Self-Inspecting Vehicles in the Rainy Season

www.informationautomotive.com - The rainy season becomes an interesting thematic discussion related to personal car maintenance. Rainy weather while driving does require better vehicle readiness to ensure the trip is not disrupted and no unwanted events occur.

Self-Inspecting Vehicles in the Rainy Season

For car owners can do a self-examination of their vehicle in the rainy season. This examination becomes important because road conditions can change 180 degrees when the rain comes. More slippery road surfaces, limited visibility, to decreased engine performance can make travel comfort reduced.

The first and easiest inspection is the car tire. Checking the condition of the tire is very important because of its function that grips the road surface. Check the tire pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's rules to make sure the sole of the tire gets maximum grip. Check the thickness of the palm through the tread wear indicator (TWI) instructions in the groove of the tire sole. Do not forget to clean the palms of the gravel that is stuck and check the tire wall if there is a potential tear or bump.

The next check is on the legs of the car. Weak suspension systems, such as broken rubber bushing shock absorbers or even damaged shock absorbers, will make the car difficult to control and reduce passenger comfort. While the problematic steering system also makes it difficult for the driver to control the direction of the car. Do not forget to do spooring and balancing periodically to maintain the condition of the tires and legs of the car.

Furthermore, the device that must be used during the rainy season is car wipers. During the dry season wipers are almost never used, plus the rubber gets exposure to the heat of sunlight and dust so that it shakes. In addition to not being able to work optimally, rubber wipers that shake also have the potential to cause a very disturbing berets in the car glass. Do not forget to check the rear wipers and fill the glass cleaning water tube so that it does not have problems when needed.

Another device that needs to be checked is the braking system. Brakes work extra heavily during the rainy season due to slippery roads. Therefore, make sure the brake pads along with disc discs or teromol are in good condition and there are no leaks in the brake system given their very important role. Do not forget to check, fill the brake fluid tube and do draining when it is time to maintain brake performance.

Don't forget to check the condition of the lights and electricity. The task of the electrical system gets heavier when it rains. Such as having to support operational air conditioning, wipers, audio, and lights simultaneously. Therefore, check the electrical system such as batteries, alternators, cables, fuses, and connectors to ensure the condition is good and viable for operation. When it rains heavily, car lights have the task of helping to see the road conditions ahead and ensuring other road users can see the car well. It is very dangerous if the car lights are off or dim.

Lastly, to keep the cabin comfortable, the cooling system aka ac is important to work during the rainy season. Cabin cooling also serves to keep the car glass from dewy so that the driver does not have difficulty monitoring the conditions outside. In addition, rubber car doors must also be considered because this one component also has a lifetime. Rubber doors and windows that shake make rain water can break in. Although trivial, but it must be annoying if it happens.

"Prepare an umbrella before it rains, do an inspection and maintenance of your vehicle during the rainy season. At the end of this blessed year, Auto2000 prepares a variety of profitable promos in servicetival digiroom promos that can be selected as needed. Immediately visit the website Auto2000.co.id now," explained Nur Imansyah Tara, Aftersales Business Division Head Auto2000, in his statement.

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Misguided About The Use of Hazard Lights, This Is the Danger

 The end of 2021 is beginning to be tinged with rain. Sometimes high rainfall makes motorists have to be more careful. But sometimes we still see many drivers who turn on hazard lights when it rains. There are still many motorists on the highway who are misguided with the function of hazard lights. In fact, it is clear that the function of hazard lights should only be used during emergencies. The question is, "Can you use hazard lights when it rains heavily?"

Misguided About The Use of Hazard Lights, This Is the Danger

Rifat Sungkar, brand ambassador of Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia, admitted that there are still many motorists in Indonesia turning on hazard lights in conditions of heavy rain and lack of visibility. Hazard that is continuously ignited can actually increase the potential for accidents, because the maneuver is difficult to read by other riders. Rifat who is also a national pereli explained this during a virtual talk with the media, Tuesday (12/14/2021).

Rifat said the phenomenon of application of hazard lights under the splash of heavy rain that seems to be considered commonplace by motorists today. Reminded by the driver who drove the Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 that the use of hazard lights is not allowed except in an emergency, namely the car stops.

Hazard lights are times when both left and right lights are on or flashing at the same time. Hazard lights are also often referred to as emergency lights, but the emergency conditions intended here are not included in rainy or foggy conditions.

"It's misguided, why is that? Because the existing vehicle system already has qualified features, let alone there is a current DRL, the survey proves the use of DRL can reduce the accident rate. On the other hand, we have a hazard system that can signal to other road users when there is danger," rifat explained.

"But please don't use hazards when the car is running. Hazard is the only signal that gives a sign that the car is indeed stopped," he added.

Hazard lights themselves have their own functions, including:

- Used when the vehicle is having problems on the road and has to pull over. The hazard lights that are on will give a warning to the rider behind you.

- Alert the vehicle behind if there is an accident or must stop suddenly.

 The danger posed when using hazards in the middle of an oncoming vehicle, is that other drivers on the road cannot predict our maneuvers. Whether it's when it's going to turn or shift to another lane. The activation of two sein lights simultaneously does not help safer conditions, although it is considered that the riders actually "increase visibility".

Instead of preventing, the use of hazard lights not in accordance with its function can actually increase the potential for accidents. Then the use of hazard lights on the highway in less than ideal driving conditions must be considered.

"Regarding hazard, there is a potential accident, because hazard is only turned on for a speed of 0 (km / h) or stopped. So if it is turned on on the road it will create confusion. So do not turn on hazard unless in an emergency or stop," continued pereli who is now also active as a member of the management of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI).

In addition to avoiding the use of hazards, Rifat also reminded the importance of maintaining distance and speed when driving in rainy weather. Because no matter how much safety features, driving at high speeds especially under heavy rain will actually increase the potential for accidents.

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Understand the Electrical System to Take Care of Your Vehicle

Vehicle maintenance is one of the important concerns of car owners. Current conditions with rainy weather and various uncertain road situations make traveling requires important capital, namely problem-free vehicles. Not only about the exterior appearance and cleanliness of the interior but also related to the vehicle system.

One part that must get attention according to Rifat Sungkar, Brand Ambassador of Mitsubishi Indonesia, is the electrical or electric part of the vehicle. Although invisible, vehicle electricity is an important part of the car's performance.

Understand the Electrical System to Take Care of Your Vehicle

The main electrical system there are two, namely body harness and engine harness. Body harnesses are associated with electricity, lights, power steering and sound systems. The engine harness has to do with the drive that governs the engine and gearbox. This system is related to the ECU aka the brain of the car.

For electrical interior, used on the inside of the car is part of the body harness. Rifat revealed here there are often disruptions because vehicle owners usually make modifications to audio, accessory additions, charger additions and inverters.

The fourth is the electrical security system. It has to do with the electric engine. This electrical system is to improve safety and comfort during vehicle use. For example, for active and passive safety in the vehicle. Includes hill start assist, electric stability control and cruise control.

"During the rainy season like this, the electrical system can be the most at risk. It needs attention because the electrical fault is like an internal wound, on the outside it looks good but inside it turns out to be damaged." 

Rifat also mentioned the car burning due to modifications. According to him, there are several cases that need to be considered because the cause of burning can vary. For example, a car with a front engine usually when one or two times through a puddle. Damage to the electrical system is undetectable and water is a hidden danger to electricity because not all cars are prepared for this water problem.

Rear-engined cars that are usually in supercar cars are different again the cause of the fire. Usually because the engine is close to the newpot, the exhaust overheats and burns the bumper that triggers the fire. So the cause of the fire is quite a lot.

"In essence, if you want to modify electricity must understand the risks and what the purpose of modifying it. For example, for friends who like offroad he knows modifying the need for large electricity on the vehicle, so use a large alternator to turn on a variety of additional accessories for the outdoors. Or the addition of inverters that are usually used in the car. There is a limit of inverters that can be used, if the inverter installs large then want to make weight modifications. So there is an aspect ratio that must be calculated."

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Watch This When Cars Are Affected by Volcanic Ash Volcanic Eruptions

 Indonesia's natural conditions make people understand the various risks that can occur in everyday life. Most recently, the eruption of Mount Semeru affected the daily life of the surrounding community including the volcanic ash rain.

For some people who live around volcanoes, this condition becomes one of the natural cycles that can occur at any time. But for vehicle owners it can be a different story. Volcanic ash can bring badly on cars because it has a high content of quartz sand and is acidic. Fine dust also has a high level of sharpness such as broken glass and triggers rust.

Watch This When Cars Are Affected by Volcanic Ash Volcanic Eruptions

How to deal with volcanic ash if at any time affected by volcanic eruptions. There are several things to consider especially to avoid more severe damage.

First on the windshield of the car. Do not wipe volcanic ash that sticks to the windshield of the car with wipers because it will potentially scratch the glass. Spray the glass with wiper cleaning water before wiping it. It is safer to water the car glass using running water or bottled water if in an emergency. Make sure there is no ash attached and continue to wipe with a washcloth.

The next attention to the body of the car. Owners need to be careful because volcanic ash is usually corrosive. Especially if in the body of the car there is damage from accidents. The best step is to immediately rinse the body of the car using running water after use. Once clean, use a dry washcloth and make sure it is perfectly clean.

The next step is to pay attention to the air filter on the engine. This part is like a human nose. The air filter filters the air that enters the engine room. Volcanic ash can damage the engine if it manages to escape an air filter that is not optimal. Do not hesitate to replace the air filter if it is too dirty.

Next is the car AC. Do not open the windshield when crossing the area affected by volcanic ash. Dust will enter the car's AC circulation and can clog up to the end of damaging the AC device. It is increasingly dangerous when contaminated air conditioning air is inhaled by car passengers. Check and replace the air conditioning cabin filter to make sure the air that enters the car's ac circulation remains clean.

Volcanic ash can also stick to the brake disc and cause problems when the brake pad presses on the disc. The surface of the brake disc will be scratched. The situation is the same when the ash manages to get into the brake tromol. Friction with the brake pads will make the brake tromol surface scratched and decrease its performance. Most severely the brakes can get stuck and damaged which triggers an accident if the brake fails to function.

Don't forget the liquid on the car. Although tightly sealed, there is still the potential for volcanic ash to successfully infiltrate the container of a car device that relies on fluids to work, such as brake fluid or radiator water. Once mixed, the chemical formula in the liquid is potentially damaged and makes it unable to work optimally.

Another component of the car that can be affected by problems due to volcanic ash is sensors that are sensitive to dirt and will interfere with the performance of the car's electronic controls. It can even make car components malfunction. Like the sensors on the car's braking system are damaged and make the ABS feature can not work properly.

"Volcanic ash volcanoes can have a negative effect on car components because they contain sharp quartz sand and are corrosive acids. You Toyota users immediately do periodic servicing of vehicles affected by volcanic ash to prevent damage and potential problems such as accidents due to malfunctions of important car components. 

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Get to know the Seres SF5, an Electric Car from DFSK

 DFSK presents Seres SF5 electric vehicle at GIIAS Surabaya. The power is equivalent to a sportscar. The luxury of technology is not playful, a lot of potential contained. He was deliberately exhibited to show the quality of the manufacturer in driving an electric car. Also part of building brand awareness in the midst of the siege of other manufacturers in Indonesia. Let's get to know more closely.

Seres SF5

Sportscar performance

Seres SF5 pocketed a lot of energy like a sportscar. It adheres to an all wheel drive (AWD) motion system powered by a high performance dual electric motor. The driver is presented with the SEP200AC dynamo as the main driver. Maximum power flow is 255 kW (347 PS) at the front and behind the HW150 with 150 kW (204 PS) of power. If ditotal, the power touches 551 PS. Then the maximum torque of the Range Extender EV version penetrates 820 Nm. It only takes 4.7 seconds to shine from 0-100 kph. This ability is equivalent to sporstcar in general.

So that the sensation of driving is more fun and can suit travel preferences. Seres SF5 features a number of surfing mode options as well as electronic setup support. You can choose from five driving styles, four modes of travel, three steering modes and two braking modes to adjust the required driving style. Then the battery uses Li-ion powered by 35 kWH. The driver can use fast charging to charge the battery 80 percent in less than 1 hour.

Seres SF5

If you don't find a charging station during the trip. Seres SF5 is equipped with Intelligent Extended Range Technology. It is a 1.5-liter turbo engine that is the same as the DFSK Glory i-Auto. The engine can only be used when the electrical energy conditions in the battery are left about 20 percent. It can go up to 1,000 kilometers. So prisip works like an electric car but carries the internal combustion engine only as a generator. Not for wheel drive. It is also different from the Nissan e-Power whose battery cannot be charged independently.

The electrical energy generated and owned by Seres SF5 can be used for various things. It's not limited to just driving. For example, used as an energy source of household electrical appliances, such as water heater kettles, audio speakers.

Seres Pilot Safe Driving Intelligent Assistant System

He received the support of a driving assistant through the Seres Pilot Safe Driving Intelligent Assistant System. This feature is the latest generation based on user habits. The device is supported by 16 sensor points. Allows the vehicle to read the condition of the road and drive accurately.

The combined features include Lane Change Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Side Door Opening Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High-Speed Pilot Assistance, Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise. Then there is Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Speed Limit Assist and 360 Panoramic View. The advantages and modern design of Seres SF5 can now be witnessed directly at GIIAS Surabaya 2021, Grand City Convex, East Java.

"DFSK brought the Seres SF5 to show how capable and technological development we have today. The company continues to be committed to bringing new technologies more sophisticated. As well as supporting consumer mobility so that it can bring better quality of life over time," explained, Achmad Rofiqi, PR & Media Manager of PT Sokonindo Automobile. 

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Hello Indonesia, Ford Will Bring New Products Back

 Later, social media was enlivened with various posts about several Ford models that are ready for sale in Indonesia. Models such as everest, as well as the Ranger known for its toughness, are being offered back to fans of the American brand.

RMA is a party appointed by Ford Motor Indonesia before leaving the country to be responsible for after-sales service in 2016. The emergence of new Ford products has actually been reported, especially for the fleet market in mining and plantation areas.

Muhammad Irvan Mustafa, Marketing Manager of Ford RMA Group Indonesia confirmed the many social media posts about this latest Ford product, especially for the passenger car segment. He revealed that the plan to bring back Ford in Indonesia has been implemented since the appointment of RMA for after-sales service and spare parts several years ago. Only then did the plan materialize in mid-2018-2019 by presenting the Ranger specifically offered to fleet consumers.

Ford Ranger

For this year, we are trying to get Ford back in existence, especially welcoming 2022. Some ford models will be brought to Indonesia. Previously, Ford was present brought FMI (Ford Motor Indonesia), now brought by RMA. About the introduction of the product we have brought to our prospective loyal customers, so actually this is still a soft launch has not been an official introduction.

Ford's seriousness to return to Indonesia is based on the many Ford fans who look forward to returning to the country. Although later better known for fleet vehicles for mining and plantations, the demand in the passenger car segment makes RMA confident of presenting some products in Indonesia.

RMA, which is also a manufacturer and distributor of vehicle parts, sees the passenger vehicle market as having the potential to work on Ford products. What's more, Ford is a pioneer in ladder frame passenger SUV products with Everest products several years ago.

This is also the focus of Ford products when returning to Indonesia. Suv models that will be more widely offered considering this is also what Ford's strategy in the Asia Pacific market.

So the products on offer are still around Everest, Ranger and Ranger Wildtrak that are widely seen on social media these days. We believe this is able to attract the people of Indonesia with a variety of advantages from Ford products.

Ford products will be brought from Thailand which is a production base in southeast Asia. Irvan also revealed that prospective customers can now order Ford products at Ford dealers that are now in some areas. Regarding prices, Irvan still closes the price of the product while expressing patience at its official launch next year.

It can be ordered at our network of dealers that there are 10 throughout Indonesia. This dealership consists of 3S and 2S services. About the service to these consumers in the future there will be a plan of addition of certainly also improved services for consumer convenience.

Ford Everest

Looking at the specifications in Thailand, Everest is offered with a 2.0L turbo engine with 180 hp and 500 Nm of torque with a choice of 4x2 and 4x4 drive. There are several features such as hill descent control with adaptive speed and hill launch assist, tire pressure monitoring system, lane keeping system, autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and active park assist.

Ford Everest

This car uses electronic locking rear differential, the palpable ability of puddles as high as 800 mm, as well as terrain management system aka driving mode in several conditions. 

The Ranger model uses a choice of 2.2L TDCI turbo engine with 160 ps and 385 Nm of torque and 2.0L single turbo with 180 ps of power and 420 Nm of torque. There is still a 2.0L Biturbo engine that produces 213 Ps of power and 500 Nm of torque. As a working car, the Ranger gets the ease of 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4x4 shift on the fly system that makes it easier for the driver to choose the drive needed.

This legendary double cabin features hill launch assist, traction control system, dynamic stability control and rollover mitigation. In addition, the ease of semi-autonomous features such as those presented on Everest is also present in this model, of course for the top model.

We look forward to ford's official arrival next year. This will be an interesting segment to see because some players in the SUV segment have also presented updates and the rise in the prestige of later SUV models that are increasingly seen by the upper middle segment as daily vehicles.

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Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL Specifications and Features, Which One To Choose?

 PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales (SIS) two-wheeled division officially launched the new sports bike Gixxer SF 250 at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2021. The presence of this bike then enlivened the 250 cc 1-cylinder sports market which was first inhabited by Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL

Competing in a market that is arguably that skinny niche, who is most deserving to be moved? In this article we will discuss the comparison of specifications, features, and price gaps.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL Design

First we alluded to the design of the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. Conceptually he comes as a touring sport then the riding position is not too lower than the Ninja 250 SL.  

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250

The front fascia looks sporty with a light silhouette made slightly similar to the GSX600R. While the fairing design is also quite attractive, there is a kind of vent to fulfill aerodynamic functions.

If you are aiming for a quarter-liter fairing bike with a sporty look but and there is a touring feel, the Gixxer SF 250 can be taken into consideration.

While for those of you who prefer a racy look and thick sporty aura, Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL can meet that. The driving position is quite 'intimidating' through the use of the handlebars of his underyoke model. From the front, side, up to the stern of the sharp line pull is consistently present on the motorcycle made by the green gang.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL Dimensions

At a glance these two motors they both have a minimalist body shape, compact, and proportional to a 250 cc motor.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 has a length of 2,010 mm, width of 740 mm, height of 1,035 mm, ground clearance of 165 mm. As for weight, this bike only weighs 161 kilograms with a fuel tank volume of up to 15 liters.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL has a length of 1,935 mm, a width of 685 mm, and a height of 1,075 mm. Then for ground clearance is 165 mm with a total weight of 151 kilograms. Oh yes, the fuel tank is able to down gasoline up to 11 liters.

If compared, Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 appears more gambot than Ninja 250 SL. But Suzuki products are heavier, the difference is 10 kilograms.

Performa Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL

Although carrying an engine that is both 1-cylinder it turns out that both package different enjis construction and technology. It is possible to adjust to the concept carried by these two motors.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is equipped with a 249 cc engine, SOHC, 1-cylinder, 4-valve, 4-stroke, oil cooler (SOCS), and has injection. The manufacturer claims, with the use of the pacemaker it is able to produce maximum power up to 25.6 PS at 9,000 rpm and peak torque of 22.6 Nm at 7,500 rpm engine rotation. The output is channeled through a 6-speed clutch manual transmission.

While Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL comes with a 249 cc, 4-Tak, single cylinder engine, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid coolant, injection-powered. The power it produces is 28 PS at 9,700 rpm and 22.6 Nm of torque at 8,200 rpm. This power is channeled with a 6-speed manual transmission.

On paper, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL is superior to the performance sector. Moreover, this bike also has a total weight that is lighter up to 10 kilograms, which certainly affects acceleration and speed when driven on the road.

Feature Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL

Well when buying a motorcycle of course this sector is also not spared to be considered. We'll start first from Suzuki.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 is equipped with LED front and rear lighting system, but for sein marker still carries a conventional bulb. He also uses a full LCD meter panel, and dual ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) braking.

While Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL for the lighting system all still use ordinary halogen bulbs. Then it has not embedded the abs active safety feature on the front and rear wheels.

Nevertheless, this compact sports bike has applied a full LCD meter panel that provides important information from the vehicle.

Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 vs Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL Price

The question is, who is more affordable? Of the set prices offered by both brands, Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL is the cheapest.

He is priced at Rp 35.9 million OTR with white and green kelir options, while Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 sold for Rp 49.3 million comes in a choice of colors Triton Blue / Silver (100th Year Anniversary Edition), Metallic Triton Blue, and Metallic Matte Black.

Choose which one?

Ending in the conclusion, who is more deserving to buy? The answer is only you can determine, yes adjusting to the needs and budget.

But if you can give advice, if you are looking for a 250 cc sports model with a new look in the Indonesian market, then the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 can be considered. This bike is also suitable for riders who are more concerned with economy and comfortable to drive.

Meanwhile, if you want to appear more aggressive and racy, then Kawasaki Ninja 250 SL has that. The engine already carries DOHC, liquid cooling, and has a maximum power of up to 28 PS.

The price offered is also cheaper than the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250. But you will get a bike with that-that-so-it-so, because the 250 SL has long been unable to update.

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