These tires are being manufactured by many companies including Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and Toyo.

How much you can save?

The recent advertisement of Goodyear assures that their FuelMax tires can provide four percent reduction in fuel consumption. This might be a conservative estimate when you consider the report of the StockAnalyst website, the economy driving champion were able to drive 9 miles more per gallon when using FuelMax tires manufactured by Goodyear.

Recent manufacturer’s test has confirmed that Michelin’s Energy Saver tires can increase fuel efficiency by 8 percent which seems quite encouraging. If we calculate it on annual basis, it becomes a huge savings every year; it may offset the calculation as these tires are expensive as compared to the conventional tires.

Vehicle Handling

In the past the manufacturers of tires used mixture of silica in the rubber compounds to decrease the rolling resistance, this would increase the fuel efficiency. This resulted in fuel savings but at the same time decreased the tire life. The silica mixture makes the tires hard and the tires loose the flexibility.

But now thanks to the silica distribution strategy, the tire life has increased so has the fuel efficiency. Vehicle tires are weather proof and are quite safe also. Michelin Energy Saver have improved the stopping distance by over eight feet as compared to the standard tires, the total life of the tire is 16,000 miles more over the standard tires.

Greener Tire

It is expected that most of the tire retailers stock sufficient quantity of energy saving tires and also provide training, experience, computer tools and professional help to you in determining the type of tires which suits your vehicle. When purchasing these tires, you will have to consider your driving habits, your budget and the range of driving per day.

Another point to bear in mind that when you shift to energy saving tires, you will have to change all the four tires in one go, this may require a bigger initial investment. You can also opt for nitrogen inflation; as such a step will help you to maintain proper tire pressure.

Such a technique does not affect the performance with the temperature change, maintaining the right pressure in the tires will ensure the long life of the tires and savings on the fuel expenditure.

The more often you tune up your vehicle, the result will be more positive. According to experienced motor mechanics, the tune up is essential when a vehicle runs over 100,000 km. The priority has to be on engine air filter. The location of the air filter is above the carburetor in the old type cars or in the air box in the new ones having fuel injected motors.

Fuel filter requiring replacement will normally lie between the engine and fuel tank. If not replaced, the clogged filter may weaken the performance of the engine. If the engine light is on many times during the check on the engines, it is an indication of mal- functioning of the O2 sensor.

The normal tendency is to replace it when it fails totally, but remember that they would not last long. This is another opportunity for you to replace your transmission filter failing which, a transmission filter after running a lot of miles, the transmission could be slipping. Unless you have proper expertise, it is advisable to attempt these checks and replacements by a mechanic.

Normally the location of the filter in a vehicle will be under the transmission pan. The transmission filter can be pulled out straight after screwing it down. Another area of priority attention is the ignition system. Even before a vehicle completes 100,000 km, the spark plug wires are likely to be worn out.

Hence when your car has been driven for quite a distance, do some parts replacement to save money and avoid unexpected troubles. If the spark wires are worn out, your car start running rough and consume more fuel. When going to replace the car plug, consider changing the distributor cap and the rotor.

It is easy to change the distributor cap which is usually resting on two screws. Always remove the distributor cap first to keep the wires running to the correct spark plug. On remover of the cap the rotor will appear under it with a push in tab for its release. On installation of the distributor cap, go removing one spark wire.

The next phase of action is replacement of spark plugs which will usually have 5/8” or 13/16” socket. The spark plug has to be replaced with a new compatible plug and the gap checked with a feeler gauge, until it reaches the gap between .030” and .045” depending on the type of vehicle.

Follow by checking the wire distributor cap and trace the wire back to where it needs to be on the new cap and all wires and plugs are to be similarly connected without mixing up. The ignition timings should be advanced around 8 to 12 degrees or zero in new cars, after checking and connecting the timing light to #1 spark plug wire.

Any excessive oil found in the air filter needs to be replaced with the positive crankcase valve, which can be found in the head, valve cover or cleaner. The PVC valve will be fine, if no oil is detected in the air filter. Once all these checks and replacements are completed, your car will run with power and smoothness helping you to achieve fuel economy.

If the modus-operandi to follow for proper up-keep of brakes harp your mind, it is a needless one. Among all the equipments that give you a safe ride in a car, brakes are the least complicated, most vital, as well as a simple one to keep it up right.

You can notice, even a high-schooled driver be easily trains himself to get the feel of the problems cropping up in the car brakes through following easy set guidelines. At the same time, rectifications of car brake problems require the acumen of a qualified and experienced mechanic.

Here, let us see the simple diagnostic technique, which acquaints us to know that it is the time to take your car for a brake service. If the application of brakes results in a huge sound and if repeats, as we apply the brakes, it is the right time to visit the car mechanic along with the car to rectify the sound.

The mechanic needs to be talented to rectify the error. The sound implies the tear of brake pads and the metal-to-metal contact is now happening between the pads as you use your car brakes. After application of brake, the time gap between the car stoppages and application of brakes are vital.

If the time gap is high, it is high time you pay a visit to your mechanic along with the car. It is dangerous to continue driving like that as well as it may result in run-over’s and resultant accidents making you commit deaths. Such deaths may result in legal complications and wastage of your time and energy.

The steering wheel may shake violently in your hands in the event of a stop as you apply brakes, and this mal-function indicates problem with the brake rotors. A rotor gets a change in its shape due to its long operations and such symptoms are unseen commonly by over sight. Such violent shakes need attention and rectification at once.

Sometimes, you can find smokes near the wheels as you brake and stop. It is high time to rush to the car mechanic, since such an indication is a cue for an immediate repair of your car brake system. As told in the beginning, the self repair of car brakes are not advisable and this may not help you to improve the car’s brake system and cost saving.

A trained mechanic with a technical education background can only service your brakes following the set methods. The latest car variants come out with modern braking system with its operations highly complicated. Such developments have made the employment of technically qualified mechanic vital to repair your cars.

Hence, this will keep your car system fit as well as ensure the protection of the passenger as well as the driver. The installation of a right spares and parts is possible by a talented car mechanic. In brief, there is no time gap needed when you intend to set right your car brakes. The timely repairs of car brakes ensure safety of you as well the other road users.

In some cases if proper care is not taken, it might damage the engine which will involve huge expenses in repairs. Let us understand why our vehicles need engine oil, the main purpose of using engine oil is lubrication to the moving parts and also reduce the friction.

The engine has many moving parts, if not properly lubricated can prove fatal. The other function is to prevent the corrosion and maintain the temperature of the engine so that it does not overheat. The use of quality engine oil is highly recommended as it keeps your car in peak performance and also increases the life this will be a unique selling point if you want to sell your car.

How can you check the oil in your car? There is a dipstick under the bonnet of every car, it has yellow or red loop when you pull it out. For checking the quality and level of the oil, wipe the dip stick with some old cloth and reinsert it, this will give you correct level of the oil. This has to be done when car is parked at a flat surface and engine is cool. The dipstick has minimum and maximum marks which show you the level of oil which you need to maintain all the time.

Both low level and high level will damage the car, if you find the level too low, you need to top your oil up. If you are not sure how to do it, you can refer to owners guide. There are many varieties of engine oil available in the market, it should not bother you as the owners guide will give you details about the type of oil you should choose for your car.

If you do not have the manual or owners guide, you can always get help from an expert mechanic who will guide you in the selection of the oil.

There are different grades of engine oils available, what are these grades? The two numbers with W in the middle, the first number is the viscosity of the oil which means thickness at low temperature, the second is the viscosity at the higher temperature. These usually are fit to be used unless you drive regularly in the freezing conditions.

Higher the number means the thicker the oil, it has to be thinner in the cold, as the oil should be able to flow effectively in all the temperatures. The suffix of word W means that it is fit to be used in cold climate. The single grade oil is also available, but use of multi grade oil is highly recommended as most engines go through extreme range of temperatures.

It does not take more than five minutes to check the engine oil level and top it. A regular and proper check will save you from future expenses.

In this article, I won’t be mentioning brand names of certain engine oils in Malaysia. Rather, I will share with you some of the science of a good engine lubrication oil.

The main and the primary function of engine oil is to lubricate engines of the vehicles, it provides a micro thin oil film which acts as a barrier between the moving parts to minimize the friction, heat and also reduces the wear and tear.

In addition it also helps in cooling and removes the heat generated by the friction. The modern engine oil also helps to prevent deposit build up and cleans the engine to give best performance.

Since engine oil provides protection to the engine, it needs to be replaced periodically, as per rule of the thumb, the mineral oil needs to be replaced after 5,000 km, semi synthetic after 7,500 km and fully synthetic after 10,000 km.

For a layman, it might be slightly difficult to understand the difference between mineral semi and fully synthetic engine oil. The engine oil which derived from the petroleum products is known as mineral oil; on the other hand the oil which is developed in the laboratory is called fully synthetic engine oil, the blend of two in known as semi synthetic engine oil.

While selecting the best brand of engine oil one must check the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity grade and the quality indicators. The viscosity is very important it means the thickness of oil and the flow property of engine oil, and also changes with the different temperatures when the car is being driven.

The engine needs low viscosity oil as it flows easily and circulates more quickly, especially during cold thus protecting various parts from the wear. During the startups thin oil is required and when the car is in motion thick oil film provides the best protection.

This is the reason why multi grade oils are now available in the Malaysian market. In the laboratory the multi grade oil is produced by adding polymers to light base to prevent oil from thinning too much as it warms up. In the cold these polymers form a coil and allow oil to flow at low viscosity.

The best quality indicator is to see the mark API (American Petroleum Institute) on the bottle. The mark indicates the quality of oil and is generally categorized as S and C for petrol and diesel vehicles. How can you differentiate between good and bad oil? The best option is to check the data sheet of the oil, where you can find its pour point and flash point.

Pour point refers to the lowest temperature at which oil will still pump and maintain adequate pressure, and the flash point is when the oil starts giving vapors that can be ignited with flame. The best option is to refer to the manual which is given to you when you purchase the vehicle, normally depending upon the local climate the grade of the oil is recommended.

Normally in new cars thinner range like 0W-30 and 5W-30 is usually accepted. With the age of the vehicle thicker oil is more acceptable. You must select the oil which has high flash point. It is very important to monitor the level of engine oil, you will have to keep it between max and min, and otherwise there can be damage to your engine.

Engine oil monitoring should not depend upon one service to other, but regular monitoring will ensure that the vehicle has adequate quantity of engine oil all the time.

Duckhams, Mobil, Shell, Petronas, and Esso are but some of the well known engine oils in our country, Malaysia. While in other countries, you must have heard of Repco, Havoline and the other famous brands.

Besides filling in engine oil into their engines, some motorists even go one step further. They insert well known “additives” such as reknowned S.T.P. WYNNS, X.1.R and SLICK 50 to enhance their engine’s performance. I was introduced to a well known additive in the market by an engineer friend, Mr. Fong, a few years ago.

Mr. Fong was then attached to a company, based in Pandamaran New Village, Pelabuhan Klang that produces vehicle shock absorbers and car seats amongst other things. Unfortunately I have forgotten the name of the company to which Mr. Fong is attached. It has been many years since we met.

If readers would like to experience how X.1.R and SLICK 50 perform, try using them. For your information, X.1.R engine oil additive comes in 350c.c. bottles. It costs some RM40 – RM45 per bottle. SLICK 50, however comes in bottles of 950c.c. quantity and it costs a whopping RM135 without any discount.

SLICK 50, for readers’ information is only available in large supermarkets like Parkson and Jaya Jusco outlets. X.1.R on the other hand is rather easily obtained in most spare parts shop all over town.

The above two well-known additives are said to propel NASA’s “Challenger” space crafts to the planet moon. These two engine oils are therefore approved by NASA itself.

Functions of Engine Oil

Engine oil is for the lubrication of internal combustion engines. The main purpose of engine oil is to prevent friction the moving parts of the engines. On top of that, engine oil cleans the engine. It also prevents corrosion.

When metal parts of the engine grind against each other, certain parts undergo wear and tear. Some parts become chipped as a result. Engine oil therefore acts as a “sanding agent”. Besides that, engine oil cools engines, while at the same time, engine oil desipitates heat from the moving parts.

Types of Engine Oil

Basically, there are 2 types of engine oil. One is ordinary engine oil. The other is “synthetic” oil. The later can sometimes cost as much as RM200 per 4 litres can. My son in-law Kin, when he was using his Toyota Hilux, used to use synthetic oil for the above said vehicle.

My late father, who was driving a 7 ton Bedford lorry way back in the 1960’s, used to tell me a few things regarding engine oil. My dad, used to advise me that to maintain a vehicle’s engine well, a person should ideally:

i) Check one’s engine every morning before moving off.

ii) New engines should undergo a running in period for the first 1000 miles. Then, the engine oil and filter has to be changed. Thenceforth, my father said, engine oil should be replaced every 3000 miles.

Nowadays, engine oil should be changed at intervals of 5000 km. car experts and mechanics advise that these days, engine oil should undergo changes at 10,000km period ideally.

What Are Engine Oil Made From?

Engine oil or black oil as it is called, is either made of either petrol based or non petroleum synthetic chemical compounds.

What vehicles or machines use engine oil?

As mentioned earlier, internal combustion engines normally use engine oil. For examples cars, motorcycles, buses, commercial vehicles, go karts, snow mobiles, lawn movers, aeroplanes and even generators use engine oil.

What happens when engine parts rotate?

When engine parts, such as pistons, connecting rods, valves and piston rings move, “friction” takes place, causing wear and tear. Friction leads to power loss of an engine. This leads to engines becoming less efficient. As a result, fuel consumption increases. In extreme cases, engine failures will eventually take place.

Why an oil filter is important in internal combustion engines?

The corroding of metal parts or friction of moving metal parts in an engine produces tiny, microscopic metallic particles all the time. Therefore, mechanics and car experts say it is pertinent that a good oil filter is used to filter out harmful particles from the black or engine oil. As such, remember that changing engine oil without changing oil filters, is a pointless venture by itself.

Which type of vehicles in Malaysia normally have to use engine oil?

Most vehicles in Malaysia are 4 stroke engines. Motorcycles, especially Honda vehicles are predominantly 4 stroke engines. Previously, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki motorcycles fall under the category of 2 stroke engines, which is said to contribute to pollution of our atmosphere. Formerly, Vespa and Lambretta scooters, which were extremely popular in the 1950’s and 60’s, were also examples of 2 stroke machines.

I still remember how a small amount of engine oil (about 30 cents) worth was mixed into the petrol to prevent the engines from being jammed up.

Properties of Engine Oil

Some motorists might wish to know what are the properties of engine oil. Engine oil is said to be made from heavier, thicker hydro carbon based stock from “crude” oil. Additives are sometimes added into the oil.

One most important property of engine oil is what’s termed as “viscosity”. Viscosity is termed as oil thickness or a measure of resistance to flow. A good engine oil should have the properties high enough to act as a lubricating film and at the same time low enough so that the oil can flow around engine parts, such as pistons, connecting rods, valves, rings, etc under all conditions.

Engine oil must be capable to flow at the lowest temperature to minimize metal to metal contact between moving parts, especially when the engine is initially started.

How are engine oil graded?

Are you aware that the Society of American Engineers (SAE) has developed a numerical code system for engine oil. Engine oils are graded from low to high viscosity. The numbers begin from 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60.

The engine oil has an alphabet W behind it. “W” denotes winter, denoting an engine oil’s viscosity. Therefore, should you see an engine oil graded SAE 20, it means that it is an engine oil suitable for cold weather.

My late father used to tell me as a 13 year old school boy who is very interested in all things pertaining to cars, that new vehicles should ideally go for lower SAE engine oils, eg 10W or 20W. Older vehicles my dad said, should opt for SAE 30 or SAE 40 or even SAE 50.

Besides the usage of the denomination SAE, American engine oils are also given the denomination of American Petroleum Institute (API). Like SAE, API sets the minimum performance for lubricants produced in America.

And finally, all vehicles owners are hereby advised that when servicing your vehicles after a certain duration of period, remember always to also change your oil filter as well.

Your engine oil, can vary from 3 to 4 litres or even more than 5 litres for larger vehicles like lorries and trucks. My Kancil car which is only a 3 cylinders and 660c.c. engine capacity, has only 3 litres of engine oil. The Kancil has only 3 plugs too.

Likewise, a vehicle needs water in its system if it is to function well. Motorists I’m sure are aware that a vehicle needs petrol if it is to be able to run or move. But how many motorists realize that a car or vehicle without water will also be unable to function as well.

What will happen to the millions of vehicles in this planet if one day the world should run short of water? Assuming that all our rivers, lakes and seas should one day run dry and we end up being unable to provide simple, plain water that are so necessary for our car “radiators” or “tangki” air as it is called in Bahasa Malaysia.

Talking about our vehicles and the water that they need to make it run or move, if the world should one day run short of water, do you know that only one car or vehicle in the world will be able to keep on moving in this planet?

While all other cars, Datsuns, Toyotas, Daimlers, BMWs, Mercedes, Protons, Audis and so forth will stop in their strides, only one vehicle will be able to keep on moving. Even if this vehicle were to be sent to the planet “moon”, it is said, it can still keep on going. And the vehicle is said to be none other than the Volkswagen!

The “Volks” is a car of German production. A former school teacher of my secondary school days at Anglo Chinese Secondary School in Jalan Raya Barat, Klang, once told us that German dictator Adolf Hitler commissioned the world’s most renowned car engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, to build him a car that world cost ￡50 during the 2nd World War. Only someone like the genius, Porsche could come up with a car like the “Beetle”. The rest is history.

The Volkswagen or the “Beetle” is the only vehicle in the world that does not need a radiator. As such, it does not need any water. Then, how does a Volks overcome the problem of “overheating” as faced by other vehicles on the road? Well, the Volks is said to possess an air cooled system which eliminates the necessity of a radiator, which all other cars require.

My small 660 c.c. ten years old vehicle, which I use to provide driving instructions to my students, quite recently went haywire and its cooling system developed heating problems. As a seasoned driver, I’m sure you’ll be able to understand what the above means.

If the “temperature meter” of your vehicle should rise above the half way marks, you should rightly feel apprehensive about it. However, should the temperature meter rise to three quarters or even H, you should then stop driving.

Allow me to provide a little bit of advice regard radiators. Most radiators are connected to a plastic container which holds ordinary water. The radiator is said to siphon water from this small container should the car temperatures rise abnormally.

Speaking about radiators, if the temperature reaches H or Hot, do not attempt to open the radiator cap. Attempting to open the radiator cap while the radiator is hot will be a danger to you. The hot water emancipating from the radiator will scald you and cause you severe injuries. Motorists are advised to allow the radiator unit to cool before attempting to open the radiator cap.

Another advice which you should be given is do not attempt to pour in cold water into a radiator that’s hot. This will not only cause the radiator gasket to be spoilt too. On top of that, the engine block will undergo “warping” and massive engine malfunction will result. Eventually, your vehicle engine will have to undergo extensive repairs, which will cost you a hefty sum of money.

A Kancil car, with its small engine, has a tiny radiator unit which holds no more than 1½ litres of water. That’s what my current mechanic, Ah Siang, 35, whose workshop is located at the 2nd mile, Kapar Road, Klang told me. The above mechanic was formerly attached to Datsun Motors Malaysia. His extensive training at Datsun service outlets makes Ah Siang an experienced and good mechanic.

I am of the opinion that the above mechanic is well worth his salt. According to Ah Siang, be it be known, that “auto” cars have larger radiator units, that is about 2 litres of water, in its radiator system. Well, at least now you know.

Pertaining to my Kancil 660 c.c. vehicle sustaining heating problems, it should be told to readers that if a vehicle radiator’s system overheats, the engine will eventually seize and the vehicle will finally stall. When such a thing happens, the pistons will seize or jam up. When this happens, motorists are advised to stop at the side of the road and wait for the temperatures to subside before attempting to start the car again.

Do not attempt to crank start the engine too many times. This is because you might weaken the Kancil’s small battery. If this happens, you will have no other alternative but to jump start your car. All in all, it will be a tremendous hassle.

Referring to my Kancil’s radiator woes, as a matter of fact, when the above vehicle developed overheating problem earlier, I had already sent it for a radiator wash. But unfortunately, the above procedure failed to eliminate its heating problems and woes. The radiator in question needed to have its water levels checked on a daily basis. This brought about tremendous hassle.

Water from the radiator seems to be either escaping or leaking from the radiator unit. To check water leakage is no easy task.

Requests made to my battery man at his shop, finally led him to advise me that the radiator stopper located at the bottom of the radiator, appears to be leaking. A few days after the radiator stopper was replaced, everything went well. Finally the temperature meter became normal and the temperatures remained low and normal.

However, a few days later, the radiator unit of my Kancil again went berserk. This time, I had no other alternative but to seek out Ah Siang, the Datsun mechanic. Ah Siang gave my radiator an extensive look out to try and determine where my radiator was leaking.

At first Ah Siang was at a loss as to what it was that my radiator was experiencing. Ah Siang finally used a radiator measuring water pump to finally locate where my radiator was leaking. The radiator pressure pump was finally able to assist Ah Siang locate where the radiator was actually leaking.

Where was the radiator leaking this time around? It was leaking at the radiator stopper which my battery shop friend replaced a week ago. With some pipe repair tape, Ah Siang finally showed my problem of water leaking from my Kancil’s radiator.

And how much I had to pay for the above service? RM30 inclusive of 1 litre of black oil, which had to be inserted into my engine compartment that Saturday evening.

Two days have gone by since my mechanic friend last performed his fantastic feat on my Kancil’s radiator. The temperature meter has yet to go up to H; it is in my opinion, a job well done! My thanks to my mechanic friend, Ah Siang for solving my radiator woes.

As a result of this, it is glad to be said that many of my Muslim friends have always gone out of their way to impart to me many teachings of their religion. One Muslim friend used to advise me, the ”skill” to perform something is God given. The knowledge we possess to be able to perform something well, likewise, is not of our own, capability or ability. Therefore, we must always share what we “know” with others.

It is with this premise in mind that I have today decided to share with readers of this blog a few things I know about certain “emergencies” a driver will face as he or she continues to drive.

Normal emergencies faced by drivers include the windscreen shattering, tyre punctures, vehicles falling into a swollen river or lake, a vehicle’s engine being unable to start and last but not least, brakes failing suddenly.

The “emergencies” I have mentioned above, has been constantly brought up in my Kursus Pendidikan Pemandu (KPP), which I am also a lecturer as well, is conducted in a big and well known institute somewhere in the Klang Valley.

For readers who may not be aware, potential students who opt to take up a driving course must first of all attend a 5 hour, grueling course before being able to sit for the computerized Highway Code exam. As I have mentioned very much earlier, new and inexperienced drivers, especially “P” holders, ought to be imparted the knowledge of how to face emergencies such as windscreens shattering and tyre punctures.

But what I will be imparting today in this special article, it is believed, are things or experiences which very few drivers or motorists go through. They are, what you would term as being “extra ordinary” emergencies which I, who have been driving for more than 40 years now, have experienced.

What I am divulging to readers of this blog has come about as a result of having associated for many years with various mechanic friends such as Wah Chye, Ah Lau, Ah Keng, Abbas, Raman, Ah Lam and also Ah Yang. The list of my mechanics, goes on and on. What I am about to reveal to my blog readers are what my mechanic friends taught me over the years.

Should I decide to keep what I know to myself, I would only be acting “selfish”. And for that, God will be displeased and angry with me.

If however, you already know what I am about to tell you, then consider this message as a timely reminder. Maybe, you as a good driver, could go on and impart what you know to other young and inexperienced drivers.

The technique, which I would like to share with you today is “How To Deal With The Emergency Problem Of A Vehicle Which Has Run Out Of Petrol Or Gas”.

Irrespective of whether you own a new car or even an old, second hand vehicle, there comes a time when I’m certain, you will one day face the above dilemma. At times, we maybe busy. Or maybe we may have forgotten to fill up our petrol tank. Or who knows, maybe, your vehicle could be confronted with a problem of the fuel gauge being faulty.

Before proceeding any further with today’s article, I feel it’s impertinent that I should share with you what my elder brother, Boo Huat, used to tell me over “roti canai” breakfasts many a time. My brother, prior to his retirement recently, used to be employed by a well known and distinguished solicitor in Kuala Lumpur.

I shall not disclose names to avoid embarrassing my brother’s former boss owned a Daimler, which costs nearly a million dollars. One fine day, while driving the “boss” to one of his many engagements in the city, the Daimler stalled half way along one of the city’s busy thoroughfares. The driver had inadvertently forgotten to fill up petrol into his boss’s car.

Can readers envisage how the lawyer “boss” would react if his driver were to get a plastic can to secure the necessary petrol needed for his Daimler car?

Coming back to the problem of how to deal with a car that has run out of petrol suddenly, leaving you stranded in a deserted road maybe, permit me to inform you the signs which a driver should look for prior to his or her car stalling. Amongst other things, a driver should be able to observe one or two things such as:
i. The fuel meter gauge will obviously indicate “E” or empty.

ii. The fuel meter light will brighten up in “Red”, indicating that the vehicle will soon stall.

iii. With low fuel in your petrol tank, the car’s movements or momentum will become “jerky” and “erratic”. In normal circumstances, a vehicle can still continue to go a distance of some 5 to maybe 8 miles before finally stalling.

Motorists are hereby advised to quickly pull over into the nearest petrol station should they observe the above tell tale signs I’ve mentioned confronting you. Failing which, if in any eventuality your vehicle should finally stop, you will have no choice but to get down, get a canister and walk to the nearest petrol pump to secure your spare can of petrol. Unfortunately, getting canister of petrol does not always assure you that it will end your woes and troubles.

As a driver, you should know the correct procedure of pouring the petrol which normally amounts to RM5 or half a canister into your petrol tank. First and foremost, try to secure a piece of card board or some old newspapers. Roll it into a “V” funnel shaped contraption if you possibly can.

Using the above, you can then proceed to pour slowly, the spare petrol into your petrol tank. Do not pour all of it into the tank. You are advised to leave a little petrol in the plastic canister. I will soon go on to tell you why you should follow this advice shortly.

After pouring the spare petrol that you have just obtained into your petrol tank, what then you do? The next step for the driver to perform is to get into the driver’s seat to attempt to get the car started. Remember that in a vehicle that has just stalled, there will not be any petrol or fuel left in the fuel lines.

As such the “a.c pump” or the “electronic fuel pump” will not be able to siphon or pump up petrol from the petrol tank of the car as yet. What the driver has to do next is to attempt to crank the car into starting, while at the same time, try to step on the “accelerator” pedal from time to time to induce petrol going into the fuel lines quickly.

Drivers are advised not to attempt trying to get the car started too many times. This will result in the car battery becoming weak. If this should happen, you will then be unable to restart your car.

Should attempts to restart your vehicle fail, discontinue efforts to restart it any further. This is because the carburetor has yet to be supplied with the necessary petrol which is needed for the car to start.

The next step you are advised to follow, is to remove the “air filter” unit from the engine. Pour a little bit of petrol from the plastic canister carefully into the carburetor. The carburetor will now have some petrol in it. This will then easily assist the engine to restart.

Once the engine starts, step on the accelerator pedal and this will cause the fuel lines to siphon petrol from the petrol tank and eventually into the carburetor, thus ending your problem of your vehicle running out of fuel.

To avoid getting into such a big hassle, as a good and competent driver, you should in future ensure that you fill up your petrol tank faithfully. It has not been an easy task explaining the intricacies of getting a vehicle that has run out of fuel, restarted.

Nevertheless, the effort has been well worth it, because I have finally succeeded in helping you out of an “emergency” that you might not know how to overcome, otherwise.

As an experienced motorist, you may think that there is nothing much that you can learn about tyres. Don’t be surprised. You may think that tyres are but an insignificant part of a vehicle. Nevertheless, read on you will be surprised with what are about to learn.

First of all, before proceeding any further, permit me to enlighten you with little bit of the history of about tyres that I know. My history teacher, Mr. S.P. Subramaniam, who was an Indian graduate from Madras, India, told my Form 1 class way back in 1962, that tyres were first invented in Europe during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century.

To be more exact, Charles Goodyear first invented vulcanized rubber in 1844. And in 1888, it was said that John Dunlop invented what was known as the pneumatic tyre for bikes. Although Dunlop is very famous and well known brand of tyres both in Malaysia and the world today, John Dunlop is unfortunately not associated with the use of pneumatic tyres for automobiles.

Who then is the person responsible for the above? It is in fact, Andre Michelin, in 1895. So now you know why Michelin tyres are so famous and well known especially in Formula I grand Prix events!

However, Goodyear another famous brand of tyres in Malaysia and the world today was the first to invent the world’s synthetic tyre in 1937. So much so, for the brief history of motorcar tyres.

What is it that motorists, irregardless of whether you are a “P” (provisional driver) or a driver who has held the C.D.L. (Competent Driver’s License) for umpteen years should ideally know about tyres?

First and foremost, a car should ideally have a spare tyre in it. Trying to go anywhere without a spare tyre is indeed considered a very unwise act.

In fact, it tantamount to being doing a stupid act on your part! Therefore, ensure that you have a spare tyre. And most important of all, make sure that you check your spare tyre in the booth from time to time and do remember to inflate it.

The second important thing which I would like to advise you about tyres is getting a tyre pressure measuring instrument which costs only but a few dollars. Depending solely on air pressure providing machines available at petrol stations all throughout the country like in Malaysia such as Shell, Mobil, Petronas and Caltex, constitutes a very unwise move.

You see, machines at these above stations are usually faulty. And they do not provide reliable readings anyway.

What else should a good motorist know about tyres? There are 3 important aspects about tyres one should know. A good driver is expected to know about:

• Tyre pressures
• Alignment
• Balancing

Briefly, car tyres are normally inserted with higher p.s.i. at the front and lower p.s.i. at the rear. The recommended tyre pressures are 26 – 28 p.s.i. for the front tyres, while the rear tyres are approximately 24 – 26 p.s.i.

Why are the front tyres inserted with higher pressures as compared with the rear, you might be tended to inquire? Well, the answer is, the front of a car is heavier as the engine of most cars is located in front, except maybe the Volkswagen Beetle.

If you are unaware or ignorant about how much air pressure to follow for your car tyres, you are advised to:
a) Seek your nearest neighbourhood tyre shop about it.

b) Refer to your vehicle manual which is provided to you upon sale of your vehicle by your agent.

c) Look for a tyre pressure schedule which is normally pasted inside the panels of your front door.

d) Some vehicles are said to have the above schedules pasted inside the glove panel box of your vehicle.

Another important advice which I would like to provide to all drivers is, do not insert too much pressure into your tyres. This is dangerous!

True, higher pressures tend to make one vehicle’s handling lighter. You’ll also get better mileage for it. But a too high pressure or p.s.i. is said to make steering handling more difficult.

Anyway, tyre pressures for motorcars should never exceed 50 p.s.i. The above amount of p.s.i. is incidentally intended for lorries only. For cars, a 50 p.s.i. measurement will most probably cause the tyres to explode!

This is about all that I would like to pen about regarding tyres in this short but valuable article. And finally, one final advice to you before this writer signs off. My late father whom I have again and again reiterated elsewhere in this blog, was a lorry driver prior to his passing away.

I feel one important advice which he passed on to me about tyres should ideally be passed on to my dear readers. And what was the valuable advice that my father handed on to me before his passing away?

He advised me to rotate my 4 tyres after a few thousand miles. In doing so, a motorist would be able to get the best from his tyres. Think about it carefully and practice it if you possibly can.

I’m sure you’ll be able to gain a lot of good from this invaluable advice my late father gave me. I’m in fact sharing it with you.

What in reality, is gear oil? Gear oil is motor oil that’s made specially for the transmission or the differentials in an automobile. According to my mechanic friend, Raman, unlike engine oil, “gear” oil is numbered 90W to 140W. This means gear oil, has a high viscosity. Its “thickness” is necessary to provide maximum protection which is so essential for moving parts of the gear boxes.

Gear oil is very similar to motor oil or, if you like engine oil, which is used for engine lubrication. Gear oil, on the other hand, possess many different properties. This is to meet many different demands that are placed on it.

Unlike engine oil, gear oil takes a great of deal heat, without breaking down. Its duty is to lubricate other parts in an engine. However, gear oil does not reach the temperatures of an engine oil.

Gear oil, is associated with parts that move somewhat slower. Nevertheless, it is reported to get heated up significantly as the vehicle is driven. In gear boxes or differentials, pressures in interlocking metals are said to be more extreme. Because of this, gear boxes require the assistance of gear oil.

What does gear oil contain? It contains sulphur. Sulphur forms a protection coating on all metal parts it touches. This will prevent direct metal to metal contact. Without the coating provided by gear oil, extreme pressures which takes place in the gear box, the parts inside would heat up to a temperature that is considered as hazardous to the operating capability of vehicles and parts will eventually wear out.

Gear oil in passenger vehicles, it is not something that is frequently replaced by motorists, unlike engine oil. For those of you riding motorcycles, it is recommended that you change your gear oil every 3,800 miles or 6,000 km. Do remember, that a motorcycle gear will deplete as time goes by. It then loses its ability to protect the clutch as well as the gear systems of a machine.

How does one go about changing the gear oil of a vehicle?

The same applies as to changing the engine oil. For cars, simply drain oil from the differential, then replace the drain plug, pour in the required amount, which is anything from 3.5 litres to 4 litres, and then replace the oil lid.

In the case of motorcycles, replace with oil that is specially intended for motors and scooters duly. For readers’ information, I use a very popular gear box oil currently available in Malaysia. It is American made. Among the properties of the above oil are:

1. it is suitable for all manual transmission.

2. Quietens noisy operation of gear boxes.

3. Restores smooth shifting of gears.

4. Improved performance is guaranteed.

Finally, it should also be made known that the above gear oil, used by the writer is the only lubricant company in the world ever to be inducted into the Space Foundation Hall of Fame!

Well then, what are you waiting for? Go for it! And in doing so, I hope you’ll enjoy easy and smooth changing of gears.