Motoring, the Pinoy way

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!