KRF Kak Mie: K . TERENGGANU - JOHOR BAHRU - K . TERENGGANU - KOTA BHARU - K . TERENGGANU

KRF Kak Mie: K . TERENGGANU - JOHOR BAHRU - K . TERENGGANU - KOTA BHARU - K . TERENGGANU

Try To Avoid Any Roadside Interviews

Why do some people get pulled all the time, and others hardly ever? It is often all about attitude. We'd all like to be free to drive around, windows down, system full up, loud exhaust bellowing, sparks striking, tires squealing - but - nothing is a bigger to the boys in blue than any irresponsible driving like this. Rest assured, if your motor is anywhere near fully sorted, the coppers will find something they can nick you for, when they pull you over - it is a dead cert. Trying not to wind them up too much before this happens (and certainly not once you are stopped) will make for an easier life. There is showing off, and then there is taking the pee. Save it for the next cruise.



The worst thing from your point of view is that, once you have been stopped, it is down to that particular copper's judgment as to whether your car's illegal. If he/she is having a bad day anyway, smart-mouthing off is not gonna help your case at all. If you can persuade him/her that you are at least taking on board what's being said, you will be reported for an offense - while this does not mean you will end up being prosecuted for it, it is not good. Some defects (like worn tires) will result in which usually means you have to fix whatever deemed wrong, maybe get the car inspected, and present yourself with the proof at a police station, inside seven days, or face prosecution.



If you can manage to drive reasonably, sensibly when the law is about, and can ideally show that you have tried to keep your car legal when you get questioned, you stand a much better chance of enjoying your relationship with your modded beast. This guide is intended to help you steer clear of the more obvious things you could get pulled for. By reading it, you might even be able to have an informed, well-mannered discussions about things legal with the next officer of the law you meet at the side of the road.

Be Sure To Prepare Your Documentations Before Departing

The first thing you will be asked to produce. If you are driving around without text, MOT or insurance, we might as well stop now, as you won't be doing much more driving of anything after just one pull.



Okay, so you don't normally carry all your car-related documents with you - for safety, you have got them stashed carefully at home - But carrying photocopies of your license, MOT and insurance certificate is a good idea. While they are not legally-binding absolute proof, producing these in a roadside check might mean you do not have to produce the real things at a cop-shop later in the week. Shows a certain responsibility, and confidence in your own legality on the road, too.



In some parts of the country, it is even said to be a good idea to carry copies of any receipts for your stereo gear - if there is any suspicion about it being stolen (surely not), some coppers have been known to confiscate it (or the car it is in) on the spot.



One of the simplest mods, and one of the easiest to spot (and prove) if you are a cooper. Nowadays, any changes made to the standard approved character font (such as italics or fancy type), spacing, or size of the plate constitutes an offense. Remember too that if you have moved the rear plate from its original spot (like from the tailgate recess, during smoothing) it still has to be properly lit at night. You are unlikely to even buy an illegal plate now, as the companies making them are also liable for prosecution if you get stopped. It is just something else to blame on speed cameras - plates have to be easy for them to shoot, and modding yours suggests you are trying to escape a speed conviction (well, who is not?).



Getting pulled for an illegal plate is for looser - you are making it too easy for them. While this offense only entails a small fine and confiscation of the plates, you are drawing unwelcome police attention to the rest of your car. Not smart. At all...

Reasons Why Others Modify Their Car

What's so bad about a standard car? Why do some of us resort to tuning? Does that imply car manufacturers are incapable of producing exciting road machines? Or are we implying the cars they are producing are actually not good enough? Of course for some people. However, there is nothing more boring than a homogeneous product. As it is, cars are expensive enough in Malaysia and after spending some money, the last thing we want is to look look a clone of every other similar model of the car that is on the road. Which is why the twin concepts of creativity and individuality play such a great role in ultimately determining the look and performance of your car.



Even upmarket European car manufacturers have their own tuning arms: BMW has M-Technik, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, Audi has Quattro while Japanese giants, Honda and Subaru have Mugen and STi respectively. And the great thing is these division stock parts that can be added to the normal, standard version of their cars to enhance both looks and performance.



Generally, car companies have to produce vehicles that will make their CEO's happy and are politically correct. Thus cost effectiveness, user friendliness and environmental-friendliness are just some off the concerns that have to be factored into the production of a car. In other words, most run-of-the-mill cars are not tuned to their fullest potential.



Of course there is nothing wrong with that, but for some performance enthusiasts it is wholly inadequate. They want more driving excitement and while there are at it, look good at the same time. Unfortunately not everyone belongs to the elite demographic like of the Sultan Brunei or pop stars who can afford exotica like the Ferrari F50s and its ilk. Furthermore, there is always this inexplicable sensation you experience when you lead ahead using a humbler and cheaper car.



So tuning is all about the primitive macho-man mentality. Some of the tweaks you can do and a brief explanations of its functions will be included in the next coming post. But before blasting down to your nearest tuning shop and squandering your wealth, bear in mind the fact that many modification is considered illegal in Malaysia. And based upon the strict interpretation of the law, this encompasses changing of alloy wheels, clear lenses, suspension kits and other things that could actually be potentially useful. Furthermore, the manufacturer's warranty is effectively voided and the life-span of your car and engine could be adversely shortened.

Reasons Not To Modify Your Car

The painful truth



The minute you start down the road to a modified motor, you stand a good chance of being in trouble with the Man. It seems like there's almost nothing worthwhile you can do to your car, without breaking some sort of law. so, the answer's not to do it at all, then? Well, no, but let's keep it real.



There is this bunch of vehicle related regulations. It is a huge set of books, used by the car manufacturers and the Department of Transport among others, and it sets out in black and white all the legal issues that could land you in trouble. It's the ultimate authority for modifying, in theory. But only few people (and even fewer policemen) know all of it inside-out, and it's forever being updated and revised, so it is not often enforced to the letter at the roadside - just in court.



Despite its existence, in trying to put together any guide to the law and modifying, it quickly becomes clear that almost everything is in grey area with no-one prepared to go on record and say what is OK to modify and what is not. Well, brilliant. So if there is no fixed rules (in the real world), how are you meant to live by them? In circumstances, all we can promise to do is help to make sense of nonsense...

Some Words of Advice in Dealing With a Car Dealer

While negotiating with the car dealer, experts advice that you bring up all the faults that you have found. These will be your grounds for negotiation. You can ask for a lower price or insist that they pay for the repairs. Once the negotiation is done, make sure that the terms are translated into a written agreement. Do not pay the car dealers until all their promises are delivered. Just to play it safe, ask for a receipt for every payment that is made.



In addition, you have to take note of the road tax renewals, warranty terms, insurance premiums and the transfer fee that constitutes two percent of the car's book value. To obtain the books value, call up the Land Transport Authority and quote you vehicle number.



Getting a pre-owned car has several benefits. For starters, depreciation tapers off as a car gets older, meaning a car which has had a manual depreciation of $10k when new might now be worth only $7k a year. As such, the financial loss from this investment is kept to a minimum. What's more is that you get to drive a more expensive model for less money. A five-year-old BMW might cost the same as a brand new Nissan Sunny. With slightly less demanding financial commitment many people are turning to the second hand car market. However, while there are significant savings to be had from buying used, do choose carefully as a hasty and impulsive decision might translate too much heartache later. Buy a poorly maintained vehicle, and you might end up spending most of the money saved on hefty repair bills. So keep your eyes and ears open and happy hunting.

Picking Out The Faults

Yes, you may be no car expert but there are certain things - that can prevent much heartache later - to look for when buying a car. It pays to have some knowledge of the cars that you are looking for as you can't possibly send all the cars that you're considering buying to the car mechanic. We suggest asking friends who might own a similar model to the one you have a go in theirs so that you have an idea of what to expect.



In evaluating the condition of the car, there are several things to look out for. First and foremost, scrutinize the vehicle for previous accident damage. Experts recommend inspections to be done under sunlight so that reflections of surrounding effects can be seen on the car's surface. View the car from all possible angles and check the reflection's shape. If it appears distorted, then the car could have been damaged. Verify the car dealer's claims that the car is in perfect shape by checking the gaps between the panel fittings - especially along the sides of the car. The gap should be uniform width along the same length. Lifting the bonnet is sometimes like opening up a can of worms. Welded joints, broken fastenings, rust and paint over putty are tell-tale signs of accident repairs.




Next, examine the fluids. Their quantity and contamination levels will reveal some clues as to how the car was treated. Low fluid levels and highly contaminated fluid often indicate poor maintenance. The engine oil should be golden brown to light brown, not black. Does it smell burnt? Does it look like coffee? Is the car dripping oil? Check the ground under the engine oil spots. The cooling system can also provide vital clues to the health of the car. Open up the radiator cap and check if there is oil in the radiator? Is the water murky and brown? All these mean an overhaul is in the cards.

Inspects the suspension for any leakage

Listen to the car as the engine revs up. You would be able to tell from the sounds if the an overhaul is needed. For example, knocking sounds warn about problems with the pistons and valves; clonks come from warn out parts in the suspension system; and growling and whining noises comes from gearbox. Pay attention to the steering. Slack steering is often attributed to worn steering gears or ball joints. Just as important is the suspension system. Bounce the car up and down and see if it settles after one cycle. If not, the shock absorbers might be worn and need replacement. Finally, check that items like seat belts, windscreen wipers, headlights, indicators, tires, jacks and other car accessories are in good condition.

Is the car dripping any oil?

Finally we come to the all-important test drive. This is the time where you should check that the car does not pull to one side; there is no blue or white smoke from the tailpipe; no weird noises from the undercarriage and under breaking, the car stops straight and true. Don't drive with the pedal to the metal - the test drive is meant to help you evaluate how the car will perform under normal conditions. If it's an automatic, does it shift smoothly? For a manual car transmission car, do the gears crunch as you shift, or is the clutch slipping? Check to see if the air-conditioning works and if possible, turn the steering full lock either way and drive the car in circles. Are the CV joints making noises?

Don't forget to look down under the car to check out any joints

Relying on just the odometer to check out the real mileage of the car may not be your safest bet since reading can be easily manipulated. However with the modern electric odometer, it is more difficult to do so. In any case, an estimate can be obtained through other means. Given that the average distance traveled per annum is about 15,000 to 20,000 km, all you need is the age of the car to get the ballpark odometer reading. Another method involves checking the length of brake disk ledge since it corresponds to the reading on the odometer, 0.6 mm for every 100,000 km - providing the disc hasn't been changed or skimmed. In addition, you can approximately gauge how much the car has been driven from the condition of the clutch and brake pedals.

Seeking Out a Second Hand Car

As we know, every road car has a history. Some have had princely treatment - regular servicing and maintenance - while the not so fortunate ones had to go through rough mishandling and daily abuse.What every second hand car buyer desires is a vehicle with a clean record and a reasonable price tag. What every buyer fears most is used car that might appear roadworthy, but has actually been poorly maintained. Though the initial cost of ownership might be low, the cost of maintaining it may go up to alarming levels.



Unknown to the buyer, that car with the shiny exterior may be in dire need of an overhaul. With your limited mechanical knowledge, how would anyone have known that the engine was on its last breathe? Before signing on the dotted line, it might be more prudent to send your car for a through examination by a mechanic or an authorized expert like the Puspakom.



With so many offers available, looking for a good deal can be mind blogging. Experts suggest that car buyers establish what they want at the beginning - even before looking at a single vehicle. Decide on the type of car you need, preferably the sort that fits your requirements and not just your image. Then, set aside a budget. Make allowances for the unexpected repairs, maintenance and enhancements. Automotive magazines, online car guides and experienced car buyers can help you determine exactly what king of car you need.



Once you are ready, start poring through the classifieds for sales by private owners - this will usually net you the best bargains as you bypass the middle man - the used car dealer. If you find this too tedious, then perhaps you might want to seek the assistance of car dealers. Their connections and experience give them an edge over independent car buyers. Popular cars makes often get swiped up once they hear of it. Although there is a mark up from the buy-in value, it saves you the hassle of searching for a mechanically sound car. On top of that, insurance and financing arrangements are taken care of and sometimes, there is even a one-month guarantee. Similarly, online car portals can aid you in your used car search. Since they have no apparent inventory to clear, they would be more objective in their recommendations.



Whether you go to a private owner, car dealer or an online car searcher, you need to do some investigative research on your own if you want a good deal. Ask for the log book and the maintenance records of the car. These will give you some clues to the overall conditions of the car. If you get a chance to meet the previous owner, you would be able to find out quite a great deal about the car - whether it was taken for granted, how often it was driven and why it is being sold. Sometimes, in order to push sales, car dealers and private car owners may not be completely honest. They withhold certain truths about the car. However, there are other ways to find out about the car.