On April 2, the Federal government allocated RM83.5 million to Kelantan for road infrastructure maintenance works. Datuk Dr. Izani Husin, the chairman of Kelantan Public Works, Infrastructure, Water, and Rural Development committee, announced that the allocation would be utilised to repair damaged roads identified throughout the state, with the project expected to be completed by June.
According to Bernama, Dr. Izani mentioned that although the allocation was slightly lower than last year’s RM104.4 million, it would still be effectively utilised to repair damaged roads across all districts following Aidilfitri. The allocation would particularly focus on periodic paving in the Gua Musang district, with an estimated cost of about RM10.7 million covering 11 roads.
Following the activation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia on March 18 2020, all businesses except those related to essential services were required to stop operations. Service centres were among the businesses that had to remain closed, although emergency assistance services were permitted.
After the extension of the MCO until April 28 2020, MITI has given permission for car companies to resume aftersales services at selected outlets, with certain conditions to be followed. UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has received approval from MITI to re-open selected authorised Toyota service centres which will operate for emergency and urgent service requirements only, at minimum capacity.
Toyota owners are advised that the services are by appointment only. Customers should first contact the nearest service centre to their home to check if the outlet is in operation and then plan a suitable appointment time/date.
Every effort will be made to ensure the safety and protection of customers when they visit the service centres who will continue to practice social distancing and remain at least 1 metre or more apart to avoid possible transmission of the virus.
With regards to those vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during the MCO period, the company announced earlier that there will be a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.
The company will continue to provide all customers with assistance for any emergencies or enquiries during the MCO period through its existing helplines. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO:
“As we always place customer care as a top priority, all Toyota vehicles sent to our service centres will receive a thorough inspection to ensure they are in good running order. However, we also urge customers to adhere to the regulations of the Movement Control Order and help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Ravindran K. President of UMW Toyota Motor.
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.
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.
DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids are commonly recommended, with DOT4 being formulated for higher performance.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.
Allowing your engine to idle for long periods of time while in your car, isn’t illegal, but shouldn’t be practiced often. There several health and environmental concerns that are associated with vehicle exhaust gases. While idling, their exhaust pipes spew out harmful pollutants including soot and carbon monoxide that are not conducive to healthy living.
Idling is a term given to the practice of leaving a vehicle’s engine running while stationary without any immediate plans of setting off. It is something many of us have been guilty of on several occasions. And though we invoke rational reasoning to convince ourselves that it is acceptable behaviour, that simply isn’t true.
GEM Motorist Assist, a road safety and breakdown organisation in the UK has taken it upon themselves to urge motorists to curb this particular habit. They say that not only is it bad for health, but can cause a significant dent in your monthly petrol expenses.
Neil Worth, GEM road safety officer, said, “We ask drivers to think twice before sitting stationary in their vehicle with the engine running. By switching off you will be helping to improve air quality, reducing your carbon footprint and complying with the law.”
Adding to that, the company also states this problem is a contributing factor to the 40,000 air pollution-related deaths in the UK each year. The magnitude of this problem led the UK government to ban this practice several decades ago.
According to section 42 of the UK Road Traffic Act 1988, as made clear by Rule 123 of the Highway Code, Leaving a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road can land you with a RM110 penalty charge notice. And they take these rules very seriously over there.
Unlike the UK, Malaysians have to deal with appalling weather conditions. As such, many are forced to keep the engine and A/C running to ensure that they don’t cook themselves. That said, it’s still an avoidable practice as long as you are able to plan your journeys well and take a break at petrol stations with R&R facilities.
This way, your car gets the rest it deserves, considerable amount of fuel is saved, and you get to cool off in an air conditioned rest area that serves food and beverages. It’s a win-win situation that can benefit all parties, including Mother Nature.
