Apakah cara yang betul untuk memandu sebuah kereta automatik?

Di dalam artikal ini, saya akan menjelaskan cara yang betul dan selamat untuk memandu sebuah kereta yang menggunakan gear jenis automatik.

Pada asasnya, sistem gear kereta yang menggunakan gear automatik adalah amat komplek dan rumit.

Berbanding dengan kereta yang menggunakan gear manual, aspek teknikal gear automatik adalah amat sukar untuk di jelaskan.

Tetapi, anda tidak perlu bimbang.

Seorang pemandu tidak perlu tahu bagaimana gear automatik kereta berfungsi.

Tugas anda hanyalah tukar minyak gear atau gear oil bila masa sudah sampai untuk servis kereta.

Pertukaran gear oil hanya boleh di lakukan oleh mekanik kereta.

Gear automatik kereta

Semua gear automatik kereta pada asasnya adalah sama.

Saya memandu sebuah kereta Perodua Alza auto dan saya akan menggunakannya sebagai contoh.

Gear-gear Perodua Alza automatik adalah seperti berikut:

P – Park

R – Reverse

N – Neutral

D4 – Drive 4

D3 – Drive 3

D2 – Drive 2

Saya akan menjelaskan cara yang betul untuk menggunakan kesemua gear di atas.

Perodua Alza Auto

Hidupkan enjin kereta auto

Untuk menghidupkan enjin kereta auto, ada sedikit perbezaan berbanding dengan kereta manual.

Tahukah anda bahawa anda boleh menghidupkan enjin sebuah kereta manual walaupun gear telah di pasang?

Memang boleh.

Bila gear telah di masukkan, pijak clutch sepenuhnya dan start atau hidupkan enjin.

Untuk kereta manual, ini tiada masalah.

Untuk kereta automatik, jika gear berada di dalam Reverse ataupun Drive, enjin kereta tidak boleh di hidupkan.

Ini adalah sistem keselamatan gear automatik kereta.

Untuk hidupkan enjin, anda mesti tolak gear ke posisi Neutral (N) ataupun Park (P).

Apakah perbezaan gear Neutral dengan gear Park?

Di posisi N, gear kereta adalah bebas ataupun free.

Bila anda melepaskan brek tangan (hand break), anda boleh menolak kereta anda.

Di posisi P pula, ada sebatang pin besi yang akan mengunci gear kereta.

Jika anda melepaskan brek tangan, kereta anda tidak akan bergerak walaupun di tolak.

Ada sesetengah model kereta auto lain yang perlu anda memijak pedal brek untuk menghidupkan enjin kereta.

Setahu saya, kesemua kereta automatik buatan tempatan seperti Perodua Alza, Myvi, Axia, Viva, Kancil, Bezza dan model Proton seperti Saga, Persona, Wira, Satria, Perdana dan seterusnya, enjin kereta boleh di hidupkan apabila gear di posisi N ataupun P.

Anda tidak perlu memijak pedal brek.

Naik bukit dengan kereta auto

Memandu sebuah kereta automatik untuk naik bukit adalah amat mudah.

Anda tidak perlu bimbang dengan pertukaran gear dan clutch.

Apa yang anda perlu tahu ialah bila menggunakan gear D4, D3 dan D2.

Bila anda memandu kereta auto di lebuhraya ataupun highway, gear di posisi D4 sudah memadai.

Walaupun di jalanraya yang agak curam, oleh kerana kereta sedah bergerak dengan kelajuan tinggi, gear D4 boleh di gunakan.

Bilakah kita menggunakan gear D3 dan D2?

Kita menggunakan kedua-dua gear tersebut apabila kita memandu di jalanraya yang curam dan agak pendek.

Contohnya, jalan ke Cameron Highlands melalui Simpang Pulai.

Jalan tersebut adalah curam dan menggulung.

Jika anda menggunakan gear D4, kereta anda akan kerap menukar gear.

Oleh kerana jalan menggulung dan agak pendek, kereta anda tidak dapat menjanakan momentum untuk kekal di gear D4.

Gear akan turun ke D3, naik semula ke D4 dan turun semula ke D3.

Jika kereta anda kerap menukar gear, perjalanan anda tidak lancar dan mungkin akan memendikkan jangka hayat gear anda.

Penyesaian yang ringkas ialah menggunakan gear D3.

Untuk jalan yang curam dan pendek, gear kereta akan gunakan D2, naik gear dan kekal di D3.

RPM enjin tentunya lebih tinggi namum kereta ada mempunyai lebih kuasa and perjalanan anda lebih lancar.

Turun bukit dengan kereta auto

Apakah teknik terbaik untuk memandu kereta automatik turun bukit?

Untuk menurun bukit, anda boleh mengekalkan posisi gear di D4.

Anda hanya menggunakan pedal brek untuk memperlahankan kereta anda.

Cabaran sebenar adalah apabila anda memandu dengan kelajuan yang tinggi di lebuhraya yang agak curam.

Jika anda ingin memperlahankan kereta, anda cuma perlu pijak dan lepas pedal brek.

Teknik ini di kenal sebagi brake tapping.

Apabila anda tap pedal brek, gear secara automatik akan turun ke D3 walaupun di kelajuan lebuhraya.

D3 dengan kelajauan tinggi akan menghasilkan RPM yang tinggi (3500 ke atas) dan mengakibatkan engine braking justeru memperlahankan kereta anda.

Memandu di selekoh Z

Jika anda bercadang untuk mendapatkan lesen memandu Kelas DA (Automatik), anda akan di uji memandu di selekoh Z.

Kebanyakan pelajar memandu tidak tahu, ujian memandu di selekoh Z adalah agak sukar and mempunyai peratus kegagalan yang tertinggi.

Kebanyak pelajar gagal di selekoh Z kerana terburu-buru di selekoh dan tidak sempat menekan brek.

Nasihat saya ialah, perlahankan kereta anda.

Jangan terburu-buru dan kawal pedal brek dan stereng anda.

Video di bawah menunjukkan cara memandu di selekoh Z yang betul

Kesimpulan

Di dalam artikal ini, saya telah menerangkan cara yang betul untuk memandu sebuah kereta automatik.

Saya telah menjelaskan teknik untuk memandu kereta auto naik dan turun bukit.

Yang penting, anda perlu membiasakan diri dengan gear P, R, N, D4, D3 dan D2.

Oleh kerana kereta auto tiada pedal clutch, anda masih perlu berhati-hati.

Kawalan stereng kereta and pedal brek kereta adalah lebih penting.

Jadi, kerapkan latihan memandu.

Ingat, berhati-hati di jalan raya.

The post Cara Memandu Kereta Auto Yang Betul & Selamat appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Di dalam artikal ini, saya akan mengajar cara untuk memandu sebuah kereta manual untuk naik dan turun bukit.

Artikal ini khas untuk orang yang sedang belajar memandu kereta manual ataupun orang yang telah lulus ujian Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) dan memperolehi lesen percubaan atau Probationary Driving License (PDL) Malaysia.

Untuk menjimatkan masa, gunakan Jadual Kandungan di bawah untuk membaca artikal ini.

Jadual kandungan

Sistem Clutch Dalam Kereta Manual

Langkah 1: Kenali pedal clutch, brek dan minyak (accelerator)

Langkah 2: Pastikan gear dalam kedudukan bebas atau free

Langkah 3: Masukkan gear kereta

Langkah 4: Penukaran gear

Langkah 5: Turun bukit & memberhentikan kereta

Latihan praktikal di perlukan

Cabaran terbesar naik bukit

Apakah cabaran terbesar memandu kereta yang menggunakan gear manual untuk naik bukit bagi seorang pemandu yang baru?

Cabaran terbesar adalah kawalan pedal clutch dengan kaki kiri.

Untuk pemandu baru, anda mungkin tidak sedar.

Setiap kereta yang menggunakan gear manual mempunyai “sensitiviti” clutch yang berbeza.

Saya akan jelaskan.

Sistem Clutch Dalam Kereta Manual

Komponen clutch kereta manual

Apa yang di maksudkan sistem clutch kereta manual?

Sebagai seorang pemandu, anda tidak perlu tahu secara teliti semua komponen sistem clutch sebuah kereta.

Apa yang anda perlu tahu ialah fungsinya.

Fungsi clutch ialah untuk menghantar kuasa putaran daripada enjin kepada sistem gear dan terus kepada roda kereta.

Permindahan kuasa enjin kereta ke sistem gear ialah melalui geseran plat clutch.

Bila kita hidupkan enjin kereta, enjin akan berputar tanpa berhenti kecuali di matikan.

Kalau enjin masih berputar, bagaimana hendak pindahkan kuasa putaran (torque) kepada sistem gear yang tidak berputar?

Masalah mekanikal ini telah lama di selesaikan dengan aplikasi geseran plat clutch.

Apabila anda memijak pedal clutch di dalam kereta, anda sebenarnya sedang mengawal “tahap geseran” dua plat clutch.

Bila pedal clutch di pijak, kedua-dua plat clutch akan berpisah maka enjin kereta tidak akan bersambung dengan sistem gear.

Bila pedal clucth di lepaskan, tahap geseran plat clutch adalah maximum maka enjin kereta akan bersambung dengan sistem gear sepenuhnya.

Adakah anda sudah keliru?

Jangan bimbing, walaupun anda tidak faham bagaimana sistem clutch kereta berfungsi, anda masih boleh memandu kereta manual.

Sebagai pemandu baru, apa yang anda perlu tahu ialah tahap kawalan pedal clutch adalah berbeza untuk setiap kereta.

Bagaimana ini boleh berlaku?

Bukankah semua komponen clutch kereta manual sama?

Fungsi dan komponen clutch kereta manual adalah lebih kurang sama.

Tetapi, keadaan ataupun condition plat dan kabel clutch adalah berbeza.

Sebuah kereta baru akan mempunyai plat clutch baru, maka pedal clutch adalah ringan and senang di kawal dengan kaki kiri.

Kereta lama pula mungkin mempunyai plat clutch yang telah lama dan haus, maka pedal clutch adalah lebih sukar untuk di kawal.

Pedal bersambung ke plat clutch dengan kabel clutch

Kereta lama juga mungkin mempunyai kabel clutch yang telah haus maka pedal clutch menjadi lebih berat dan sukar untuk di kawal dengan kaki.

Ini adalah cabaran sebenar apabila anda ingin memandu sebuah kereta manual naik bukit.

5 langkah untuk mengerakkan kereta

Setelah anda faham cabaran terbesar memandu kereta manual iaitu perbezaan tahap sentitiviti pedal clutch, artikal selanjutnya, saya akan menjelaskan langkah-langkah untuk mengerakkan sebuah kereta manual naik bukit yang curam.

Untuk pemandu baru, anda hanya perlu ingat 5 langkah sahaja.

Langkah 1: Kenali pedal clutch, brek dan minyak (accelerator)

Jika anda berhasrat untuk memandu kereta manual, anda seharusnya mengenali ketiga-tiga pedal kaki.

Pedal yang kiri adalah pedal clutch.

Pedal tengah adalah brek.

Pedal yang kanan adalah minyak atau accelerator.

Ingat, pedal minyak dan brek seharusnya di pijak dengan kaki kanan anda.

Pedal clutch pula hanya boleh di pijak dengan kaki kiri.

Cabaran anda sekarang ialah mengenali posisi ketiga-tiga pedal kaki tanpa melihatnya.

Untuk memastikan kaki anda dapat memijak kesemua pedal dengan sempurna, anda di nasihatkan untuk melaras kedudukan kerusi kereta sebelum menggerakkan kereta.

Langkah 2: Pastikan gear dalam kedudukan bebas atau free

Sebelum anda menghidupkan enjin kereta, pastikan gear dalam kedudukan free.

Goyangkan tombol gear dengan tangan kiri anda untuk memastikan ia dapat bergerak dengan bebas.

Hidupkan enjin kereta. Vroom….!

Langkah 3: Masukkan gear kereta

Pijak pedal clutch sehingga ia menjejaki lantai kereta.

Masukkan gear ke dalam posisi 1 (satu).

Tekan pedal minyak lebih kurang 10% ataupun meter RPM naik sehingga 2000.

Naikkan pedal clutch lebih kurang 50% atau sehingga anda dapat rasa enjin kereta terbeban.

Ini adalah geseran plat clutch yang sedang memindahkan kuasa enjin ke sistem gear.

Seterusnya, lepaskan brek tangan.

Kereta akan bergerak perlahan dan menuju ke hadapan.

Apabila kereta telah bergerak dengan kelajuan 5 km / j, anda boleh melepaskan pedal clutch sepenuhnya.

Langkah 4: Penukaran gear

Cabaran seterusnya ialah menukar gear.

Untuk pemandu baru, anda boleh menggunakan meter kelajuan kereta sebagai penunjuk.

Apabila kereta bergerak lancar dalam kelajuan 10 km / j – 15 km / j, pijak pedal clutch sepenuhnya dan tukar gear ke posisi 2.

Pada masa yang sama, lepaskan pedal minyak.

Lepaskan pedal clutch lebih kurang 50% dan tekan pedal minyak lebih kurang 15%.

Apabila pergerakkan kereta sudah lancar, lepaskan pedal clutch sepenuhnya.

Bila anda menggunakan kereta berjenis gear manual untuk naik bukit, ia adalah memadai jika anda hanya menggunakan gear 2 dan gear 3.

Kita menggunakan jalan berbukit dan curam untuk naik ke Genting Highlands sebagai contoh.

Anda menggunakan gear 1 untuk menggerakkan kereta.

Seterusnya, anda hanya perlu menggunakan gear kedua dan ketiga untuk naik bukit sepenuhnya.

Gear yang ke-4 dan ke-5 tidak di perlukan kerana kedua-dua gear tidak cukup power ataupun kuasa untuk menolak kereta naik bukit.

Gear ke-4 dan ke-5 boleh di gunakan apabila kereta anda berada di lebuhraya.

Pada mulanya, kombinasi pergerakkan tangan dan kedua belah kaki adalah sangat mengelirukan.

Masalah ini hanya dapat di atasi dengan latihan.

Langkah 5: Turun bukit & memberhentikan kereta

Bila anda memandu kereta turun bukit, cara kawalan kereta tidak sukar, yang penting ialah prihatin terhadap kelajuan kenderaan.

Kita mengambil jalan Genting Highlands sebagai contoh sekali lagi.

Sebelum turun daripada bukit, pastikan brek anda berfungsi dan dalam keadaan baik.

Bila turun daripada Genting Highlands, anda hanya perlu menggunakan gear 3 dan gear 2.

Dengan menggunakan gear ke-3 dan ke-2, kelajuan kereta dapat di kawal dengan enjin ataupun engine braking.

Pada masa yang sama, gunakan brek jika perlu.

Bila anda menggunakan gear 3 atau 2 untuk turun bukit, RPM kereta anda akan berada di posisi yang agak tinggi.

RPM 3000 atau 4000 adalah normal, jangan bimbang.

Ini adalah engine braking dan kelajuan kereta anda di kawal.

Jika anda sampai ke bonggol, pijak cluth and masuk ke gear 2.

Kawal pergerakkan kereta dengan menggunakan brek.

Bila sudah melepasi bonggol, lepaskan clutch dengan perlahan.

Bila anda sudah sampai di tapak bukit, anda tidak perlu menggunakan gear 1 untuk berhenti.

Gear di posisi ke-2 sudah memadai.

Untuk memberhentikan kereta, pijak pedal clutch supaya enjin tidak mati dan pijak brek sepenuhnya.

Apabila kereta telah berhenti, bebaskan gear dan tarik brek tangan.

PENTING: Bila kereta anda dalam proses turun bukit, pastikan brek tangan sudah di lepaskan.

Jika tidak, ia mungkin akan merosakkan brek pad, disc brek ataupun drum brek kereta anda.

Latihan praktikal di perlukan

5 langkah di atas adalah proses yang ringkas untuk memandu kereta yang menggunakan gear manual.

Hakikat sebenarnya, adalah amat sukar untuk memandu kereta manual dengan hanya membaca arahan di laman web.

Ia seumpaya cuba mempelajari teknik berenang dengan hanya membaca buku.

Apa yang di perlukan adalah latihan memandu praktikal.

Jika anda tidak pernah memandu kereta manual, terlebih dahulu, adalah di nasihatkan anda pergi ke sekolah memandu ataupun institut memandu.

Duduki ujian undang-undang berkomputer Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ).

Apabila anda lulus ujian, keluarkan Lesen L anda.

Dengan adanya lesen L, kini anda boleh mengambil kelas memandu dengan seorang instructor.

Bila anda lulus kesemua ujian praktikal memandu JPJ, anda boleh mengeluarkan lesen Probationary Driver’s License (PDL) ataupun lesen percubaan anda.

Dengan adanya PDL, kini anda boleh memandu semua jenis kereta manual di Malaysia.

The post Cara Memandu Kereta Manual Naik & Turun Bukit appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Using a Car Video Recorder On Your Vehicle

A car video recorder is not yet a popular device in Malaysia.

But in countries such as Thailand and Taiwan, it is a very common tool.

If you think about it, installing a car camera or DVR on your car has a lot of advantage.

It is very useful if you were involved in an accident.

Who is at fault?

When 2 person gets into a minor accident in Malaysia, who is at fault?

When 2 drivers involved in an accident, if it is serious, the drivers will have to go to the police station to make a police report.

Now, who is at fault is left to the police officer to decide.

Sometimes, the police officer has very limited evidence to work with.

He makes a decision by studying the damage on your car and also the scene of the accident.

When the evidence is insufficient, sometimes, you may be found to be at fault even though you are innocent.

When you are at fault, you will be fined RM300.

Sometimes, both drivers will be deemed at fault and fined RM300 each.

What if you could produce an actual video when the accident happened?

That would be a great evidence to argue your case, wouldn’t it?

That’s why fitting a car camera has so many advantages to the driver.

Safefirst Q5 – Best DVR Camera in Malaysia

Not too long ago, I actually bought the Safefirst Q5 car camera from Lazada Malaysia.

I didn’t want to buy a cheap car dash camcorder because I know it will break down rather quickly.

I wanted something which is robust, practical and will last at least 2 – 3 years.

The Safefirst Q5 seems like a good deal.

I bought it from Lazada Malaysia for RM169.20 including of delivery charges.

Because the unit was shipped from a local supplier, I received my package within 2 days.

My Experience Using The Safefirst Q5

Unpacking the Safefirst Q5

When I received the Safefirst Q5, the package actually came with a Kingston 8GB SD memory card. I didn’t order it and I assume it is a free gift from Lazada.

Hey…if it is free, I am not complaining :)

Firstly, installation is pretty simple and straight forward. All I had to do was attached the unit to my rear view mirror.

I then plugged in the power cable into my car cigarette lighter port and it is good to go.

Safefirst Q5 Recording Quality

OK, the main reason I bough a car camcorder is to record video when I am driving on the road.

So how is the video output quality?

Firstly, because the video output is on AVI file rather than in MP4, I noticed the memory card gets full rather quickly.

The solution to this is to adjust the video recording settings to a lower resolution and maybe get a bigger capacity SD card.

Generally, the output is grainy but overall the view angle is good.

Video quality is not really good, but acceptable.

What I wanted to see was the car model in front of my car and the number plate. And I could see them both in the video recording.

For a relatively inexpensive car windscreen video recorder, the Safefirst Q5 does with it is suppose to do.

Overall, I give it a 4 Stars for practicality and 5 Star for cost.

If you are thinking of buying a car camcorder, go ahead a get the Safefirst Q5.

Click on the link below to get it from Lazada Malaysia.

Click here to order Safefirst Q5 from Lazada

The post Best Car Dash Camera In Malaysia | Safefirst Q5 Review appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Malaysian drivers, including myself, do not seem to know very much about tyres. We may know a few things such as alignment, balancing and pressures, but is it really enough?

As tyres represent such an important item of a vehicle and our lives may very well depend on them, I feel feel an article o it should be written.

But the problem that arises is, I’m only a driving instructor, not a mechanic, nor a shopkeeper dealing with tyres. Then, what do I do? To write an article on tyres, I therefore have to do researches and read on the subject of tyres itself.

In the process of doing the above, I read an article whereby a writer reiterated one important advice, which I feel should be shared amongst all my readers. He said and I quote, “tyres weaken and bulge”.

This can cause a tyre to blow up. When this happens, you’ll have to send your car into a repair shop. However, the blow out will put you in a hospital! Think about it carefully.

There are many important things which motorists should ideally know about tyres. In this article, I will break it up in sections. Hopefully, in doing so, readers will find it much easier to comprehend what is being written.

1. The significance of markings on the side walls of tyres

Most motorists, including myself, do not know what the small prints which appear on the walls of the tyre itself means. At least until now. Here are some of the abbreviations which you might possibly see on the sidewalls of tyres. Look at it carefully.

P- denotes tyres for passenger cars
LT- are tyres for light trucks
R- indicates radial ply tyres
T- indicates tyres that are for special trailers
235 – are numbers which indicates the width of the tyres in mm (millimeters)

After providing readers with the above information, it is hoped you will better understand some of the denominations which appear on the side walls of tyres from now on.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide you with all information. Information not quoted here, will have to be learnt up by yourself.

2. What are of the warning signs that say you need new tyres?

Generally, a motorist, with some experience, should be able to look for some tell tale signs which will denote to you that you need a set of new tyres for your vehicle. If one is unable to decipher the above, it is suggested that you seek the assistance of a mechanic.

Amongst some of the signs are:-

a. Your tyres look old or worn out. Tyres which are in such poor conditions, if it fails you, will bring about a catastrophe. Furthermore, it will leave you stranded as well.

b. If you are uncertain, always ask the advice of your usual mechanic.
Besides physical examination of your vehicle’s tyres, there exists also 5 things that can warn you that you possibly need new tyres for your vehicle.

The things include:

i. Tread
Ideally a tyre tread shall not fall below 1/16 or 1.6mm. the best way to determine tyre tread is to use a tyre gauge.

ii. Tyre weak indicator bars
Many people are unaware, that there are tyre wear indicator bars on a tyre.

These bars run perpendicular to tread patterns of tyres. Look at it carefully on your tyres. It is certain that you will be able to spot them.

iii. Cracks in the side walls
Sometimes, the side walls of tyres end up in cracks and cuts. These are tell tale signs which can assist you to make a decision as to whether you need new tyres for your vehicle or otherwise.

iv. The presence of bulges and blisters on tyres
The constant usage of tyres will sometimes cause bulges and blisters on tyres. Bulges and blisters can cause blow up and it is dangerous.

v. There is too much vibration in the tyre
Some vibrations in tyres is a normal thing. If you should suddenly feel that your tyres vibrate, then something is wrong somewhere.

Amongst some of the reasons why tyres are said to vibrate are:

a. Tyres are unbalanced or misaligned
b. Your shock absorbers are weak or gone
c. There might be some problem regarding the internal structure of the tyre itself. High density vibration in a tyre will eventually destroy a tyre.

One other important thing which motorists should know about tyres is correct air pressures. Why is it important to use correct air pressures in your vehicle? Correct pressures bring the below benefits:-

1. It extends tyre life

2. Incorrect pressures or under inflation will increase fuel consumption

3. Over inflation will affect grip and braking performance of a vehicle.

4. Over inflation also cause harsh, uncomfortable ride.

Places to look for tables of tyre pressures for cars

If you wish to know more about tyre pressure for your vehicle, look for it in the

a. Glove compartment
b. Consult your vehicle handbook
c. Inside of your filler cap
d. The panel next to the driver’s seat

Are under inflated tyres dangerous?

In some countries like America for example, one can be fined for using under inflated tyres. Under inflated tyres reduce grip on road surfaces. The braking distances for vehicles to stop also increases. It is said, concerning is badly affected by poorly inflated tyres. And finally, fuel consumption increases with under inflation too.

How can tyres help to reduce consumption of a vehicle?

If one wishes to increase the fuel consumption of one’s car, here are a few tips to assist you:-

i. Look after your tyres well and rest assured, you will be rewarded with better consumption.
ii. It is said, fuel consumption increases by at least 10% if tyres are well looked after.
iii. Irregular tread wear increases a car’s rolling resistance, which indirectly increases fuel consumption of a vehicle.
iv. Incorrect balancing increases drag which also contributes largely to a heavier fuel consumption.
v. Under inflated tyres is said to increase fuel consumption by at least 10%.
vi. Using the air con, believe it or not, increases fuel consumption by some 10%.
vii. Driving with windows open increases drag which increases wind resistance, which will eventually lead to poorer fuel consumption.
viii. The way one drives or aggressive driving also contributes to increased fuel consumption.
ix. And finally, if you wish to achieve a better fuel consumption for your vehicle, don’t drive at all or better still, take the LRT or the bus.

And finally, have you ever considered why all tyres are black? This is because they have tyre black in them! Well, that’s all about tyres for the time being.

The post Telling You All You Need To Know About Tyres appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

The Klang valley includes Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Subang, Shah Alam and also Klang. Due to poor drainage controls by our authorities, motorists often face flash floods in the above areas. My youngest daughter, S. Lin, was caught in a flooded area while returning home from Putrajaya on the 2nd day of Hari Raya.

Should you be caught in flooded area, as a driver, what should you ideally do?

The best alternative I would suggest to any driver is, Stop at the wayside. And do not proceed any further. But by following my advice, you would most likely be creating a traffic jam. And you’ll be irking the displeasure and curses of other motorists following behind you.

To proceed into a flooded area, with the rest of the on flowing traffic, might possibly cause your vehicle to stall mid way, as the flood waters become deeper.

For your knowledge, in flood situations, manual cars are driven slightly different from automatic vehicles. Be it manual or automatic, there certainly is a way, or technique to prevent your vehicle from dying off or stalling.

My late father, who was a lorry driver, used to advise me this. To prevent your vehicle from stalling in a flooded area, one must see to it that flood waters do NOT enter into the exhaust pipe. If in any event, flood waters enters the above pipe, your vehicle engine will die off.

So what must a driver do? My dad recommends this. I remember him advising me that in manual cars, one must engage the first gear. And most important of all, accelerate as hard as you can.

Of course, in doing the above, you should engage half the clutch in order to control the vehicle and prevent the engine dying off.

What about automatic cars? What advice should be given to drivers of such modern cars in a flood situation?

Well, I suppose, in such vehicles, one should put the car in drive mode. And step on the accelerator hard as one does in a manual driven vehicle.

The next time you are driving into flood water, please follow my advice above. You will definitely benefit from it.

The post What Should You Do When You Are Driving Over Flood Water? appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

There comes a time when a person has to make a decision, to buy a brand new car or a second hand one. Various pros and cons have to be considered. The final decision however will depend solely upon the person who is buying the car himself or herself.

Today, I will put forward various pros and cons that favour the buying a new vehicle and that of buying a second hand vehicle. You have to weigh both the pros and cons before you arrive at a decision.

Reasons to support your buying a brand new car:-

1) A new car provides you with pride and prestige.

A brand new vehicle obviously will bring you a certain amount of pride and prestige. You will certainly be the proud owner of a new car as compared to a second hand one.

And especially if you are owning a model such as a Mercedes, Volvo or a BMW vehicle. A salesman, who owns one of the above cars, will find that his business will be in a way affected by the type of vehicle be owns.

2) Better service and performance.

New cars obviously tend to provide you better service and performance as compared to a second hand one. Without a doubt, a new car or vehicle will tend to provide you with a better performance or better service all round.

They can, as they say, provide you with reliable services, and fewer breakdowns. Therefore with new cars, you can rely on your new vehicles to provide you with the confidence that you expect from them!

3) Vehicle warranty.

New cars have warranty to cater for breakdowns as compared to vehicles which are slowly undergoing deterioration.

Most new vehicles possess a warranty period of approximately 5 years. If within a 5 year period, a new vehicle should breakdown, then the warranty calls for the agents or distributors to be responsible for repairs and upkeep of the new vehicle.

4) Better fuel efficiency.

New cars are more fuel efficient as compared to older second hand cars. New vehicles are said to be able to give the owner better fuel consumption. This means a new vehicle will be able to provide lesser costs of maintenance to the owner.

5) Better resale value.

New vehicles have a higher resale value. Where resale value of cars are concerned, it is believed that new cars possess a higher resale value as compared to a second hand car.

The post 5 Good Reasons Why You Should Buy A New Car Versus Used Car appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

What happens if a 17 year old student who is in school or college was to be involved in a serious car accident? First of all, you will lose you capability to drive. You driving license will be withdrawn.

On the other hand, there is a likelihood that you will be jailed too. With a jail sentence, you will no longer be able to pursue your higher education. You and your family will be saddled with lots of worries. In short, I would say, your future will be at stake.

Permit me to relate to you a real life situation. A student of mine, hardly 19 years of age, recently met an accident at a junction. Coming out from a traffic light, another vehicle approaching from a road ahead crashed into the side of his car. Unfortunately, the driver of the said vehicle which hit him died a few days later.

Today, the said student of mine is charged under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987. He currently awaiting court proceedings which undoubtedly will take many long and tedious years.

This article on dangerous driving is intended to introduce to readers to an incident which happened in Penang just recently.

A Malaysian Airlines stewardess, named Ng Sweet Yuin, 27, died on the spot when her Perodua Myvi was involved in a head on collision with a Proton Satria driven by a youth on the Jelutong Expressway at 3:15 am on Thursday 3rd December 2010.

The youth, an undergraduate, was back from Australia on his semester break, broke both his legs and sustained multiple injuries. Latest investigations into the above incident revealed that in the road accident which killed the air stewardess, indicated that the other drive involved was traveling against the traffic.

Penang state police enforcement operations Chief Assistant Superintendent Ahmad Razali said eyewitnesses told the investigating officer that the 22 year old youth had reportedly turned into the wrong lane upon coming out from a petrol station. Currently, the youth is resting at the Penang Hospital He will be interviewed once he is fit.

The air stewardess died on the spot when her car was involved in a collision with the car driven by the youth along the Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

According to the investigating officer, the fact that the road divider sustained no damage ruled out the possibility of the youth’s car jumping over to the opposite direction before it crashed into Ng’s car.

Sources say, blood samples will have to be taken from both drivers to determine if either of them were intoxicated or high on drugs. Both the cars will also be sent to Puspakom for the required tests.

As has been reiterated earlier, the case is being investigated as causing death by reckless or dangerous driving under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987. In the meantime, the stewardess mother said that the family is currently in the process of instituting legal redress over the said incident.

The youth if found to be guilty will amongst other things undergo a mandatory jailed sentence and fined a hefty RM5000 to RM15,000 penalty while his driving license will also be suspended.

Young drivers throughout Malaysia are thus advised to drive with due care if they do not wish to undergo the same fate as the youth who caused the air stewardess’s death. All drivers should always bear in mind that Section 41 of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 can in fact hand you a mandatory jail sentence if you should cause death by dangerous and careless driving.

The post What Happens If You Commit A Serious Traffic Offense? appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

What can a Malaysian expect when driving in Japan?

Except when in metropolitan cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, transportation in Japan is said to be very inconvenient. One further thing you should know about Japan is, most Japanese people do not own a driving license at all.

If you intend to drive in Japan, permit me to brief you with regards to a few simple road rules and regulations, which you ought to be aware of. They are:
1) Japanese people drive on the left side, like us back home in Malaysia.

2) Drivers’ seats in Japan are located on the right, again, just like in Malaysia.

3) The minimum age to secure a driving license in Japan is 18 years.

4) Japanese people follow international rules.

5) Major signs and roads are in English and of course, Japanese.

6) Drinking and driving is strictly disallowed in Japan.

7) Expressways vary from 80 km/h to 100 km/h. In urban areas, the speed limit is 40 km/h, while in small roads, the speed limit is 30 km/h.

8) Good roads in Japan are available in the country. However, urban areas are usually congested.

9) Most roads are toll free, except expressways.

10) Japanese drivers are well mannered and considerate people.

11) Japanese are said to ignore traffic lights and cross junctions.

12) Japanese drivers are famous for stopping haphazardly on the edge of streets, thereby blocking traffic.

Countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Taiwan follow other conventions and not the Geneva Convention of 1949 and 1968. They are not recognized by the Japanese government.

License holders from the above nations can however drive in Japan for a period of one year provided their licenses are translated into Japanese by the Japanese Automobile Federation. It can also be translated by the country’s respective embassies or consulates.

People from other countries, other than the above mentioned, must attempt to get a Japanese license if they so desire to drive in Japan.

To get or apply for a Japanese domestic license, you have to be able to pass an eye test and must have stayed in Japan a period of 3 months. To get a driving license in Japan, a person will need several attempts, even for experienced drivers.

The post 12 Interesting Facts On Driving In Japan appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

Many factors cause road accidents, for example, one of the most important factors that is said to contribute to road mishaps must surely be the behavior of motorists itself.

Human beings are said to possess negative aspects of conduct. There are some drivers who are ill tempered or easily agitated. Yet others are show offs. They tend to drive fast to show others that they are indeed good drivers and possess special qualities, especially where driving in concerned.

On the other hand, drivers who own positive aspects of behavior, like understanding, careful and show lots of respect for other road users are those who go on to avoid road accidents.

Drivers who are well mannered on the road besides being courteous and are responsible drivers. They will not only become good examples to other road users as a whole, but at the same time contribute towards the decrease of road accidents.

Drivers and motorcyclists should in fact possess good manners. At the same times, they should also be considerate people as well. Pedestrians and cyclists who frequent the roads should be accorded the proper behavior which they deserve.

Drivers and motorcyclists should see to it that they respect and follow the rules and regulations that is expected of them on the road. They should not be easily irritated by other road users. They should remain calm and cool at all times.

Drivers who are badly behaved can easily be seen in their actions such as speeding excessively, besides dangerously overtaking without due consideration for other traffic and road users. Other ways in which such bad drivers demonstrate their poor behavior are:
i) Non usage of signals correctly.

ii) Random use of horns without due care.

iii) Driving their vehicles using only one hand while putting their other hand on the side of the vehicle.

iv) Obstructing traffic with their manner of parking.

v) Driving inconsiderately in the centre of the road thereby preventing other road users from overtaking them.

vi) Driving fast across muddy areas thereby splashing water / mud on other road users.

vii) Besides what has already been mentioned prior to this, there exists other actions by drivers which could also be said to lacking decorum and should ideally not be condoned by us. Among some of those actions are:
i) Driving excessively fast even though vision is poor, especially during heavy thunderstorms.

ii) Inconsiderately using high lights thereby causing other road users much inconvenience.

iii) Overtaking at dangerous places such as winding areas where vision is said to be poor.

In Malaysia, the use of alcohol is something that is not encouraged. As such drivers are advised to avoid the use of this content wherever possible. Not only does the use of alcohol affect a driver’s anticipation, it also decreases a driver’s mental capabilities as well. Statistics have shown the usage of alcohol increases the rate of accidents.

Positive behaviors among drivers should be instilled into a driver who is responsible. For instance, drivers who drive huge vehicles like trailers, lorries and buses should accord due respect to smaller vehicles. This regulation in fact is being practiced in our neighboring country of Thailand where the law there insists such manner of behavior be adopted.

Likewise when motorists happen to observe the presence of blind people on the road or the disabled folks trying to cross the road, motorists as well as pedestrians should offer assistance to these unfortunate people. Motorists especially should stop their vehicles to offer these people assistance to cross the road. Pedestrians on the other hand should assist these people in crossing the road.

The above are some of the ways and means advocated so that road users could adopt to make the roads of our country safe and if possible reduce road accidents. In the way, Malaysians could then be labeled as a loving society, which truly cares for its less unfortunate members of the society.

The post Car Driving Tips For Beginners & Experienced Drivers appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.

I still remember the bridge that connects North and South Klang which was built across the Klang River in the 1950s.

When completed, this hanging bridge was never used. It was not capable to accommodate the normal weight of traffic that was expected of it to bear. It was further said that the engineer responsible for the construction of the bridge had forgotten to include the weight of 2 large pipes which were supposedly were used to carry water from Klang North to Klang South. The hanging bridge was to become a white elephant to Klang residents.

Later on, this bridge was finally dismantled. The British engineer responsible for this project was reported to have committed suicide as a result of his failure.

Continuing with today’s article of explaining to readers who happen to come into Klang town for the first time, or for those who are not too familiar with the traffic movement in Klang today, permit me to explain to you how one crosses the Klang River one intends to go to the Federal Highway via Shah Alam and Batu Tiga.

Assuming a motorist is approaching Klang South from either Kuala Langat or the Banting area, or maybe you might be driving in from Port Klang, which suitable way should one be advised to take?

The best alternative and quickest was to cross the Klang River, would be to if from Port Klang to go up the flyover as you approach the LaSalle School or Hin Hua Chinese Secondary School. In fact, a motorist would be traveling up Fort Road into the bridge adjacent to the Klang Town Council Municipal building situated on the left hand side.

Cross the bridge and travel up along the new flyover which has been recently completed after 4 years by contractor SPAZ since 2009, across the Bulatan Seratus, which is down below, heading smoothly into the Berkeley Gardens round about. Continue traveling smoothly up the flyover and this will take you right into the Bukit Rajah toll plaza which along the Federal Highway.

If you should be using either Touch and Go or Smart Card, you will only need a few seconds getting through this once notorious toll. Well, you are now on your way to Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya in less than 10 minutes at the most. That, my friend is what it takes to get you to the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur.

To believe what I am advocating, this fact can only be proven if only you take a journey through Klang soon. But it should be remembered that occasionally a few unforeseen jams might occur from time to time. This might therefore tend to make you disbelieve what I am advocating in this article.

What I just wrote is similar for both motorists who are either approaching Klang South from Banting or from Port Klang area into Klang South. Alternatively, if you are approaching the Simpang Tujuh round about in Klang from Kuala Lumpur or Port Klang, and you should find the road up Fort Hill is jammed occasionally, either you are to take a short cut cornering into Jalan Raja Barat, which leads to both the A.C.S. Secondary School or the Methodist Girl School.

Travel straight along this Jalan Raja Barat, take a short right hand corner behind the Klang South Police Station, then approach a traffic light near Little India, turn left up into the Musaeddin Bridge, cross it and go straight ahead to the Klang North post office in front of Mydin Supermarket. This way has already been explained to readers in the earlier part of this article.

Alternatively also, a motorist who approaches the famous 100 Round About can choose to turn into the Little India area and thence into the Mussaeddin Bridge and again into the sub postal office of Klang North, which is in front of the Mydin Supermarket and the new round about which is just underneath the new flyover.

So much so for instructions on how to cross from Klang South if you should be coming in from Banting district and Pelabuhan Klang.

Manner and ways of how to cross Klang North across the notorious Klang River coming in from the Federal Highway and Kuala Lumpur will be touched upon in another article. Until then, safe driving is advocated to all readers. Do come to Klang town and you’ll find crossing from North to South of Klang and vice versa, a nice and enjoyable drive, unlike in the yesterdays.

The post Driving Directions From Klang Town To Kuala Lumpur appeared first on The Driving School Blog - By a Seasoned Driving Instructor.