Motoring, the Pinoy way

3M: Debunking the Car Wash Myths

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Ah, so you like your car nice and shiny. So do I. When I was younger I never saw the logic behind washing cars on a regular basis. All the while I thought it was just about the looks of the car that had to be maintained and nothing more. How wrong was I! Cars are washed because the body needs to be protected. The more protection, the longer the paint job will last. That and other myths have been dispelled by 3M technicians and researchers. Here are some debunked car washing myths. (more…)

3rd Philippine International Motor Show 2010: The Toyota Prius

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The recently concluded Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) was a big success. It generated sales and it renewed an interest in automotive innovation. One of the most noticeable is the PIMS theme which is “driving the green road.” True enough, there were a lot of Hybrid versions to existing models and some new ones too. I’ve been very interested in these hybrids for the longest time and at PIMS  found what I was looking for. Presenting, the Toyota Prius.

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It sports a 1.8 liter gas engine but with an electric generator that powers the mechanical parts. The Prius is what is known as a Full Hybrid. This means it can go from regular internal combustion engine t electric vehicle and you wouldn’t know the difference. All thanks to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. (more…)

Top 5 things to consider when buying a used car

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We all buy used cars at some point in our lives and during our search, price has always been the most consideration.  Knowing if our budget can take us further than the car wins the game. However, there is more to used-car hunting than just the price. In this article I will discuss five of the most important things you need to look out for when buying a used car in the Philippines. (more…)

Nissan Sentra UUR-342: Hit Me and Ran

The car running away is a green Nissan Sentra model 1997. He hit me on my rear right hand side, yes rear, during traffic entering C5 from Buting. The traffic was slow moving and his left front fender hit me on my rear right side.  I lowered my window and he accused me of hitting him. I said I wasn’t even moving when he hit me and he hit my rear. That should say a lot. When he saw that I was with my wife and a friend in the front cab, he ranted about us being a married couple who were both lawyers out to get him. Then he backed up and sped away. I was in a diesel van, of course I couldn’t give chase. He sped in the direction of Kalayaan Avenue, Makati. This happened around 7.20 pm, Wednesday, June 17.

All  I got were his plates UUR 342. Motorists, beware of drivers like this guy. Driver was wearing glasses, medium built. He was driving alone during this time.  Only shows that even if you drive defensively, there are still idiots out there. I will report the matter to the LTO see how I can file a case against this guy.

The 3rd Philippine International Motor Show is a go!

Yes, we missed them last year and now they’re back.  On August 19 to August 22, 2010 the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show will blaze trails and showcase the latest in green motoring technologies. There’s more to this year’s motor show than just the latest models. Part of the show’s attraction is to sell cars and BPI Financing has a special promo deals for people who will file their car loans during PIMS.

More on the PIMS in the coming posts.

How Smart A Driver Are You?

With the rising fuel costs, the rich are turning to cheaper alternatives to gasoline to save up on money and fuel. Some owners of gasoline-guzzling vehicles, like the Ford Expedition, are beginning to turn to Liquified Petroleum Gas as a way to save money even if it means sacrificing a little horsepower. These days you need to learn to be one of the smartest drivers to make sure your liters go as far as you do. Here are four important fuel-saving tips that you can follow to make every drop count:

  1. Minimize revving the engine. I never understood why so many drivers would do this before turning off the engine. Unnecessary revving burns more gasoline while the vehicle is idle. Reserve your revving power when you’re at emissions testing or at your mechanic’s garage.  This is also true during cold starts in the morning. When starting your car, there is no need for you to step on the accelerator. Most cars that have electronic fuel injection will automatically adjust the car’s fuel feeding mechanism without needing the help of your left foot.
  2. Ensure that your tires are well inflated. A slightly deflated tire will cost you more gas than usual.  For older cars, always check the camber and wheel alignment of your car . Not only will you save your tires, you will save on fuel costs significantly.
  3. Avoid rough roads and tight maneuvers. Whenever possible, park your car in a place where it is easy to enter and leave the slot without having to do a lot backing up and maneuvering. The to and fro movement eats up a lot of gas.
  4. Avoid clutch riding. For manual transmission car owners, try not to rest your foot on the clutch pedal when the car is in cruising speed.  You’ll just be thinning out your clutch lining faster than normal and wasting more gasoline than you should.  While driving, learn to rest your left foot and enjoy the scenery.

If you are a smart driver, then you should join Shell’s search for the smartest driver for the first Shell Eco-Marathon Asia to be held in Malaysia on July 8 to 11, 2010. Anyone with a driver’s license is eligible to join. Here’s how:

  • Shoot a video that shows your featured tip on how you save fuel.
  • To close the clip, say and complete the catch phrase “Ang Pinoy na matipid sa gasolina, ____________.”
  • Log on to www.topgear.com.ph/shellsmartestdrivers and upload your video entry. Be creative!
  • Video entries can be uploaded until June 20.

Everyone who enters get a premium item from Shell. However, if you make it the top ten finalists, you get P10,000 worth of free fuel from Shell! Then you also get to join the fuel economy bootcamp on June 26 in preparation for the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia competition to be held in Malaysia from July 8 to 11.

Join now!

The Mitsubishi Montero 2009

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Dear readers, I finally got around to publishing my story about one of the most beautiful SUVs available in the Philippine market today, the Mitsubishi Montero. (more…)

Test driving the Volvo S80, First Generation

Filed under: mad about cars — Tags: , , — Arpee @ 8:05 pm January 1, 2010

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Happy New Year folks! To kick start 2010, I will share with you my experiences with the Volvo S80, first generation.

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Last Christmas day I went home to the province with my sister and we went home in style. In a white Volvo S80, a mid-sized sedan that comfortably seats five people, that has rear air condition vents with automatic climate control system. Pretty neat, I thought. (more…)

What to do when your car is submerged in floods

Filed under: car trouble — Tags: , , , — Arpee @ 9:47 pm September 28, 2009

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Ondoy was here and the floods caught us all by surprise. If your car was caught in the flood, don’t fret. It’s not as bad as you think. First things first. Do you have insurance? Does it cover “acts of God”? Good if it’s comprehensive. Enough reading for you, just pick up the phone and call the insurance guys. (more…)

The Mini Coopers of the Philippines at SCTEX

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Last June, I traveled to Manaoag, Pangasinan to have my new delivery van blessed. It was also the first time I was going to drive through SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). I loved traveling through this highway because there were less cars and the scenery is relaxing. A lot of greenery can be seen and this just relaxes any motorist. The downside is that you need to make sure you have enough gas because there are no gas stations at any point along SCTEX. Well, not for now. I believe fast food joints will soon mushroom on this highway. (more…)

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