Sunday, January 1, 2012
Penjagaan Tayar
TAYAR merupakan komponen paling utama dan terpenting bagi sesebuah kenderaan. Jika rosak, ia boleh menyebabkan kemalangan, sekali gus mengancam nyawa pemandu dan penumpang tanpa diduga.
Cuba periksa tayar kereta anda. Perhatikan di antara satu bunga tayar dengan satu bunga tayar lain terdapat satu penyambung. Jika penyambung itu mempunyai ketinggian yang sama dengan bunga, ini bermakna ia perlu ditukar dalam tempoh tiga hingga empat bulan, bergantung kepada sekerap mana anda menggunakan kenderaan.
Berikut beberapa panduan apabila anda mahu menukar tayar kereta.
PERTAMA
Pilih saiz yang sesuai dengan keupayaan kereta kita. Sebagai contoh, jika Proton Wira 1.3 dan hendak menggunakan sport rim, cukuplah setakat saiz rim 14 inci kerana jika menggunakan saiz 15 inci, kekuatan pecutan kereta akan menurun, speedometer tidak merekodkan bacaan tepat, semua peralatan penyerap hentak akan lebih pendek jangka hayat.
KEDUA
Selepas mendapat saiz sesuai,Perhatikan di bahagian tepi tayar. Terdapat satu rangkaian nombor yang dicetak tenggelam ke permukaan tepi tayar. Sebenarnya rangkaian nombor ini memberikan kita maklumat mengenai tarikh tayar dikilangkan (minggu dan tahun).
Maklumat ini kita boleh gunakan untuk tujuan keselamatan. Mengikut piawaian tayar antarabangsa, ia hanya boleh bertahan selama dua tahun selepas dikilangkan.
KETIGA
Mengenai saiz, cuba perhatikan rangkaian nombor dan huruf yang tercetak timbul di permukaan tepi tayar. Sebagai contoh 205/50 VR 16 bermaksud tayar itu mempunyai kelebaran 205 mm, ketebalan (dari rim ke permukana jalan) adalah 50 peratus daripada kelebaran 205 mm dan untuk kegunaan rim bersaiz 16 inci. Huruf VR bermaksud, tayar itu sesuai untuk kelajuan sehingga 240 km/j tanpa menjejaskan kekuatan dan ketahanan tayar.
KEEMPAT
Kebanyakan kita lebih suka memilih tayar import. Bagaimanapun, kebanyakan tayar berkenaan dibuat berdasarkan iklim dan apabila digunakan di Malaysia yang panas terik, jangka hayatnya lebih pendek.
KELIMA
Tayar sepatutnya ditukar kedudukannya setiap tiga bulan. Caranya, tayar depan kiri ditukarkan ke kanan belakang dan tayar depan kanan ditukarkan ke kiri belakang.
KEENAM
Sekiranya kadar kehausan bunga di bahagian tepi kiri dan kanan lebih cepat berbanding di tengah, ini bermaksud selama tekanan angin tayar kurang.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Under Hood Checks
Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it used to be, checking under the hood periodically can head off problems before they become costly. Today, with self service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get it done is for you to do it yourself.
Start by reading your owners manual. There will always be a section on under hood checks. Keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the trunk
First, a word about safety. Read the safety warnings in your owners manual and any safety warning stickers that may be under the hood.
If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off. If the engine is running, do not put your hands near any belts or fans. If you are not comfortable with touching a hot or running engine, then just do the checks that can be done with the engine cold and turned off and have someone else do the rest.
Engine oil level
This is the most important under-hood check you can do. An engine cannot run without oil even for a minute without serious engine damage or total destruction! To check the oil level, make sure that the engine is turned off, then find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or rag, wipe off the end of the stick and notice the markings on it. You will usually see a mark for "Full" and another mark for "Add." Check your owners manual to be sure. Push the stick back into the tube until it seats then immediately pull it out to see the oil level. You should not add oil unless the level is below the "Add" mark and NEVER add oil to bring the level above the "Full" mark. Your main concern with this check is that oil consumption is not rapidly increasing. If it is, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible and have it checked out. It is acceptable for the oil to be dark as long as you change it at the recommended intervals. However, it should never be foamy and should never have a strong gasoline smell. If either of these conditions exist, have it checked out soon.
Transmission fluid
Most automatic transmissions should be checked while the engine is running. Check your owners manual to be sure. Also make sure the car is on a level surface and fully warmed up. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe off the end and note the markings on the end of the stick. The usual markings are "Full" and "Add 1 pint." Push the stick into the tube until it seats, then immediately pull it out to see the fluid level. Transmission fluid should be pink or red in color with the look and consistency of cherry cough syrup. If the fluid is a muddy brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked by a mechanic. As with the engine, never add fluid unless it is below the "Add" mark and never bring it above the "Full" mark. Make sure you use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle. If you plan to add Transmission fluid yourself, you should know that fluid usually comes in quarts, but the level may not be low enough to take the full quart. Also, you will need a special funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of. Check your owners manual for the type of fluid and do not substitute anything else. Any noticeable transmission oil consumption should be checked out at a repair shop.
Brake fluid
The brake fluid reservoir is under the hood right in front of the steering wheel. Most cars today have a transparent reservoir so that you can see the level without opening the cover. The brake fluid level will drop slightly as the brake pads wear out. This is a normal condition and you shouldn't worry about it. If the level drops noticeably over a short period of time or goes down to about two thirds full, have your brakes checked as soon as possible. NEVER PUT ANYTHING BUT APPROVED BRAKE FLUID IN YOUR BRAKES. ANYTHING ELSE CAN CAUSE SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE! Keep the reservoir covered except for the amount of time you need to fill it and never leave a can of brake fluid uncovered. Brake fluid must maintain a very high boiling point .Exposure to air will cause the fluid to absorb moisture which will lower that boiling point.
Power steering fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir usually has a small dipstick attached to the cap. Remove the cap and check the fluid level. The level should not change more than the normal range on the stick. If you have to add fluid more than once or twice a year, then have the system checked for leaks. These systems are easily damaged if you drive while the fluid is very low. Another warning of low power steering fluid is a buzzing noise when you turn the steering wheel at slow speeds.
Coolant (Antifreeze) level
Never open the radiator of a car that has just been running. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure with fluid that is usually hotter than boiling water. Look for the cooling system reserve tank, somewhere near the radiator. It is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it. (Do not confuse it with the windshield washer tank). The reserve tank will have two marks on the side of it. "FULL HOT" and "FULL COLD." If the level frequently goes below "full cold" after adding fluid, you probably have a leak which should be checked as soon as possible. Today's engines are much more susceptible to damage from overheating, so do not neglect this important system.
Battery
Most batteries today are "maintenance free" which simply means that you can't check the water level. This doesn't mean however, that there is nothing to check. The main things to check are the top of the battery which should be clean and dry, and the terminal connections which should be clean and tight. If the top of the battery continuously becomes damp or corroded soon after cleaning, then have the charging system and battery checked by your mechanic.
Windshield washer solvent
Windshield washer solvent is readily available by the gallon in auto supply stores as well as supermarkets and it is cheap. It is fine to use with or without adding water but will clean better undiluted. Never dilute it during winter months to insure that it retains its antifreeze protection.
Belts & Hoses
In most cases your mechanic can check your belts and hoses when you bring in the car for an oil change. However, if you get your oil changed by some quick lube type centers, belts and hoses may not be on their list of items to check in which case you're on your own. These checks are best done while the car is cold.
Belts are used to drive a number of components on an engine including: the water pump, power steering pump, air conditioner, alternator and an emission control pump. Some later model cars have a single "serpentine" belt that handles everything. This type of belt looks flat on one side with several ribs on the other side. You should check the ribbed side for signs of dry and cracked rubber. Serpentine belts are usually self adjusting and very durable. They should last about 30,000 miles. The other type of belt is called a "V" belt and is adjustable. There is usually more than one to an engine, sometimes three or four. Check each one for cracks and tightness and have them replaced if you find any problems. Some V belts are hard to reach but no less important so if you can't reach it to check then have your mechanic do it periodically.
Hoses should be checked visually and by feel. You are looking for dry cracked rubber, especially at the ends where they are attached. You should also check the ends for any signs of ballooning.
Windshield wiper blades
I think that every driver knows what it is like to drive in the rain with bad wiper blades. (I know... I'm not under the hood any more... stop being technical) Wiper blades should be changed every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. Wiper blades will tend to streak when they are dirty. Take a paper towel with some window cleaner and clean the rubber blade whenever you clean the windshield.
Tires
Buy a decent tire gage and keep it in the car. Improper tire pressure can affect tire wear as well as ride and handling. You should always check your tires when they are cold. Use the manufacturers recommended tire pressures. Tire pressure tends to rise as you drive due to heat build-up. Manufacturers have this in mind when they set the recommended cold pressures so do not let air out when the tire gets hot. Check the tire again when it cools off and you will find that the pressure is back to where it was. Tire pressure will change with the seasons, so in winter months make sure they are not under inflated. Remember, always check them when they are cold.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Penggunaan Isyarat Lampu Dengan Betul
Lampu isyarat berwarna kuning pada kereta merupakan ciri-ciri keselamatan penting yang membantu pejalan kaki serta pengguna jalan lain untuk mengetahui ke arah mana sebuah kereta akan menghala. Lampu isyarat kuning akan membolehkan pengguna-pengguna jalan raya untuk melihat kereta dengan jelas dan berwaspada terhadap arah tujuan kereta tersebut.
Namun, sekarang ini didapati banyak kereta yang tidak menggunakan lampu isyarat yang betul. Lampu isyarat di sesetengah kereta tidak berwarna kuning, sebaliknya ditukarkan dengan lampu berwarna merah. Lampu merah ini boleh disalahertikan dengan warna ‘casing’ lampu merah yang mempunyai fungsi yang lain pula.
Kekeliruan ini menyebabkan pemandu kereta lain mungkin tidak dapat melihat lampu isyarat kereta tersebut dengan jelas. Lampu isyarat sepatutnya menunjukkan warna yang berbeza secara jelas berbanding dengan lampu lain. Masalah lain adalah, sesetengah kereta mempunyai lampu isyarat yang diletakkan di tengah-tengah ‘casing’ lampu, dan bukannya di bahagian tepi.
Apabila lampu isyarat tidak ditempatkan di kedudukan yang sesuai, maka pemandu kereta di sebelah sisi kenderaan tidak akan dapat melihat kerana lampu isyarat hanya ditunjukkan kepada pemandu di belakang kenderaan. Ini boleh menyebabkan kemalangan.
Saiz lampu isyarat pada sesetengah kenderaan pula terlalu kecil. Apabila lampu isyarat tidak cukup besar dan terang, ia akan menyebabkan penglihatan yang kurang jelas ketika hujan atau cuaca yang buruk. Ada juga segelintir pemandu yang menyalakan lampu “fog” walaupun penglihatan amat jelas. Intensiti cahaya yang tinggi daripada lampu ini menyebabkan kesulitan dan ketidakselesaan bagi pemandu-pemandu yang lain.
Jabatan Standard Malaysia telah membangunkan MS IEC 60810:2008, Lampu untuk Kenderaan di Jalan – Keperluan Prestasi (Semakan Pertama) (IEC 60810:2003, IDT). Dokumen Malaysian Standard ini untuk lampu yang boleh digantikan (lampu pijar dan ‘discharge’) untuk digunakan dalam lampu depan, lampu ‘fog” dan lampu isyarat untuk kenderaan jalan. Ini adalah khas untuk lampu-lampu yang didaftar dalam IEC 60809.
Walau bagaimanapun, standard ini juga boleh digunakan untuk lampu lain yang dikategorikan dalam ruang lingkup standard ini, serta untuk pembangunan masa depan, misalnya cahaya dihasilkan oleh diod pancaran cahaya (LED).
Kemalangan boleh terjadi kerana sesetengah pemandu mengubah suai kereta mereka tanpa mengikuti spesifikasi dan ciri-ciri keselamatan yang betul serta tidak mementingkan keselamatan. Statistik Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia menunjukkan bahawa pada tahun 2010, jumlah kemalangan yang melibatkan motokar adalah sekitar 472,307 (peningkatan sebanyak 7.07% dari tahun 2008). Jumlah kemalangan yang melibatkan semua jenis kenderaan adalah 705,623 (peningkatan sebanyak 4.36% dari tahun 2008).
Para pemandu haruslah ingat bahawa mereka perlu mematuhi peraturan-peraturan yang telah ditetapkan dan tidak sewajarnya menunggu sehingga pihak berkuasa mengenakkan tindakan ke atas mereka. Ciri-ciri keselamatan pada kereta harus dipastikan supaya berfungsi mengikut tujuannya dan bukan untuk bergaya. Para pemandu juga harus lebih bertanggungjawab terhadap tabiat pemanduan dan penyelenggaraan kenderaan secara berkala untuk menjamin keselamatan mereka sendiri.
Jabatan Keselamatan Jalan Raya Malaysia perlu mengenakan tindakan yang tegas terhadap pemandu-pemandu yang tidak mengikuti ciri keselamatan di dalam kereta mereka. Begitu juga kepada pemandu-pemandu yang membuat pengubahsuaian lampu kereta dan aksesori tanpa kebenaran. Pihak berkuasa juga harus memastikan bahawa kenderaan-kenderaan mengikuti peraturan-peraturan dan standard yang ada, serta melarang penggunaan lampu atau alat-alat yang berkemungkinan akan membahayakan keselamatan bagi mengurangkan jumlah kemalangan di Malaysia.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Winter Auto Maintenance Checklist
Winter is upon us, and winter driving comes with it. While safety is an important consideration all year long, there are certainly some auto maintenance jobs and safety checks that are specific to chilled air and winter driving that are a good idea to check into before we're knee deep in the season. To be sure you don't end up a road popsicle, or even worse end up with your holiday budget on ice thanks to unexpected repairs, have a look under the hood to be sure things are ship shape. As with any change of season, you should go to your regular maintenance log to make sure you are up to date on the maintenance items that should be taken care of throughout the year. The change of seasons is a great time to go through some once-a-year or twice-a-year auto maintenance tasks.
Winter Specific Maintenance
In addition to the added perils of winter driving, the change in weather can bring peril to your car's systems. Freezing temps, salted roads and wintery precipitation can gang up on your car if you don't give it a baseball-bat sized maintenance session. These winter maintenance jobs will keep you out of trouble:
Check your antifreeze
Your antifreeze (the juice that goes in your radiator) is an essential part of your car's winter protection. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50. Many service stations and repair centers will check this mixture free, or you can buy a tester for around $5. You did remember to perform a radiator flush last spring, didn't you?
Inspect your tires
The last line of defense between you and an oak tree are your tires. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. The old penny test is as reliable as anything to find out whether your treads are ready for winter action. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little pressure when it gets cold, so pump 'em up.
Replace your wipers
Wipers? What do your windshield wipers have to do with winter weather? Two things. First, anything falling from the sky is going to end up on your windshield, and unless you have a team of beavers riding on the hood of your car the task of clearing it falls on your wipers. Second, in areas that see snowfall in the winter, you're also driving through that soupy muck that's left on the road once the highway department does their thing. This muck includes a lot of sand and salt, both of which end up on your windshield. It takes wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe.
Check your windshield washer fluid
You'll be using lots of washer fluid as you try to keep your windshield sparkly. A mile stuck behind an 18-wheeler will have your windshield looking like a Desert Humvee if you're low on washer fluid. *Tip: Don't fill your washer fluid reservoir with anything except washer fluid, it won't freeze!
Annual Maintenance Procedures
On top of the checks you need to perform to ensure safe winter driving, now's a good time to do some annual maintenance. These aren't necessarily specific to winter driving, but it's a good point on the calendar to get around to doing this stuff.
Clean your battery posts
Starting problems are a bummer any time of year. Regularly treating your battery to a cleaning can keep electrical gremlins at bay.
Inspect your spark plug wires
Cracked up plug wires affect performance, gas mileage and general reliability. Be sure yours are in top shape.
Inspect your brakes
Brakes are not a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes have enough meat left to get you through the season.
Check Your Engine Oil
This should go without saying and should be done at least monthly. But in case you're an amnesiac ... you should also do an oil change!
Cold weather safety should be a concern for anybody living in a cold climate. These tips will give you the upper hand when Old Man Winter tries to put a chill on your winter travels. If you're extra curious about staying generally safe in winter weather, the National Weather Service has an excellent Winter Safety & Awareness guide that covers everything from how storms brew to a list of history's billion dollar winter wonders.
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