CARNAMA - Episode 13 - Perforated car seats

Episode 13 - CARNAMA - Perforated car seats

Hello friends. Have you ever felt that your car seats are hot in summer and cold in winter. One of the reasons for this may be that the seats are not breathable. There is what is known as perforated car seats.

Perforated car seats allow ventilation to pass through the seat to provide better breathing between the occupant and the seat. Perforated car seats are said to be cooler in warm weather since air can flow easily through the seat. Perforations can also create a luxury or sporty appearance.

These seats are often standard on luxury passenger cars, trucks, SUVs and sports cars.

Perforated leather must be cleaned with the proper solvent recommended by the manufacturer. Using the wrong leather cleaner can ruin the finish and cause the tiny perforations in the seats to clog. This will affect their appearance, breathability and comfort.

Perforated leather is often paired with temperature-adjustable seats. Even without this feature, breathable leather seats are said to be cooler in warm weather since air can flow easily through the material.

CARNAMA - Episode 12 - Battery

Episode 12 - CARNAMA - Car Battery !

Hello survivors ! Since the world has not ended, it is now time to get back to work and also back to taking good care of your car.

Many think that a car needs only petrol in order to function, what is the need of a battery ? Well a car battery's job is to provide electrical power required for the engnine's ignition system, motor starter and the lights.
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Car batteries are rechargable and contain Lead-Acid, which provides 12 Volt power output.

Just like all other parts, even a car battery is subjected to wear and tear, requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure long life.

You can check the battery strength using a voltmeter, reading should be around 12 volts for a fully charged battery. Also, from time to time it is necessary to top up the water inside the battery, but make sure you use only distilled water. Any impurities in water, will reduce the life of the battery.

Brush off any deposits around the positive and negative terminals of the battery.

If you are not using your car for a long period, then atleast run the engine for 30 minutes once in a while to charge the battery (as these are rechargable types).

Always turn 'off' your car engine when working on a battery. Also, never work on a car battery with a cigarette in-hand. The battery contains acid which emits hydrogen gas.

When buying a new car battery, check the date of manufacturing. Car batteries are designed to be used/installed within one year from the manufacturing date.

So, show some love and clean your car battery today !

CARNAMA - Episode 11 - Car Wash

Episode 11 - CARNAMA - Car Wash !

Hi Guys, we all like to see our prized possessions, our cars nicely gleaming and shining. I absolutely love clean cars, no matter which make and which year model it is. Keeping your car clean definitely adds to it's long lasting value.

There are many ways of getting your car cleaned, the popular ones are auto-car wash stations, manual car-washes and the latest environmental friendly (water-less)car-washes.
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Automatic car washes are more popular than ever because they save time and hassle.

Should time not be a factor, hand car wash tends to be better in every way when compared to automatic washes.

•Automatic washes shine in their speed and convenience. Automatic wash simply requires getting into your car and visiting your local car wash. While even a basic hand car wash requires running water, a bucket, soap, and a mitt for washing and drying.
•An automatic wash will take only 5-10 minutes to complete. Whereas a hand washing, even when rushed, will take between 20 minutes to an hour or more.
•Polishing and waxing helps to remove embedded contaminants, as well as to restore the luster of a damaged finish, which is done when you hand wash your vehicle. None of these steps have a comparable step in automatic washing.
•Most automatic washes will use either air drying, or a hand drying with a towel. These methods tend to leave extensive water spotting and exterior scratching respectively when compared to a proper hand drying with a clean, micro fiber cloth.

A waterless car wash is where you use a high lubricity pre-mixed spray detailer to heavily saturate a panel and then carefully wipe any dirt or road grime off to a dry shine. This is quite extensively used in most shopping malls here in Dubai.

So choose whichever method and keep your vehicles clean and safe on the roads !

CARNAMA - Episode 10 - Rust Proofing

Episode 10 - CARNAMA - Rust Proofing !

Hello people ! Welcome to the 10th episode of your favourite Carnama. You know everything we love in this world, we want to preserve that possession forever, with love and care. One such possession could be your car as well. We spend our hard earned money to buy the car of our dreams and it is but natural that we should look after it well.

One such basic treatment which helps your car last longer is RUST-PROOFING !
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Cars constantly exposed to wet weather, humidity and corrosive road salts are more likely to suffer from potentially disastrous rust problems. Rusted metal is not as structurally strong as rust-free metal. Since most cars are made of metal (especially steel) we can rightfully guess that a car with a rust problem is not as structurally sound and, therefore, more dangerous than a rust-free car.

Rust occurs due to chemical reaction between oxygen and steel. Sometimes, the best way to rust proof a car is to keep it clean. Waxing your car does more than just make it look good; a good wax job will serve as an extra layer of protection between the sheet metal and oxidizing elements like oxygen, salt and water

So if you're buying a brand new car or a second hand one, it is surely advisable to spend a little extra and get it rust-proofed at an authorised service centre. The rust-proofing needs to be periodically renewed.

CARNAMA - Episode 09 - LED Headlamps

Episode 09 - CARNAMA - LED HEADLIGHTS

Hi Guys, today we shall talk about the very latest in car headlight system - the LED Headlamps.

These are headlights with Light Emitting Diodes and so far are available only on a handful of luxury car models. LEDs provide reduced energy consumption and a cooler operating temperature. Further, they claim that one set of LED lights has the potential to last the life of the vehicle.
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Automotive designers like LEDs for the styling flexibility they provide and their intriguing, modern appearance.

In today's market AUDI have pioneered the introduction of full LED lamps in their cars such as the A6, A8 and R8 models.

CARNAMA - Episode 08 - Panaromic Roof

Episode 08 - CARNAMA - Panaromic Roof

Hi Guys, So are u big fans of the sun-roof in cars ? It's time to move ahead with the latest twist with Panaromic Roof.

Sunroofs have been a popular upgrade option in vehicles for decades, allowing motorists to get extra light and fresh air into the cabin without having the windows open. Panoramic sunroofs are a more recent vehicle perk, and are featured on many top-end vehicles.
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In simplest terms, a panoramic sunroof is a large sunroof that covers the entire roof of a vehicle, or the vast majority of it. It is significantly larger than a traditional sunroof, and may be tinted or clear.

Panoramic sunroofs are made of either one solid panel of glass or multiple panels. When the driver opens the roof, the single-panel type will simply slide toward the back of the vehicle. In the other version, the multiple panels will stack upon each other to the rear of the roof opening. Unlike traditional sunroofs, a panoramic sunroof doesn't disappear inside the vehicle's roof, as there is not adequate room.

Usually when u notice any vehicle with a Black Top, it is due to the Panaromic Roof glass. It can be found on most latest top spec cars and SUVs. So you can enjoy the sky view without the need to open the roof and within the airconditioned environment of your vehicle.

Have fun under the Sun and safe driving !

CARNAMA - Episode 07 - Shk Mohammad's RR

Episode 07 - CARNAMA - Diwali Special !

Hi Guys ! So did anyone of our members bought a new car for Diwali ? Tell us about it, share a photo. We would love to know about your new purchase.

Meanwhile, here's one person i know has purchased a brand new SUV - The new 2013 Range Rover.
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Exclusive distributor for Land Rover in the UAE, Al Tayer Motors has this week become the first dealer in the world to deliver the all new Range Rover. The world’s first all-aluminium Range Rover was handed over to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The two Range Rover vehicles delivered to His Highness were the first to be handed over globally. One vehicle with the symbolic DUBAI 1 registration plate was delivered to His Highness this week along with an additional vehicle with the registration DUBAI 11 for His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The new Range Rover is an altogether better-looking machine, with a cleaner design and the sparkly bits like LED lamps tucked away under glass covers. The Terrain Response system is augmented with electronic traction and safety aids including: hill-descent control, gradient release control, hill-start assist, dynamic stability control, electronic traction control and roll-stability control, which pumps up the outside of the vehicle in bends to maintain stability.

When i visited the Al Tayer Motors showroom last week to view this SUV, it was still not put up on display for prospective customers. I'd say, His Highness is indeed a very lucky person !

CARNAMA - Episode 06 - Gears & Gear Sticks

Episode 6 - CARNAMA - Types of Gears and GearSticks

Hi Guys, Let's talk about the different types of Gears in cars. Basically there are three types of Gear systems:
1- Manual Gears
2- Tiptronic Gears
... 3- Automatic Gears

A manual gearbox is a transmission that allows the driver to select gears at will by using a stick shift.The manual gearbox is rare in modern cars, but is considered superior in sports cars.

Tiptronic involves an automatic transmission that is controlled like in a manual transmission. In the traditional automatic gear system it automatically selects the gear which the car should operate where as in a tiptronic gear system it allows the driver to control the gears.

Automatic gearboxes are able to select gears without direct input from the driver. The decision to change gears is made by the car's on-board computer, which changes gears based on the position of the accelerator and the brake, the speed of the vehicle and other conditions.

The Gear Stick is normally located between the two front seats of the car. In some cars, specially old American brands, the Gear Stick is located behind the steering wheel. In today's world, some car manufacturers have introduced the Paddle Shifters, which are inspired from the Formula1 race cars.

So whatever the car type that you drive, keep it moving in the right gear and drive safely.

CARNAMA - Episode 05 - Headlamps

CARNAMA - Episode 5 - Car HeadLamps

Hi Guys ! Today we shall talk about a very basic but an important part of a car - the Headlamps or Headlights as some of us normally call it. These are considered as the eyes of a car's face and play a very important role in creating a 'look' for the front.

Halogen headlights are currently the most popular in the automotive world. it's mostly because of their primary advantage: they have a very long life. Basically a halogen light bulb has a lifetime of about 1,000 hours under normal conditions, while replacement costs are usually very low. The biggest problem is that, while generating the radiating light, the bulb also creates a large amount of heat which basically represents wasted energy.
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Xenon headlights, officially known as high-intensity discharge headlamps, are usually known as a more efficient solution, mostly because of the color temperature and the amount of light they generate. Such a lamp contains xenon gas, hence the slight blue tint of the light.

The first xenon headlight appeared on the BMW 7 Series in 1991.

It is generally believed that xenon lights have a pretty long lifetime, exceeding the one of halogen lamps: estimates are pointing to an operation life of around 2,000 hours in normal conditions. The amount of glare generated by the headlamps might be extremely disturbing for the other drivers on the road, especially for incoming traffic, thus raising the number of accidents and fatalities caused by other than speed and technical problems.

So no matter, whichever type of Headlamps your car has, keep them clean and free of dirt. Enjoy a safe drive in your car !

CARNAMA - Episode 04 - SUV

Episode 4 - CARNAMA - Owning a SUV

Hi Guys, so as per request from last week, we will discuss some points about owning an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).

An SUV is one of the most popular type of vehicle these days. An SUV need not necessarily be a 4WD or a 4WD is not always an SUV. An SUV is basically defined by the body type.
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In Dubai, the leading range of SUVs in worldwide brands, the leader being Toyota ofcourse. The advantages of SUVs over a saloon car are:
1. Spacious seating capacity
2. Four Wheel Drive and Off-Road capabilities
3. Safety due to size and structure
4. Higher road clearance

Japanese SUVs are more reliable when it comes to the rough handling during off-road driving. American SUVs have more powerful engines and higher comfortable interiors. European SUVs are more popular for their brand image and luxurious mutil-functions but cannot be reliable for serious off-roading.

The cheapest SUV in the market is the 2013 Renault Duster and the most expensive high end SUV is definitely the new 2013 Range Rover (shown in the picture here).

These days the Korean brands like Hyundai and KIA are churning out excellent products which is evident with the new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe.

Even if one is not interested to go for off-roading, an SUV is still more spacious and comfortable vehicle in comparison to a normal saloon. Imagine putting everything in it, including your camping or swimming gears, other equipment, and even extra luggage.

There's an SUV in the market for every budget. So make your choice and enjoy a safe drive !

CARNAMA - Episode 03 - Brakes

Episode 3 - CARNAMA

Hi Guys, today we shall talk about care and maintenance of yet another important safety aspect of your car - the brakes !

Sufficient brake fluid levels are essential for safe operation. Air and moisture breaks down break fluid. Brake fluid should be checked monthly. Locate the brake master cylinder; it’s usually towards the back of the engine. Brake fluid should be free of dirt. Add only the grade approved in your owners manual if levels are low to the “full” line.
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To inspect brakes you can either look through the spaces of the wheels or may have to remove the tires. The brakes should be shiny and uniform. The pads should be more than 1/8” in height. The rubber brake lines should be soft and not cracked. If they are cracked they must be replaced.

Your brakes may in need of replacement if it displays any of these warning signs:
•Noise when brakes are pressed.
•Steering wheel is unstable when brakes are pressed.
•If you depress your brakes and the petal slowly goes to floor.
•The brake disks have rough spots and deep grooves.

Keeping your anti-lock brakes in great shape is crucial for your safety.

CARNAMA - Episode 02 - Wipers

Episode 2 - CARNAMA

So, as it gets foggy now a days (in Dubai), let's talk about something which is very necessary to function when driving in a Fog. The car Wipers !

Wipers are meant to use for cleaning up the front glass (windshield) incase of obstruction to clear visibility. In some cars there are also rear wipers (SUVs etc). In high-end cars, you may find headlight wipers too (helps in cleaning dirt from the headlamps and increase the illumination on the road ahead).
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Most wiper blades are made of natural rubber, but with newer technology someleading brands have now started using a composite structure for better performance.

Wiper rubber deteriorates over time and requires replacement. Because your driving decisions are based on a clear, unobstructed view of the road, it's a critical safety concern that your car's wipers provide you with the cleanest windshield possible. Weather also plays a critical role in your windshield wiper blades' deterioration. Freezing temperatures make the rubber in your wiper blades hard and brittle, which increases their tendency to crack or tear. Hot weather warps the rubber and prevents the blade from wiping your windshield cleanly

Avoid using the wipers on dry glass surface. Always ensure the sprinkler is having sufficient water. There are also special cleaning solutions available in shops, which clean the glass surface even better.

So check the conditions of your car wiper blades today and replace if damaged. Enjoy your drive in safe conditions !

CARNAMA - Episode 01 - Tyres

Episode 1 - Carnama

Hi members, so today we start with the first episode of 'CARNAMA', your user freindly guide to car maintenance.

As the joke recently was regarding no.of wheels, let's begin today with a very essential part of a car --- the tyres ! Did you know that many of us address our tyre size as small, big or even in some cases fat ? The size of your car's tyre is infact engraved on the tyre itself. As an example read this ---- 205/65 R 15
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Here,
205 indicates the width of the tyre in millimetres
65 indicates the height of the side from bottom of tyre upto the alloy wheel
R indicates the tyre has Radial construction, which majority of tyres have
15 indicates the diameter of the alloy wheel

All in all these factors describe the size of your car's tyre !!!

Tyre maintenance:
All 4 tyres on your car should be of the same brand and size
Tyre positions between front and rear should be exchanged every 5000 kms
Always maintain inflation pressure recommended by the manufacturer
Daily check the exteriors of tyre surface for any embedded gravel pieces etc and remove them.
Always maintain proper wheel alignment

Follow these basic tips and increase the lifeline of your car tyres for a safe journey everytime !