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.
...
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.
...
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).
...
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
...
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 !