6 Tips On Vehicle Preparation Before Puspakom Inspection
The following are 6 tips I’ll recommend for anyone who is preparing for a Puspakom vehicle inspection. Other driving instructors may wish to adopt some of the measures taken for their own vehicles as well. They are free to do so if they should feel it’s viable.
1) The paint work and body condition of the vehicle.
Ensure body work is free from rust, knocks and dents. Have these repaired and then have the car repainted. Likewise, ensure that bumpers, front and rear lights are in good condition and working order. The same applies to indicators too. Brake lights and rear number lights should also be functioning as well.
2) Signages and company logo and addresses should also be in good order.
Make sure the company logo and address are in accordance with J.P.J.’s requirements. Ensure that your vehicle has the correct sized “P” plates and they are also of the required colours and designs as well. Faded signs should not be used as this might very well cause your vehicle to fail the Puspakom test.
3) Checking rear and front brakes.
A vehicle that’s sent for an inspection can be easily be failed if its front and rear brakes do not function properly. I make it a point to send my vehicle to have its brake system checked thoroughly by my mechanic, Raman.
Check the brake system and the handbrake should be adjusted when every inspection comes. Dust and grime are cleaned and blown away. Brake pads and linings are changes or adjusted wherever needed. The clutch cable is also adjusted wherever required. The same also applied to engine timing as well.
4) Lower arm and ball joint units to be checked.
The above items, without doubt, are some of the items that need careful examination. If loose, these items have to be replaced with new ones wherever required.
However, one could also get 2nd hand parts which are available in many second hand spare parts factories found abundant number around towns, if one wishes to save money.
5) Service the vehicle.
In the process of an examination, engine numbers and cassis numbers are checked. So it’s necessary to have one’s engine and under carriage be serviced thoroughly. During servicing, engines are washed thoroughly. The interior is also given a complete rub down. Servicing costs RM18 at most petrol service stations.
6) Inspect and ensure all 4 tyres are in good condition.
Ideally during examination, see to it that front and rear tyres are in good condition. You are advised to send your vehicle to have its alignment checked. Alignment costs RM10 at most tyre shops.
The mechanic at the shop where I go to might be young, but he is worth his mettle. He has the know-how of being able to diagnose what’s wrong with the vehicle is sent to him for alignment. I am indeed fortunate to meet such a good mechanic in him.
In the recent inspection, the examination which was scheduled for 1st September 2010, he advised me that the steering kingpin was faulty. Upon sending the vehicle to my normal mechanic, the steering fault was identified and immediate attention duly taken.
Talking about tyres, I sent my 1999 model Kancil 660 cc to my tyreman to have my vehicle fitted with 2 new Sime tyres each costing RM90 and new valves costing RM4 a piece. I also instructed that all 4 tyres were inflated to 24 psi as via advice given by an expert friend, Lai, who has been in the trade of car inspections for years.
My Visit To Puspakom For Vehicle Inspection
On the morning of 1st September 2010, I woke up early at 6:00 am. By 7:10 am, I was already at the Puspakom gates. I was 5th in line for the inspection that morning. As it was a puasa month, the officials did not begin work until 8:00 am.
But immediately as the clock struck 8 sharp, we allowed into the Puspakom premises. Payment was RM50. Upon finishing payment, I drove into lane 5 as advised. It was then only 8:15 am. Within less than 5 minutes, a young Puspakom officer directed me to drive the Kancil into the inspection arena.
After the engine and cassis were checked, the vehicle underwent brakes test procedures. This took less than 5 minutes. The vehicle then went through alignment test procedures smoothly.
The officer appeared satisfied with the condition of the car. Under carriage body inspection was however waived. Finally, the young officer took a walk around the vehicle inspecting its tail lights and indicators and then gave the instructions to finally drive away the Kancil to the parking area. The time then, as I looked at my wrist watch showed 8:25 am.
Who would have believed that a Puspakom inspection exercise could be done so fast, in less then 20 minutes. And mind you, all these during the puasa month of Ramadan.
In fairness to the officials of Puspakom authorities, Syabas for a job very well done. Keep up the good work! My next vehicle inspection is scheduled for 1st March 2011 which is 6 months away.
How to Check Radiator Fluid Level On Cars
The Importance of Car Radiator
One of the key components inside the a car engine compartment is the radiator. The main function of the radiator is to cool the internal combustion engine. Without it, the engine will overheat and explodes as the end result.
The radiator is especially important in Malaysia because of our hot and humid environment. A car engine will tend to get very hot due to surrounding high temperature.
In order to ensure your car radiator is working properly, it is best you check your car radiator fluid on a regular basis. But how do you check the fluid in a radiator? Watch the video above to learn the proper steps.
What is ABS – Anti Lock Brake System?
Do you know what is ABS or Anti-lock Brake System?
We heard of this feature available on most cars from the manufacturer. Even some of the models from our local car manufacturers such as Proton and Perodua come with ABS as its standard feature. But do you really know what is ABS and how to use it properly?
Check out the video above explaining the science behind Anti-lock Brake System and how is can be used on the Malaysian roads.
