Volvo cars have been known to be safest cars in the world, thus the most amazing innovations are available in the 2010 Volvo S60. Volvo has been pioneers of what the automotive industry has made into standards for most of the world’s cars, such as the 3-point safety belt, laminated windshields, padded dashboards, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), City Safety™ and pedestrian detection with full autobrake.

Volvo’s City Safety

This is a feature that automatically stops the car when it is traveling at 15 kph or less. If the car is traveling at 32 kph, City Safety applies the brakes to make the vehicle slow down and lessen the impact. To help you understand it better, I got a video from youtube. See it to believe.

Pedestrian Detection

This is one of the most revolutionary features on an automobile, Volvo has made the pedestrian detection a reality though the new S60. It works much like the City Safety only it detects people. For a car to detect other cars and people, expect a lot of science and research have gone into the development of these features. With a certain number of meters, the S60′s brakes move closer to the disc allowing for a more responsive braking system and automatically lowers the chances of injury during low-speed and possibly prevent death in high-speed collisions.

I would personally buy a Volvo, if I could afford. The price of the new S60 in the Philippines is P2.8 M for the entry-level S60, which comes with a four-cylinder engine. Though the pedestrian detection system does not come standard with the 4-cylinder model, the City Safety does. Still a good buy if you are after safety and staying alive when in vehicular accident. In Europe as well as in the US, insurance premiums have gone down for car buyers who go the Volvo way. Not sure if it is that way over here. Still, the S60 is a good buy for its safety features, creature comforts and the looks it gets from passers by.

Unleash your wild side with the new Volvo S60.

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.

Top 3 car washing myths

1. There’s no difference between cleaning and washing/ polishing and waxing. Big mistake. Cleaning your car means removing all dirt from both the exterior and the interior of the car. Washing it, well, it involves water. Doing both means your car will be spic and span. Polishing is just making the exterior and the dash shiny clean. Waxing is what you do before you polish. They’re not necessarily all the same, it’s just that you have to do all these things to ensure that your car’s is cleaned and protected. Why? A clean car is a well-maintained car. Rust and corrosion are held at bay by the constant cleaning, which will eventually prolong the life of your vehicle. 3M has some of the most effective polishes and waxes available in the market. 3M is highly recommended for those who want a professional-looking clean and shine without having to go to a detailing shop.

2. Detergents are best for cleaning the car. Wrong. Detergents contain abrasives that can strip your car’s paint of its external protective coating. Never use detergents, better yet use foam washes that are designed for car paints. Also don’t use just about any cloths when you wash your car. Some motorists make the mistake of using cloth diapers (yes, there are car wash boys who do) or old t-shirts. I personally use 3M™ Perfect-It™ Detailing Cloth for my car and van. Microfiber-based detailing cloth by 3M does the best job in taking away the grime and soap without scratching your car’s surface.

3. Car waxes guarantee protection for a year. So not true. Despite the expensive detailing and lengthy sales pitches, protection afforded by waxes can never be guaranteed for whatever amount of time. The rate at how the protection wears off depends primarily on the weather conditions where you park your car. If your home is near the ocean, don’t expect your wax to protect your car for long, though it does help a lot when you wax regularly if your car is constantly exposed to the sea breeze. If you live in the city, there is little corrosion from the elements on a regular day. However in Metro Manila the rain water tends to be acidic, thus the need for regular waxing.

You have spent a lot of money on mortgages and fees when you got your car. Maintaining it and making it a keeper shouldn’t cost you so much. 3M car care products may seem expensive at the onset, but with the protection it affords, 3M actually SAVES you money in the long term. Think about it.

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.

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.

It’s what’s under the hood.

(photo taken from wikipedia.org)

Yeah, I was looking for the radiator too. The car show people closed the hood so soon and I wasn’t able to take a picture.

More than just good looks, the Prius goes 23 kilometers for every liter of gasoline, an approximation by a Toyota salesman. It’s got beauty and brains, a sure winner.

The Hybrid is different beast altogether. If you plan to own one, better be ready to fork out P2.25M for one unit. I know, it’s expensive, but the fuel economy of the whole Hybrid thingy is pegged at about 24 kilometers to a liter of gas!That’s like traveling from Quezon City to Ortigas and back for as little as 45.00 pesos! And still there’d be enough gas left for another trip.

One of the hazards of the Prius are pedestrians. The car almost has no noise, thus would be dangerous for passers-by who might get hit. Drivers would have to be vigilant because people might just walk in front of you, especially in Manila streets where many pedestrians text while crossing the street, relying mostly on external noise and honking horns to guide their way. Overall, it’s a “politically correct automobile.”

borrowed from www.ayosdito.ph

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.

What should I look out for when buying a used car in the Philippines?

1. Price. So you want that sweet ride but can’t afford it? Relax and take it easy. In the Philippines, buying without haggling will only show that you are not a conscientious buyer. Even the dealers will expect that you will ask for a discount so be ready.
2. Mileage. There is a difference between the year the car was made and the year it was sold. You can easily verify this when looking at the CR (certificate of registration). I recommend that you pay special attention to the odometer. If the zeroes are not well aligned then it might mean that the car’s odometer might have been tampered.
3. Engine and body numbers. These numbers must appear on the certificate of registration. If not, then the vehicle may have been stolen. Prior to purchase it is always a good measure that you double check with the Land Transportation Office. Never buy stolen cars.
4. Physical state of the vehicle. Try to go around feel the car for bumps or bubbled paint. Look for areas that might have been repaired or patched up. Too many bumps may mean the car may have been through too many road  mishaps.
5. Buy only from a reputable vendor of quality used cars like AyosDito. It’s an online classified directory where you can find the best car deals in town.

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.

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.

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!

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.

The Mitsubishi Montero scores the biggest upset since the Toyota Fortuner, the Hyundai Accent and the Chery Cowin LPG put together. Unlike the Toyota Fortuner, the Montero as been around since guys started using hair gel. It started out as a gasoline version of the Mitsubishi Pajero in the North American market and people thought it was just another name for a Mitsubishi L200 pickup on steroids. Not so.

There is more to the name game than you think. From a distance, it looks like a Mitsubishi Strada with the rear tail light of the Mitsubishi Fuzion. Not too classy? Take a look under the bonnet and behold, the same 3.2 4M41 Common Rail Diesel Engine used by the 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero! So what’s the difference aside from some extra tweaks and less luxurious leather upholstery? The Montero is P1,670,000 or US$37,111 cheaper than the Pajero. The Montero GLS SE 4×4 is also P21,000 or US$467 cheaper than the Toyota Fortuner.

Gone are the days that SUVs were a bumpy ride even on highway roads. They’ve traded coil springs for the usual leaves, but sacrificed on the ability to carry heavy loads. Why so? Will anyone buy a Montero to use as a cement carrier? I don’t think so. The SUV is the new sports car of the 21st century. It is meant to carry people, kids and picnic baskets. Wide windows so that you can see and be seen. It’s all about the creature comforts of road trips and still have torque to spare for the shift-on-the-fly Super Select 4WD. Because in the 21st Century, you need not get out of your vehicle with a wrench just to lock the front hubs so you can switch to four wheel drive. The Montero lets you do it with one shift, even at 40kph.

I love the interior. It feels like a car and drives like a car, but unlike a car, the Montero lets you go through a .6 meter deep flood and not lose your cool. In emergency cases (I’ve seen this first-hand), it can go through a one-meter deep flood without a hiccup. Though you still have to dry your brakes when you’ve gone through it. The controls are on the steering wheel and you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. Fuel consumption is wonderful at 9 to 10 kilometers to a liter overall, highway and city driving, and because it is Euro IV compliant, it is a friend of the environment.

Some things I don’t like about it though. Most SUVs have dual evaporator airconditioners, but the rear airconditioner control and vents are on the rear right side of the third jump seats. Not very efficient cooling unless you’re sitting right next to it. This reminded me of the 1988 Mitsubishi Pajero we used to own that didn’t have rear airconditioner vents. It would never cool the interior totally on a hot summer day, but was chilly in the evenings.

Though it rode like a car, the test vehicle’s steering wheel shook whenever the Montero went on idle during a traffic stop. The L300′s 4D56 didn’t have that kind of vibration despite being the first generation CRDi back in the late 1980s. Idling is automatically set and I never understood why the steering shook so bad on traffic stops. I am hoping it was just the test vehicle.

Here are some basic information on the Mitsubishi Montero as shown by the Motion Cars website.

Model: GLS SE 4×4           GLS 4×4                   GLS 4×2
Price:   P 1,720,000       P 1,480,000       P 1,380,000

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

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.

The Volvo S80

The first generation S80 sports an M on the license plate. Its 2.0 liter turbocharged, inline-5 gasoline engine is more than just a power plant. It’s as nimble and fuel-efficient as a four-cylinder engine, but as powerful and overwhelming as a V6. Trust Volvo to provide the safest and smoothest ride possible. You’ll love the side mirrors. Why? Because there are NO BLIND SPOTS. Higher models sport a camera, but this model is quite spartan. An extended mirror that covers the blind spots did the trick.

I love the seats. I don’t know if it’s real leather or not, but darn it’s plush and soft to the touch. The seats are wide and can be adjusted any other way to make your trip stress-free. The electronic seat adjustments are so convenient. For us ordinary driving folk, these little conveniences mean the world when driving through the mean streets of Metro Manila. Traffic is so stressful especially during rush hour. A comfortable drive really does matter.

Volvo in Manila

If there’s one thing I realized about driving a Volvo, it doesn’t turn heads. REALLY! Most people don’t see it as a luxury car, especially in provincial inroads. Probably because in the province, few people recognize the car. For the person who is concerned for his safety and does not want to be too flashy on the road, the Volvo S80 is the perfect choice.

Volvo S80 Handling

It’s a breeze. There’s power when you need it. For a 2.0 liter engine, it feels like there are more horses than even an average V6. The Volvo’s straight-five engine employs five cylinders, more powerful than the usual 4 or 6-cylinder Japanese engine in a V-formation. Volvo’s five cylinder configuration is fascinating because it’s power married with fuel efficiency. No American car can give you that. On our trip, the mileage computer read consumption at 7 to 8 kilometers to a liter, which combined traffic in the city and highway driving consumption.

Got allergies? The Volvo S80′s automatic climate control system filters all the dust and pollen that will keep you sneeze-free for the rest of your trip. Just make sure you close the vents. I forgot to close it in our way home and I could smell the stench of the Bocaue river and market on our way home. Finally figured it out while we were in the highway.

Remember that driving European cars requires a different mindset. For the lot of us who got used to Japanese compact cars, the switches are not where we expect them to be. The lights are different, such as in the case of the external vents, I thought green meant it was closed while red meant it was open. In fact it was the complete opposite.

1st Gen vs 2nd Gen

The second generation S80 is so different. While it improves the gadgetry of the first generation, it is also more expensive and with more toys to enjoy, like the blind spot camera and 6-speed automatic transmission among others. There is also the price tag. First generation Volvo S80 sold in the Philippines for P2.95M, while the second generation S80 sells for P3.250M for the basic 2.5 liter engine version.

Expensive? It’s worth it.

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.

Don’t have insurance? Well, the reality is that you will spend money to have it up and running. Either way, with or without insurance you will still spend money. The difference is that without insurance, you might have to spend a little bit more. Ergo, here are some basic steps that you need to go through when trouble shooting your flood-damaged car.

1. Let it dry thoroughly. Sounds like you’ll be helpless but it’s the best way, at least in my experience. Remember that your car will suffer more damage if it conked out during the flood than when you just turned off the engine BEFORE the water reached critical levels. Yes, I know. Your car will stink like hell so be ready for a terrible laborious cleanup. First, let it dry. There’s no going around it. DO NOT TRY TO START THE CAR immediately after the floods have subsided. Patience is key and you might just get out of there sooner if you let the car dry. Yes, that includes the interior. Especially the interior.
2. Once the car is bone dry (which could take days), check the oil by pulling the engine oil dipstick. When in doubt, my mechanic always tells me to touch the oil. The color will betray its real contents. A dark deep reddish amber hue will tell you that there is no water in the engine. However, a blackish/grayish hue means there is water. Again, do not start the car if there is water in the engine, otherwise your repair costs will skyrocket. Change the oil and also check the gas tank for water. You’ll find this out by inspecting your fuel filter. The smell is usually a dead giveaway.
3. Check the electricals inside the car. Electricals are a mostly overlooked by car owners, but in this age of computers, the electricals have become the soul of your car. The scariest part to replace is the ECU or the computer box. This computer box controls practically everything about your car, fuel, brakes, idling and all that, and depending on the make and model of your car, it is situated in different areas of your vehicle. In my Nissan Sentra, my mechanic told me that it is situated under the middle part of the dash, thus bumper-lever water is a no-no for me. Be careful with electrical shock. Wear rubber boots when fiddling with the electricals. If you’re brave enough, you can disconnect the terminals and dry them out before plugging them back in. Only then can you turn the engine on.
4. On a good day, open all the doors and let the bad air out before you start cleaning the upholstery. If you car is equipped with power seats, clean all the connectors and terminals. A tsikoteer suggested that motors of power accessories can take the water, as long as they were’nt working at the time the flood was entering the interior.
5. Check the battery. Dry it out first.
6. Clean the upholstery. This is not because you want to preserve the leatherette. You need to clean the interior because flood waters are dirty and people’s butts will be sitting there. By cleaning the interior you can be sure that neither you nor your kids will contract leptospirosis.

When your car DOES start, peel your ears for any clanking sounds from the engine. If you hear the sound of sardine cans being dragged with a string, then turn the engine off immediately. It means there’s water in the engine and the only solution is an engine overhaul.

Remember, do not try to fix everything yourself. Get professionals to do the job for you.