Understanding the sign on your dashboard.

BETTER ENGINE PERFORMANCE.
For your car to get its best gas mileage and engine performance, it needs clean fuel injectors, air filters and fuel filters. Plus, its spark plugs need to be in good condition. That’s why we examine your vehicle’s air filter when you stop in, and it’s why we recommend you follow manufacturer
recommendations for replacing key components like filters and spark plugs when they’re past their prim

Super clean and well maintained Kia optima 2012 up for grabs in Abuja

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QUICK TIPS THAT SAVE GAS...

Go for the shade.

The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
“If you let your car bake in the sun there’s going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade,”
So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car

Use your garage for your car.
Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won’t have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.

Pump up your tires.
Don’t get caught driving on under inflated tires. Under inflated tires wear down more quickly and they also lower your car’s gas mileage.
“Tires that have low pressure offer more resistance so the engine is going to work harder to keep the car at 60,”
Your car’s gas mileage may plummet by as much as 15 percent. Driving on under inflated tires may also reduce the life of your tires by 15 percent or more.

Check your tire pressure once a month.
Buy a digital gauge and keep it in your glove box. Compare the pressure in your tires with the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual and on the placard in your car door. Then inflate your tires as needed. Be sure to check tire pressure when your tires are cold. A good time is early in the morning after your car’s been idle overnight.

Keep your engine in tune.
Fixing a car that is out of tune or has failed an emissions test can boost gas mileage by about 4 percent. So be sure to give your car regular tune-ups. You’ll also want to watch out for worn spark plugs. A misfiring spark plug can reduce a car’s fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent.

Replace air filters.
Keep a close eye on your engine’s air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It’s a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car’s air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner’s manual.

Use the right oil.
You can improve your car’s gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent by using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil. Opt for motor oil with the words “energy conserving” on the API performance label. This oil contains friction-reducing additives.

Don’t skimp on maintenance.
Be serious about auto care. Your car’s performance depends on it. Obey the car-care guidelines outlined in your owner’s manual. For more auto-care guidelines check out this free maintenance schedule from the Car Care Council.

Neglecting these things in your car will cost you a fortune

Repairing broken parts due to negligence? That will surely put a dent in your savings. Here are some points you should take note of.

Ever got so busy that you skipped a meal, and thought that, "Hey it's not too bad, I've saved the lunch money today"? While skipping a meal every now and then wouldn't hurt, skipping certain routine checks and maintenance on your vehicle could potentially cost you an arm and a leg.

All machineries experience wear and tear, nothing can last forever without the need for servicing and routine maintenance and this of course, applies to your car. Although it might seem like a chore to go out of your way to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top condition, trust us, it is definitely worth to do so before things go awry.
Here are some things in your car that you should never neglect.
Tyre pressure could fluctuate due to a variety of reasons, so make it a habit to check your tyre pressure regularly

1. Insufficient tyre pressure

Many drivers fail to realise the importance of tyre pressure, brushing it off as a minor detail, believing that it wouldn't affect much apart from the bumpiness of the ride. That is, however, a completely incorrect understanding of the topic.

Insufficient tyre pressure not only affects your vehicle's comfort and handling, it will also cause the tyres to flex more, resulting in increased friction between the tyres and the road. This causes the temperature to increase, which could result in tread separation (a dangerous situation where the tread of the tyre separates from the body of the tyre) or tyre blowouts (a rapid loss of tyre pressure which results in an explosion). Both situations could result in a severe loss of control of the vehicle, which could be deadly, especially when travelling at highway speeds.

Even if there aren't any obvious leaks, tyre pressure could still reduce over time due to many reasons, such as temperature differences, it would be wise to make it a habit to check your car's tyre pressure at least once a month.
It is crucial to change your car's engine oil regularly to ensure the longevity of the engine

2. Engine oil not changed regularly/low engine oil level

Arguably one of the most basic yet crucial maintenance for cars, most drivers are actually aware of the need for engine oil changes, it's just that some may assume it is okay to put it off until a much later date, thinking that it will not have much detrimental effect.

Under the high operating temperature and harsh environment, engine oil deteriorates over time. When the engine oil's composition breaks down, sludge which affects the flow of oil may form. The oil will not be able to sustain its viscosity, becoming thinner at high temperature and no longer lubricates the metal engine parts properly. Dirt and other particles could also contaminate the engine oil causing it to become abrasive.

Needless to say, if the engine oil level were to fall dangerously low, there will barely be any oil to lubricate the engine parts, as such the engine parts will experience much more wear.
Engine oil are recommended too be changed every 5000km or 10,000km (if the oil used is fully synthetic).
Timing belts are designed to last for 100,000km, so change them promptly to avoid a catastrophic engine failure

3. Not replacing timing belt regularly

While most of the newer cars utilises metal timing chains, which are supposed to last for pretty much the entire lifespan of the engine, many cars on the road still utilise timing belts. So, what happens when your timing belt snaps? "A piece of belting wouldn't cost much right, so why should I be concerned?" Well, hold that thought.
You see, there are generally two types of engine timing configurations - non-interference and interference. In a non-interference engine, even if the valves are to fully open when the piston is at the top, they will never cross path. Hence for such engines, there shouldn't be any damage when the timing belt, which synchronises their movements, breaks. For the latter, however, the piston and the valves' strokes use up the same space, if the valves were to be fully opened while the piston travels up, they will hit each other, resulting in possible damage to the valves, piston, cylinder head, camshaft or cylinder wall, all of which will be extremely costly to repair.
Unlike engine oil changes, timing belts are replaced between much longer intervals, the rule of thumb being 100,000km.
Drive belts, fan belt, or serpentine belts power various important components of your engine, such as the power steering pump

4. Not replacing drive belts regularly

What? There are more belts in an engine? Well, yes, luckily these aren't as crucial and costly as timing belts, but that does not mean that they should be neglected, as they can still cause you to end up standing by the road, waiting for assistance when they snap.
While older cars have multiple belts (commonly known as fan belts) to power the various components such as the power steering pump, alternator and air-con compressor, newer cars utilises a single serpentine belt for all the various accessories.

So what happens when these belts break? If the power steering pump stops working while you are driving, the steering will now be unassisted and requires much more force to turn, which can be dangerous on the road. If the alternator stops, your car’s battery will no longer stay charged, ultimately causing your car to stop running.
These belts have a similar lifespan to timing belts, and are often changed together, so don’t brush them off in an attempt to save a few bucks just because these don't seem as vital as the other components.
Other fluids are just as important - ensure that the power steering and brake fluids are at the adequate level

5. Not checking the various hydraulic fluids level

Vital parts such as the brakes and power steering system in most cars utilise a hydraulic system, which require their respective fluids to be maintained at an appropriate level in order for them to work properly.
Brake fluid is the medium that connects your feet's movement to the actual hardware that slows down and stops your vehicle. The incompressible brake fluid is displaced the moment the pedal is pushed, transferring the force to the pistons in the brake calipers, pushing the brake pad against the rotor to slow the car down. If there is insufficient brake fluid, the brakes will malfunction, and in worst cases the brakes may not work at all.
Low power steering fluid level, on the other hand, will often cause many problems, ranging from noise when turning to serious issues such as difficulty turning the steering wheel. Low fluid level can also cause damage to the power steering pump and rack, which can be costly to repair.

Check that the respective fluids are within their threshold by ensuring their level are within the 'Min' and 'Max' markings on the reservoir.
Brakes are critical to the safety of any vehicle, so always ensure that your brake pads and rotors are not too worn out

6. Neglecting the brakes

The importance of brakes simply can't be stressed enough when it comes to the safety of a vehicle. Apart from brake fluid, the various components that make up the braking system are equally important as the failure of any of them can lead to dire consequences.
The brakes on a car consists of friction materials, namely the brake discs or rotors, which the brake pads get pushed against in order to slow the car down. Needless to say, both the pads and rotor will wear out with usage. When the brake pads are totally worn, braking performance will decline greatly.
The hydraulic components of the braking system are also prone to wear and tear, and the brake hoses which are made of rubber can deteriorate and crack over time. Plus, the piston seals on the calipers may leak, which can cause the brakes to malfunction.
Never neglect your vehicle's brakes as braking problems pose a huge safety hazard. Being unable to stop when you need to will most definitely result in an accident.
Always keep an eye on your car's water temperature and coolant level, as overheating causes an array of issues that would be costly to repair

7. Not checking coolant level

An internal combustion engine generates power through countless explosions within its cylinders, it wouldn't take rocket science to figure out how much heat that produces, which is why the cooling system is a vital part of any engine.

Despite being a closed loop, the coolant level in a water-cooled engine can decrease due to various reasons, the most common being leaks from parts of the cooling system, such as the hoses, water pump, or radiator. Running an engine without sufficient coolant can result in overheating, which if left alone can potentially cause costly damage to your engine.

Overheating causes seals and gaskets to deteriorate prematurely and leak, which results in an array of issues and could even cause permanent damage to your engine. A 'blown' (severely damaged) head gasket, is one of the common problem caused by overheating, when the head gasket (a gasket which sits between the engine’s top portion, the head, and the lower portion, the block) fails, the engine loses compression (leading to less power) and the coolant and engine oil will usually mix.

This creates a mess and all sorts of issues. A blown gasket is costly to repair as it involves taking apart the engine, and in extreme cases where the head is warped due to the severe overheating, it will get even more expensive as the head may need to be replaced or machined so that the engine is able to work properly.
It only takes a couple of minutes to check the radiator and reserve tank for the coolant level, do it every now and then and enjoy a peace of mind.

The cost of neglect


“It’s tempting to avoid car maintenance in tough economic times, but that’s not a financially sound method to manage the big investment you’ve made in your vehicle,Surveys of certified technicians show that a well-maintained vehicle lasts longer, retains more of its resale value, pollutes less, and gets better mileage than one that’s been neglected — to say nothing of being safer to operate.”
According to the pros in the automotive industry, neglect causes components to wear out faster than they would otherwise (poorly aligned tires, for example) and can result in minor problems growing into more expensive repairs (worn brake pads will eventually damage the more expensive rotors). It is advisable motorists, whether they are do-it-yourselfers or take their cars to certified technicians, become familiar with their owner’s manual and follow the service schedules. “The owner’s manual is under-utilized; it summarizes systems to check and provides schedules based on normal or severe driving,”.
While some people might relish a weekend tinkering with the family car, today’s technological advances under the hood and busier lifestyles find more consumers in search of dependable, trustworthy automotive service and repair.

Away from the gist... Wait a minute, when was the last time you changed your Transmission fluid?

Transmission Fluid

What is this?

Changing automatic transmission fluid is best left to a mechanic that has basic knowledge on how the gear operates and has the right fluid at hand.

Transmission fluid is a slippery liquid that acts as a lubricant for all of the moving parts inside your transmission. In an automatic transmission, this fluid also serves as a coolant and a viscous fluid that transmits power from the engine to the transmission.

A variety of fluids are used for different transmissions. Automatic transmissions use something called — shockingly — automatic transmission fluid.

Manual transmissions use a variety of oils: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner's manual will tell you what your transmission call for .


We Fix, You Drive!

Good morning,

Happy weekend,

Do you drive an all wheel vehicle or a 4 wheel? When last did you check your axle oil?


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2010 ML 350 registered full option with LED light and airmatic suspension In Abuja call08092140553

Some of the things to keep your car rain-ready and going.

Check the tyres

Most accidents are a result of worn-out tyres as they tend to skid on wet or muddy stretches. Replace the old tyres and get the balance and alignment of the wheels checked before the monsoon

Change brake oil

Replace the brake fluids and make sure they don't leak. The brake drums need to be checked too for wear and tear. Test your brakes before driving on a rainy day.

Clean the wipers, windscreens:

Replace the wiper pads to ensure a clean windshield even during heavy rain. You can also install a rear wiper for a better rear view.

Ensure windshield washer tank isn't empty:

Windshields become muddy with dirty water splashing on to them while driving. It is advisable to wash them when you stop at a traffic signal. Top the washer with clean water to ensure you don't run out of it.

Check the lights:

Check the headlights, indicators, reverse indicators and tail lamps as well. Your vehicle needs to be visible to those approaching you during a heavy shower.

Keep a car drier ready

Keep a vacuum cleaner or a drier in the car so that you can dry the seats and the mats. Also keep a car perfume at hand.

Check the AC

The AC should be run on the defog mode a few times before setting out on a rainy day. Sudden fogging of the windshield becomes a major hazard during the monsoon.

Make sure all these are put in place so can enjoy a smooth drive during this raining season.

amozo:
How often do one need to change gear box oil in sienna and what kind of I'll is the best

What year is the sienna and also what’s the mileage?

Good evening,

Trust you keeping well?

Do you have any car issue or unresolved problem your technician cannot deal with that you want me to advice you on?

If yes, then let talk about it now.

Cheers...

Seasons greeting, get a computer and manual diagnosis plus wheel alignment free of charge for every oil change on your vehicle from 20th November to 9th December 2017. Hurry while promo is still on.

Call and text to book an appointment.


JAK AUTOWORLD LTD
Call /Text: 08092140553
Mail: jakautoworld@gmail.com.

PLOT 225 EBITU UKIWE STREET, BESIDE BRIGHT STAR PLAZA, JABI ABUJA.

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2010 ML 350 registered full option with LED light In Abuja call08092140553

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCW_dAPsWhg

Michautocares:
I'm in lagos.

Send a mail of your stating your location

Michautocares:
I'm in lagos.

Send a mail of your to the address stating your location

Bibors:
Any scope for Enugu?

Not yet in Enugu just the three cities mention only in Nigeria now

Hello,

Mechanics in lagos, abuja and port harcourt should contact jak@mymechanic.me On how to get jobs within there locality all day.

AutoReportNG:
A stitch in times they say saves nine. There are some noises a car owner should be familiar or be on a look-out for. Unusual car noises are often a clue that something is wrong with your car, so here are five car noises you should not ignore:

Chirping or Squealing Sound From a Wheel While Driving

A cyclic chirping or squealing noise coming from the vicinity of a wheel often indicates a wheel bearing or axle bearing that is failing. Usually the noise will change with the speed of the vehicle, and it may come and go at various speeds. This noise should not be ignored because if the bearing fails, it may cause the wheel to lockup or come loose from your car!

Don't confuse wheel bearing noise with scraping, groaning or creaking noises that may be coming from the brakes. During damp weather, moisture causes the brake pads to swell slightly. This may cause the pads to drag slightly, creating annoying groaning or creaking noises until the pads heat up and dry out.

A clicking noise from a front wheel that is only heard while turning usually indicates a bad outer constant velocity joint that is failing.

Metallic Scraping or Grinding Noise When Braking

Brakes sometimes make groaning or creaking noises when the pads are damp, and some types of brake pads (particularly semi-metallic pads) may squeal or squeak when they are cold. But as a rule, the brakes should be relatively quiet when they are applied. If you hear metallic scraping or grinding noises when braking, it probably means your brake pads are worn out and your vehicle needs a brake job now. Don't delay because worn brakes may not be able to stop you vehicle in a safe distance. In fact, if the brakes are that badly worn, there is a risk the friction material that's left on the pads may separate from the backing plate, possibly causing the brakes to fail. Metal-to-metal contact is also very damaging to the rotors

Hissing Sound from Engine Compartment While Driving or After Driving

If you hear a hissing sound from the engine compartment while driving or after turning the engine off, it may mean your engine is overheating and/or leaking coolant from the cooling system. Check the temperature gauge or temperature warning light to see if it indicates a overheating condition. Do not continue driving (especially if you see steam) as severe overheating can damage your engine.

Stop your vehicle and carefully open the hood. Look for any evidence of coolant leaking from the engine, radiator, radiator or heater hoses. If you see steam or smell a sweet odor, it is antifreeze leaking from the cooling system. Do NOT open the radiator or coolant reservoir cap until the engine has cooled down, and do not add coolant until the engine has cooled.

Note: Adding coolant to a leaking cooling system won't accomplish much because the coolant will leak back out. Adding a can of cooling system sealer such as Bars Leak or a similar product may slow or stop a small leak, but a large leak, leaking water pump or hose will continue to leak even with sealer in the system. The leaky part needs to be replaced.

Clicking or Tapping Noise from Engine

Engines can produce a lot of noises, but a metallic tapping or clicking sound means your engine may be low on oil, or is not developing normal oil pressure. The clicking noise is coming from the valve train. If oil pressure is low because of a low oil level in the crankcase or a problem with the oil pump, the hydraulic lifters that open and close the valves may collapse creating an increase in valve lash. This is the noise you hear, and it will be coming from the vicinity of the valve covers on top of the engine.

Stop the engine, let it sit a few minutes (so the oil can run back down into the crankcase), then check the oil level on the dipstick. If low, add oil as needed to bring the level back up to the full mark. Do not overfill the crankcase with oil. Also, check the engine for oil leaks. Old valve cover and pan gaskets, or leaky crankshaft end seals can allow oil to leak out of the engine.

If the noise does not go away, and/or the oil pressure gauge or warning light indicates low oil pressure, it's not a good idea to keep driving your vehicle. Loss of oil pressure can cause extensive and expensive engine damage.

Other engine sounds can also mean bad news. A deep metallic rapping noise can be caused by worn connecting rod bearings, and may indicate your engine has reached the end of the road (or will soon!).

If you hear a metallic knocking or clattering noise that only occurs while accelerating or when driving up a steep hill or pulling a load, your engine is likely experiencing detonation, a potentially damaging form of erratic combustion. Detonation can be caused by a buildup of carbon in the combustion chambers, low octane fuel, engine overheating, an EGR system that is not working, overadvanced ignition timing, or a defective knock sensor.

Exhaust Roar While Driving

If your exhaust system has a leak, you will hear exhaust noise coming from under your vehicle that is loudest when accelerating. The noise by itself won't hurt anything, but it does mean your exhaust system needs repairs (probably a new muffler or pipes). The dangerous part is if the leaking exhaust gases, which contain carbon monoxide, get inside the passenger compartment. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer. It takes only a small amount of carbon monoxide inside the passenger compartment to affect your alertness, ability to concentrate and react to changing driving conditions. As little as 0.08 percent carbon monoxide (that's only 800 parts per million) can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and bring on stupor in two hours. A one percent concentration of carbon monoxide can kill a person in less than three minutes!

You should have your exhaust system inspected and repaired as soon as possible, especially during cold weather when the windows are rolled up and the heater may be recirculating the air inside the passenger compartment. Exhaust components that typically leak include the exhaust manifold gaskets, cracks in the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe connections, pipes that rust through, and mufflers that rust out.



Source:
http://www.autoreportng.com/2017/07/5-sounds-that-signal-your-car-needs.html

My Mechanic by TBD LIMITED
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HungerBAD:
True.

Told my friend the same thing yesterday that lives in Lekki.

The Rain moved her SUV from where it was parked,and hit it against the fence of her house.

My Mechanic by TBD LIMITED
https://appsto.re/gb/5GFrjb.i

Sniper12:
my car was submerged. hazard light is on while d car is off. killed my battery. car interior stinks. got a replacement battery and rewire sorted d hazard light ish. drove it to work today. i hope no serious damage tho. cos i aint gat no money

My Mechanic by TBD LIMITED
https://appsto.re/gb/5GFrjb.i

jakautoworld:
With nearly hundreds of residents may be facing the prospect of their cars being submerged in a torrent of sea- and/or rainwater in Lekki and VI area of Lagos. Some who otherwise escaped the floods could find themselves in a potentially life threatening situation once they venture out if their cars suddenly become inundated on a waterlogged thoroughfare or under a viaduct.

For starters, if your car is currently under water or suspect it’s been flooded by the storm surge take heed. It's advisables that you not to try starting a car that’s been submerged without first having a technician perform a thorough inspection and cleaning. Salt water, for those who live in coastal areas, can be particularly damaging to a car's components.

"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that works its way into every seam and crevice of a vehicle," don't you know s a flooded car’s engine, transmission and fuel, brake, power steering and electrical systems are vulnerable to increased wear and premature failure.


If you’re calling the mymechanic.me or other service for roadside assistance, be patient, as you’ll probably be on a long list of those seeking help, and have reasonable expectations. The mymechanic.me generally handles dead battery/starting, flat tires, lockouts and other relatively minor service issues. Tow trucks are set up to drive through about 18 inches of water to pull submerged vehicles to dry land, but don’t expect drivers to sacrifice their own safety or the integrity of their equipment negotiating levels deeper than that.

If a car has been completely or partially submerged, extensive disassembly may be needed for a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come cheap. Depending on its make, model and age, the cost to restore a flood-damaged vehicle could exceed its value, in which case the owner’s insurance company would consider it “totaled.”

If you live on higher ground and your vehicle has thus far remained dry, be extra cautious when venturing out for the first time to avoid becoming submerged in standing or surging water. Dips in the road, viaducts and areas adjacent to rivers and streams are especially susceptible to flooding during or after a normal downpour, and you should never assume that standing water is shallow enough to negotiate. If local authorities are telling residents to stay off the roads, don’t risk the trip in the first place.

Download mymechanic app on IOS

HungerBAD:
True.

Told my friend the same thing yesterday that lives in Lekki.

The Rain moved her SUV from where it was parked,and hit it against the fence of her house.

Contact mymechanic.me

With nearly hundreds of residents may be facing the prospect of their cars being submerged in a torrent of sea- and/or rainwater in Lekki and VI area of Lagos. Some who otherwise escaped the floods could find themselves in a potentially life threatening situation once they venture out if their cars suddenly become inundated on a waterlogged thoroughfare or under a viaduct.

For starters, if your car is currently under water or suspect it’s been flooded by the storm surge take heed. It's advisables that you not to try starting a car that’s been submerged without first having a technician perform a thorough inspection and cleaning. Salt water, for those who live in coastal areas, can be particularly damaging to a car's components.

"In addition to the obvious damage done to upholstery and carpeting, flood water is a corrosive and abrasive mixture of water and dirt that works its way into every seam and crevice of a vehicle," don't you know s a flooded car’s engine, transmission and fuel, brake, power steering and electrical systems are vulnerable to increased wear and premature failure.


If you’re calling the mymechanic.me or other service for roadside assistance, be patient, as you’ll probably be on a long list of those seeking help, and have reasonable expectations. The mymechanic.me generally handles dead battery/starting, flat tires, lockouts and other relatively minor service issues. Tow trucks are set up to drive through about 18 inches of water to pull submerged vehicles to dry land, but don’t expect drivers to sacrifice their own safety or the integrity of their equipment negotiating levels deeper than that.

If a car has been completely or partially submerged, extensive disassembly may be needed for a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, this doesn’t come cheap. Depending on its make, model and age, the cost to restore a flood-damaged vehicle could exceed its value, in which case the owner’s insurance company would consider it “totaled.”

If you live on higher ground and your vehicle has thus far remained dry, be extra cautious when venturing out for the first time to avoid becoming submerged in standing or surging water. Dips in the road, viaducts and areas adjacent to rivers and streams are especially susceptible to flooding during or after a normal downpour, and you should never assume that standing water is shallow enough to negotiate. If local authorities are telling residents to stay off the roads, don’t risk the trip in the first place.

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WwW.mymechanic.me

Fasting for long durations, such as during Ramadan, can lead to low blood sugar and dehydration. This can make you feel tired and impatient. It can also lead to headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration.

In addition, sleeping habits change during Ramadan. People might stay up late at night or get up early in the morning. Lack of sleep causes problems such as impaired performance, irritability, daytime drowsiness and micro-sleeps.

“Few hours of sleep, evenings full of social obligations and errant meal times affect the driver’s ability to remain alert and focused while driving. Fatigue reduces the driver’s concentration level and increases his reaction time. It means that extreme caution is required while driving during Ramadan,” .

Studies indicate that fasting affects cognitive functioning, and this has a direct effect on driving ability.

It affects mainly two areas that are relevant to driving. Your reaction time is slower and spatial perception (which, of course, is vital to driving) is much worse.

Lack of concentration, yawning, sore eyes and day-dreaming can lead to missing road signs or exits, lane indiscipline, among other problems.

Below are some tips and precautions drivers must observe during Ramadan:

1. Get adequate sleep, exercise regularly and eat your meals at a fixed time.

2. If you feel sleepy before driving, take a power nap and then start your journey.

3. If you feel sleepy while driving, pull over immediately.

4. Be more courteous and patient towards other road users.

5. Start your journey early to avoid last-minute speeding.

6. Always adjust your speed to the road and weather conditions.

7. Watch out for other fatigued drivers and their actions.

8. See and be seen. Before you head out on the road at night, ensure that your headlights, taillights, and signal lights are clean and working properly. Clean your windows to remove road film and dust that could impair your ability to see clearly.

9. Consider public transport, or even a car pool if you are feeling tired.

10. Observe all traffic signs, rules and regulations. Sudden swerving and lane-cutting should be avoided. Always remain alert and concentrate on your defensive driving techniques throughout the month of Ramadan and even after that.

Jak Autoworld ltd.

We Fix, You Drive!

Driving in Heavy Winds
Wind may seem like a minor risk, but this weather condition deserves special consideration from drivers. Strong wind can occur just about anywhere, but it can be more common in wide open spaces. Areas for concern also include highway overpasses, tunnels and ‘road cuts’ through mountainous areas that can act as funnels for wind. The following tips can help keep you on the road and safe if you encounter heavy winds.

1. Anticipate gusts. Take special care when driving through areas prone to strong winds or when weather reports predict severe weather.

2. Notice larger vehicles. Be aware of large vehicles on the road such as tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles. They are more susceptible to high winds and drivers may have difficulties staying in their lanes.

3. Keep a firm grip on the wheel. Keep both hands on the wheel in case the wind begins to move your vehicle, especially if you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer.

Driving in Heavy Rain

In addition to the potentially poor visibility that accompanies most heavy rain, drivers should be ready to protect themselves against hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur when a vehicle is traveling too fast in heavy rain conditions, causing the vehicle’s tires to travel on a thin layer of water rather than grip the surface of the road. This has the potential to make steering and braking difficult and could even lead to losing control of your vehicle. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.

1. Take your time. Slowing down is the only way to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is soon after it begins to rain, as oils on roadway make for slick conditions. Waiting a few minutes, rather than rushing to your destination, can be a safer plan when it is raining.

2. Turn your lights on. Turn your headlights on to help other vehicles see you. Many states require the use of headlights during rain, even in broad daylight.

3. Give other vehicles more space. Add 1-2 extra seconds of following time in the rain, which gives you and the cars behind you more time to react to traffic.

JAK AUTOWORLD LTD

We Fix, You Drive!

The rainy season is upon us once again. With the dry season ending, car owners should be prepared for the wet weather which is known to last for almost half a year. The dark clouds are not just there to bring raindrops, they also pose several threats to your car, especially now that flash floods seem to be a common occurrence.
1. Clean Your Headlights, Windshields and Windows
Visibility is one of the most basic necessities for a car driver. Make sure that the above mentioned car components are clean and free of spots that could hinder your view of the road. For your headlights, check whether they are working properly and replace the bulb if it produces a poor amount of light. In Addition, check to see if your electric windows are working- you don’t want yourself or your passengers to get wet.
2. Change Your Wiper Blades
Your wipers may not have seen much action during the summer months, but now is the time for them to shine. Always change your wiper blades every other year by either changing the rubber part of the blade or having the entire blade replaced, to ensure constant visibility..

3. Check Your Battery
Your car’s battery is its lifeline and even perhaps your own. Recent automotive studies stated that many drivers experience battery-related problems during the rainy season. During rainy days they undergo immense pressure from the headlights, air conditioning, wipers and even radio being turned on all at once. Have a mechanic test your battery to determine whether it is still up for the job in terms of output and charging time.  
4. Are Your Brakes Working?
Car break
Brakes are just as important as the previous items in the car care tips checklist. Always have your brake system checked by a car care specialist. Make sure that the brake pads still have enough friction material and the brake discs’ thickness still complies with the manufacturer’s specs. Your brake fluid should still have that golden color; and if it looks like fish sauce, it’s time to replace it.

5. Inflate Your Tires Properly
Always ensure that your tires have the right amount of pressure as stated in the car’s manual. On a slippery road, your tires are the only things that come between your car and the concrete or asphalt below. To avoid your car from swerving, make sure they have enough tread depth and grooves left before hitting the road. Also, don’t forget to have your wheels aligned to help the car avoid visible obstructions such as potholes and bumps which are usually submerged in water during the rainy season.
6. Keep washing your car
It’s tempting to skip the car washing because it’s raining all the time anyway, but don’t give in! Rain actually doesn’t do any favours for your vehicle’s exterior – it leaves behind acidic deposits that eat away at the exposed parts of your car, especially the paint job and any metallic (e.g. chrome) finishes.
If you don’t have time for a full wash, a quick hose-down can help neutralise acidity after your car has been out in the rain.

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Sloppy Lube Job During Brake Repair

If axle grease or caliper lube gets on the friction surface of the brake pads or rotors, your car’s brakes won’t work.
(Michal Saganowski/Getty Images)
Even though brake jobs typically aren’t (strictly speaking) all that difficult, a lot of amateur mechanics like to hire a pro for this kind of work. And it’s understandable. Screwing up a brake job can have pretty serious consequences, for obvious reasons.

Your car’s brakes work because of friction. It’s not entirely that simple, but that’s the basic principle. When you press (or slam) the brakes, hydraulic pressure in the system makes your brake calipers and brake pads squeeze in, and this friction causes your wheels to slow down.

That’s a lot of friction, and it depends on a lot of moving parts. Moving parts require lube, or else they’ll seize. So when you’re taking brake components apart and putting them back together, you’ll need to use brake-system-specific grease to make sure everything’s operating at top-notch capacity. And if you’re working with the axles, there’s a strong chance you’ll be using oily substances in the brake vicinity. Either way, you’ll want to be extremely careful with lube application — it’s crucial.

It requires the precision of carving a really expensive steak, or giving someone a tattoo. If axle grease or caliper lube gets on the friction surface of the brake pads or rotors, your car’s brakes won’t work. Not at all.*smiles*