Buff the Magic Dragon.... I mean Car Expert

[h2o]

thanks in advance
it would be a big help to any females managing cars single-handedly....
first question:
i'm driving at 60k/h on a slightly downhill road
as my car accelerates, i touch the brake pedal lightly with my foot
my steering starts to vibrate
vibration ceases when i lift my foot of brake pedal and vice versa
whaddaya think?

[buff]

thanks in advance
it would be a big help to any females managing cars single-handedly....
first question:
i'm driving at 60k/h on a slightly downhill road
as my car accelerates, i touch the brake pedal lightly with my foot
my steering starts to vibrate
vibration ceases when i lift my foot of brake pedal and vice versa
whaddaya think?

hmm.. sounds like the brake discs could be warped...

got to qualify myself: i'm no car expert but i will give my 2 sen. i'm sure other forummers will chip in.

[h2o]

hmm.. sounds like time the brake discs could be warped...

got to qualify myself: i'm no car expert but i will give my 2 sen. i'm sure other forummers will chip in.
i just had the brake linings looked at and he said they could last a good 6 months more
do you think it could be the castor bushes (unsure of spelling)?

[Dino]

i just had the brake linings looked at and he said they could last a good 6 months more
do you think it could be the castor bushes (unsure of spelling)?

6 months more ah?? Looks like time to change!! :squeeze:

[Fulat]

i just had the brake linings looked at and he said they could last a good 6 months more
do you think it could be the castor bushes (unsure of spelling)?

Buff is right. Nothing to do with your brake lining. It is your the brake disc itself. As long as the disc is warp, a slight touch of the brake will send the steering vibrating. The options which you have is to send your disc for skimming. If you have budget, it is better to change both the front disc. It is not very expensive but then again, it depends on which car you drive. :D

[h2o]

i thot i'd get some opinions rather than just the mechanic's
appreciate any input
they have been known to rip off auto-ignorami like meself and fix things that don't need fixing
he said castor bushes need changing
i have some more q's to ask another day
good nite and thanks again

[Fulat]

i thot i'd get some opinions rather than just the mechanic's
appreciate any input
they have been known to rip off auto-ignorami like meself and fix things that don't need fixing
he said castor bushes need changing
i have some more q's to ask another day
good nite and thanks again

Forget about caster bushes. Anyway, didnt know caster bushes needs changing? Hmmm.... I suggest you go to another mechanic and seek a second opinion. Some mechanics are good but some also dunno jack shit.

[daBoss]

brake discs warped? wow... h2o, you been slamming on your brakes lately?

dun think problems with the bushes would cause the steering to vibrate... neither would the brake pads cause that... if your brake pads are thinning, it's give you a creaking sound...

[Fulat]

brake discs warped? wow... h2o, you been slamming on your brakes lately?

dun think problems with the bushes would cause the steering to vibrate... neither would the brake pads cause that... if your brake pads are thinning, it's give you a creaking sound...

I think the disc kena water while it is very hot!! or the disc is of inferior quality.

[buff]

6 months more ah?? Looks like time to change!! :squeeze:

sorry, digress a little. eh, dino, u get constipation very often ke? i notice u like to use this smilie: :squeeze:

best get a doc to diagnose.. :laugh:

[buff]

whoa, sounds like there was a party here after i went to sleep...

brake discs warp easily... initially i bought oem, which warped after abt 2 mths. later changed to original. after abt 6 mths, giving me a bit of vibration liao... most warranties for cars do not include brake discs and pads for this reason... fulat is spot on... when the brakes are hot (and they run very hot if u travel at high speed and brake a lot), just a little water from puddles can warp the disc... so this happens a lot in m'sia... not sure abt down underland..

agree with both fulat and daboss, bushes will not cause vibration only when u apply brakes... if bushes, gone, there should be plenty of vibration, sound etc whenever u hit a pothole, uneven surfaces...

on the other hand, changing the bushes is probably much cheaper than changing the discs (some call them rotors), so maybe can strike a deal with the mechanic that if changing the bushes doesn't solve the problem, u can return the bushes? (putting money where the mouth is)

btw, h2o, changed from a pretty guy to gal liao? :p

[h2o]

whoa, sounds like there was a party here after i went to sleep...

brake discs warp easily... initially i bought oem, which warped after abt 2 mths. later changed to original. after abt 6 mths, giving me a bit of vibration liao... most warranties for cars do not include brake discs and pads for this reason... fulat is spot on... when the brakes are hot (and they run very hot if u travel at high speed and brake a lot), just a little water from puddles can warp the disc... so this happens a lot in m'sia... not sure abt down underland..

agree with both fulat and daboss, bushes will not cause vibration only when u apply brakes... if bushes, gone, there should be plenty of vibration, sound etc whenever u hit a pothole, uneven surfaces...

on the other hand, changing the bushes is probably much cheaper than changing the discs (some call them rotors), so maybe can strike a deal with the mechanic that if changing the bushes doesn't solve the problem, u can return the bushes? (putting money where the mouth is)

btw, h2o, changed from a pretty guy to gal liao? :p
nope from pretty boy to animation...... :D
btw i'm paying close attention to all the technical advice given in this thread.....thanks

[h2o]

i filled up with vortex super although it cost more (RM$200 for my full tank -ouch ! so quit whining abt the cost of petrol back home ok!!!) but i was told by various ppl that it's more efficient hence it lasts longer
but the following weekend my tank was half-full so i filled up with regular unleaded
does this make it totally useless for me to fill vortex in the first place? (what i have in the tank is a mix now)

[athena]

ok...away from topic for a while..my dear h20, malaysia produces petroluem and it is the only thing here that is 'cheaper' compared to our neighbours....for everything else ....we NEED the mastercard!! :laugh:

coming back to topic, those petrol additives...are they any good? will those help in fuel consumption? clean the engine?

[h2o]

dat's why i'm changing from a 3 litre to a 2 litre engine

[buff]

dat's why i'm changing from a 3 litre to a 2 litre engine

change to diesel - it's the best for mileage... :)

btw, what car were u and r u driving?

[h2o]

change to diesel - it's the best for mileage... :)

btw, what car were u and r u driving?
still driving "the beast" my xtra-long 7-series beamer
my lil maz 3 is arriving from japan in a fortnite yayy
then i'll save a buck on gas

here diesel costs an arm and a leg lah (lagi more expensive than super-vortex)

[Voon Chan]

ok...away from topic for a while..my dear h20, malaysia produces petroluem and it is the only thing here that is 'cheaper' compared to our neighbours....for everything else ....we NEED the mastercard!! :laugh:

coming back to topic, those petrol additives...are they any good? will those help in fuel consumption? clean the engine?they are fantastic, every 100km you can reduce fuel comsuption by .2-0.3liter
Additional power to your car too

Cleaner engine too

[buff]

still driving "the beast" my xtra-long 7-series beamer
my lil maz 3 is arriving from japan in a fortnite yayy
then i'll save a buck on gas

here diesel costs an arm and a leg lah (lagi more expensive than super-vortex)

wah, a 7-series... respek respek... u keeping both cars?

yeah, diesel overseas normally cost slightly more than petrol, but offset by better mileage and lower maintenance costs..

but dun forget when u get ur salary, also a lot in RM terms ma...

[buff]

they are fantastic, every 100km you can reduce fuel comsuption by .2-0.3liter
Additional power to your car too

Cleaner engine too

but but i read somewhere that there should normally not be a need to add any additives... also, they're pretty expensive, so any savings is easily wiped out by the cost of the additives.

[Voon Chan]

but but i read somewhere that there should normally not be a need to add any additives... also, they're pretty expensive, so any savings is easily wiped out by the cost of the additives.exactly, but the power in your car is good
++ long term lower maintenance cost

I prefer addictive in my petrol

[Pagehong]

Wah, h2o........after so many years of complaining, you're still driving that more than 10years second hand car ah? High time to change lah... :D

[h2o]

they are fantastic, every 100km you can reduce fuel comsuption by .2-0.3liter
Additional power to your car too

Cleaner engine too
so to my question in post 13 - do u think a mixed tank still has any benefit over regular ?

[h2o]

wah, a 7-series... respek respek... u keeping both cars?

yeah, diesel overseas normally cost slightly more than petrol, but offset by better mileage and lower maintenance costs..

but dun forget when u get ur salary, also a lot in RM terms ma...
no need to respek lah
just a hand-me-down car i had no choice
of course i'm trading in for a smaller one - why keep 2 when i'm the only driver? :)
if i could afford it i would've gone for a lpg one.... seeing the $$ of petrol

[h2o]

Wah, h2o........after so many years of complaining, you're still driving that more than 10years second hand car ah? High time to change lah... :D
wah page after such long silence we have the privilege of this valued post ah? if u are responding to my post # 17 i suggest u re-read it :D
"still driving "the beast" my xtra-long 7-series beamer
my lil maz 3 is arriving from japan in a fortnite yayy"
wanna chat - go start a thread in 83 camp loh.......

[Fulat]

so to my question in post 13 - do u think a mixed tank still has any benefit over regular ?

Good money went down the drain. It is like drinking half a glass of water, then top it up with Coffee for more kick. It is better to finish the entire take of fuel and then only top up. But based on my experience, a smaller cc car would benefit more with the addictive in the petrol. Higher capacity engines would help much as the engine is already powerfull enought and the slight increase of power cannot be felt at all.

[h2o]

Good money went down the drain. It is like drinking half a glass of water, then top it up with Coffee for more kick. It is better to finish the entire take of fuel and then only top up. But based on my experience, a smaller cc car would benefit more with the addictive in the petrol. Higher capacity engines would help much as the engine is already powerfull enought and the slight increase of power cannot be felt at all.
thanks fulat
all that's v useful to know
btw what does fulat mean?

[Fulat]

thanks fulat
all that's v useful to know
btw what does fulat mean?

Pants Drop!! hahaha....

[h2o]

Pants Drop!! hahaha....
oic .... cantonese!

[Voon Chan]

so to my question in post 13 - do u think a mixed tank still has any benefit over regular ?yes!

[Voon Chan]

Good money went down the drain. It is like drinking half a glass of water, then top it up with Coffee for more kick. It is better to finish the entire take of fuel and then only top up. But based on my experience, a smaller cc car would benefit more with the addictive in the petrol. Higher capacity engines would help much as the engine is already powerfull enought and the slight increase of power cannot be felt at all.I agree with you. Please note that petrol treatment also help to clean your engine. You are an expert yourself in respect of cars

[buff]

Pants Drop!! hahaha....

he always drops his pants when he sees pretty gals... :p

[h2o]

1. in a new car where there should be no radiator leakage problem, how often does the coolant level need to be checked to keep it maintained at a healthy level
2. if water is used instead of coolant does it need to be checked more frequently?
3. is there a problem adding water to top up the coolant level (when checking and not having any stock of coolant at home)?

[Voon Chan]

1. in a new car where there should be no radiator leakage problem, how often does the coolant level need to be checked to keep it maintained at a healthy level
Checking the water level & coolant1-2 week once.
I think is between 20000-30000km, the coolant must be flush out & replace

2. if water is used instead of coolant does it need to be checked more frequently?
Every 1-2 weeks

3. is there a problem adding water to top up the coolant level (when checking and not having any stock of coolant at home)
No problem. No coolant need to be added

This is what I will do. I don't know about standard practise

[buff]

1. in a new car where there should be no radiator leakage problem, how often does the coolant level need to be checked to keep it maintained at a healthy level
2. if water is used instead of coolant does it need to be checked more frequently?
3. is there a problem adding water to top up the coolant level (when checking and not having any stock of coolant at home)?

my alternative views:

1. there should normally not be a need to check coolant levels. in fact i was told off by my mechanic for opening the radiotor cap to check this. with most newer cars, should be able to check this visually without having to open the cap.

only need to 'flush' the radiotor once in a while. the frequency of this will depend on the manufacturer's handbook and should already be part of the 'service menu' when you send your car.

2. a common misconception here. 'coolant' used in radiotors is actually water. people will add some anti-freeze to prevent freezing, rust etc, but the cooling function is performed by water. answer is: No.

3. No.

my current 8-year old junk needs to be topped up every week. otherwise there will be 'check coolant level' warning. sent to the mechanic but he couldn't diagnose the prob, even after doing the famous 'pressure' test. so i simply replaced the radiotor cap. and up to now, still holding up. !

[h2o]

for your very helpful advice
both of u are experienced and knowledgeable in my opinion
i find it useful to know all the extra little tips too

with regards to the coolant i was told that the difference between that and water is that boiling point of coolant is higher therefore it will not evaporate that quickly..

btw how to know the radiator fluid level in a new car without manually checking? u mean got indicator also ah?

[buff]

for your very helpful advice
both of u are experienced and knowledgeable in my opinion
i find it useful to know all the extra little tips too

with regards to the coolant i was told that the difference between that and water is that boiling point of coolant is higher therefore it will not evaporate that quickly..

btw how to know the radiator fluid level in a new car without manually checking? u mean got indicator also ah?

yes, the added 'coolant' increases the boiling point. however, there's been quite a few debates on whether this is necessary, coz if u think abt it, water in the radiotor should not be reaching boiling point and in any case, the radiotor should be completely sealed, so no chance for evaporation... but 'coolant' has other useful properties such as anti-rust and antifreeze, so definitely useful to add, esp in countries with winter etc.

re: checking the fluid, i believe for ur bmw, there is a plastic tank beside the radiotor with indicators - max and min. i was told (by quite a few people) that i should not keep unscrewing the radiotor cap, as the radiotor is meant to be pressurised and opening it may cause air to go in etc (however, can't verify this). i know people who don't check their radiotor coolant level for months.

[Voon Chan]

re: checking the fluid, i believe for ur bmw, there is a plastic tank beside the radiotor with indicators - max and min. i was told (by quite a few people) that i should not keep unscrewing the radiotor cap, as the radiotor is meant to be pressurised and opening it may cause air to go in etc (however, can't verify this). i know people who don't check their radiotor coolant level for months.I heard of that to. That is why I never unscrew it

[h2o]

why is it that i never have to charge or change my battery for abt 4 years whereas i know of ppl whose car cannot start bcos of flat battery and need to jump start?

btw what model is yours buff? (is the battery located under the back passenger seat as well?)

[h2o]

I heard of that to. That is why I never unscrew it
then how did u check and top up yours?
what model is it btw

[buff]

why is it that i never have to charge or change my battery for abt 4 years whereas i know of ppl whose car cannot start bcos of flat battery and need to jump start?

btw what model is yours buff? (is the battery located under the back passenger seat as well?)

one word: luck :cheesy:

but seriously, batteries for bmw can last for quite a few years. that's why it's more expensive (or so they claim)
i experienced flat battery before and couldn't even jumpstart, had to get a towtruck!

is ur battery the 'sealed' type? it's better, as u dun have to 'top up' the water.

mine 97 528i. battery in the boot.

[Voon Chan]

then how did u check and top up yours?
what model is it btwThe is a container that you can fill up the radiator. No need to open radiator cap
I own a Nissan X-trail. 2.5l,

[h2o]

one word: luck :cheesy:

but seriously, batteries for bmw can last for quite a few years. that's why it's more expensive (or so they claim)
i experienced flat battery before and couldn't even jumpstart, had to get a towtruck!

is ur battery the 'sealed' type? it's better, as u dun have to 'top up' the water.

mine 97 528i. battery in the boot.
no topping up ever
anyway my relationship w the beast will be over soon when the mazda arrives
wonder what that'll be like - re educate myself over

[h2o]

The is a container that you can fill up the radiator. No need to open radiator cap
I own a Nissan X-trail. 2.5l,
u learn something new everyday
btw, nice animal that

[buff]

no topping up ever
anyway my relationship w the beast will be over soon when the mazda arrives
wonder what that'll be like - re educate myself over

i'm sure u will miss the beast... once u r used to conti/german cars, japanese ones are an acquired taste... i'm still trying to get used to my wife's x-trail..

[Voon Chan]

u learn something new everyday
btw, nice animal thatafter you learn how to tame it
It is fun too

[Voon Chan]

i'm sure u will miss the beast... once u r used to conti/german cars, japanese ones are an acquired taste... i'm still trying to get used to my wife's x-trail..Have fun buff

[Jinwei Pho]

i'm sure u will miss the beast... once u r used to conti/german cars, japanese ones are an acquired taste... i'm still trying to get used to my wife's x-trail..
scuse me...is the x-trail the same thing as the nissan x-terra in the states? i love my x-terra...gonna try to get the new toyota highlander hybrid though...parents coming soon...:D

[buff]

scuse me...is the x-trail the same thing as the nissan x-terra in the states? i love my x-terra...gonna try to get the new toyota highlander hybrid though...parents coming soon...:D

i think x-trail is a smaller version of the x-terra... cars in the US are normally much larger... anything smaller than 3 litre is considered small :eek:

wah, getting a new car just to drive ur parents around! this can only happen in uncle sam's backyard! :rolleyes:

[Lava Gal]

JWP....memang anak mithalli!!
;)

[Jinwei Pho]

i think x-trail is a smaller version of the x-terra... cars in the US are normally much larger... anything smaller than 3 litre is considered small :eek:

wah, getting a new car just to drive ur parents around! this can only happen in uncle sam's backyard! :rolleyes:
big family needs bigger car...x-terra can only carry up to 5 people...plus gas prices now so high, better start looking for a hybrid.:p

[Jinwei Pho]

JWP....memang anak mithalli!!
;)
mithalli?..hopefully that is a compliment...:p...my BM is so bad right now.....but thanks! u can ride in my new car...:p

[h2o]

mithalli?..hopefully that is a compliment...:p...my BM is so bad right now.....but thanks! u can ride in my new car...:p
wot's mithalli?
sit in your car have to go to hawaii?? :D

[Jinwei Pho]

wot's mithalli?
sit in your car have to go to hawaii?? :D
this is called bribery...:p anything to make people visit me..lol

[h2o]

this is called bribery...:p anything to make people visit me..lol
what r u doing in hawaii?
how long have u been there?

[Jinwei Pho]

what r u doing in hawaii?
how long have u been there?
been there for over 10 years now....what i am doing? hmm...u got to go to the underground thread for that...:p

[h2o]

abt airbags...
a friend of mine had to brake v suddenly one day to avoid collision and the airbag popped - she got airbag burn some more and so troublesome even tho there was no impact w another vehicle, some more have to pay to reinstate them

then another friend of mine had a head-on collision with another vehicle (with his two girls in the back seat and his airbags didn't open at all!

what's the point?

[h2o]

been there for over 10 years now....what i am doing? hmm...u got to go to the underground thread for that...:p
where?

[Jinwei Pho]

where?
hmm..let me think....oh yeah, try going to the thread about us receiving aid from foreign countries by buff....someting like that in the nature...cannot remember exactly what the title is...

[buff]

abt airbags...
a friend of mine had to brake v suddenly one day to avoid collision and the airbag popped - she got airbag burn some more and so troublesome even tho there was no impact w another vehicle, some more have to pay to reinstate them

then another friend of mine had a head-on collision with another vehicle (with his two girls in the back seat and his airbags didn't open at all!

what's the point?

u've got a point there (pun intended)... ;)

case no. 1 prob involves a newer car while case no. 2 prob involves an older car?

the problem with airbags is that u won't be able to test the airbag to find out if it's working properly. u r really taking by faith that the manufacturer has done a good job... there's only 1 real test for the airbag - when it deploys... by then it may be too late!

[Fulat]

I agree with you. Please note that petrol treatment also help to clean your engine. You are an expert yourself in respect of cars

Not really an expert. Part of the learning process after owning a car. Can help you save value $$.

[Fulat]

my alternative views:

1. there should normally not be a need to check coolant levels. in fact i was told off by my mechanic for opening the radiotor cap to check this. with most newer cars, should be able to check this visually without having to open the cap.

only need to 'flush' the radiotor once in a while. the frequency of this will depend on the manufacturer's handbook and should already be part of the 'service menu' when you send your car.

2. a common misconception here. 'coolant' used in radiotors is actually water. people will add some anti-freeze to prevent freezing, rust etc, but the cooling function is performed by water. answer is: No.

3. No.

my current 8-year old junk needs to be topped up every week. otherwise there will be 'check coolant level' warning. sent to the mechanic but he couldn't diagnose the prob, even after doing the famous 'pressure' test. so i simply replaced the radiotor cap. and up to now, still holding up. !

Just send my car in to change my windshield wiper pump and the mechanic notices that my radiator is leaking from the Cap. Apparently, it is a common problem. Advice it, dont open the radiator too often if unnecesary. There should not be leakage so the water level does not go down. If the water level goes down, then got problem...however, having said that, I used to top up about 500ml of water every month on my new car and similar owners faced the same task. Sometimes, it is hard to explain where the water went to if it is not leaking..... definately not thru' evaporation as the radiator system is a closed system and is pressurized to lower the boiling point of the water.

I also confused at times....

[h2o]

u've got a point there (pun intended)... ;)

case no. 1 prob involves a newer car while case no. 2 prob involves an older car?

the problem with airbags is that u won't be able to test the airbag to find out if it's working properly. u r really taking by faith that the manufacturer has done a good job... there's only 1 real test for the airbag - when it deploys... by then it may be too late!
yikes
scary!
anything under 5 years is still considered "new" and shouldn't have to expect problems from airbags what! anyway u're right - we have to have blind faith in the manufacturers here......
the prob is when the bag is deployed unnecessarily, it might actually cause a real accident

[h2o]

Just send my car in to change my windshield wiper pump and the mechanic notices that my radiator is leaking from the Cap. Apparently, it is a common problem. Advice it, dont open the radiator too often if unnecesary. There should not be leakage so the water level does not go down. If the water level goes down, then got problem...however, having said that, I used to top up about 500ml of water every month on my new car and similar owners faced the same task. Sometimes, it is hard to explain where the water went to if it is not leaking..... definately not thru' evaporation as the radiator system is a closed system and is pressurized to lower the boiling point of the water.

I also confused at times....

makes me feel better leh......

[buff]

makes me feel better leh......

actually sometimes the mechanics also not very sure... just like the GPs... u tell them u got fever, they prescribe panadol... if still persist, then they do blood test etc... same with cars... mechanics normally have a checklist of procedures for 'normal complaints'... if after that problems still persist, then gotta do other tests... it takes a whole range of tests sometimes before the problem is identified.

depending on the mechanic, sometimes if the problem persists after they change a part, and it was subsequently discovered that the problem was not due to that part, they will allow u to change back to ur old part, without charging. but then most mechanics will not allow this, even though it is due to their 'mis-diagnostic'...

[h2o]

actually sometimes the mechanics also not very sure... just like the GPs... u tell them u got fever, they prescribe panadol... if still persist, then they do blood test etc... same with cars... mechanics normally have a checklist of procedures for 'normal complaints'... if after that problems still persist, then gotta do other tests... it takes a whole range of tests sometimes before the problem is identified.

depending on the mechanic, sometimes if the problem persists after they change a part, and it was subsequently discovered that the problem was not due to that part, they will allow u to change back to ur old part, without charging. but then most mechanics will not allow this, even though it is due to their 'mis-diagnostic'...

that actually happened to me but the amt was like abt MR$5k !!! so i took them to the govt tribunal and got some money back

[buff]

that actually happened to me but the amt was like abt MR$5k !!! so i took them to the govt tribunal and got some money back

whoa... respek... if only we could do the same here :(

[h2o]

whoa... respek... if only we could do the same here :(hav to say it wasn't easy...... like going to court.
an inspector / arbitrator was sent by the MVRC (motor vehicles something) to accompany me to the boardroom of the bmw dealership that did my repairs (they "repaired" my car three times and each time i paid them in full and drove out and the engine cut out within half an hour - i didn't have my car for more than a month and they changed nearly Aud$2000 worth of stuff and in the end at a different bmw dealership, it turned out that it was actually a fuse which cost $40 to replace!)

during the arbitration they had their big-shot company lawyer and the service mgr who handled my repairs both shooting me down and the inspector just said quietly after listening to all parties that they had to pay me back for the repair done that was an obvious misdiagnosis ..... or else face the tribunal. the service mgr agreed upon the advice of the lawyer. end of story.

i will never have to do that again bcos i have now found two reliable repairers, thankfully.

[daBoss]

h2o, your case is proof that we're still light-years behind in terms of consumer rights in malaysia... :(

[h2o]

then just cross yer fingers and hope that u find a trustworthy and capable mechanic and autoelectrician

[buff]

then just cross yer fingers and hope that u find a trustworthy and capable mechanic and autoelectrician

or u can come to this forum and ask the so-called experts :laugh:

[Oddfather]

h2o, your case is proof that we're still light-years behind in terms of consumer rights in malaysia... :(
in Malaysia, we just have to go the the press. There is a story on the news yesterday abt a lady which thot she bought a display unit which was a good deal. After having inspected at Puspakom, they found out it actually had an accident b4. So she went to the press. The dealer now is willing to take back the car and replace a new one for her but there is a catch. She has to topup the diff.
Malaysia Boleh.

[Tonto]

My car is 4 yrs old & has clocked less than 65,000km. The car is rarely used except for town driving on weekends and outstation journeys. 2 months ago, after refilling my fuel tank at Shell, my car started jerking slightly. Then it got worst. Took it to the service center and told them of my complaint & they changed the spark plug plus normal servicing and billed me RM500++. My hubby told his suspicion to the service center that it could be the RPM problem as the RPM is lower than normal. The jerking stops for the entire trip back from the service center to my house. The following day, when I on the engine, it started to jerk again & continue jerking till today. I've not brought the car back to the service center as I have been out of town lately.

When I drove up to Penang last weekend, the car didn't jerk unless I step on the accelerator. I also noticed that when I'm cruising below a certain limit of speed, there is no jerking.

All car experts - any clues as to why my car is jerking?

[buff]

My car is 4 yrs old & has clocked less than 65,000km. The car is rarely used except for town driving on weekends and outstation journeys. 2 months ago, after refilling my fuel tank at Shell, my car started jerking slightly. Then it got worst. Took it to the service center and told them of my complaint & they changed the spark plug plus normal servicing and billed me RM500++. My hubby told his suspicion to the service center that it could be the RPM problem as the RPM is lower than normal. The jerking stops for the entire trip back from the service center to my house. The following day, when I on the engine, it started to jerk again & continue jerking till today. I've not brought the car back to the service center as I have been out of town lately.

When I drove up to Penang last weekend, the car didn't jerk unless I step on the accelerator. I also noticed that when I'm cruising below a certain limit of speed, there is no jerking.

All car experts - any clues as to why my car is jerking?

hmmm... this could be due to a lot of things... diagnostic will depend on the type of car u r driving - is it electronic fuel injection? if so, could be due to electronic sensors...

best bring to a professional

[h2o]

what's rpm? buff?

[Tonto]

I'm driving Ford Escape 2.0L.

[Tonto]

hmmm... this could be due to a lot of things... diagnostic will depend on the type of car u r driving - is it electronic fuel injection? if so, could be due to electronic sensors...

best bring to a professional

Re : electronic fuel injection - I've to ask my hubby. He takes care of the car while I drive & feed the car. But he's at wit's end as well re: the jerking.

[Tonto]

Ok, I've checked with my hubby and confirmed tat our car is using electronic fuel injection.

[buff]

what's rpm? buff?

revolutions (of the engine) per minute ...?

[Oddfather]

My car is 4 yrs old & has clocked less than 65,000km. The car is rarely used except for town driving on weekends and outstation journeys. 2 months ago, after refilling my fuel tank at Shell, my car started jerking slightly. Then it got worst. Took it to the service center and told them of my complaint & they changed the spark plug plus normal servicing and billed me RM500++. My hubby told his suspicion to the service center that it could be the RPM problem as the RPM is lower than normal. The jerking stops for the entire trip back from the service center to my house. The following day, when I on the engine, it started to jerk again & continue jerking till today. I've not brought the car back to the service center as I have been out of town lately.

When I drove up to Penang last weekend, the car didn't jerk unless I step on the accelerator. I also noticed that when I'm cruising below a certain limit of speed, there is no jerking.

All car experts - any clues as to why my car is jerking?
althou really need to understand the type of jerking that u r experiencing, my initial suspicion is that it has to do with the fuel line or the electronic fuel injection head. Probably faulty and fuel is not feeding properly into the the engine. that;s why when u are cruising at a lower speed, it is ok but when you try to acclerate, excessive fuel is demanded but it is not flowing properly into the conbustion chamber, thus the jerking. if you need a good mechanic, PM me.

[darthvader]

i was reading this thread. i'm seriously out of place ha ha ha :laugh:

[h2o]

i was reading this thread. i'm seriously out of place ha ha ha :laugh:
were u looking for strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff? :D

[buff]

were u looking for strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff? :D

wow really kinky :cheesy:

[h2o]

wow really kinky :cheesy:
i never really understood the lyrics u know...... :D

[buff]

i never really understood the lyrics u know...... :D

hmm actually after reading it a few times... it sounds totally innocent... ;)

[h2o]

hmm actually after reading it a few times... it sounds totally innocent... ;)
yaloh
dat's whatimean mah.......

btw the car dealer asked me if i wanna add extras like rustproofing, special seal coating for the paintwork etc
all adds up to AUD$ 5000-7000
i said no thanks busted my budget already
then she said wah the weld joints and undercarriage parts will rust lah blah blah blah
do u think any of it is worth it for long term?

[buff]

yaloh
dat's whatimean mah.......

btw the car dealer asked me if i wanna add extras like rustproofing, special seal coating for the paintwork etc
all adds up to AUD$ 5000-7000
i said no thanks busted my budget already
then she said wah the weld joints and undercarriage parts will rust lah blah blah blah
do u think any of it is worth it for long term?

is this for ur 7? i thot u r selling?

[h2o]

i already traded in for the mazda
just waiting for the ship to arrive from japan next week
i mean the new car lah - so is it necessary to add all that environmental sealant bs?
i asked her back - so the basic car is made so badly that if i don't add any $$ it's gonna rust and fall apart in 5 yrs time? she laughed

[buff]

i already traded in for the mazda
just waiting for the ship to arrive from japan next week
i mean the new car lah - so is it necessary to add all that environmental sealant bs?
i asked her back - so the basic car is made so badly that if i don't add any $$ it's gonna rust and fall apart in 5 yrs time? she laughed

for the new car? no need la... she's really trying to take u for a ride!! most modern cars have very good rustproofing already. unless u drive ur car on the beach, i dun think u will find any spot of rust in 5 yrs' time... i bet her 'sealant' will probably fall off before 5 yrs....!

[h2o]

do the cars in m'sia come complete with the baby carriage or child seat bolt installed at the back or do owners have to add them? i suppose it's not a standard ...... are there higher models that have em?
or perhaps i should ask - what do ppl do with babies? seeing it's lethal to ride without restraints/ seatbelts
i mean the parents would not want to themselves right?

[Jinwei Pho]

do the cars in m'sia come complete with the baby carriage or child seat bolt installed at the back or do owners have to add them? i suppose it's not a standard ...... are there higher models that have em?
or perhaps i should ask - what do ppl do with babies? seeing it's lethal to ride without restraints/ seatbelts
i mean the parents would not want to themselves right?
hmm...cars in the states (even imports) have the child seat bolts installed in them...i have not checked out the lower models though but i am pretty sure the mid-class & upper models have them as standard options....i agree with buff that the dealer is trying to take u for a ride.....they do that over here in the states too....

[buff]

do the cars in m'sia come complete with the baby carriage or child seat bolt installed at the back or do owners have to add them? i suppose it's not a standard ...... are there higher models that have em?
or perhaps i should ask - what do ppl do with babies? seeing it's lethal to ride without restraints/ seatbelts
i mean the parents would not want to themselves right?

most cars dun have them. i think some high end volvo models have them as standards. most of them come as (expensive) options. i've bought my own baby car seat and will use the rear seat belts to lock down.

most parents are not aware of the danger.... lots of awareness and education required. i know that for example, in the uk, u r not allowed to bring the baby back from the hospital unless u have a proper 'carrier'... here, most parents would just carry the baby in their arms....

[h2o]

most cars dun have them. i think some high end volvo models have them as standards. most of them come as (expensive) options. i've bought my own baby car seat and will use the rear seat belts to lock down.

most parents are not aware of the danger.... lots of awareness and education required. i know that for example, in the uk, u r not allowed to bring the baby back from the hospital unless u have a proper 'carrier'... here, most parents would just carry the baby in their arms....
check if using the rear seat belts is enuf
it's not difficult to install your own bolt - cos we did it ourselves too for our first car (golf) n first baby
yeah just imagine the parents buckled up safely and the baby left to the force of physics in a collision! we've all seen the mock collisions using dummies in car ads
mow ngan tai!

[Tonto]

do the cars in m'sia come complete with the baby carriage or child seat bolt installed at the back or do owners have to add them? i suppose it's not a standard ...... are there higher models that have em?
or perhaps i should ask - what do ppl do with babies? seeing it's lethal to ride without restraints/ seatbelts
i mean the parents would not want to themselves right?

Both my hubby and I work in oil and gas industry. Health, Safety Environment has been ingrained into us. Both our cars (the Ford and yes, even the little Kancil) have car seats each for our daughter.

I think the question is not whether u're driving higher end models but the willingness of parents to fork out the $$$ for the car seat. I had doubts when I bought a Kancil...whether the car seat will fit - it does albeit taking up half the backseat but whenever we go for a ride in the little kancil, there is peace of mind that our precious is buckled up accordingly.

I've came across an incident whereby a parent put her 4 months old baby lying on the front seat. It was a short drive to the nanny's house but on the way, somebody rear-ended her and her baby broke her spine.....a long term medical condition.....(to save a few bucks).

[Tonto]

My hubby and I made the practice that even if I sit in the backseat, I've to buckle up. If I forgot, my hubby won't drive until I buckle up. We even made those who wants a ride with us to buckle up in the backseat. O/wise - no go.

[Voon Chan]

I have a proper car seat in my car & my wife's car too
We will make sure that my son is in his seat all buckle up before we start our car

Safety 1st!

[Tonto]

althou really need to understand the type of jerking that u r experiencing, my initial suspicion is that it has to do with the fuel line or the electronic fuel injection head. Probably faulty and fuel is not feeding properly into the the engine. that;s why when u are cruising at a lower speed, it is ok but when you try to acclerate, excessive fuel is demanded but it is not flowing properly into the conbustion chamber, thus the jerking. if you need a good mechanic, PM me.

Thanks, Andrewh. Tat is the exact symptom I'm experiencing. Whenever I accelerate, my car will jerk. I'll pm u when I'm free to take the car for check-up again. Very busy week.

[darthvader]

were u looking for strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff? :D

seriously, i have no idea what those things are :laugh:

[h2o]

we were talking abt the skyrocketing price of petrol and what vehicles we should look at getting in the future
my boss was just saying that even tho diesel consumption rate is low the pick up is slow and it is a worse pollutant
plus usually larger vehicles use diesel
what's the smallest diesel family vehicle u know?

[daBoss]

...my boss was just saying that even tho diesel consumption rate is low the pick up is slow and it is a worse pollutant...
no longer true leh...

diesel's come a long way, the performance of diesel cars can now match that of petrol cars - just consider the bmw 5 series diesel engines...

worse pollutant??? i always thought that diesel is less polluting...

[h2o]

no longer true leh...

diesel's come a long way, the performance of diesel cars can now match that of petrol cars - just consider the bmw 5 series diesel engines...

worse pollutant??? i always thought that diesel is less polluting...
haven't test driven one of those yet! but check this out...
http://www.hammersmithresearch.com/specialty/article.asp?Specialty=Pharmacology&art_id=215diesel pollution (http://www.hammersmithresearch.com/specialty/article.asp?Specialty=Pharmacology&art_id=215)

[JC]

i always thought that diesel is less polluting...
You thought wrong...
The only way we are going to save our dear planet is to either buy hybrid cars or use renewal energy...

[h2o]

You thought wrong...
The only way we are going to save our dear planet is to either buy hybrid cars or use renewal energy...
what sort of hybrid cars are available back home JC?

[JC]

^NONE!! We are pretty much dependent on fossil fuel...
gomen is now encouraging NGVs...

[h2o]

^NONE!! We are pretty much dependent on fossil fuel...
gomen is now encouraging NGVs...
even when they become available they'll probably cost a bomb
what's ngv pardon my ignorance

[JC]

Natural Gas Vehicle...

Those are vehicles that run on.. err... err... natural gas... much like our farts...
Imagine, in the near future, we can have our a** connected to the fuel pipe and blow ourselves from PJ to KL... :laugh:

[h2o]

Natural Gas Vehicle...

Those are vehicles that run on.. err... err... natural gas... much like our farts...
Imagine, in the near future, we can have our a** connected to the fuel pipe and blow ourselves from PJ to KL... :laugh:
like the rocket launcher in the movie thunderpants?

[h2o]

a few years ago hk govt legislated that all taxis have to be LPG and it was done pronto... like overnight
i wonder if that would ever happen here or in msia and when!?!

[daBoss]

in malaysia, most cabs would rather go ngv - ngv is actually a couple of times cheaper than petrol. performance may be a little lower but most non enthusiasts would even bother... the problem is there are not enough stations that supply ngv in the cities and towns... the couple of petronas stations that supply ngv always have an unbearable queue...

[buff]

hmm... i have to disagree with some views expressed here.

diesel engines emit less pollutants compared to petrol engines and even 'hybrids'. the website is right, in that the emission of diesel engines are more 'visible', as they are larger. however, diesel has lower emissions in terms of carbon dioxide, monoxide etc.

also, the term 'hybrid' has to be taken with a lot of salt. most 'hybrids' do not necessarily have lower fuel consumption and/or emission. it depends on how often the petrol engine is used vs the electric engine. in fact, in a road test, the lexus rx 400h (hybrid) registered higher consumption when driven over long distance. most japanese cars rely on clever technology to convert braking force into energy for the electric engine. therefore, if u drive in the city, with stop-go traffic, then hybrid will give u much better consumption and lower emission.

actually if u want to buy a hybrid, u can. honda malaysia is bringing in the civic hybrid. although i dun think many people will buy as the price will be exorbitant.

as for the age-old debate: diesel vs petrol, it depends very much on which country u r in and what incentives the gomen has in place. for example, in europe, diesel cars are very popular, simply because the tax on cars, which is measured in terms of amount of co2 emission, is much lower for diesel vehicles, even though the price of diesel is higher than petrol. other advantages of diesel:
- higher mileage for a comparable gallon/litre of petrol,
- more 'torquey' engine (loads of this), easier to overtake
- lower maintenance generally (more frequent engine oil needed, though) and longer engine life...

disadvantages:
- more expensive (in australia, europe etc) but cheaper in msia
- engine is heavier
- diesel vehicles are more expensive than petrol equivalent (although in m'sia the 530d is rm50k cheaper than the 530i!!)
- dirty diesel (in m'sia); elsewhere it's cleaner than petrol!
- road tax double that of petrol (in m'sia)
-depreciation (in m'sia) but it actually depreciates more slowly than petrol in the uk!
- for the real petrolhead (e.g. jeremy clarkson), it's not a car, it's a tractor!, as the engine is not revvy...

if the main reason to consider diesel is dollars and cents, then it would only make sense if u drive a lot, say 30k miles/ yr. if u only do the school run and shopping at ur neighbourhood supermarket, u will find that it's actually more expensive to run ($/km). however, if u want to be friendly to the environment, then diesel is definitely the way to go.

as for hybrids, problem now is that most hybrids are petrol-electric. i personally think that diesel-electric is the way to go. of course the other alternative, which is growing in popularity in the US is gas powered vehicles.

my 2 sens.

[JC]

^ buff, where did you copy and paste the above?? :p

[buff]

we were talking abt the skyrocketing price of petrol and what vehicles we should look at getting in the future
my boss was just saying that even tho diesel consumption rate is low the pick up is slow and it is a worse pollutant
plus usually larger vehicles use diesel
what's the smallest diesel family vehicle u know?

smallest diesel i'm aware of is 1.3l turbodiesel vauxhall (holden in australia) corsa or fiat punto... however, given the penchant of aussies for big cc cars, i doubt they have these models there. have a look at the honda 2.2l diesel engine (prob in an accord/civic). it's supposed to be a smoothie. the only diesel cars here are bmw or merc. diesel hasn't taken off in boleh land... :(

[daBoss]

dem! this buff is a confirmed petrol head... just look at post no 110 of this thread... :)

maybe we should change his title to 'forum mechanic'...

[h2o]

since u explain auto stuff so well can u please define 'torque' in your terms
i think it'll help me remember it better
i read about it in the nrma mag but the definition was waffly

[Oddfather]

since u explain auto stuff so well can u please define 'torque' in your terms
i think it'll help me remember it better
i read about it in the nrma mag but the definition was waffly
Torque..?? Imagine this, you butter a slice of bread and knock it off the table, why does it falls on the floor with the butterside down??

Bcoz, it doesn't have enough torque to flip over again due to the height of the table.

[buff]

since u explain auto stuff so well can u please define 'torque' in your terms
i think it'll help me remember it better
i read about it in the nrma mag but the definition was waffly

i'm not an expert in physics, so i stand corrected. but a simple way to think of 'torque' is 'twisting/turning' force... so u apply 'torque' every time u twist the bottle cap...