, 03/17/00)

proper care for you car

Follow these easy steps to ensure that your car is in good shape:

1.                  Check the motor oil of your car.

2.                  Is here enough water?

3.                  Use coolant fluid.

4.                  Examine your car battery.

5.                  Inspect all the tires.

6.                  Check if there is enough brake fluid.

7.                  Test your car horn and all car lights.

8.                  Be sure to check vessels for leakage.

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Star, page B3, 07/11/00)

Isuzu’s solution to rising cost of gasoline: Switch to diesel

Diesel engines require less fuel than gasoline engines because it has more efficient combustion.  Gasoline engine runs for an average of 11 km per liter while diesel engines runs up to two times more kilometers.

It has a low-fuel consumption considering that the piston compresses only air.  It achieves very high compression and thus high temperature, attributing to a thermal efficiency rating of more than 30 percent, compare to 25 percent to 28 percent in gasoline engines.

Diesel fuel costs less than gasoline hence it is perfect for fleet and mass transportation.  In addition, diesel engines are built very solidly and have a low compression ration resulting in lesser engine stress and longer engine life.  It is three times and longer engine life.  It is three times more durable so they last 300,000 km to 1,000,000 km, as compared to 100,000 to 300,000 km for gasoline engines.

Although diesel maintenance is higher in terms of costs for the first 20,000 km, the succeeding kilometers guarantee less upkeep due to its sturdier and durable body.  For gasoline engine, regular checkup or PMS requires you to change your engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 and 20,000 km respectively while diesel engine oil and filter is for every 5,000 and 10,000 km, respectively.

Regardless of the frequency in, changing these parts, diesel engine proves to be much more economical investment.  With gasoline engines you will have to maintain and replace if necessary more parts than those of diesel engines like the timing belt, spark plugs, fuel filter and valve clearance.  Whereas, for the diesel engines, you will only have to replace its air cleaner elements every 40,000 km and fuel filter for every 15,000 km.

Gasoline engines are found to be major contributor to global warming.  The switch to diesel is imminent.  Contrary to popular belief, the diesel engine is friendlier to the environment.  That’s why in Europe, diesel is a popular option.  Diesel engines are up to three times more durable.  And not only is the cost of fuel much lower, diesels run more kilometers per liter. 

(Isuzu Philippines, Manila Bulletin, page 32, 03/05/99)

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR DIESEL VEHICLES

Preventive upkeep of diesel vehicles is the best guarantee for optimum and fail safe performance.  If your diesel engine is difficult to start; its idling is either rough or unsteady; it doesn’t have sufficient pulling power for heavy loads; it emits excessive smoke; it overheats; it makes irregular noises; or it has an unreasonably high fuel consumption – these are the signs that you have not been taking the right care for your vehicle. 

Isuzu is offering these simple, owner-friendly tips for maintaining diesel vehicles:

·                    Before starting, check oil and water levels.  Oil should be replaced at regular intervals.

·                    After starting, allow the engine to warm up before running.

·                    Do not overload the vehicle and do not accelerate hard when driving.

·                    Submit your vehicle to regular smoke-emission tests.  This aids greatly in detecting early stages of any damage that may be developing in the engine.

·                    Regularly inspect also the air cleaner – to see it it needs replacement – and fuel lines – to check possible cracks and leaks.

·                    The often-neglected fuel tank should be regularly drained to remove contaminants.

·                    When replacing parts, be sure to use only original or genuine articles which accurately conform to the vehicle’s specifications and are covered by warranty.

·                    If the vehicle needs servicing, have it repaired only at a qualified service shop.  Most vehicle troubles are further aggravated by incompetent mechanics.  The fuel injection, for instance, needs servicing by qualified injection pump service centers or calibration shops.

Isuzu says that diesel engines, if properly maintained, provide remarkably long reliability, excellent performance, and unsurpassed fuel efficiency.  Couple these benefits to those of direct-injection technology – as in Isuzu vehicles – and diesel vehicle owners can expect years of trouble-free motoring.

(Isuzu Philippines, Manila Standard, page 18, 04/16/99)

Causes of excessive emission

Checklist of possible causes of excessive exhaust emission to aid diesel vehicle owners, the cause may be any of the following:

·                    Air cleaner or hose may be clogged.

·                    Exhaust pipe may have too much dirt or deposits.

·                    Insufficient fuel combustion due to maladjusted nozzle screw or nozzle opening.

·                    Inefficient fuel injection due to clogged nozzle tips; defective valve; excessive carbon deposits in spray holes, and wrong nozzle tips installed.

·                    Worn-out rollers, camshaft, and camshaft bearings.

·                    Wrong amount of fuel is injected into the engine which may be caused by defective plunger and delivery valve; maladjusted governor; tampered screw of full-load stopper; fake or wrong spare parts; and defective or soft delivery valve spring.

·                    Insufficient engine power due to burned or defective valve components.

·                    Diluted diesel fuel or fuel with hardened deposits.

·                    Defective or congested fuel filter.

Isuzu recommends the following simple practices in operating diesel vehicles.

·                    Always use the right diesel fuel.

·                    Do not tamper with the injection pump and the governor.

·                    Do not over-accelerate or overload.

·                    Avoid abrupt and ill-timed acceleration and deceleration.

·                    Always drive with the ideal speed.

·                    Warm up the engine before running.

·                    Fill up the fuel tank and never allow it to run empty.

·                    Always check oil and repaired only at authorized service centers.

·                    Always clean the air cleaner and the exhaust pipe.

·                    Use only recommended and genuine air cleaner, oil, and oil filter.

(DRT Diesel Service Center Brochure)

What are the causes of Excessive Smoke?

Poorly maintained engines emit excessive smoke.  The best way to avoid inconvenience is to properly maintain your engine.  Common maintenance problems are:

·                    Clogged or worn fuel injectors

·                    Misadjusted timing

·                    Restricted air filters

Engine tampering is a major cause of high diesel engine smoke levels.  Devices commonly tampered with are:

·                    Fuel Pump Calibration

·                    Fuel Injection Timing

·                    Smoke Puff / Additives Limiters

(Isuzu Philippines, Manila Bulletin, page B-19, 11/24/00)

Isuzu launches “Stop Idling” campaign

For fuel efficiency optimization, whether warming up a vehicle or waiting for the traffic light to turn green, unnecessary idling results in fuel wastage.

·                    Driving slowly in low gear is a more fuel-efficient option than putting a vehicle in idle for several minutes when warming up.  This way the vehicle starts to heat up at the same time having a few distance covered already.

·                    When caught in heavy traffic, intersections or a red signal that would at least keep for 30 seconds, turning the engine off would definitely extend the mileage of vehicle fuel.

·                    It is more economical to park a vehicle with the engine off when waiting for the kids from school, or friends who just went mall-strolling, or practically any situation wherein waiting inside the vehicle is inevitable.

Saving fuel nowadays goes more than just extra-peso-in-the-pocket.  Optimizing fuel mileage would also mean conserving energy resources and consequently preserving the environment.

(Scientifically-Treated Petroleum (STP), Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B10, 06/06/02)

Vitamins for engines

STP Oil Treatment is a proprietary oil additive that combines special ingredients to provide extra protection for the engine’s specific needs:

·                    Viscosity Index Improvers which are used in the formulation of lubricants to provide greater resistance to thickening at low temperatures and thinning at high temperatures.

·                    Anti-wear Agents that serve to protect vital engine parts from wear caused by metal-to-metal contact.

·                    Anti-oxidants that help prevent thermal oil breakdown.

·                    Dispersants and Detergents which help keep sludge and other engine deposits from adhering to engine parts

(Castrol Philippines, Business World, 02/14/96)

Castrol Reacts

Viscosity is measured in weight or W based on the American Society of Automotive Engineers.  “W” in the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard indicates an oil is suitable for winter use.  An SAE reading without a W means that is suitable for summer use.  Viscosity, to put it simply, is the thickness of the oil; thus a low number such as 20 is thinner than a 50 or 80 grade.  Also, heavy duty diesel engines use oil like SAE 40 or 50 and not 50W or 100W.  Further, oils with SAE ratings like 20W/50 mean they are multi-grade oils, which can be used for both winter (or rainy season) and summer conditions.  Multigrade oils change their viscosity with respect to the ambient and engine temperatures.  In the case of an SAE 20W/50 oil, it is SAE 50 when hot and SAE 20 when cold. (Engr. Darren N. Acorda)

(Mobil Philippines, Business World, page 21, 06/17/01)

What are the functions of an Engine Oil?

The engine lubrication system is designed by the engine manufacturer.  The lubricant is designed by Mobil.  Using the right Mobil Oil for any particular engine will.

PROTECT       -            against rust and corrosion

CLEAN            -            by removing carbon, varnish and metal particles

COOL              -            by removing heat away from the surfaces

LUBRICATE    -            friction and

SEALS              -           against gases and contaminants

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page 5, 08/05/00)

Maintenance Tips for parts down under

One of the basic components of a vehicle aside from its engine is its suspension system.  When we talk of suspension, its particular importance is to keep the wheels in firm contact with the road.  It refers to the use of front and rear springs to suspend a vehicle’s weight and support the body by compressing and rebounding with every up-and-down movement.

Depending on pertinent factors like vehicle weight and the road environment, there are two main types of suspension system: independent suspension and rigid axles.

The difference lies in the sort of application your vehicle endures.  If you are going to be hauling different loads over harsh terrains, then you are better off with a rigid axle.  If you are going to stick to the road or flat surfaces where ground clearance is not an issue, then the handling benefits of independent suspension will outweigh any of its disadvantages.

Conversely, tension bars springs work on the principle springing by twisting a bar.  Torsion bars are used for the front suspension of the Fuego, Hi-Lander and the Trooper.  This type of spring guarantees that your vehicle is capable of off-roading, making it more versatile than most sedans or passenger cars.

It is essential that you know how to detect small problems on your own so that you can save a lot of time and money.  Maintaining your vehicle’s suspension is easy enough if you know what to look for and how to do it.

·                    Check wheel alignment angle periodically.  Having a properly adjusted wheel alignment is safer because it reduces skidding and accidents.  It is definitely more economical because it increases service life of your tires and suspension parts life and at the same time decreasing fuel consumption.

·                    Check your tires.  Irregular wear on your tires may be an indication of a problem on your suspension’s system.

·                    Check for any abnormal noise and try to detect its cause.  The following are some symptoms and its probable causes:

Ø                 The noise may indicate that there is something wrong with the suspension system and loading conditions.  An overloaded vehicle may cause pounding noise underneath your vehicle.

Ø                 Squeaking noise may be due to dirt and other minute matters caught in the leaf springs.

Ø                 Defective shock absorbers may also produce dragging noise on your suspension system.

·                    Check tie roads for looseness.

·                    Check upper and lower ball joints boots and universal joints.

(Autotopics, Business World, page 21, 11/25/98)

ALIGNMENT VERSUS BALANCE

Front-end alignment and wheel balancing are two completely different procedures, but customer often use these two terms interchangeably.

Alignment is the symmetrical setting of the front wheels to provide easier steering and optimum tire wear.  So if your car’s front end is out of alignment it may be difficult to steer.

It’s easy to tell if your car has an alignment problem.  Just look at the tires if they appear scuffed at the outer edges.  A poor alignment makes front tires drag on turns so the rubber will appear as if they were dragged across the pavement.  Take your car to a repair shop that offers alignment services and have the problem solved.

Tire balance has a very different symptom.  If you drive your car on the highway and cruise smoothly until you hit a certain speed, and suddenly the car shakes so badly you can feel it all the way up to the steering wheel.  Chances are one of your tires is out of balance.

Tires are padded with so much rubber that it’s impossible to keep them completely balanced.  Even one or two ounces of weight on any part of the tire can pose a problem at higher speeds.

As the tire spins on the axle, the centrifugal force created by the speed of the wheel will cause the extra weight to hit the pavement on each rotation and cause a shimming.  The weight of the imbalance and its location determine the speed at which the shimming will occur.

If you mistake this for an alignment problem, you will just throw away money for the alignment and still retain the shimmy.  To repair a balance problem properly, your tire technician will perform a wheel balancing by strategically adding lead weights to the wheel to counteract the extra weight.

The only case wheel alignment and tire balancing ever affect each other is when an unaligned car causes uneven tire wear.  The worn tire would then develop the additional problem of tire imbalance.  It’s then one problem on top of another.  But it’s never the same problem.

(Manila Bulletin, page B-8, 03/26/99)

the pros and cons of lowering your car

Cars hugging the ground and their roofs barely higher than your chest are cars with lowered suspensions.  They look, sleek, sharp and fast, even when standing still.

Lowered vehicles are sexy.  It lowers the center of gravity, resulting in a much more stable cornering.  It also eliminates the awkward gaps between the tires and the fender openings.  In some extremely lowered cars, the tires are actually inside the fender wells already.

The downside to lowering any car is that severely lowered suspensions can cause the tires or wheels to rub against the fenders or suspensions arms, especially when the front wheels turn.  The car’s underside is more prone to strike the pavement due to lack of ground clearance.  The ride will definitely be harsher, due to the increased stiffness and the reduced wheel travel.  Lowered suspensions inevitably result in an altered suspension geometry.  The front wheel’s camber and toe may change, resulting in misalignment and uneven tire wear.  This is especially common when the coil springs are chopped.  In the end, lowering a car depends on the owner’s priorities.  If he can live with the downsides of lowering a car, fine but with the poor condition of our roads, better stick to the factory set-up.

(Isuzu Philippines, Manila Bulletin, page B-12, 07/21/00)

Isuzu gives tips on proper care of tires

Example:            P225/70 R15

The P means for passenger car. The 225 is the measure of the width of your tires in millimeters while the 70 refers to the measurement of its height.  The letter R represents the radial tire construction and 15 is the wheel diameter in inches.

Proper inflation of tires makes it last longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents.

(Philippine Star, page B3, 07/04/00)

Benefits of retreading cited

Retreading within 24 hours is not advisable.  The rubber has to cool down before a tire can be considered good as new.  The bonding will not last long if not properly dried.  Once the tread is consumed, it doesn’t mean that a tire can’t be serviceable anymore.  Recapped tires offer the same benefits as those of brand new.  Yet they are more environment-friendly.  Recapping lessens and in the near future, will eliminate piles of scrap tires that make the environment unsanitary and unhealthy.  Once the thread is consumed, it doesn’t mean that a tire can’t be serviceable anymore.  Retreading is economical in the sense that it conserves oil.  The synthetic rubber component in a brand new tire contain seven to eight gallons.  While recapping the same tire uses only two to three gallons of oil.  Furthermore, retreaded tires boast of the same mileage as brand new tires. 

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B7, 06/01/00)

How important is the dashboard?

The gauges in the dashboard shows the speed mileage (speedometer), fuel (fuel gauge), oil pressure (oil gauge), engine’s revolution per minute (rpm) (tachometer), current flow and charging (ammeter) and a lot of others. 

(Manila Bulletin, page B-10, 07/13/01)

Fire prevention in vehicles

·                    Engine must be turned off when refueling.

·                    No smoking or open lights shall be permitted within 50 feet of the unit.

·                    Never use gasoline for cleaning clothes or any part of the equipment.  Use kerosene.

·                    Accumulation of papers, oily rugs and the like in any vehicle is a fire hazard and this is prohibited

·                    Smoking is prohibited while operating tank trucks.

·                    Check tires and repair the tire which is soft and flat.  Tire fires are easier to prevent than to put out.

(Honda Cars Philippines, Manila Bulletin, Page B-11, 09/01/00)

HONDA TIPS ON CARPET CARE

The carpet acts as:

1.                  Heat Shield. The carpet helps to protect the passengers from heat produced by running engine and transferred to the exhaust pipe underneath the floor.  It also alleviates heat rays from the scorching road surface in the bright sun.

2.                  Cabin temperature stabilizer.  The carpet normally has floppy hair and uncompressed fibers.  The resulting “air channels” within the fabric block away the heat, while continuously ventilating itself.  These qualities keep the cabin temperature stabilized, thus reducing the aircon system’s overall load, engine wear and tear, and economizing fuel consumption.

3.                  Noise absorbent.  The carpet’s thick, floppy fibers help to absorb external noise – tire crushing on the road surface, engine and others and enhance the relaxing atmosphere within the cabin.

Ways to clean the carpet depending on the causes of its soiling.

1.                  If a small area of the carpet is wet, use tissue paper or a piece of clean cloth to pick up the water.  To dry it, air out the car in the sun with all the windows rolled down.  In cases where the wet area is large, you should first dislodge the adjacent seat, then take out the carpet for thorough cleaning and drying in a strong sun for at least two days.  Wait until the carpet is completely dry, before refitting it and the seat back in.  If you find the task difficult to handle take your car to a service station.

2.                  A carpet soiled by mud or vomit needs a little more work.  First of all, try to remove all the removable debris.  Absorb the remaining fluid as much as possible with tissue paper or clean cloth.  To prevent spreading out, start working from the periphery toward the center.  If stains persist, apply cleaning foam or spray onto the area.  Then leave your car in the bright sun with all windows rolled up.  After 2-5 hours, open all doors to let the breeze through.  The heat from the sun should help dilute or remove the residual undesirable odor.  If not, repeat the above steps until it all disappears.

3.                  Chewing gum is a bit trickier to handle.  Scraping the gum off while is still elastic may make matters worse.  You could inadvertently impress it deeper into the carpet fibers or enlarge the soiling area.  Instead, you should first harden it with ice, then proceed with the scraping.

4.                  If the soiling results from chemicals such as nail polish, oil, grease, plain water, cleaning may still leave the stain mark behind.  The oily substance will certainly remain unmoved.  If possible, clean the fresh spills right away with appropriate carpet shampoo, to prevent the material from setting in.

(Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes (Phils.), Philippine Star, page 27, 11/10/98)

Some tips on Car Repainting

Here are a few tips on how to look for a good body shop for refinishing your much loved vehicle.

·                    Avoid “instant” car shops.

·                    Conduct a survey of several car paint shops before making a decision.

·                    Inspect the equipment that will be used to work on your car.

·                    While in the shop, look at ongoing paint jobs.

·                    Ask for paint options.  A painter may push for acrylic because these are relatively cheaper.  Two component (2K) paints like Sikkens may be slightly more expensive, but you’ll getting much stronger paint that dry up faster than acrylic.  Some 2K paints, given the right formulation and paint process, can last for more than five years.

Car finishing is a major investment decision for the Filipino driver.  Don’t make hasty choices that you might regret later.

(Business World, page 23, 08/12/98)

how to choose a good car paint

Sikkens Five Cs to a good paint can help:

1.                  Component – look for paints based on a 2-component (2k) system.  2K products ensure that the paint, after applied, forms a chemical bond rather than a simple physical bond.

2.                  Color – choose a paint system that endures perfect color matching.

3.                  Choice – 2K paints have advanced systems which allow painters to mix and match tinting colors to get the right shade for your car. 

4.                  Coverage – high quality paints are less volatile and provide greater coverage.

5.                  Cost – Country to public perception, 2K paints are not necessarily more expensive than lacquer paints.

(Manila Bulletin, page J-3, 09/15/00)

Car Washing with Tender Loving Care

Recent study shows that taking proper steps in washing one’s car will keep contaminants off the paint finish and reduce dulling and deterioration.  One should never wash his car in open sunlight if possible, so as to avoid the presence of salt and mineral deposits that can eat through wax and etching paint if left on the painted surface for any length of time.  Use lukewarm water.  Direct sunlight causes the wash and rinse water to evaporate quickly leaving water spots that are comprised of said deposits.  Lukewarm or cool water should be used since too hot or cold water can cause shock to the paint and lead to microscopic fractures of the paint surface.  In terms of tire cleaning, experts have noted that photo degradation, or the process of losing the mechanical properties of tires due to ultraviolet light exposures, can be prolonged by proper cleaning.  Here are the following steps:

1.                  Choose an appropriate rubber cleaner or an all-purpose degreaser.  Use a soft brush with very stiff bristles since they can scratch rubber as well as the nearby wheel.

2.                  Apply a high quality rubber dressing.  Do not choose a rubber dressing that is too sticky or is apt to sling off on the car.  It would be better if one can use his dressing on vinyl.  Dressing also requires that tires should be dry before application. 

For wheel cleaning, a plastic or wooden core brush with soft bristles is best.  Wheels should be routinely waxed (for protective coating) after cleaning to assist in the normal cleaning schedule.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SECOND-HAND CAR

1.                  Reasons why you want to buy a car.

2.                  Budget

3.                  Quality

4.                  Test drive and check the comfort

5.                  Negotiation

6.                  Aftersales

CAR CARE TIPS

Automotive Paint Technology

Many of today’s paints may be of alkali, water or solvent-based product.  These types of paint cover acrylic enamels, acrylic lacquers, Imron acrylic urethanes (alkyd enamel found mostly on foreign cars), Glasurit, polyurethane, non-clear coats and 2 or 3 stage clear coat paints.  With such a wide variety of paints, it far easier to learn how to polish these paint systems rather than learning how to mix and match paints.

What is a Natural Sealant?

There are two types of sealants.  The standard wax type sealants are made of mostly naturally-occurring base products like carnauba, beeswax, and monton waxes that tend to deteriorate at a rate much the same as paint develops oxidation.  Generally speaking, if the owner of the vehicle takes relatively good care of the vehicle by using the proper washing products and sealants, the paint finish should go through a complete reconditioning every 3 to 4 months.

What is Synthetic Sealant?

Synthetic Sealants are simply test tube and man-made products, and when combined create a longer lasting and more durable finish than its natural counter product.  For example, acrylic teflon or polymer product.  These are both synthetically derived products but have been proven to outlast ordinary wax products.  The physical appearance of the products, when applied to a painted surface is almost identical.  However, since synthetic-based sealants contain little or no natural waxes which are soft and tend to melt at a much more rapid rate, the life expectancy of a synthetic is far greater. The average life expectancy of a synthetic paint sealant, provided that the vehicle has been well maintained, is between 6 months and 1 year.

Silicones

Silicone acts as a lubricant to repel moisture and is very difficult to wash off.  This is why most good quality body shop always sand the paint prior to repainting the vehicle for better paint adhesion.

Waxing-Glazing-Sealing

Waxing and sealing are the final stages in buffing a car to achieve its most durable shine.  A good wax is what gives the paint its final brilliancy, and hard protective seal, to protect the vehicle’s finish from harmful environmental effects due to UV radiation, corrosives, and other natural & synthetic harmful chemicals.  Glazing a car’s finish is a term used when one applies a higher amount of silicone and synthetically manufactured oil base products.  Sealant is a fancy term for the final stage of waxing the surface, once all of the pre-polishing and compounding are done.

(Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Manila Bulletin, page 14, 04/02/99)

REMINDER TO ALL MOTORISTS

Toyota would like to remind all motorists of some very useful but often overlooked fuel-saving tips that could be very helpful during travel:

·                    Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure.  Under inflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.

·                    Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicles.  Excess weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater fuel consumption.

·                    Accelerate slowly and smoothly.  Avoid jackrabbit starts.  Get into high gear as quickly as possible.

·                    Avoid long engine idling.  If you have a long wait and not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.  Take to the shade rather than keep the aircon running.

·                    Avoid engine lug or overrevving.  Use a gear position suitable for the type of road you’re traveling.

·                    Avoid stop-and-go driving; it wastes fuel.

·                    Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal.  This causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.

·                    Keep the front wheels in proper alignment.  Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine.

·                    Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape.

(Oriental and Motolite Marketing Corporation, Manila Bulletin, page B-6, 08/24/01)

BATTERY CARE PUTS YOU IN FULL CHARGE

Preventive maintenance for batteries:

·                    Check your vehicle’s electrical system periodically.  Make sure that the alternator/generator and voltage regulator are functioning properly.  Note that charging voltage limits are 14.0-14.8v for effective battery operation.

·                    Check for signs of deformation/damage of the battery case which normally result from vibrations due to loose installation or poor battery attachment; excessive tightening of hold-down clamps; or battery mishandling.

·                    Always keep the battery and its cables/terminals connectors clean and tight.  Check for any frayed cables as this might cause battery shorting.  Make sure that the cable connection from the battery to the alternator are secure; loose connections result in undercharging.

·                    Never attempt to check the state of battery charge by shorting the terminals with a metal object such as wrench.  Sparks may cause the battery to explode.  Use a hydrometer or batteries with vent plugs and a DC voltmeter or sealed batteries such as New Technology Full Calcium Motolite.

·                    Always use the specified battery for your car.  A battery with a lower specification will not perform as well nor last as those specified for major automotive manufacturers.

These measures will help insure optimum performance of car batteries.  Note that caution should be taken while handling a battery since it can produce explosive gases.  Beware-avoid smoking, creating spark or lighting a match near a battery.

(Honda Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page C6, 07/20/00)

what you need to know about radiator fans

The radiator fan is another indispensable part of the cooling system.  It helps transfer the heat from the radiator fins to the surrounding atmosphere.  Most of the radiator fans nowadays are driven by an electric motor, being easier to control than one driven by the belt.  The downside is that its size has to be small, given the limited amount of electrical current generated by the car.  Cars that need a large amount of airflow, such as diesel engine models, still use the belt-driven type drawing power directly from the engine.

Normally, radiator fan does not require any maintenance.  You replace it with a new one when it can no longer function.  If the radiator fan blows nonstop, something is probably malfunctioning somewhere.  He trouble may lie within the cooling system or certain parts of the fan control mechanism itself.

The final defective symptom: the fan blades refuse to turn.

(Manila Standard, page 17, 08/25/00)

KEEP IT COOL

The ever-rising atmospheric temperature cannot help but affect the passengers’ comfort in the car cabin.  Air-conditioning system is therefore an indispensable item in today’s car.  It is designed to work hard and long most of the day.

In new cars, problems hardly ever occur.  But after a length of time (depending on the working conditions), its efficiency naturally diminishes.  So, it is advisable that car owners know how to properly use and maintain the car’s aircon system in order to obtain the longest possible service.

·                    Check the position of the compressor control switch (A/C knob).  Is it in the “open” or “shut off” position?  If “open” you should shut it before starting the engine.  This will avoid unnecessary drag caused by the compressor while cranking the engine.

·                    Once the engine runs on, switch the fan on first.  Blow the aircon’s fan at highest speed for about a minute, in order to clear away the hot air trapped in the aircon ducts.  Then depress the A/C knob to turn the compressor on at coolest temperature.  The next step is to adjust the fan speed and temperature control switch to the level most comfortable to you.

·                     Switch off the compressor before cutting off the engine.  Keep the fan on at highest speed, so that it blows away all humidity trapped inside the evaporator or “air box.”  This will help to eliminate the smell of stale air when you subsequently turn on the aircon again, and at the same time to lengthen the service of the evaporator.  The process takes only about two to three minutes.

The smell of stale air inside aircon ducts can be eliminated by simply parking your car is a sunny, open space.  Open all doors, and leave the car there for about two to three hours, or until the smell finally disappears.  Make sure the sun’s rays reaches the greater part of the cabin.  If the stale smell still persists, however, you should consult a reliable service center nearby.

All in all, it is advisable to prevent all this from happening in the first place.  So, avoid storing or eating food in the cabin, especially those with strong smell such as durian. Also avoid using air freshener, in cabin-smoking and driving with windows down, as this will rapidly dirty and clog up the evaporator, creating a strange smell no less undesirable.

(First Brands Philippines, Inc. (maker of Prestone), Philippine Star, page S-6, 03/29/99)

Temperature rising, cool running

Guide list of what to do to prevent your cooling system from giving up on you:

1.                  Check the radiator cap.

2.                  Examine radiator hoses.

3.                  Inspect Fan Belt Tension.

4.                  Search radiator for possible leaks.

(Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B5, 02/18/99)

TIPS ON PREVENTING CAR THEFT

The following are some suggestions to keep your car safe:

·                    Lock your car.

·                    Never hide a spare key inside the car.

·                    Roll up windows completely.

·                    Remove keys from ignition.

·                    Park in well-lighted areas.

·                    When parking in attended lots or parking garages, do not leave your car key with the attendant.

·                    Park as close as possible to an open shop or store where there are people.

·                    Do not leave valuables in sight inside the car.

·                    Always park with the wheels turned toward the curb and the car facing the wall.

·                    Use your car garage for parking if you have one.

·                    Lock your garage door with a pick-proof lock.

·                    When going away for several days, like out of town, remove the distributor cap or the coil wire.

·                    Never leave your car with engine running even for a short time.

·                    Never rely too much on keyless control.

Buying and selling a car

·                    Be wary of low-priced bargain cars.

·                    Beware of fast-sell pressures.

·                    Check the vehicle identification number if it has one, to see if it has been altered.

·                    Be suspicious of fresh paint smell on an old car.

·                    Verify that the inspection sticker and the license tag are current.

·                    Do not accept duplicate car keys.  Demand for original keys.

·                    Complete all paperwork at the time of the sale.

·                    If you are selling your car, never allow the buyer to test drive the car alone.

·                    Ask to see an interested buyer’s driver’s license and write down the name, address, driver’s license number and other data.

·                    Make certain the driver’s door contains a manufacturer’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standard label.

Antitheft devices

Some of the antitheft devices are listed below:

1.                  Kill switch:  the car will not start unless a hidden switch is activated.

2.                  Alarm systems: these systems contain a device that will activate a siren, lights or horn if the car is tampered with.

3.                  Fuel switch: this device stops the flow of fuel supply to the engine.

4.                  Armored collar: this equipment consists of a metal shield that locks around the steering column and covers the ignition, the starter rods and the steering wheel interlock rod.

5.                  Locking gas cap: this locks the gas tank should a thief need to gas-up.

6.                  Crook lock: this lock is a long metal bar that has a hook on each end to lock the steering wheel to the brake pedal.

7.                  Chain and lock: these devices should be used to secure motorcycles and motor scooters.

8.                  Keyless entry system: an electronic device operated by remote control in closing and opening car doors.

9.                  Lasso-Lock: a two in one safety device that protects the car and car stereo from thieves.

10.              Warning alarm stickers: The cheapest practical way to fool would-be car thieves to make them believe that there really is an electronic alarm system installed in the car.

(Philippine Daily Inquirer, page D6, 08/03/00)

quake safety tips motorists, commuters should remember

Safety Tips

·                    Gradually decrease speed.

·                    Pull to the side of the road when safe to do so.

·                    Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.

·                    Do not drive until it’s safe to do so.

·                    Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.

·                    Stop the car and keep your seatbelt fastened.

·                    Remain in your car until the shaking stops.

·                    Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.

·                    Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).

·                    If driving on the freeway, and if it’s safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.

·                    Cooperate with public safety officers because they are trying to ensure safety and that of others.

Emergency supplies

·                    Bottled water

·                    Non-perishable food

·                    Blanket or sleeping bag

·                    Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb

·                    Fire extinguisher (CO₂)

·                    Pocket radio with extra batteries

·                    Tissues and pre-moistened towels

·                    Tools

·                    Extra clothes and sturdy shoes

·                    Short rubber hose for siphoning

·                    Sealable plastic bags

·                    Local maps

·                    Matches

·                    Toiletries

·                    Gloves

·                    Prescription medicine

(Isuzu Philippines, Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B8, 08/24/00)

Tips for worry-free trips

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.  Just as ailments can be avoided through regular health checks, every vehicle needs consistent upkeep for superb performance.  This way also, you rid yourself of all those headaches due to car troubles. Always keep the following in audit:

·                    Engine oil level - Pull out the level gauge rod or dipstick, wipe clean it and reinsert.  Pull it out again to check if the oil level is within the high and low level marks.  Remember, engine oil level should be checked with the vehicle parked on level ground before the operation of the engine.  If the engine is running, stop the engine and allow five minutes for the oil to settle down before checking the oil level.

·                    Fan belt - Check the belts for visible cracks and damage.  Make sure that the fan gives a deflection of approximately 10mm (0.4in.) when the middle part of the belt is depressed with a force of 10kg.

·                    Coolant level - Inspect the level of coolant and replenish the radiator surge tank as necessary up to the “MAX” line.  If the level of coolant is found to be lower then the “MIN” line, check the cooling system for leaks.  Always make sure that the radiator filter cap is tightly secured.

·                    Steering wheel - Examine your steering parts for excessive play and looseness.  The standard steering wheel play is about 10 to 30mm (0.4 to 1.2in.).  Also check the steering for abnormal conditions such as shimmy, pull to one side, hard-steering, etc. 

·                    Parking brake lever travel – Make sure that your parking brake lever travel is within the standards.  It should be 9 to 11 notches when pulled with a force of 30kg.

·                    Brake and clutch fluid level – Always ensure that the brake fluid reservoir is filled up to the level mark.  If the level is too low, replenish with recommended hydraulic brake fluid.

·                    Windshield washer solution level – Aside from checking if the washer tank is filled sufficiently with solution, also check the operating condition of the windshield washer.

·                    Clutch and brake pedal free play and height – for the clutch pedal, standard values are free play (5-10mm); height (168-178mm).  And for the brake pedal: free play (7-10mm); height (158-168 mm).

It pays to have a regular do-it-yourself inspection.  A daily dose of upkeep goes a long way in giving you the most enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your vehicle. 

(Manila Bulletin, page SS-2, 10/19/01)

DRIVING TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

·                    Know the important operational, maintenance and safety functions of your car by reading the owner’s manual from cover to cover before speeding away.

·                    Bring along a first aid whenever you travel for emergencies and keep it where it can be accessed quickly.

·                    Keep a well-stocked emergency supply kit in the truck for easier handling of on-the-road breakdowns.

·                    Before embarking on a long road trip, take time to check the condition of your car’s serviceable and replaceable components.

·                    In the event of brake failure on the road, pump the brakes hard and fast, downshift, and gently engage and disengage the parking brake.

·                    Apply only gentle, even pressure to the brakes in the event that the steering fails, a tire blows out or accelerator sticks.

·                    In the case of a flat tire, it is wise to firmly grip the steering wheel and slowly pull off the road as far as possible.

·                    Should your car run out of fuel, turn on the emergency flashers and coast in the slow lane at 15 km/hr, then speed up to 45 km/hr and coast back to 15 km/hr.

·                    If the car overheats, always allow the engine to cool completely before engaging work on the car.

·                    When working on the car, always use the right tool for the job and always use it correctly; the use of makeshift equipment or techniques can produce a hazard both doing the repair and on the road.

·                    If you are leaving your car parked for 30 days or more, disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent power from draining out of it.

·                    Road rage is a common problem among motorists during the stressful holiday season.

·                    Stay calm when you are involved in an accident.

·                    Make sure infants and toddlers are seated in a properly fitted child safety seat when traveling.

·                    While driving, avoid cutting off and being cut off.

·                    To be free from driver fatigue, it is advisable to avoid long and tiring trips during the night.

(Nissan Motor Philippines, Manila Standard, page 18, 04/16/99)

Safety checklist for motorists this summer

Pre-start checklist before starting off on a drive:

1.                  Check tire pressure and wear.

2.                  Check brakes, brake fluid, lamps and mirrors.

3.                  Check battery, water and oil levels, fan belt and other components under the hood.

4.                  Maintain a good spare tire along with repair kit and emergency supplies.

While you’re in the road driving:

1.                  Always fasten your seatbelt.  Make sure that your passengers’ seatbelts are also fastened.

2.                  Drive at moderate speed.  Avoid speeding at all costs.

3.                  Keep concentrated on your driving.  Do not allow yourself to become distracted  by scenic views or conversations in the car.

4.                  Try to keep cool in an emergency situation.

5.                  Pay close attention to dashboard indicators and warming lamps.

6.                  Always pay attention to road signals and signs.  Heed emergency warning on detour signs.

7.                  Respect the rights of other drivers.

8.                  Have your car serviced regularly.

(Manila Bulletin, page B-10, 07/13/01)

Tips for Night Driving

Effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers can be taken by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive:

·                    Prepare your car for night driving.

·                    Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows once a week, more often if necessary.

·                    Aim your headlights properly.

·                    Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

Don’t drink and drive.  Reduce your speed and increase your following distances.  Don’t overdrive your headlights.  Keep your headlights on low beams when following another vehicle so you don’t blind the driver ahead of you.  If an oncoming vehicle doesn’t lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.  Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise.  If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.  Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down.

(Isuzu Philippines, Business World, page 21, 06/17/98)

Driving during the rainy season

·                    Check the windshield wiper and washer.

·                    Inspect your exhaust pipe and look for holes where floodwater could leak through.

·                    On wet roads, check your brakes and see how long it takes for the car to stop.  Double the space you normally leave between you and the car up front.

·                    When your car has no anti-lock braking system (ABS), avoid hard braking to prevent skidding or rolling.

·                    When your car has ABS, do not pump the brakes to avoid draining the vacuum supply required by the brake booster.

·                    Switch on your headlights anytime you need to turn on the windshield wipers on.  It will help your visibility and also help other drivers to see you.

·                    On a submerged road, increase the engine rpm even if the gear us not engaged.  This is to prevent water from entering your exhaust pipe.

·                    Listen to radio traffic reports and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

·                    If you can afford it, leave your vehicle at home.

(Nissan Motor Philippines, Philippine Star, page 20, 08/22/00)

Rainy Day Car Care, driving tips

Here are practical tips especially when the road you’re driving in is really wet, not to mention slippery.

Bear in mind the following:

1.                  Have the car checked and properly maintained by authorized service center prior to long distance driving.

2.                  Ensure that tires are in good condition (i.e., proper tire pressure, tire grooves still within wear limit, etc.) to avoid aquaplaning.

3.                  Windshield wipers should be kept clean and in good condition to avoid glass streaks thereby ensuring good visibility.

4.                  Nighttime driving on rainy days is dangerous due to reduced visibility.  All external lighting should be functioning normally.

5.                  Do not attempt to cross a flooded street if the water is already knee-deep.  Water may accidentally be sucked into the engine through the intake air duct, causing and expensive engine damage.

6.                  If it is unavoidable to cross a flooded street, turn “OFF” the airconditioning unit.  This will prevent water from splashing due to auxiliary fan operation.  After passing through flooded streets, check brake operation by gradually depressing the brake pedal.

7.                  When the vehicle is submerged in floodwater and there is a possibility that the computer is wet, do not turn the ignition switch (ON”, so as not to damage the control unit.

8.                  In case control unit is soaked in water, disengage the engine immediately.  DO NOT start the car until the control unit has been thoroughly dried and cleaned by an authorized service center.  NEVER attempt to open and clean or repair the computer (control unit) yourself.  Checking should be done by authorized dealerships only.

9.                  On vehicles equipped with drum brake system, avoid using the parking brake after passing through water especially when parking for a long time.  This will  prevent brake shoes from sticking into the brake drums.

10.              When driving through strong rains where visibility is almost zero, turn “ON” the lights to warn other drivers and road users of your presence.  Always use your turn signals especially when overtaking.  If possible, park vehicle in a safe place and turn “ON” hazard lamps when parked on road shoulders.

11.              When driving in wet roads, always remember that effective braking (stopping) distance is greatly diminished.  Always maintain a safe distance (two-car length) and avoid hard braking as much as possible.  This can cause wheels to lock and eventually sent the car into a dangerous spin.

12.              When braking, make sure the vehicle behind you is at a safe distance.  Otherwise, tap brake pedal lightly to warn of your intention to decelerate, stop, or a slow vehicle is in front.

13.              Avoid refueling in gas stations located in areas susceptible to flooding.  Possibility of using contaminate fuel may ensure, causing serious damage to the engine.

14.              Should electrical systems failure occur after driving through heavy rains and/or floods, contact or bring your vehicle, to an authorized car dealership for assistance.

(Manila Bulletin, Page J-2, 09/15/00)

Driving Safely during Heavy Rains

Heavy rains lessen your visibility in driving. It also creates road factors that are very dangerous to drivers and commuters.  However, in order to have a safe journey, drivers should take extra precautions to avoid accidents.

Here are some tips you should consider:

1.                  Regularly check your windows and windshields whether inside or outside before driving.  Be sure that the windshield wipers are functioning.

2.                  Try to examine tail lights, brake lights, headlights, turn signals and lights inside your car.  This will give you a clear view when driving at night.

3.                  Check your tires, since sometimes cars that have dilapidated tires are the ones prone to accidents during rains.

4.                  When driving in the rain, turn on your headlights along with your wipers.  But if there is a car approaching you or even one at the other side, minimize your headlights.  This will give you and the other car a clear view.

5.                  Do not come closer to the car ahead of you.  Consider keeping a greater distance from the car ahead of you.

6.                  Drive slowly during bad conditions.  Always be aware of the cars ahead of you.  Sometimes those cars slip, resulting in collision with the cars behind it.

7.                  When it is raining very hard and you cannot see cars ahead of you, pull over on roadside malls, restaurants and other rest areas and wait until the rain eases up.  Remember never stop in the middle of an intersection or at the center of the road.  Cars behind may not see you.

8.                  Before driving not only during heavy rains, but also during ordinary days, seek first if you are physically fit to drive.  Then check your car’s condition-its engine, brakes and electronic systems.

Yet, to prevent problems like road accidents, follow these tips and always abide by traffic regulations.  Cultivate self-discipline and observe road courtesy at all times – rain or shine.  (Eugene Cecilio)

(Honda Cars Philippines, Manila Bulletin, page 14, 04/02/99)

Honda’s guide to driving an automatic shifter

Guidelines on the proper use of automatic transmission:

1.                  P (parking) – this position locks the transmission and stops the vehicle from moving or being moved.  Select this position when you want to park the car, for instance, on a slope.  After the car stops completely, keep on depressing the brake pedal; depress the button in the selector-lever knob, release the break pedal; then turn off the engine.

2.                  R (Reverse) – this position is used when you want to move the car backward.  Shift only after the vehicle comes to a complete stop.  This locks the transmission “Reverse” for backing-up the vehicle.  Depress the brake pedal tightly; depress the button in the selector-level knob, shift the lever to R position; release the brake pedal then gently tip into the throttle pedal.

3.                  N (Neutral) – Shifting to neutral is done when you come to a stoplight on red or when you need to stop with the engine idling.  Select “N” position when you want to start the engine or leave the car moveable in certain locations.  You can also shift to this position when caught up in heavy traffic.  Press the brake pedal when shifting out of Neutral to prevent shift shock.

4.                  D4 (Four-Speed Automatic Transmission) – This position is suitable for normal driving situation.  N D4 all forward gears from 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th are available.  Changing up between 1^st and 2^nd, 2^nd and third, or 3^rd to 4^th takes place automatically, depending on the driving condition and speed.  A hard step on the accelerator will cause the gear to change at a higher speed.

5.                  D3 (Three-Speed Automatic Transmission) – this is suitable for driving uphill or downhill, in order to avoid frequent gear-changing back and forth between third and fourth.  It is also advised for stop and go city driving.  This can be used in cases where more powerful engine brake is needed.

6.                  2 (Second Gear) – Suitable when you are driving downhill as you’ll gain more engine brake power and applicable when going uphill or running on slippery road.

7.                  1 (First Gear) – Applicable when driving up or down a steep slope and traveling on rough roads with deep potholes.

(High Gear, Business World, page 21, 02/17/99)

How to avoid Collision

If you find yourself on a collision course, you can minimize the consequences through fact thinking and quick reflexes.  Bear in mind that there are two collisions that occur in an accident.  First, the car hits the object (be it another car or an obstacle).  Then, the occupants inside the car collide with its interior.  If the occupants are secured improperly, they will continue to move at the speed the vehicle was going.  Obviously, this can have fatal results, outweighing the possible vehicular damage in the first collision.

Thus, the most important thing to do is always secure yourself and passengers properly, it helps if your car’s interior (such as the instrument panel and survivors) is padded.  A collapsible steering wheel is advisable, as well as head supports on the seats.  Keep doors lock and wear your seatbelt!  This decreases the possibility of being ejected from your car.

Accident studies have shown that by being strapped in properly, one is less likely to suffer severe injuries than if thrown out of the car by the force of a collision.

What’s more, by wearing a seatbelt, you may still be able control your car to avoid the collision.  If there is an off-road path, try to veer towards it but avoid hitting stationary obstructions, like trees.

Reduce your speed as much as possible before any collision by using the brake failure techniques discussed earlier.  If you still have the opportunity to choose what to hit, select something that will “give” as opposed to a stationary obstacle.

Avoid the impulse to “freeze” at all costs.  Stay alert to what is happening, at at least try to keep the impact to a mere glancing blow: side-swipe that guard-rail or head toward the ditch, then try to regain steering control.

Do not steer into the path of oncoming traffic, or the situation could end in a pile of cars.

(Centro Manufacturing Corp., Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B10, 06/06/02)

Helpful Hints on school bus safety

The following safety tips are easy-to-follow guides:

·                    Children should be ready at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

·                    When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps or six feet away from the street or curb.

·                    Do not enter the bus until the driver says or signals that it is okay.

·                    Do not cross the road until the driver gives the go-signal.

·                    Never walk behind the bus or alongside the bus where the bus driver is not able to see you.

·                    Be attentive to the driver’s or bus mother’s instructions.

·                    Do not be unruly inside the bus, especially when it’s running.

·                    Do not extend your arms outside the bus.

·                    Sit in your designated place.

·                    Be sure to get the bus driver’s attention when walking toward the bus, especially when you are at a place not easily visible to the driver like behind or beside the bus.  Better yet, do not mill around but go straight to the bus’ entrance.

Reminder to drivers

·                    Drivers must be especially alert where children congregate near bus stops.

·                    Check the condition of the vehicle, especially the brakes.

·                    It is advisable to have a first-aid kid, just in case.

·                    Make sure to have a roster of the children and update it when needed.

·                Always coordinate with the bus mother.

(Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B17, 10/18/01)

Sleepy Drivers should keep off the road

If you experience any of these danger signs, take them as a warning that you could fall asleep without meaning to:

·                    Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.

·                    You have trouble keeping your head up.

·                    You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.

·                    You don’t remember driving the last few kilometers.

·                    You drift between lanes, tailgate, or miss traffic signs.  You keep jerking the car back into the lane.

·                    You have drifted off the road and narrowly missed crashing.

Long distance driving

·                    Start any trip getting enough sleep the night before.  Plan to drive during times of day when you are normally awake, and stay overnight rather than traveling straight through.

·                    Avoid driving during your body’s “downtime” (time of day or night when you’re supposed to be sleeping or resting).  Take a mid-afternoon break and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.

·                    Talk with your passenger if you have someone else in car.

·                    Make sure both people in the front of the car are awake.

·                    Schedule a break every two hours or every 150 kilometers.

The only safe driver is an alert driver.  Even the safest drivers become confused and use poor judgment when they are sleepy.  A drowsy driver doesn’t process information as fast or as an alert driver and is unable to react quickly enough to avoid collision.

(This Way by Conrad Cariño)

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is basically driving without regard for traffic laws and safety precautions.  The following are considered reckless driving:

·                    cutting in and out of a lane

·                    making a u-turn at the foot of bridges

·                    charging out of a sidestreet of driveway without signals

·                    failure to stop when entering an intersection

·                    failure to yield when required

·                    failure to observe the right-of-way rule

·                    turning from the wrong lane

·                    driving without lights during night time

·                    crossing an island

·                    disregarding traffic light signals

·                    beating the red light

·                    following an emergency vehicle

·                    making an abrupt right turn from an inner lane

·                    counterflowing against traffic

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “YIELD” AND “STOP”?

A STOP sign requires the approaching vehicle to “stop, look and listen” at an intersection, railroad crossing or any critical road alignment where there is such a sign.  A YIELD sign means the approaching vehicle must slow down but not necessarily come to a complete halt.  However, if the traffic situation requires the yielding vehicle to stop, then it must stop.  Only when the road is clear or a right of way is given can the vehicle that has to yield proceed.

WHAT IS A YELLOW BOX?

Yellow boxes serve as reminders to motorists that pedestrian lanes and intersections should always be kept open.  These are also used to determine who has the “right-of-way” in intersections that do not have traffic lights or traffic enforcers.

IS QUESTIONING A TRAFFIC VIOLATION CONSIDERED ARROGANCE?

No.  Motorists have the right to know what kind of traffic violation they committed.  To avoid confusion and conflict, he advised motorists who get apprehended to verify the violation written in the traffic violation receipt (tvr) or the temporary operator’s permit (top).

What is a temporary operator’s permit?

A temporary operating permit (TOP) is similar to the traffic violation receipt (TVR) issued by the MMDA.  TVR’s are exclusively used in Metro Manila.  The TOP is issued to motorists who commit moving and non-moving traffic violations.  Moving traffic violations refer to road rules, while non-moving refers to violations regarding vehicle registration, driver’s licensing and public franchising rules.  In the metropolis, the TOP is issued only for non-moving violations under an agreement between the LTO and the MMDA.  The TVR is used as standard for moving violations but is also used for apprehending public utility vehicles with deficient public franchise papers.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY OF MOUNTING AN EARLY WARNING DEVICE (EWD)?

The LTO advises motorists with stalled vehicles to mount one EWD four meters from the front, and another EWD four meters from the rear.  The EWD should be at least one meter away from the side of the car.  If the vehicle is stalled due to electrical failure, its hazard lumps can also be used to warn other motorists.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS IN APPLYING FOR A DRIVER’S LICENSE?

For student permits: birth certificate or a certified true copy showing the applicant is at least 16 years old; two 1 x 1 photo; and an amount for license processing fee.  A student permit is good for 6 months.

For non-professional license: a valid student permit that is at least one month or 30 days old at the date of application; passing grade in the written exam and the actual driving tests given by the LTO; and an amount for license processing fee.  An applicant for a non-professional license should be at least 17 years old.

For a professional license: a valid student permit that is at least five months old, or a non-professional license at least four months old at date of application; passing grade for the LTO written exam and actual driving exams; and an amount for license processing fee.  Applicants for a professional license should be at least 18 years old.

What are the LTO requirements when registering a second hand vehicle?

The LTO rules state that the buyer of the second-hand vehicle should show proof of the transfer of ownership by submitting the following:

·                    original copy of the registration certificate;

·                    official receipt of fee payments to the LTO;

·                    deed of sale or transfer;

·                    clearance from the Philippine National Police certifying that the vehicle is not a “hot car”

·                    insurance coverage papers;

·                    board resolution or corporate secretary’s certificate if vendor of vehicle is a corporation; and

·                    motor vehicle inspection papers from the LTO including stencils of the vehicle’s chassis and engine.

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM USING TINTED GLASSES?

Only public utility vehicles (PUVs) are prohibited from using tinted glasses.  PUVs which have heavy tints cannot be registered, and their tints must be removed before the LTO’s motor vehicle inspection personnel to expedite their registration.  LTO officials do not want tints on the glasses and windows of PUVs to prevent crimes from being committed inside these vehicles.

WHICH VEHICLE HAS THE “RIGHT-OF-WAY” AT AN INTERSECTION?

The general rule is the vehicle coming from the main road has the right of way, or priority, to cross at an intersection.  However, if the vehicle coming from the main road is still far away, the one coming from the side street should be given first chance to cross the intersection.  Likewise, a vehicle coming from the side street that has its nose occupying half of the lane of the main road, should also be given a chance to cross.  Usually, the yellow box can also be a guide in determining which vehicle should have a priority in crossing an intersection; the vehicle closest to the yellow line of the box should have the priority in crossing an intersection.

BASED ON THE “10 COMMANDMENTS FOR SAFE AND COURTEOUS DRIVING” WHICH IS BEING ESPOUSED BY THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICER (LTO), ALL MOTORISTS ARE OBLIGED TO GIVE WAY TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES:

·                    vehicles with doctors or medical personnel who are attending to a real emergency;

·                    ambulances rushing for an emergency;

·                    vehicles of the PNP and the AFP that are responding to an emergency, insurrection, invasion of social anarchy;

·                    government vehicles going after criminal elements or traffic violators; and

·                    fire trucks responding to an emergency.

It is also standard operating procedure that motorists that motorists give way to the convoy of the President of the Philippines for security reasons.

WHAT IS MERGING AND WHERE IS IT APPLIED?

Merging is when vehicles should alternately give way to other vehicles joining the road, particularly when the number of lanes of a road decreases, or when two roads join without the benefit of a spotlight, particularly at the interchanges of expressways.  Merging by alternately giving way should also be the rule along rotundas or elliptical roads.

SEATBELTS

·                    You must wear an “approved” seatbelt when driving.

·                    You must make sure that all your front passengers, as well as the rear passengers, wear seatbelts, if present.

·                    The seatbelt must be worn properly – it must securely fasten the wearer to his seat.  Two or more persons must not use one seatbelt at the same time.

·                    Any passenger under age 15 should be securely fastened by means of approved child restraint that is suitable to his age and body size.

·                    Women drivers and passengers are still subject to wearing seatbelts even during pregnancy.

·                    Never place the belt over the abdomen.

·                    Wearing a seatbelt can reduce your chances of dying or suffering from serious injuries by about 50 percent.

·                    When wearing a static type seatbelt, the lap belt part must restrain you hip bones by lying across the top of your thigh not the stomach.

·                    Seatbelts must be replaced even when there is no sign of damage, wear, discoloration, stretching, breaking, and anchorage stress.

PARKING AND OTHER TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

a)                  Parking in areas where parking or standing is prohibited, whether or not a driver is present.

b)                  Allowing passengers on top or over a motor vehicle.

c)                  Permitting passengers to ride on a running board, step board or mudguard of a motor vehicle while in motion.

d)                  Arrogance or discourtesy.

e)                  Disregard of traffic signs.

f)                    Failure to use a helmet when driving a motorcycle.

g)                  Reckless driving, or when a driver does not drive with care, prudence or caution or at a speed greater or lesser than what is reasonable taking into consideration the width, traffic, grades, crossing, curvatures, visibility and other conditions of the atmosphere or weather.

h)                  Failure to dim headlights or tilt the beams downward whenever the vehicle is operated on well-lighted streets within the limits of cities, municipalities or thickly populated districts.

JAPANESE ENGINE PARTS

Isuzu Engines    Years Produced

4BA1               1979-1984

4BB1               1979-1981

4BC1               1980-1982

4BC2               1982-1987

4BD1               1980-1993

4BD1T             1980-1993

4BE1               1987-1994

(Philippine Star, page 20, 01/12/99)

World’s Biggest Truck Manufacturer

Source:            Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.

(Manila Bulletin, page B-6, 03/27/2000)

(Philippine Daily Inquirer, page B11, 04/01/2000)

Myths and Facts about Unleaded Gasoline

The main difference between leaded and unleaded gasoline is that no lead is added in the refining process of unleaded gasoline.  Lead is added into gasoline to improve its octane quality which is the most efficient and cost-effective means of increasing fuel performance.  New process in the refining of gasoline have now made it possible to produce higher octane unleaded gasoline, however, at higher refining costs.  Lead is gasoline because exhaust emissions from vehicles running on leaded gasoline have been identified as major source of lead in the air.  High level exposure to lead poses serious health hazards.  Health risks attributed to continuous high level exposure to lead are headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbance, joint pains, high blood pressure, heart disease and hampered mental growth for children.  Use of unleaded gasoline will extend spark plug and exhaust system service life, provide for better engine protection (as a result of longer engine oil service intervals) and reduce engine wear.  These added benefits depend on how you maintain and drive your car and the external conditions in which your car operates.

A.            Motor vehicles that can use unleaded gasoline:

Anfra

1.                  130G, 140G, 160G, 180G

Asian Carmakers Corporation

1.                  BMW 3 series (316i, 320i, 318i, 323i), 5 series (525i, 520i, 523i), 7 series (730i, 740i, 750i)

2.                  Land Rover Classic, New Range Rover 4.6 HSE, Freelander 1.8i, Defender

Chevrolet

1.                  Savana, Silverado, Suburban

Chrysler International

1.                  Dodge Dakota, Durango, Grand Caravan, Neon, Stratus

2.                  Jeep Cherokee Sport, Grand Cherokee

Columbian Motor Corporation

1.                  Daihatsu Charade, Feroza, Hi-jet

2.                  Kia Pride (CD-5, GTX, LX)

3.                  Mazda 323 Astina 1.6, Sedan (1.3 & 1.6), Lantis, Miata, F1300 & 1400 pick-up, Nongo-Van, E2000 Power Van

4.                  Subaru Legacy Wagon

Commercial Motors Corporation

1.                  Mercedes Benz E-240, Musso (E2.0, E2.3 & E3.2)

Fiat

1.                  Uno

Ford

1.                  F-150, Lynx, Expedition, Lincoln Towncar, Club Wagon

Honda Cars Phils., Inc.

1.                  Honda Accord, City, Civic, CR-V

Hyundai

1.                  Excel LS & GLS, Elantra, Sonata, Coupe

Isuzu Philippines Corporation

1.                  Isuzu Trooper 4x4 Wagon

Jaguar

1.                  S-Type (Entry, S.E., V8 “High”, XJ8 (Short Wheel Base, Long Wheel Base) , Daimler 4.0, Daimler Supercharged, Sovereign 3,2m XJR Supercharged, XK8 (Convertible, Coupe), XKR (Convertible, Coupe)

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines

        All Mitsubishi gasoline engines starting 1973, Colt, Lancer, Celeste, Colt Mirage, Galant, Lambda,

        L300, Adventure Super Sports, Eclipse, Exceed Van, Lancer Evolution

Nissan Motors Philippines

1.                  Nissan AD Resort, Altima, Cabstar, Pulsar, Sentra, Sunny, Vanette, Patrol, Teranno, Infinity

Opel

1.                  Opel Vectra, Omega, Astra, Tigra

Proton Pilipinas Corporation

1.                  Proton Wira (all variants)

2.                  Volkswagen Polo Classic, Caravelle

3.                  Audi A4, A6, TT Coupe

4.                  Alfa Romeo 155, 184, GTV, Spider

Suzuki

1.                  SuperCarry, Bayan Cab, Samurai, Vitara, Esteem, SJ 410, LJ 80

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation

1.                  Camry (CBU), Corolla (GLI, GL, XE, XL), Corona (EX, GL), Crown, Hi-Ace,Lite-Ace, Previa, RAV 4, Tamaraw FX, Tamaraw HSPU, Revo

2.                  Toyota Engines: 5M, 5M-E (1980 onwards), 5M-GE, 6M-GE, 7M-GE, 2T-G, 2T-B, 4A, 4A-F, 4A-FE, 4A-GE, 2A, 3A, 1S, 3S-F, 3S-FE, 1Y, 2Y, 3Y, 4Y, 1G-E, 1G-FE, 2E, 4K, 5K, 1RZ, 2RZ, 3RZ, 2IR, 3RZ-F, 5S-FE, 7A-FE, 1MZ-FE, 2JZ-GE, 1UZ-FE, 1HZ, 3RZ-FE, 5VZ-FE, 1FZ-F, 1FZ-FE, 2UZ-FE

Volvo

1.                  Volvo 740, 850, 960, S90, S40, V40, S70, V70

B.            Motor vehicles designed to use unleaded gasoline only:

Columbian Motors Corporation

1.                  Kia Sophia II, Sportage 2.0 with catalytic converter

2.                  Mazda 323F, 626, MPV-UV, MX-5

Nissan Motor Philippines Inc.

1.                  Nissan Cedric Y33 (engine: model VQ30, 3.0 liters displacement)

2.                  Nissan Cefiro A32 (engine: model VQ20, 2.0 liters displacement)

3.                  Nissan Cefiro A32 (engine: model VQ30, 3.0 liters displacement)

4.                  Nissan Sylvia S14 (engine: model SR20, 2.0 liters displacement)

Suzuki

1.                  Grand Vitara

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation

1.                  Toyota Corolla Altis, Camry 53SK20 (CKD), Corolla Gli (1999 model)

C.            Motor vehicles designed to use leaded gasoline:

Columbian Motors Corporation

1.                  Sportage 2.0 (if w/o catalytic converter, for leaded gas only)

Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc.

1.                  Nissan Bluebird U12 (produced from 1990 to 1992, engine: model GA20, 2.0 liters displacement)

2.                  Nissan Cefiro A31 (produced from 1989 to 1992, engine: model RB24, 2.4 liters displacement)

3.                  Nissan Maxima T12 (produced from 1986 to 1992, engine: model GA20, 2/0 liters displacement)

4.                  Nissan Stanza T11 (produced from 1983 to 1987, engine: model GA16, 1.6 liters displacement)