October is gone and here comes November.

You know what that means…

Time to plan for your Diwali (November 12th,2023) Trip!

*which is in 3 weeks to be exact (not like we’re counting or anything..)

So, if you’re a fellow Malaysian like us who loves and is in need of a quick getaway, what better way to spend the upcoming Diwali weekend than to:

• Go back and visit your family back in hometown,
• Food trip with the boys to Penang,
• Shopping spree with your girls at the Genting or Johor Premium Outlet.

Now we know it’s been quite a long year for most of us and you just can’t wait to jump into the car, drive off and enjoy yourself but..

SAFETY COMES FIRST!

So before you begin your journey, let’s make sure that your car is well-prepared and well-maintained to make sure you don’t hit any unnecessary “bumps” during your holiday.

Having a checklist will help you make sure that your car is in good working condition and safe for a long drive.

So let’s take a look at what are the things needed in your car maintenance checklist – before AND after your trip.

Car Maintenance Checklist

It’s highly recommended that you check and service your car before making any long trips as driving for a long time and distance can put a lot of stress on your car and its parts.

If your car has any issues with existing mechanical parts, low coolant or brake fluid levels, worn out parts like timing belts, your car will be more likely to face issues during the trip such as an engine overheating or braking issues.

These can be avoided by having a proper checklist you can always refer to.

Pre-Road Trip Checklist

1. Lubricants and Other Fluids Level

• • Engine Oil 

• • • If your next engine oil change date is not that far off, get it changed early as older engine oil is more likely to have problems during a long drive.

• • • If the service is still far off, check the engine oil level with the dipstick for your engine.

• • • The level should be between the minimum and maximum marker of your dipstick.
    • If it’s below the minimum marker, just top it up with new engine oil.

• • • If your engine oil colour is yellow or light amber, you are good to go. If it’s black, it’d be best for you to change to a new engine oil.

• • Radiator Coolant 

• • • To make sure that your car engine does not get overheated during any part of your trips, make sure that your coolant level is kept within the recommended level.

• • • Avoid using tap water as they are high in mineral particles that will lead to long term problems to your radiator such as corrosion.

• • Brake Fluid 

• • • Make sure that your brake system does not have any issues such as slowing down smoothly or being able to quickly AND safely stop during emergency situations especially when you are driving on the highways.

• • • Always check to make sure that there are no air bubbles in your braking system as this can be very dangerous when your car is unable to stop when you need it to.

• • Windshield Washer Fluid 

• • • Helps to make sure that you have a clear view of the road especially during heavy rains when you are on the highway.

• • Transmission Fluid

• • • Ask your mechanic or service centre to check your transmission fluid level to make sure your gearbox can change gear smoothly during your drive.

2. Tyre Condition and Pressure

• • You should always check your tyres since they are your vehicle’s main contact point with the road

• • • Tyre pressure – Poorly inflated tyres are prone to get punctured on the road and can also affect your driving comfort and fuel economy.

• • • Tyre treads – Check for any lodged particles which can be a dangerous cause for flat tyres. Tread indicators are spread evenly through your tyre’s main groove. If the indicators are flush with the tread level, it’s time to change you tyres.

3. Car Battery

• • Pay close attention to the sound as you start your car, if it sounds slow as you turn the key or press the “Start/Stop” button, this might be a sign of faulty starter or you need to change for a new battery.

• • If you haven’t changed your car battery in a year and a half to two (2) years, maybe it’s time to change for a new battery as well.

• • If you have a multimeter at home, you can check your battery health at home in advance.

• • You can keep it as part of your Emergency Car Kit which we have included in this checklist (You can get a simple battery multimeter online within the price range of RM16-RM25).

• • You can also check your battery condition using your car headlight (If they are dim but gets brighter when you rev the engine, means your light is running off the engine and the alternator is not producing enough power to idle).

4. Ensure Car Lights and Indicator Lights Work

• • All of your car lights should be regularly checked as you can also get summoned if you are caught driving with blown lights on your car.

• • If one is not working, best practice is to get them both replaced in pairs.

5. Brake Pads Condition

• • Whether your driving up the Genting Hills or taking a long drive to Penang or Johor this coming Diwali, your brake pads are the lifeline of your vehicle, which is all the more reason for you to pay really close attention to the condition of your brake pads before AND after you driving trip this coming Diwali holiday.

• • Best way to check your brake pads condition: remove the wheels.

• • Second best way: Look behind the wheels and check the thickness of your brake pads. The minimum thickness should be 6 millimetres.

• • Also, check the surface of your brake disc for multiple uneven and deep grooves. If there are a lot, best to change them as soon as possible.

• • We’ve included below a quick tip on how to check your brake pads condition:

6. Have An Emergency Car Kit

• • Every driver and every car should have an emergency kit, especially when you are heading out for a trip.

• • An emergency kit should have not only a First-Aid kit, but also other items that can help you out of trouble during any time of your trip such as a flat tyre or your car battery failing.

• • Here are our Must–Have Items in your car’s emergency kit:

• • • Tyre changing tools with a spare tyre and car jack included

• • • Warning triangle

• • • Multimeter

• • • Basic toolbag (screwdrivers, pliers, spanners etc. with different sizes)

• • • Jumper cable

• • • Gloves (in case of hot item handling)

• • • Umbrella and raincoat

• • • Flashlight

• • • First Aid kit

• • • Duct tape

Post-Road Trip Checklist

Depending on where you’re planning to go to, it’s always better to do a check up on your car condition even after coming back from your trip.

This is to make sure that you are aware of any damages or strain that might have happened during the trip back home.

• Hilly Roads

When you drive on hilly roads like Cameron or Genting Highlands, you put your gearbox and brakes under a lot of strain which is why you should always check on them again once you are back from your trips.

Check your brake pads for any wear and tear as well as your brake fluid and transmission fluid level.

If your gear shifting feels odd, immediately get your car checked.

• Wet or Muddy Roads

Your tyres and suspension system may be damaged or misaligned when put through a lot of resistance and shock from wet or muddy roads during your trip.

Therefore, you should have them checked at the workshop which might include some tyre realignment work.

You should also have your car surfaces cleaned as dried mud can get tougher to clean the longer you leave it on.

Looking for the Right Solution For All Your Automotive Needs? Choose Valiantech Certified Lubricants

Fully inspecting your car before and after a long holiday trip can give you a much more comfortable and safe drive, and we hope this checklist can help you prepare for the upcoming Diwali trip as well as End-of-The-Year and Christmas holiday trip.

That said , if you’re looking for quality ranges of lubricant solutions for your vehicle needs, take a look at Valiantech and its online store in the link provided

From radiator coolant to windshield wiper fluids, all of our solutions are directly manufactured by our parent company to ensure top quality and reassurance to our users.

Here’s what you get by choosing Valiantech Certified Lubricant Solutions:

• Expert product guidance guaranteed: 

• • Our team of automotive care experts have been working in the automotive industry for more than 10 years to ensure that our consumers will always receive the latest and safest practice to maintain their vehicles from qualified experts.

• Quality product inspection guaranteed

• • All of our product batches are fully inspected for quality assurance from the filling process all the way to being packed and picked up by our customers or their courier of choice.

• Value and time conveniency guaranteed

• • When you choose Valiantech, you don’t have to worry where your purchase is actually coming from and if they are really manufactured locally or abroad. This helps you save time and money in long and expensive shipping and custom fees

Check out Valiantech Store today to enjoy 10% off on your first order!

The post Diwali Ready: 6 Must-Do Car Checklist Pre & Post Your Holiday Travel appeared first on Petroleum Conservation Sdn Bhd.

You’re trapped in the heart of KL’s notorious lunch-hour traffic, sweating under the relentless afternoon sun.

And suddenly your car’s temperature gauge starts to shoot up. Panic sets in. The engine’s wellbeing hangs in the balance.

You remember that recent service chat with your mechanic: “Your radiator coolant is running low. Are you sure you don’t need a top-up?” You hesitated, deciding to consult another friend where he then adviced for you to wait.

Fast forward to now.

In this blog post, we unveil the essence of radiator coolant, its vital role, how to choose the perfect coolant for your vehicle, and maintaining it to prevent any more future crisis that you’re currently facing or prevent it from haunting someone you know.

So, what’s Radiator Coolant all about?

Radiator coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a specially formulated liquid that circulates through your vehicle’s cooling system to regulate engine temperature. 

It’s typically a mixture of water and chemicals that prevent freezing in cold weather and boiling in hot conditions. But its role goes beyond temperature regulation; it also provides corrosion protection and lubricates the water pump.

You could even say it’s your engine’s literal lifeline; silently working behind the scenes to make sure everything in your engine runs smoothly.

Why is Radiator Coolant your unsung hero?

Temperature Regulation

The primary function of coolant is to absorb and dissipate excess heat generated by your engine. Without it, your engine would quickly overheat, leading to severe damage or even engine failure.

In short? Preventing engine meltdown.

Freeze Protection

In cold weather, coolant prevents the water in your engine from freezing, which can cause significant damage to the cooling system, such as cracked radiators and frozen pipes.

Even if you own vehicles in warmer countries, the antifreeze property in coolant also prevents your stationary vehicles from external overheating.

Corrosion Prevention

Coolant contains additives that protect the various metal components in your engine’s cooling system from corrosion, extending their lifespan.

Lubrication

The water pump in your vehicle’s cooling system, which circulates coolant, needs lubrication to function correctly.

Coolant ensures seamless flow by providing this necessary lubrication.

Choosing the Right Radiator Coolant

Now that you are more familiar with the importance of coolant,

How do you pick the right coolant according to you vehicle brand and model?

Selecting the appropriate coolant for your vehicle is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your engine. 

But how do you know which one is the right one for your vehicle when there are so many types and brands being marketed outside?

Don’t worry.

Here are some factors to consider:

Coolant Type

There are different types of coolants available, including ethylene glycol-based and propylene glycol-based.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic to determine the right type for your specific brand and model.

Mixing Ratio

Some coolants come pre-mixed with water at a ratio of 50/50, while others are fully concentrated which may require dilution for usage. 

Make sure you understand the mixing ratio recommended for your vehicle.

Ideally opt for Reverse Osmosis Water as a diluter when mixing and avoid using tap water due to its high mineral content which can lead to future issues like corrosion.

Anti-Corrosion Additives

Look for coolants that contain corrosion inhibitors and additives to protect your engine’s cooling system components.

Coolant Technology

There are 3 main types of coolant technology available in the market:

• Organic Additive Technology (OAT), 
• Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) and 
• Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT).

*Read more on these technologies in our other blog post where we go further in depth on each of these technologies.

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a coolant specialist or mechanic to determine the right type for your specific brand and model.

Maintaining Your Radiator Coolant

To ensure your radiator coolant continues to do its job effectively, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Inspections

Check your coolant level and condition regularly. If it appears discolored or contaminated, it may be time to flush and replace it.

Flush and Replace

Over time, coolant can break down and lose its effectiveness. 

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended interval for coolant replacement, ideally once a year to keep your engine in tip top condition.

Top-Up When Needed

If you notice a drop in the coolant level, top it up with the same type and mix recommended for your vehicle.

Keep It Clean

Make sure the coolant reservoir and radiator are free from debris and contaminants to prevent clogs and blockages.

Conclusion

In your urban daily driving, radiator coolant is your unsung hero, working diligently to maintain your engine’s well-being, especially during those sweltering traffic jams. 

Take action today: research and select the ideal coolant for your car, consult your vehicle’s manual or seek advice from professionals, and prioritize regular coolant maintenance. 

For more valuable car care tips and insider insights into the automotive industry, dive into our other blog posts included in our website. 

Your journey to becoming a car care pro starts here!

Explore a world of automotive knowledge and stay updated with the latest trends by following our social media accounts:

Facebook Page: Valiantech Sdn Bhd

Instagram Account: @valiantech.official

Join our community of car enthusiasts and stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to vehicle maintenance and care. 

The post Unveiling the Hero Under Your Hood: Radiator Coolant 101 – 4 Expert Guidelines for a Cool & Powerful Engine appeared first on Petroleum Conservation Sdn Bhd.