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Don’t overlook brake fluid when servicing your vehicle!

There are different fluids flowing around in a car, each having a function that is important. Engine oil is perhaps the most important as it is like the blood in your body. It circulates to not only protect engine parts and reduce friction but carries away particles to the oil filter. Fluid in the cooling system is also vital as it carries away the heat generated by the temperature to the radiator where it is transferred into the air blowing through.

There’s also the fluid for the automatic transmission and we should not forget fuel, which is also a very important fluid as the engine will not run without it! But one fluid which is usually overlooked is the brake fluid and it is, from the safety point of view, especially important.

Water is the enemy of brake fluid
Brake fluid, as its name indicates, it ensures the brakes can function properly. Like any fluid poured into the engine, it is at its best when new. However, its properties and quality will change over time. Part of the reason is that brake fluid is hygroscopic and that means it absorbs water.

Brake Fluid Reservoir — The container holding the brake fluid is usually at one side of the engine bay and its cap may have warning messages as well. When the cap is removed, moisture in the air can be absorbed into the fluid so open it only when necessary.

The moment you open the can or bottle, it will already start absorbing moisture though not in big amounts. But over time, the fluid will draw moisture through the microscopic holes in rubber hoses and seals. There is also a ventilation hole to allow atmospheric pressure to balance fluctuating brake fluid levels and this too allows moisture to seep into the system. So don’t think that even though it is in a ‘sealed’ system, it is airtight.

As the amount of water in the brake fluid increases, it affects performance, in particular the boiling point which will become lower. The boiling point varies, depending on the designation of the fluid which is usually based on the standards established by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). There are 6 designations (DOT 1 to DOT 5.1), with the one having the bigger number able to perform in more extreme conditions where operating temperatures are higher. However, DOT 5.1 is for more specialised and high-performance vehicles as it has a different composition.

BHPetrol Brake Fluid — *DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids are commonly recommended, with DOT4 being formulated for higher performance.*

Motul DOT 5.1 — *DOT 5.1 has the highest performance for commercially available brake fluids. It is typically used in racing cars and military vehicles.*

Which type is used for your car will be mentioned in the Owner’s Manual and it would be recommended based on the anticipated usage conditions. If you are uncertain, you can consult the service centre which should have the information or ask a reputable brake fluid manufacturer. DOT and DOT4 are usually recommended and the difference in the boiling point between the two is that dry boiling point DOT4 is 230 degrees C. and 25 degrees C. higher than DOT3 (which costs a bit less).

There is also a wet boiling point and this refers to the fluid’s boiling point when it has already absorbed water. For DOT3, it can drop to 140 degrees C. while for DOT4, it is 155 degrees C. Naturally, you want the highest boiling point so that the fluid can handle more heat which is generated whenever the brake system is used. So, where possible, using DOT4 would be best but always refer to what the car’s manufacturer recommends.

When to replace?
Like engine oil, brake fluid doesn’t last forever and needs to be replaced. The intervals will be mentioned in the Owner’s Manual but if you have an old car and no manual to refer to, it is recommended that you change the fluid every 50,000 kms. However, you might also top up as the level drops when the brake pads wear out.

The procedure for replacing brake fluid is not complicated but it is better done by a mechanic at a workshop who will have the correct tools and equipment. The old fluid has to be flushed out of the system before the fresh new one is poured in. Handling of the fluid must be done carefully as it is corrosive and can damage paintwork.

Then there is the all-important ‘bleeding’ process to ensure that air bubbles do not form in the system. The bleeding is like a venting process and allows any bubbles to come out and then the system is sealed. If bubbles are in the system, it can be very dangerous because they create a ‘gap’ in the fluid; when you press on the brake pedal, this air gap compresses but the force is not transmitted. The result is that the pedal might suddenly feel ‘dead’ and go to the floor, and there is no braking occurring – which might cause an accident.

Ferrari – World’s Strongest Brand; Toyota – Most Admired Company

Ferrari has been awarded the title of the world’s strongest brand for the second consecutive year by Brand Finance, an international independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy. With a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 94.1 out of 100, the 80-year old Italian carmaker tops the rankings of only 12 brands to be awarded the highest AAA+ rating.

In the previous year, Ferrari claimed the title with a score of 94.8 out of 100 and an AAA+ rating as well.

The Brand Finance Global 500 2020 report calculates the value of the Ferrari brand at US$9.1 billion with year-on-year growth of 9%, boosted by positive sales and overall brand strength. The brand value is determined by estimating the net economic benefit to the brand owner of licensing the trademark on the open market. It measures brand strength on the basis of the efficacy of a brand’s performance on intangible measures compared to its competitors.

Most Admired Company – Toyota
Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corporation was ranked as the top automaker in Fortune Magazine’s list of the ‘2020 World’s Most Admired Companies’. This is the sixth consecutive time that the Japanese carmaker has been received the recognition and it is only one of two carmakers in the top 100 rankings (the other being BMW).

Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ list is widely acknowledged as the definitive report card on corporate reputation and is based on company surveys and industry peer ratings from over 3,700 senior executives, directors and industry analysts from around the world.

TMC fORTUNE 500 — *Toyota had the highest score in 8 criteria which the survey measured.*

For each company, the survey measured 9 attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of products and services, social and environmental responsibility, global competitiveness, and value as an investment, among others.

Toyota to start selling second generation of Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle in late 2020

Toyota introduced its first commercially-available hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) – the Mirai – in 2014. Technically sophisticated with its advanced technology, the Mirai has served as a catalyst for increasing global awareness of how a future clean and sustainable hydrogen society might be achieved.

Now, 5 years later, after real-world usage and further developments in fuel cell technology, the second generation is due for introduction towards the end of this year. It will be available initially in Japan, North America and Europe.

At the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota provided an early glimpse of the advances it is making across the board with the new Mirai, in terms of technical excellence, dynamic performance, and desirable design. Efficiency is still a critical area, and Toyota is targeting a 30% increase in the Mirai’s driving range (around 500 kms with the first generation model) through improvements to the fuel cell system and the use of larger on-board hydrogen tanks.

The new Mirai sits on Toyota’s latest rear wheel drive modular platform (TNGA-based) which has been engineered to accommodate different powertrains – including a hydrogen fuel cell – at the outset. It further gives the new Mirai a higher degree of body rigidity, which contributes to greater agility and responsiveness, and a lower centre of gravity, which makes for nimble, rewarding handling.

There will be three tanks – one long, two short – which together increase the fuel capacity by around one kilogram of hydrogen compared to the current model. As well as extending the potential driving range, improvements in the performance of the fuel cell system give more linear, smooth response when moving off. Handling is also said to be light and easy on winding roads.

2015 Toyota Mirai FC — *First generation of the Mirai. Some 10,000 units have been sold since 2015.*

2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV — *Concept model of second generation which was shown last year.*

The big change for the new Mirai’s is its exterior design, with low lines and a sleek, taut bodywork with large, 20-inch diameter wheels that together generate a powerful and distinctive look.

The interior has been conceived as a simple, modern space with a warm, comfortable ambience that adds to the sense this is a car that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive and travel in. Key elements include a 12.3-inch centre display and an instrument panel that wraps around the driver. The platform and intelligent packaging allow for five seats to be provided in place of the current Mirai’s four.

“We have pursued the goal of making a car that customers will feel they want to drive all time, a car that has an emotional and attractive design and the kind of dynamic and responsive performance that can bring a smile to the driver’s face,” said Yoshikazu Tanaka, the new Mirai’s Chief Engineer who also headed the team for the development of the first generation.

“I want customers to say ‘I chose the Mirai not just because it’s an FCEV, but because I simply wanted this car; it just happens to be an FCEV.’ We will continue our development work focusing on that feeling, and we hope that with the new Mirai, we will be a leader in helping realise a hydrogen energy society,” he added.

Toyota Mirai Concept previews next generation of FCEV to be launched at the end of 2020

Fuel prices for January 25 – 31, 2020

Mercedes-Benz continues to be leading premium luxury brand in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) closed another year as the leading brand in the premium luxury segment with a total of 10,021 passenger vehicles (including SUVs) sold. That captured a 1.8% market share and overall 7^th position.

“We wrap up the decade on a great note as we continue to grow our customer base and set our footing in the country. 2019 was a year where we placed great emphasis on expanding our product offensive with innovative technology and emotional design, catering to the needs of our customers. Through a solid leadership and vision, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Malaysian market and our customers in delivering the ‘Best Product and Best Customer Experiences‘,” said MBM President & CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.

“Despite facing headwinds, we ended the year on a strong note to cement our position in premium automotive segment. We delivered 10,021 vehicles to our Malaysian customers signifying a continuous mark of confidence towards our brand. We are fully confident that 2019 has set up a great tone as we power up a great momentum for the new decade,” added Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at MBM, Michael Jopp.

Key launches that took place includes the E-Class with the debut the E 350 AMG Line, E 200 SPORTSTYLE Avantgarde and E 300 Exclusive Line; A-Class sedan (A200 and A250); latest GLC and GLE SUV models, Mercedes-AMG A35, the Mercedes-AMG GT R and GT C, plus the new GLC 200, 300 and 300 Coupe SUV models. The AMG line-up also broadened with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé, and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

MBM also introduced its first ever S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, the S 560 e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQ brand experience was presented with the highly-anticipated Southeast Asian premiere of the all-electric EQC. The EQ range signifies a new era of mobility in the country without compromising on luxury, comfort, quality, design and driving dynamics for which the German brand is well known.

*Mercedes-Benz assembly line in Pekan, Pahang (archive image)*

MBM’s Pekan Plant in Pahang rolled out its 100,000^th vehicle during 2019. Currently, the plant assembles 13 variants from 5 model lines and Mercedes-AMG models are included as well. Exports to the Philippines also began last year with the C 180 left-hand drive variant. This is the first stage of export activities for the plant and there will be similar initiatives within the ASEAN region in coming years.

Throughout 2019, MBSM financed 5 out of every 10 new Mercedes-Benz vehicles sold and has a concrete servicing portfolio of RM2.6 billion. The financial arm of MBM recorded new contracts worth over RM1 billion and introduced new financing and insurance solutions such as Mobility Plus, the first-of-its-kind car replacement program in Malaysia’s auto financing industry along with Lease@Ease, an all-in-one lease payment plan with value added services such as Tyre & Rims and Comprehensive Insurance with Service and Maintenance.

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s most valuable luxury car brand of 2019

20% discount on toll charges on PLUS highways and LPT2 tomorrow (Saturday)

If you are travelling on PLUS and LPT2 highways tomorrow (Saturday January 25), your toll charges will be 20% less as a discount is being offered from 12:00 am till 11:59 pm. The 20% discount is only for privately-registered passenger vehicles.

Applicable highways are the North-South Expressway, the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Seremban-Port Dickson Expressway, the North-South Expressway Central Link (ELITE), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Highway (Linkedua), Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE), Penang Bridge and the East-Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2).

There is no discount for those passing through the toll plazas at Tanjung Kupang. Motorists who are currently enjoying the existing Penang Bridge 20% toll discount via their Touch ‘n Go cards will also not be entitled to the discount.

To facilitate a smoother traffic flow during the festive period when millions of vehicles will be travelling on the highways, all toll plaza reload facilities on the entry lanes to PLUS-operated highways will be closed to customers from January 22 until February 3, 2020. This move is aimed at reducing traffic congestion due to the long queue at reload lanes at the toll plazas.

PLUS advises motorists to plan their journey in advance and most importantly, to reload their Touch ‘n Go card before starting their journey and make sure their card has sufficient balance to cover all toll charges along the way. There is no Touch ‘n Go card reload service provided at the exit lane of all PLUS toll plazas. However, certain toll plazas do have reload services at the PLUS customer service centres.

*Most petrol station stores like the BHPetromarts along the highways offer TnG reload services. Top up extra since you can also use the same card to pay at many carparks.*

Motorists can top-up their cards at 11,000 reload centres throughout the country, including Touch ‘n Go Spots which are located at 34 petrol stations along the PLUS highway and also Self-Service Kiosks which located at 67 locations at selected R&R areas, lay-bys and toll plazas.

During this festive season, PLUS is expecting a total of 2 million vehicles to utilize its highways, especially during the peak periods which are from January 22 – 24; January 27, 28 and 31; and February 1 (which is a holiday in the Federal Territory).

From February 1, 2020, toll charges on PLUS-operated highways will decrease by 18%, as reported earlier. There will be no change in toll rates on PLUS highways until 2058 but PLUS has its concession period extended by 20 years beyond 2038.