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...

How to read a tyre

Ever wondered what those numbers and letters mean on the side of the tyre of your ride. Wouldn't it be great to understand and decode like the professionals and know what it all means. Well we think it would be helpful for the users so here it goes.

Tyres have a code system embedded into their sidewall which allows you to understand it's technical capabilities. This code provides information on tyre size, type (e.g. radial/ cross ply),  its load-carrying capacity and its speed rating.

   

For example, the code on a common fitment for Sri Lankan cars is:

175/ 65R X 14 95H

175 indicates the nominal section width of the tyre in millimetres ( 175 mm).

65 indicates its aspect ratio, a comparison of the tyre's section height with its section width (65 indicates the height is 65% of its width).

R indicates radial ply construction.

14 indicates the nominal diameter of the wheel rim (14 inches).

95 H is a symbol indicating the maximum load capacity and speed at which the tyre can be safely operated, subject to the tyre being in sound condition, correctly fitted, and with recommended inflation pressures. A tyre speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tyre is legally approved for. 

 (95 represents a maximum load of 690 kg per tyre & H tells the maximum speed which is 210 km/h).

Being aware of your tyres speed rating will allow you to determine the maximum speed your tyre is capable of safely maintaining on the highway. for more information about tyre safety please get in touch.

Some of the ratings with the corresponding maximum speed limits;

• N: 140   kmph
• P: 150   kmph
• Q: 80     kmph
• R: 170   kmph
• S: 180   kmph
• T: 190    kmph
• U: 200   kmph
• H: 210   kmph
• V: 240    kmph
• Z: 240+  kmph
• W: 270   kmph
• Y: 300    kmph

Find the Right Engine oil for your car

Want to know what is the recommended engine oil grade to use on your car's engine. Cannot find the user manual or not sure if your service adviser is recommending the correct oil.

Then let us help you by providing a link to a site where you could find out.

FIND YOUR CAR ENGINE'S OIL

Transmission problem in Honda Vezel 2014 Hybrid

                       

These days owners of the hybrid Honda Vezel in Sri Lanka are having a common issue with their transmission specially starting with 2014 models. A qoute from a troubled customer

" I purchased my honda vezel hybrid 2014 with close to 25k on the odo. At first, everything runs smoothly. But one thing that I noticed recently is that after running through heavy traffic the gear shifting become much less smoother. Especially the first gear shifting becomes rough and usually takes longer to shift. Sometimes the whole car becomes jerky."

The reason been is the DCT [ Dual Clutch System] is not designed for our road/ traffic conditions. As investigated and also by communicating with Japanese principles this system has been designed for highway and constant speed travelling and not for stop/ start traffic condition which our users travel most of the time. It stays and uses the 1st gear most of the time by which creating heavy wear & tear on the clutch pack. This also makes it to change the liquids much more early than required. Presently the advised mileage of changing the DCT oil is around every 15,000 kms. ATF oil also will have to be changed more earlier which can be advised upon visual inspection and testing of the oil.

Unfortunately if the problem persists even after the oil changes then replacement is the next remedy. It's been recommended that the whole set or complete transmission to be replaced which in Sri lanka will cost roughly around 350,000/-. So far the RS version has not seen this problem even though the specs are the same. Most probably the software which has been fine tuned is helping and the other being the drivers of RS are more hard footed.

The final advice is to stay away from these models [ specially if not been imported by agents ] if possible or else change the DCT fluid every 15,000 kms and ATF every 40,000 kms since at this moment precaution is better than breakdown. By the way this effects your fuel economy as well drastically... so the 1st symptom is the fuel economy figures going down.

Also please note that this model was specially made and to be tested for the japanese market and was not at all to be exported.

The worrying orange light on your dash

 

If you are like many of our drivers, you probably cringe at the sight of your check engine light being ON on the dash. While this is not an ideal situation, it can be less worrying if you have an understanding of how the system works and how it should be handled. Check on the below clip you wish to gain some insight into this very common issue.

1. It might just be your gas cap

Many people don’t know this, but a loose, cracked, or faulty gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, thus cuing your check engine light.

So first things first, pull over (as soon as it’s safe) and make sure your gas cap is on tight. If this was indeed the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles once you’re back on the road.

2. A certified mechanic should be able to diagnose the problem easily

Technology is on its way to helping us figure out what’s gone wrong when the check engine light comes on. But for now, whenever that pesky light comes on, your best bet is to take your car to a certified mechanic and let them diagnose the problem.

3. It’s typically not an emergency

Here’s where there’s some good news. Unlike some of the other lights in your car (your oil light, for example) that could mean a big problem if you don’t address it right away, your check engine light rarely signals anything disastrous.

When it comes on you’re probably okay to drive a few more miles or even a few more days. (That being said, do the smart thing and take it to see a mechanic as soon as you can.)

4. There are numerous reasons the light may come on

Aside from a loose gas cap, all other reasons for your check engine light coming on are much more complicated to diagnose (and likely not things you can fix on the side of the road). Triggers can include everything from a damaged vacuum hose or ignition coil(s) to a failing catalytic converter to worn out spark plugs (just to name a few).

No idea what any of that means? That’s OK — most of us don’t. Most modern cars have an on-board diagnostic system that provides a code identifying the specific issue at hand. If you take your car to a pro or even select auto part stores, they can figure out what the code means so you can act accordingly.

So when you see that light flickering in the corner of your dash, know that while you will need to see a mechanic in the near future, there’s absolutely no need to panic. It’s ok to keep going, just make sure you have it checked out as soon as you can.