Fuel Saving: Tips on Improving Fuel Economy

A fuel pump nozzle. How to save your car fuel?The fuel price has jump so high last year it until causes many other things to follow this trend. This has caused many of us to change our lifestyle especially in spending money. Fuel has sucks big portion of the income. What can we do to save on fuel?

Here are some ways to improve the fuel economy for vehicle:

Avoid Excessive Idling
If you are to wait for than a minute while you are not in traffic, stop the engine and start it again later. When warming up a cold engine, allow the engine to idle until the temperature gauge pointer comes up to the “C” position. In this position, the engine is sufficiently warm for starting off.

Avoid “Jackrabbit” Starts
Fast starts from lights or stop signs will consume fuel unnecessarily and shorten engine life. Start in a restrained manner.

Avoid Unnecessary Stops
Avoid unnecessary deceleration and stopping. Try to maintain a slow steady speed whenever possible. Slowing down and then accelerating back to speed uses more fuel.

Keep a Steady Cruising Speed
Keep as constant a speed as road and traffic conditions will permit.

Keep Air Cleaner Clean
A dirty air cleaner will cause the carburetor to supply too much fuel to the engine. The result is waste of fuel due to incomplete fuel burning.

Keep Weight to a Minimum
The heavier the load, the more fuel the vehicle consumes. Take out any luggage or cargo when it is not necessary.

Keep Tire Pressure Correct
Underinflation can waste fuel due to increased running resistance of tires. Keep our tires inflated to the correct pressures shown on the label on the driver’s side of your car instrument panel.

These ways ensure fuel economy of your car or vehicle without having to spend your money.

10-05-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Things, Money, Tips

Engine Hard to Start in the Morning? Check Your Car Battery

Spiderman walks to work and he is late.Spidey is walking because his car cannot be started. Photo by Eneas

Various technical factors to be the causes, but can be avoided through maintenance

ENGINE which operates smoothly, but suddenly difficult to be started on the next day definitely give problem for those using vehicles to go to office daily.

The difficulty will sure become more critical when the owner involved is already late to go to the office and then engine of the vehicle cannot be turn on.

Among usual damage causes which resulted engine difficult to be started in the morning is lack of electricity because of low battery, contact at its terminal or damaged battery, electrical network or starter switch does not work and damaged at the motor starter.

As concern vehicle owners, there are some measures that can be made to identify their vehicle problem especially involving battery.

The owners only need to press the horn and turn on the headlamps.

If there is no sound or it sound is slow, the condition is caused by weak battery or terminal contact does not work.

A car battery. The photo shows the battery terminals and water level lines.Then, check the terminal contact so that it is not covered by white sediment which results the battery does not working properly.

Usually, the sediment happens because of battery water drops and it can be dissipated by pouring hot water on the terminal.

Engine difficult to be started may also occur if the connection of the contact on the terminal is loose.

Loose means that it can be whip by hand and the way to overcome it is by tightening it again using a spanner.

If owner found the battery terminal is too hot especially when the key is turned for a few times, possibly there is imbalance on terminal contact from the battery.

As an early preparation, check the battery water frequently to ensure that its content is always enough; which is when the plates in it are submerged (for flooded cell type).

For those who use semi-permeable separators battery (have two flat lines printed), the water level of the battery must be in between the two lines.

Better, check the battery water content at petrol stations after refueling because it ease the owner to replace or refill the water using distilled water when there is sign the battery is not in good condition.

11-04-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

5 Things Women Should Know About Their Car

There are at least five (5) general things that women should know and check on their vehicles, before driving and before a problem arrived.

To women, “car matters” are not interesting things especially because their reason is certainly they are uncomfortable to taint their hands, and the bigger reason is lack of knowledge of car maintenance. All are handed over to the men although some of the things are also not known by men.

So what are the five things? Here they are:

1. Fuel (Petrol / Diesel / NGV)A fuel nozzle.

This is the basic point, needless to think. Even those people who do not own a car knew that fuel must be filled for the car to move. But believe me; I know lots of women who never filled the oil into their own tank and even do not know how. My own friend’s wife, according to him, for more than 10 years, he filled the oil full into his wife’s car tank one day before working day started for her use and one week of work. That what happens every week.

Many private vehicles in my country (Malaysia) use petrol but there are also that use diesel and NGV. Make sure of the right fuel. And make sure that you identify the right fuel pump machine at service station.

Remember, it is important that you know how to open the tank cover and pump the oil into it. May be your one day you are forced to pour oil by your own. Don’t let your car runs out of gas in the middle of the street.

2. Water in Radiator Tank

Opened hood of a car, showing the radiator of the car.Open your car hood. Usually hoist switch (hood opener) is under the dashboard on the driver side.

Check before car is started, if not you will scald your hand. Make sure there is enough water. Otherwise, just add tap water.

If you often send car for services, radiator water checking is a basic thing that must be done. Nevertheless, you also have to know to check it on your own; in case there is leakage which caused the water level in radiator to be inadequate. So it is good to check the radiator water at least once a week.

3. Engine Oil, Transmission Oil and Brake Oil

Checking an engine oil level of a car.These are vital. Without enough engine oil, engine may become hot and this will damage the engine. Not enough transmission oil may result an immovable car and not enough brake oil may endanger your life because the vehicle cannot be stopped.

For a quite aged car, make sure you check with more often. Even though you may have sent the vehicle for services in each 3 month or each 5,000 km, do not wait up to you new service time and hope the mechanic to check. At least you must know either its oil is enough or not. Engine oil, transmission oil or brake oil that runs out or ebb quite suddenly may signify there are leaks. This are reasons that such examinations are important, and this would be vital for your own safety.

4. Tyre

A car tyre.You know how to change a tyre? Even though you may not need to change a tyre on your own because you have a car service card or you have a husband who will always helps you or friends who could help, it is good if you yourself know how to change a tyre.

Also make sure the right tyre pressure for your car tyres. Learn how to check tyre pressure and how to pump tyre when necessary.

Knowing basic matters on car as such can make a woman feels more confident and safer when driving.

5. Insurance and Road Tax

Cars on road.Before setting forth for your destination make sure your car insurance and your road tax still valid and legal. Look on your windscreen, does your road is tax still not yet ended? In case it already almost to expire; you can start your insurance renewal and your road tax renewal process. Road tax is renewable as early as two month before its expiry date.

Insurance and road tax are compulsory to enable a vehicle is validly used on road. The matter is only done once a year. Some peoples took leave solely to manage road tax and insurance renewal. Get new insurance from the insurance company, and then go to bank to pay road tax and in the evening go again to bank to collect back the road tax which has been completed.

Now everything you can hand on to insurance company on their website to deal. It is really easy, insurance and road tax can be done at once. Usually within only two working days, road tax already arrived to hand, either in office or at home. No need trouble yourself anymore.

29-03-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Nine Differences Between Leasing and Buying a Car / Vehicle

Leasing vs BuyingI think many of us are still not clear what the difference between leasing a vehicle or car and buying a vehicle car. There are vast differences between leasing and buying. The main difference is the ownership of the car, when you lease, you do not own the car, where as when you buy a car, of course you become the owner of the car. More differences are shown below:

Leasing Vs Buying
  • Ownership
    LEASING: You do not own the vehicle. You get to use it but must return it at the end of the lease unless you choose to buy it.
    BUYING: You own the vehicle and get to keep it at the end of the financing term.
  • Vehicle Return
    LEASING: You may return the vehicle at lease-end, pay any end-of-lease costs, and “walk away.”
    BUYING: You may have to sell or trade the vehicle when you decide you want a different vehicle.
  • Up-Front Costs
    LEASING: Up-front costs may include the first month’s payment, a refundable security deposit, a capitalized cost reduction (like a down payment), taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges.
    BUYING: Up-front costs include the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees, and other charges.
  • Early Termination
    LEASING: You are responsible for any early termination charges if you end the lease early.
    BUYING: You are responsible for any pay-off amount if you end the loan early.
  • Monthly Payments
    LEASING: Monthly lease payments are usually lower than monthly loan payments because you are paying only for the vehicle’s depreciation during the lease term, plus rent charges (like interest), taxes, and fees.
    BUYING: Monthly loan payments are usually higher than monthly lease payments because you are paying for the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and other finance charges, taxes, and fees.
  • Future Value
    LEASING: The lessor has the risk of the future market value of the vehicle.
    BUYING: You have the risk of the vehicle’s market value when you trade or sell it.
  • Excessive Wear
    LEASING: Most leases limit wear to the vehicle during the lease term. You will likely have to pay extra charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
    BUYING: There are no limits or charges for excessive wear to the vehicle, but excessive wear will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value.
  • Mileage
    LEASING: Most leases limit the number of miles you may drive (often 12,000-15,000 per year). You can negotiate a higher mileage limit and pay a higher monthly payment. You will likely have to pay charges for exceeding those limits if you return the vehicle.
    BUYING: You may drive as many miles as you want, but higher mileage will lower the vehicle’s trade-in or resale value.
  • End of Term
    LEASING: At the end of the lease (typically 2-4 years), you may have a new payment either to finance the purchase of the existing vehicle or to lease another vehicle.
    BUYING: At the end of the loan term (typically 4-6 years), you have no further loan payments.

Either leasing or buying a car or vehicle have their own pros and cons. You should consider your usage of the car, your financial factor and others when leasing or buying a car. Source: Federal Reserve Board

27-03-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Things, Money

Amazing Honda Accond Commercial

Here are an amazing Honda Accord commercial. This was on air a few years ago. It took three months, hundreds of takes and 6 million dollars to make this advertisement. Huge sum of money spent to make this quality ads.

This advertisement is only in one take and does not have any cut and paste. Click play and enjoy the commercial.

by Sorli

category: Auto Things

The Difference between RON92, RON95, RON97 and RON99

Many said that RON92 oil is the older oil, only suitable for older cars or for cars that uses carburetor only. There are also some that said that RON92 oil will make the engine dirty and also said that that RON92 oil is less powerful compared to RON97 and RON99. Before you make any false assumptions, let us see what the real meaning of RON is.

RON stands for Research Octane Number. Octane number or octane rating refers to the gasoline ability to withstand auto ignition (knocking) inside the engine. Higher octane number refers to higher ability of the oil to fight auto ignition. In other words, it means that RON95 is harder to ignite compared to RON92.

Filling gasoline into a car.Different vehicles are designed to be use with different octane number of oil. Higher octane number oil is basically designed for high performance vehicles such as sport vehicle and racing vehicle. Why is that so? This is to avoid premature ignition of oil inside the engine because of auto ignition, which happens before the spark plug ignite the fuel. This phenomenon is known as knocking. Knocking is not wanted because it reduces the performance of vehicle.

The right usage of octane number based on design and adjustment of engine will maximize the performance and effectiveness of the vehicle. Modern vehicles are equipped with knock sensor which enables it to adjust its combustion timing automatically according to the oil octane number to avoid knocking or premature ignition of oil.

Not all vehicles require high octane number petrol. You can check your vehicle fuel requirement inside the guide book of your vehicle or you can simply check the minimum Octane Rating at the back of the fuel lid cover of your vehicle. Most cars can still use RON92.

Higher RON number does not means that it is more powerful. It means that it is harder to ignite. It is also cost you more.

17-01-2009 by Sorli

category: Auto Insurance, Auto Things

Optimum Driving Tips – Get The Correct Driving Position

Good car and safe road will not be meaningful if the driver himself is not prepared. As always being expected during festive seasons, road congestion are something that cannot be avoided, and the driving stresses are everywhere. So these tips perhaps will be useful for you to practice.

Front view of dashboard of a car.

Before Driving

Before starting your journey, make sure your body is prepared. Get enough sleep and rest, and make sure you are not too full or too hungry.

Avoid from going back to your hometown in rush, such as just after taking breakfast, or trying to catch a dinner in your village.

If you drive while fasting or dieting, take suitable vitamin to supply enough energy.

Interior view of car and its seat.

Driving Position

Ironically, the correct driving position is never been practiced at driving school. Even more, most driver do not know what is the correct driving position. Perhaps many think that their driving position depends to the comfort factor, for example there are drivers who topple down their car seat too low until it makes their neck not getting enough rest and support when driving.

The right driving position depends on suitable distances in car for each of the body parts. The seat must be configured accordingly to a suitable height, where the level of driver’s eyesight has to be at center between the dashboard and the steering wheel.

When wearing the seat belt, it must be wear at the shoulder, and then it flows through the center of the chest to the seat belt’s buckle. If the seat belt happens to flow on your neck area, it means that your seat height is wrong.

While seat belts at the neck are similar to the hanging death sentence if an accident happen.

After getting the suitable height, adjust the seat platform to a position where your foot does not need to be at fully straight to apply the brake on.

Make sure that when the brake is pressed at its maximum, your knee still has a little bent. This is to provide an impact reactance if an accident impact occurs.

As you have got the right position and height, then adjust your hands position. Straighten both of your hands and put them on the top of your steering wheel.

At the correct position, the top of wheel steering will touch the wrist area of your hands. Adjust the steering wheel height according to your suitability. Do not make it too low until it reduced your legs movement limit or too high until it forces you to drive in a ‘hanging hand’ situation.

The correct hand position when driving is by holding the left and right part of the steering wheel, not at the top, below or driving with a hand under your chin.

If your journey is more than four hours, stop to take a short break. When at stop, do not switch off your car engine immediately, wait for around one minute to ensure that the lubricant in the engine returns to its reservoir and the moving parts of the engine is idle enough.

Stretch your muscles, make a light exercise on the neck, hand, foot and back. If your eyes feel too sleepy, take a nap to revive your energy. If there is other who can drive, it is better to take turns driving in about three or four hours for each driver. This would give enough rest and energy to each driver.

When Driving

If driving in the correct position, you will not waste your energy to accommodate your body weight at wrong position.

Hence, your driving capacity is greater. However, a frequent driver’s carelessness factor is the lack of attention while driving.

The enemy of good driving is lack of control by drivers because of drowsiness. When being drowsy and fatigue, the sensitivity to the surrounding is lowered and the ability to estimate is also lowered. So when a dangerous situation happens, such as when the vehicle is out of control, the driver will become more quickly to panic.

Driving with friends is one of the ways to enable constant communication and no interruption of driver’s concentration because of fatigue.

Chatting can provide energy at the same time can avoid fatigue which becomes the source of drowsiness. Once in a while when driving, stretch your hands, body and legs muscles out. Try to change your driving position several times. Fatigue is caused by slow blood flow because of static sitting position.

31-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Check Your Car Tires, Suspension and Steering System for Long Journey

Report from World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the death figure due road accident is exceeding 1 millions people yearly. The report estimates that road accidents involve a cost of USD 518 billions each year.

There are three core factors that caused road accident, among them are failure of equipment function, severe road condition and the driver’s attitude or habit itself.

Most accidents which occurred were caused by combination of human error and other factors.

Equipment function failure

The most common equipment function failure happened are brake system not functioning, bursting tire, worn and bald tires and steering system or suspension system failure.

Modern car brake system with double circuit brake system can avoid brake system failure. If one of the brake circuits has malfunctioned, another circuit can still slow down and stop the car.

One of the ABS system or Anti-lock Braking System advantages is it can avoid the car tire from being locked when you make an emergency brake.

Lack of tire air pressure also can make tire fail to function. Worn and bald tire also among serious problems often occurs and could cause failure of tire function.

Tires which have irregular wears are caused by imbalance and improperly tire alignment. It can occur because of the damaged at the suspension system.

Suspension system on a car also enables the tire of the car to touch the road surface stably.

While the steering system enable you to control and move your car so that it can avoid obstacles thus it is important to avoid accident from happening.

Even a well trained driver cannot have a good control of his car if the suspension and steering system failed to function. As such, suspension and car steering wheel system must be checked whenever the car has traveled more than 5,000 kilometers.

Prevent accidents, check your car.

29-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Check The Brake Every 6 Months

Vehicle’s braking system check and care is among the important routine should be done by vehicle owners to avoid any disaster when driving.

Follow these guides as your reference:

  • Once a month check your car brake oil level. Make sure its oil is between the minimum and maximum level. Do not drive if brake oil level is under minimum level.
  • Each six months when you want to change your car tyres don’t forget to check the brake lining. Make sure the gripping layer is still thick.In case you found that the brake liners do not have same thickness between left and right side, ask your mechanic to check brake oil pipeline system or brake pressure system.

    Possibly the pressure imposed on both brakes are unequal and this is dangerous to driving, especially when braking in high speed. Same thing should be done to brake drum.

  • If you like to drive aggressively and fast, change the car brake liner to the one that could withstand high heat.Make sure to change your brake oil pipeline system to a better one. This is to ensure that the car brake system can function in high pressure, high temperature and get quicker reaction when the pedal is pressed.

    Brake oil mistake could cause the entire brake system to suffer damage, especially when liner is made from rubber.

  • If there are scratches at drum disk, ask a mechanic to assess whether it still usable or not. If changing brake lining is proposed grind the disk back or change to a better drum. Scratches can deter brake lining grip on disk or drum.
  • A usual damage is a jammed brake. This happened because brake lining does not return to its position when we disengage brake that grips the disk. Caliper damage which controls brake lining.
  • If there are brake oil discharge spots at any part, ask mechanic to check it. Do not take this matter easily is because small leak can become big when braking because of the applied pressure to it.
  • For car with automatic transmission, front brake liner is quicker to wear compares to back liner (usually twice faster).
  • If you want to modify a car braking system be sure to get written truth by the authority because it is wrong and company insurance will not protect you if any accident happened. It is because you change your brake system without authorization from the authority.
  • While driving evade from placing foot on brake pedal. This can save the brake liner usage.
  • When moving down a steep hill do not use brake, instead use low gear to control your car speed.
  • When adding brake oil, make sure its specification is right. Dot 3 for common use of car which have front disk and back drum. Dot 4 for car that have four wheel disk system and high-powered car.
28-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

Tighten Your Helmet – It's Important

Not many know, helmet that we use today is made from mixture of fiber, special glass and carbon. Its exterior is made from special polystyrene with fire proof layer. In the inside, there are layers which functions are to reduce collision impact and to avoid burn. Do you know that each high quality helmet had been through detailed tests before it is being sold to you?

Lego man wearing helmet.

Helmet can ensure your safety – if you use it properly, by fastening the helmet neatly when you wear it. Remember, if you do not fasten it tightly, even the best helmet could not save you. The helmet will come off from your head on impact if you don’t fasten it tight.

So, always use your helmet when riding your bike or motorbike even you are going the shop at the end of the street shop to buy some ice cream.

Be sure your wear your helmet neatly, right and fasten it tight.

27-12-2008 by Sorli

category: Auto Things

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