RMV to be Open on Saturdays

Accordingly by the direction of the Minister of Transport all services performed by both institutions 

( DMT/ RMV & National Transport Medical Institute ) is to be kept open on saturdays as well which we think is the right move at this time.

This is to reduce the congestion at these two institutions as well for the benefit of the people who find it difficult during weekdays.

Normal services of these establishments along with the issuance of driving licences and other related services and the issuance of certificates of physical and mental fitness to drivers will be made available. Branches in Gampaha and Kurunegala will also be kept open as well.

Hope it will be implemented swiftly and efficiently.

 * DN - 14/3/2019

Will we see the Electric 3 wheeler in Sri Lanka

With Countries all across the world are combating issues related to land, water and air pollution including global warming, Sri Lanka too is no exception.

Sri Lanka has over 1 million three-wheelers and the harmful emissions given out by these vehicles contribute drastically to air pollution and global warming. It's heartening to note that a 33 year old Sri Lankan engineer & lecturer at the University of Moratuwa has taken up the challenge with an innovative solution to this problem.

Aiming to make Sri Lanka's widely used mode of transportation safer for the environment and its citizens, he has created an electric conversion kit that would enable 3 wheelers (Autos) to run on electric power. The kit is based around a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can cover 110 km on a single charge. This reduces harmful emissions and works on lowered energy consumption. Another benefit of this sustainable solution is that it's a money saving concept. A charger will be provided for the drives to charge the vehicle overnight.

While the green house gas emissions can be reduced drastically due to the volume of vehicles on our roads it will also help the owners to reduce their running costs as well specially from the sky rocketing fuel prices. If atleast around 80% of the 3 wheelers in Sri lanka can be converted the environmental impact will be huge.

Still in the works is Mr. Sasiranga De Silva's prototype on which he is conducting various tests. Once done he will be selling this to three wheeler drivers. If this gets commercialized more jobs for mechanics and engineers could be created across the country.

The biggest obstacle will be convincing the drivers to invest in making the switch. This is the reason they are trying to highlight that not only this is a sustainable option but the one that allows you to save your money as well in the long term.  Lets hope this works out and all the best for to Mr. Sasiranga and his team.

video by pulse living.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R EV

The Wagon R EV was first spotted on the road in India sometime last year, and a new photo was recently posted on Reddit. It’s clearly marked as an “electric vehicle” all over so there’s definitely its drivetrain is electric and not Hybrid.

A report from Autocar India claims the all-electric Wagon R EV “will most likely be launched at under the (Indian) Rs 8 lakh price point” in 2020 when electric subsidies are included. That’s less than $9,840 

EV Outlook

EVs have a long way to go in India, but the country seems to be willing to take the proper steps toward growing the market. India introduced subsidies to all-electric vehicles last year, including two- and three-wheelers. India also announced the country’s “first Lithium-ion Battery Gigafactory” for EVs in January.

Before you ask if this vehicle, availability and its price point can be brought over to Sri Lanka , I’d remark that it is likely not safety tested for Western roads, but Suzuki could get that work done. Anyone interested in this vehicle?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

How often should the brake fluid be changed?

TMC — The recommended intervals for changing brake fluid are all over the board depending on the manufacturer, from as often as every two years to actually never. Wait, never? Really, never.

For example, Chevrolet calls for a brake fluid change on most models every 45,000 miles, but Honda says to do it every three years regardless of the vehicle's mileage. Three years is also the recommended interval for most Volkswagens, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically call for fresh fluid every two years or 20,000 miles. In contrast, on the Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry and other models from those manufacturers, there are no recommendations for replacing the brake fluid, only instructions to inspect it periodically.

This leaves it up to the owner to consult what the manufacturer says in their car's maintenance schedule and rely on the advice of a trusted repair shop.

Brake fluid lives in a sealed system and can survive for years, but moisture from the surrounding air can work its way in through hoses and other parts of the brake system. If your brake fluid has become dirty or contaminated, it can change how your brake system operates like brake pedal feel can be affected, as can heat dissipation in repeated stops. Water in the brake lines lowers the boiling point of the fluid, so stopping ability can fade in hard stops as heat in the system increases. In addition, over time the moisture can cause internal corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and other components.

Flushing and replacing brake fluid might cost Rs. 3000 or less on many vehicles, but replacing rusted brake lines, brake calipers and other brake parts can run several thousand of rupees, so clearly there's value in keeping up with maintenance. As a rule of thumb, it's wise to have the brake fluid inspected and tested for moisture content every few years, and no more than every five if you live in a high-humidity area. Drivers living in areas that get cold weather should also inspect their brake system frequently, as salt and other contaminants can get into the brake fluid.

You might be able to tell it's time for a change by looking to see if the fluid is still fresh in the brake fluid reservoir, usually sitting on top of the master cylinder under the hood of your vehicle. Brake fluid is often light brown in color, and in some vehicles it's clear (at least when new) but will darken with age, becoming murky from water contamination. A better way is to have it tested by a professional for moisture and see what they recommend. Oftentimes you can have this service performed at the same place that performs a rapid oil change. Since the technician is already poking around under the hood, it's easy for them to take a sample and inspect all of your vehicle's fluids.

Brake fluid is as vital to stopping a vehicle as engine oil is to keeping it going, but it doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.

Should you use Nitrogen instead of regular air

Car fanatics, tyre dealers, repair shops and even some fuel sheds have touted nitrogen for several years as a better alternative to air based on claims that nitrogen doesn't leak as much, so tyres stay fully inflated longer. What's the truth behind nitrogen?

These guys also claim that nitrogen improves fuel economy and allows vehicles to get more fuel mileage than those with tyres that are filled with air. With fuel prices skyrocketing, the improved fuel efficiency alone may make you consider switching to nitrogen. The catch is that topping off the nitrogen typically costs from about Rs. 30/- to 50/- per tyre, and the initial charge for filling the tyres can be much higher unless you are replacing all four tyres, so it's also a revenue source for these service outlets. 
Does your vehicle really benefit when you switch for nitrogen instead of oxygen, or is it just a way for service stations to make more money? First let's take a closer look at the benefits of filling the tyres on your ride with nitrogen.

 Benefits of Nitrogen-Filled Tyres   

It is true that pure nitrogen doesn't leak out of tyres as quickly as regular air simply because a single molecule of nitrogen is larger than an oxygen molecule, so nitrogen-filled tyres should remain at or near their recommended PSI levels longer. Fully inflated tyres last longer and improve fuel economy and road-holding ability. It's also true, however, that nitrogen will still leak out of tires over time, just not at the same pace as air. As a result, even if you use nitrogen, you will still need to stop and check your tyre pressure from time to time to make sure they are still at the correct PSI.

Nitrogen supporters also argue that air contains moisture, which can build up inside tyres and possibly corrode the wheels as well as accelerate tyre rot from the inside. Some air compressors use dryers that remove moisture before it gets into the hose you use to fill your tyres, but many don't. Nitrogen, in comparison, provides a "dryer" inflation. The absence of moisture in dry nitrogen ensures a more steady temperature inside the tire. This is why nitrogen tyres are common on race cars. 

On the other hand, a nitrogen-filled tyre isn't 100% pure; about 93 - 95% of what's inside is nitrogen, but the rest is air. Ordinary air is 78% nitrogen, so the difference isn't huge, and compressed air is cheaper to use and still free in some places.

In addition also note that, whether a tyre is filled with ordinary air or nitrogen, it will leak if the valve is faulty, if the tyre isn't properly mounted and sealed on the wheel, or if the tyre has a nail in the tread or other damage. NItrogen doesn't fix damaged tyres, so it's still important to check your tyre pressure regularly. Temperature changes may also still cause fluctuations in tyre pressure even when you use nitrogen instead of oxygen.

The Bottom Line

According to The Rubber Manufacturers Association (a trade group for tyre manufacturers),  nitrogen "may contribute to minor reductions in inflation pressure loss," but also notes that "use of nitrogen alone is not a replacement for regular inflation pressure maintenance." Tyre maintenance is important whether you opt for nitrogen tyre inflation or you prefer to use air. While you may be able to go longer between needing to add air, you still need to check your tyre pressure regularly.

Will post a clip about a same regular car been tested with both types of air and know it's review.

Central Expressway 2nd Stage ready by December 2019

The second stage of the central highway in Sri lanka which is from Kadawatha to Dambulla & Galagedera is scheduled to be commissioned by december according to project director V. Mohan.
Over 70% of the work on the second stage from Meerigama to Kurunegala covering a distance of 39.28 kms is nearing completion.

Also in line with the Central Expressway project, Colombo to Ambepussa road is been widened to four lanes and is been completed up to Nittambuwa. This will enable motorists to use the section stage of the central expressway to Kurunegala.

Increased Fines for Traffic Offences

From what we heard the goverment has decided to increase traffic fines on 10 major offences that causes road accidents on Sri lankan roads. While this is in the right direction they should also concentrate on implementing and policing the roads more efficiently and aggressively if actually the numbers are to be brought down. Also workshops have to be conducted along with awareness programs on television is a must. Personally the insurance claim system too has to be more stricter and regulated.

Anyway here are some of the offences that will be under the Rs. 25,000/- fine;

• Driving under the influence of Liquor
• Driving without a valid driving licence
• Entering a vehicle into a railway crossing irresponsibly
• Driving by an underage [ below 18 years ]
• Driving without a valid insurance.

Well safe motoring guys...