All posts by Amirul Hazmi

Always hoping that ICE and manual transmissions stay relevant and don’t disappear. It’s more about balance than just power.
NEWS

7 facts about the Sepang International Circuit which you probably never knew

The Sepang International Circuit, or SIC, is one of our nation’s proudest landmarks. It was completed in 1998 before hosting the first Formula One (F1) race in 1999.

Although it no longer hosts F1 events, the Sepang Circuit remains on the MotoGP calendar and is active with various motor activities, track days, and corporate events.

Recently, discussions about the return of the F1 to Sepang have been circulating on social media, with some claiming that F1 drivers are eager to race in Malaysia once again.

Let’s now explore seven facts about this world-class circuit that you may not be aware of.

1. Designed by Hermann Tilke

The Sepang International Circuit was designed by the German architect Hermann Tilke, who previously designed the A1-Ring circuit in Austria. Tilke created a circuit that is undulating and fast for Sepang, dominated by two main straightaways.

The design of Sepang draws inspiration from local elements, for example, the grandstand canopies are shaped like the leaves of oil palm trees, which are a prominent crop in the area surrounding the circuit.

Construction work began in December 1996, and the circuit was completed in 1998 at a cost of RM286 million.

2. Became one of the longest F1 circuits

 

The Sepang Circuit features 15 turns and 8 straight stretches with a minimum width of 16 meters, expanding to 20 meters in some sections. The completed Sepang International Circuit has a length of 5,543 meters (one lap), making it one of the longest circuits on the F1 and MotoGP calendars. The only longer circuits are Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Silverstone in England.

When it was completed and opened to the public, the Sepang Circuit was the most advanced F1 circuit in the world. However, since then, many newer and more advanced circuits have emerged worldwide, with most of them being designed by Tilke.

3. The only Japan Super GT venue outside Japan

In addition to world-class racing events like F1 and MotoGP, the Sepang International Circuit is also included in the calendar of other prestigious races, including the Japan Super GT.

Interestingly, the Sepang Circuit is the only circuit outside Japan to host a round of the Japan Super GT. This makes Sepang very unique for this event due to its extreme hot and rainy weather conditions.

4. Extreme weather

Speaking of the weather, the ambient temperature at the Sepang Circuit can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius, a challenging temperature for both the vehicles and the drivers.

Later, after the scorching heat in the midday, heavy rain can fall in the afternoon. This weather challenge is one of the unique features of Sepang that is not found in other circuits, meaning that racing teams need to strategically plan pit stops and tire changes.

Additionally, the F1 race in 2009 was once stopped due to extremely heavy and dangerous driving conditions caused by rain.

5. Malaysian F1 drivers

The Sepang Circuit has seen two Malaysian drivers who have driven in F1. They are Alex Yoong and Fairuz Fauzy.

Alex Yoong drove for the Minardi team in 2002, achieving a best finishing position of seventh place during the Australian Grand Prix.

Fairuz Fauzy is also among the elite group who have driven F1 cars, but as a test driver for the Lotus team in 2010.

6. Proton Satria GTI before the GP cars

Although the Sepang Circuit is renowned for hosting F1 races and other world-class sports events, we should be proud because a Proton car actually “inaugurated” the circuit a few days before the first Malaysian Grand Prix in 1999.

The car in question was the Proton Satria GTI, driven by Tiff Needell, a motoring media host and former professional racer. He also competed in Malaysia, but at the Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam in the 1980s.

7. Tragedy of Marco Simoncelli

As everyone knows, motorsport is a high-risk sport, despite always prioritizing high safety standards. The Sepang International Circuit once claimed the life of a MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli. In an incident on October 23, 2011, the Italian rider fell during the sixth lap and was subsequently hit by another rider.

NEWS

Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, GR86 upgraded for 2024, open for bookings

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the opening of bookings for the new Hilux, Fortuner, and GR86, featuring several upgrades and enhancements.

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Hilux, the reigning pickup truck king in Malaysia, has been updated with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) for the 2.4 Single Cab model.

It also comes with Remote Engine Start for selected variants, a first for a Toyota model. Activated through the Toyota My app, this function can also start the air conditioning to cool the cabin before entering the vehicle.

The Hilux 2.8 GR Sport, Rogue, and 2.4V variants are also equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor, while the GR Sport and Rogue editions feature wireless charging capability. The 2.8 GR Sport is powered by a 2,755cc engine with an output of 224PS and 550Nm of torque, while the 2.8 Rogue has an output of 204PS and 500Nm.

Meanwhile, the Hilux 2.4 generates 150PS and 400Nm of torque. The starting price for the Toyota Hilux is RM104,880.

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner now comes with GR body kit as an additional accessory for the 2.7 SRZ and 2.4 models. The kit includes front bumper skirting, fog lamp garnish, and rear bumper skirting.

Remote Engine Start is now available for the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ and 2.7 SRZ. The SUV is still offered with both petrol and diesel engine options.

The 2.7 SRZ petrol unit produces 166PS and 245Nm of torque, while the 2.8 VRZ diesel generates 150PS and 400Nm of torque. The Toyota Fortuner 2024 can be yours starting at RM195,800.

Toyota GR86

In the case of the Toyota GR86 sports coupe, both automatic and manual variants have been updated for better handling and response.

The throttle response has been retuned for more precise control, while the suspension has been refined for handling and road feel.

The steering system has also been recalibrated for a smoother feel. For the automatic transmission, new tuning allows for downshifting at higher RPMs, providing better control for the driver. The price for the 2024 Toyota GR86 starts at RM295,000

NEWS

Road blocks info, to share or not to share?

We are used to seeing information and updates regarding roadblocks or road closures being shared through mobile applications like WhatsApp and Telegram.

Automatically, we press the Share button to spread it to more people. Hopefully, it is beneficial, they say. Yes, it may be beneficial for some people. But should we share and help in informing about the existence of roadblocks?

Before that, let us examine its purpose first. Roadblocks can be set up for purposes such as road construction, closure of specific roads, law enforcement operations, and hunting down criminals.

We understand, you share and distribute information about roadblock operations due to law enforcement because there may be you or people around you with vehicles that are not roadworthy, expired road tax, non-compliant number plates, or have made certain modifications.

So, you share information about roadblock operations so that your friends and members of your car club WhatsApp group are not fined.

But, what if the roadblock is set up to track down criminals? When the criminal reads your sharing, they will divert to alternative routes or flee at different times.

Authorities fail to catch the criminal, and the case remains unresolved. Are you happy because you were not fined? If the criminal has just assaulted you, and they can escape because others shared information about the roadblock, are you still happy?

At this moment, we at Engear want to emphasize not to share information on the presence of roadblocks. There is no need to be overly caring or act as unlicensed reporters just to avoid friends getting fined. It could more so inconvenience the work of law enforcement agencies. Let’s make a change together!

NEWS

2025 Proton X70 launched, now with Apple Carplay, 4 variants from RM99k

Finally, the Proton X70 2025 facelift has been officially launched today. It is offered in four variants and prices are as follows:

X70 Standard: RM98,800
X70 Executive: RM110,800
X70 Premium: RM123,800
X70 Premium X: RM126,800

Each purchase of the X70 2025 comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, a 5-year data package with a capacity of 1GB/month, six free services, financing benefits as low as 2.4 per cent, and the Proton Insurance program.

Additionally, there are Early Birds packages with a cash rebate of RM7,000, trade-in overtrade support worth RM2,800, and an upgraded Proton Insurance program.

All of these are valid for the first 3,000 customers who register their vehicles. According to Proton, this X70 facelift features 360 new components, with the R&D process taking 290,000 hours. Road tests have covered a distance of 4.2 million km.

The Proton X70 2025 showcases a fresher look inspired by the Geely Boyue facelift 2022. In addition to new LED lights, it sports a larger grille with diamond-cut details, as well as a redesigned hood, bumper, and tailgate.

At the rear, there is a new bumper with horizontal reflectors. The alloy rims also feature a modern design, with sizes of 18 inches for the Executive and 19 inches. Five colors are available for this new X70: Snow White, Amour Silver, Jet Grey, Ruby Red, and the new Marine Blue.

The dashboard has been redesigned, now featuring piano black trims and ambient lighting with 72 color options that change according to music. In the middle of the dashboard is a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. For the first time for Proton, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

Furthermore, the X70 2025 features a new steering wheel, a new display on the LCD meter panel, and Nappa leather upholstery in Stone Grey color.

In terms of features, the X70 now comes with Walk Away Auto Lock, while the power tailgate now has a Nearby Auto Open function for hands-free operation. ADAS is available on the Premium and Premium X variants.

It includes several new features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centering Control, Traffic Sign Information, and Rear Collision Warning.

All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter TGDI three-cylinder engine producing 175hp at 5,500rpm and 255Nm from 1,500-4,000 rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission.

With improvements involving combustion efficiency, thermal management, and friction reduction, this engine achieves a fuel consumption of 7.3 liters/100 km, which is 4 percent better than the X70 2022.

NEWS

Who still remembers the Fiat Ulysse, used to roam around Malaysian roads, also have twins from Citroen and Peugeot

If you grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, you must probably have seen the Fiat Ulysse. It was one of the popular mid-size MPVs in our country at that time, alongside the Toyota Estima, Nissan Serena, and Honda Odyssey. This was the era before the arrival of luxury mobile refrigerators like the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire.

The author himself remembers a family in the housing estate where he grew up owning a Fiat Ulysse. The author was quite intrigued by its unique design, such as its roof rack being slightly different from its competitors.

It had two silver crossbars, unlike the usual two black longitudinal rails. Perhaps this was a European design feature. The front lights were slightly dark or smoked, a characteristic also found in other Fiat models of that time.

An European-style MPV

Fiat Ulysse actually had several generations, but what we want to talk about today is the first generation released from 1994 to 2002. Ulysse was designed to combine the practicality of a wagon and the comfort of a sedan. It had a boxy shape, large front mirrors, and two sliding rear doors.

Interestingly, these sliding rails were hidden, providing a clean surface on the sides. The large rear hatch had a low “lip” for easy loading and unloading of items. It featured power steering, ABS in some variants, and a slightly elevated driver’s seat for ease of handling.

The interior space was designed for roominess and practicality. The central console resembled an island housing the air conditioning controls and gear buttons. The gear buttons were positioned here so that the driver could minimize hand movement while driving.

Petrol and diesel engine options

Fiat Ulysse came with petrol engines (1.8, 2.0, and 2.0 turbo) and diesel engines (1.9 turbo, 2.0, and 2.1 turbo). According to the author’s brief research, the Ulysse available in the Malaysian market was offered with a 2.0-liter petrol and a 1.9-liter diesel turbo engine.

Facelift in 1999

By 1999, the minivan/MPV market in Europe was slowing down, but this trend was still strong in Asia and Malaysia. Therefore, a facelift model was introduced in 1999. The front of the Ulysse was updated with a more curved and soft surface, no longer a flat face with square headlights like the Iswara.

The grille was also redesigned, with a smaller Fiat logo in the center. The body cladding was changed to body color, giving it a more premium look compared to the previous gray cladding.

The interior didn’t change much compared to earlier models, although better materials were used, and the instrument cluster had a more attractive design.

Just like before, the Ulysse could accommodate seven passengers with two front doors and two sliding rear doors.

Sibling from Citroen and Peugeot

Did you know that the Fiat Ulysse had siblings from Citroen and Peugeot? The Ulysse siblings were the Citroen Evasion and Peugeot 806, all these Eurovans had minimal differences.

It should be noted that this was not due to rebadging like the Proton Wira taken from the Mitsubishi Lancer but more of models developed together. Examples include the Perodua Ativa/Daihatsu Rocky/Toyota Raize or Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ.

The Citroen Evasion and Peugeot 806 were also offered in the Malaysian market. The author remembers seeing these models and being surprised when they weren’t Fiat. Back then, the concept of rebadging and joint development was not fully understood.

In the European market, there were additional siblings, namely the Citroen Synergie and Lancia Zeta. The list goes on!

Once popular in the used car market in Malaysia

After its production ended, the Fiat Ulysse flooded the used car market. As internet usage expanded, the Fiat Ulysse became one of the sought-after MPVs on websites like Mudah.my. Naturally, being a European brand model, its price depreciated quite drastically.

Some were sold for around RM7,000, and some even went for less than RM5,000. Imagine if this were a Japanese MPV, the price would likely remain in the range of RM15,000 to RM20,000. However, previous owners were probably not too concerned about the depreciation of this vehicle.

New owners, on the other hand, were brave enough to court these beautiful and enjoyable-to-drive European widows, albeit with the looming maintenance costs.

If the owner knew a reputable Continental brand workshop, there shouldn’t be any major issues.

NEWS

Chery Omoda 5 awarded 5-star for the ASEAN NCAP rating

CHERY Malaysia is proud to announce that the Chery OMODA 5 has achieved the coveted 5-star rating in the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) safety evaluation.

This outstanding recognition underscores Chery’s unwavering commitment to delivering superior safety and quality in its vehicles.

The current ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 assessment protocol encompasses four assessment domains, with Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) covering 40.00 points of the overall score, and Child Occupant Protection (COP), Safety Assist Technology (SA), and Motorcyclist Safety (MS) each contributing 20.00 points of the overall score.

The Chery OMODA 5 is the first model under the Chery brand to be evaluated by the ASEAN NCAP. In this assessment, the OMODA 5 demonstrated a strong commitment to vehicle safety, achieving a total score of 88.64 points and earning a prestigious 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

The breakdown includes 36.77 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), 17.36 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP), 19.51 points for Safety Assist (SA), and 15.00 points for the Motorcyclist Safety (MS) category.

Highlights of the Chery OMODA 5’s Safety Performance:

  • Frontal Impact: The OMODA 5 successfully passed the ASEAN NCAP frontal collision test, which simulates a crash where the car hits a barrier at 64 km/h with a partial front impact. In the test, dummies representing an average adult male are placed in the driver and front passenger seats, while two child dummies—a 3-year-old and a 1.5-year-old— are secured in the back seats. This test confirmed that the vehicle provides effective protection for the driver, front passenger, and children in the event of a collision.
  • Side Impact Test: The OMODA 5 successfully passed the ASEAN NCAP side impact test, which evaluates how well it protects occupants during a side collision. In this test, amoving barrier hits the side of the vehicle at 50 km/h. A dummy representing an adult driver is placed in the front seat, while two child dummies—a 3-year-old and a 1.5-year-old—are seated in the back. The results confirmed that the vehicle provides strong protection for the driver and child passengers in the event of a side impact collision.
  • Pedestrian Protection Test: The Chery OMODA 5 also received top score in pedestrian protection, a critical aspect of the ASEAN NCAP evaluation, ensuring the safety of all road users.
  • Blind Spot Detection Assessment: A critical safety feature, Blind Spot Detection ensures areas the driver cannot see are monitored. The Chery OMODA 5 excelled in this area, achieving a perfect score for detecting blind spots on both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle.

“Achieving the ASEAN NCAP safety rating is a testament to our continuous commitment to safety, innovation, and most of all to our customers. This rating is not just a badge of honour; it is a promise to our customers that our OMODA 5 cars are built with your safety in mind as our highest priority,” said Michael Chew Chery Malaysia Vice President.

Chew added that the rigorous testing and evaluation process by ASEAN NCAP covered various aspects of vehicle safety, including adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, safety assist technologies, and motorcyclist safety.

“OMODA 5’s high scores across the four categories demonstrate our comprehensive approach to safety and our dedication to continuous improvement,” said Chew during the media announcement of the Chery OMODA 5 ASEAN NCAP in Kuala Lumpur.

The Chery OMODA 5’s advanced safety features played a pivotal role in achieving this recognition. These features encompass multiple airbags, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and more.

Together, they form a robust safety network designed to protect occupants and help prevent accidents.

NEWS

Volvo EX30 to arrive Malaysia soon – Electric SUV with up to 422hp, 480km range

VOLVO Car Malaysia (VCM) seems to be launching the EX30 in the near future. Bookings are now open, and those interested can start registering on the newly opened dedicated webpage.

The Volvo EX30 is a new-generation compact electric vehicle (EV) from the Swedish manufacturer. It measures 4,223mm in length, 1,837mm in width, 1,555mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650mm.

Depending on the variant, this SUV is equipped with a 69kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. It can be charged using AC 11kWh (7.5 hours) or DC 153kW (26.5 minutes from 10 to 80 percent).

The specific variant available in the Malaysian market is yet to be confirmed, but the EX30 comes with three motor configuration options.

The Core Single Motor Extended Range and Ultra Single Motor Extended Range models each have a single electric motor at the rear, with outputs of 268hp and 343Nm, and a driving range of 480km.

The higher variant is the Ultra Twin Motor Performance with two electric motors, and outputs of 422hp and 543Nm torque. It has a slightly lower driving range of 460km according to WLTP cycle.

Like previous Volvo models, the EX30 cabin is quite minimalistic but features a completely new design. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch vertical infotainment screen with software such as Google, Apple, and Qualcomm. It also has ECARX, and all of this can be updated over-the-air.

The EX30 also comes with a digital key that can be integrated with various smartphones, with applications for functions such as charging, location, locking, and heating. The Park Pilot Assist on the EX30 is the latest version.

Interested in the latest Volvo electric SUV? You can register your interest at this link.

NEWS

Motorcycles with 150cc and above should be fitted with ABS as standard beginning 2025 – MIROS

New motorcycles with engine capacities of 150cc and above sold in this country must be equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) beginning January 1, 2025. This was stated by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS).

According to a report by The Star, this mandatory requirement follows a two-year study by the Ministry of Transport to address the increasing number of motorcycle-related deaths.

“ABS can reduce motorcycle accidents and deaths by up to 30 percent. It helps to prevent skidding so that riders do not lose control of their motorcycles,” said MIROS chairman, Dr. Wong Shaw Voon.

When asked whether ABS can be retrofitted to older motorcycles purchased before January 1, 2025, he said it depends on the model. Wong cautioned motorcycle owners not to install ABS if it cannot be done.

This system uses sensors on both tires to determine the wheel speed and ensure that the wheels do not lock, and these sensors act 10 times per second. This improves motorcycle stability and allows the rider to better control the motorcycle if the tires do not skid.

Currently, ABS is only offered on larger capacity motorcycles such as 400cc and above. However, there are also motorcycles with capacities between 160cc and 200cc equipped with ABS.

According to the Road Transport Department (JPJ), it is estimated that one death occurs every two hours due to motorcycle accidents in Malaysia. In 2022, 6,080 people were killed in road accidents nationwide. Last year, the figure increased to 6,443.

Malaysia Traffic and Road Safety psychologist, Prof. Dr. Rozmi Ismali, outlined the drastic increase in motorcycle accidents among food delivery riders since 2020.

“Most of them have just finished school, and the quickest way to earn income at this time is to become a food delivery rider. Because they are still young, they tend to ride fast and violate traffic laws in order to make more deliveries in a day,” he said. Rozmi suggested that food delivery riders be given additional road safety training.

He said that training modules like this can cover mental and emotional aspects to become better motorcycle riders. “Incentives can also be given to delivery companies with a good safety record among their riders,” he added.

NEWS

Understanding weight transfer and how it can benefit your driving

The topic this time is a bit technical, namely weight transfer. However, throughout this article, we will use the term “weight transfer” because it is easier to understand for car enthusiasts.

But what is weight transfer? The transfer of weight from where to where? And how does it affect driving, so much so that it can differentiate performance?

In short, weight transfer is the distribution of the vehicle’s weight when accelerating, braking, or turning. It always reacts, regardless of whether you are driving fast or slow, whether you are driving a performance car or an everyday car.

However, weight transfer may not be too critical in everyday driving, but when driving sports cars, understanding and controlling weight transfer can make the difference between smooth and controlled driving, and driving that can be unsettling for passengers.

The physics behind weight transfer – the center of gravity

Every object has a center of gravity. This is where all the weight is concentrated. In a car, the center of gravity usually lies around the middle of the car, but the exact location depends on the type of car.

For example, the Aston Martin DB12. With a front mid-engine configuration and rear-wheel drive, its center of gravity is slightly towards the front. But cars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo with a rear mid-engine have a more balanced center of gravity towards the middle.

Front-engine cars like the Toyota Vios, Perodua Myvi, Mercedes A-Class, and Audi A5 have their center of gravity slightly towards the front. However, the Mazda MX-5, despite having a front engine, has its center of gravity in the middle because it uses rear-wheel drive.

When you accelerate, turn, or brake, the forces applied cause the car’s weight to shift around its center of gravity. This is weight transfer.

The impact of acceleration on weight transfer

Imagine you’re driving a sports car. When accelerating and pressing the pedal firmly to the floor, you’ll notice the back of the car being pushed down and the front rising. This situation is called squat, caused by weight transfer from the front to the back.

For rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive cars, this squat will increase the weight on the rear wheels, allowing the car to accelerate better. The weight concentrated on the rear wheels gives them better grip.

But for front-wheel drive cars, the weight transfer during acceleration does not have much of an effect.

The same principle applies when braking. Weight transfer causes the weight to shift to the front, also known as dive.

Then, when turning, weight transfer shifts the weight to the outer side; for example, a right turn will cause the weight to shift to the left side of the car. This weight transfer also leads to body roll.

Understanding this concept is important and will help you drive better, especially during spirited driving on the track.

Here are some more specific effects of weight transfer:

Acceleration – During acceleration, a lot of weight shifts to the back, increasing grip on the rear tires, but also reducing the grip on the front tires, causing the car to tend to oversteer.
Braking – When you brake, the weight shifts to the front tires, increasing grip and braking performance. The car can turn more responsively, but the reduced weight on the rear tires can make the car more prone to oversteer.
Turning – When turning, the outer tires have more grip. However, the car can still understeer or oversteer depending on the car’s configuration, type of differential, and input from the driver.

Knowing and understanding the concept of weight transfer will not automatically make you faster. Instead, you should be more aware of the car’s condition at all times. Provide linear inputs (acceleration, braking, steering) and avoid sudden inputs. Aggressive inputs can cause the car to lose balance and the tires to lose grip.

The higher the speed of the vehicle, the more smoothly and carefully you need to give inputs. The car will respond well within its limits, and as a result, you will become faster and safer.

NEWS

Proton set to return to export markets including the UK

PROTON is now actively developing its export market and is said to be returning to the United Kingdom (UK), according to CEO Li Chunrong.

According to the UK media report, Autocar, this development also includes new right-hand drive (RHD) markets across Asia and South Africa, in addition to returning to Australia and New Zealand.

Photo by: Autocar

This is aimed at increasing Proton’s global sales following the opening of a new headquarters and production center currently under construction in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Known as the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), this billion Ringgit investment facility is the result of Geely and DRB-Hicom Berhad.

The increase in production capacity will be a decisive factor in Proton’s long-term plan to expand their global sales.

“With the existing investment, Proton will have the capacity to return to markets that have been left, while penetrating new markets,” Autocar sources reported.

Photo by: Autocar

No timeline has been disclosed for Proton’s return to the UK, but it is reported to be expected “by the end of this decade.” Proton previously sold vehicles in the UK from 1989 to 2014.

In 2023, Geely announced plans to invest in the development of AHTV.

At present, Proton is selling Geely-based models such as the X50, X70, and S70, as well as self-developed models like the Saga, Persona, and Iriz.

Proton also recently launched their first electric vehicle (EV), the eMAS 7.

Which model do you think will be the choice for export to new markets in the future?

NEWS

What could go wrong if you put car engine oil in a motorcycle engine?

The idea of filling car engine lubricant oil into motorcycle engines is not new. Sometimes when we send our cars for service, the workshop returns the excess new lubricant oil in a bottle, and we think that maybe it can be used for motorcycles at home.

The grade of the lubricating oil for both is the same, for example, our car uses grade 10W-30 oil, and our motorcycle uses the same.

The viscosity at cold and hot temperatures (according to SAE standards) is the same, so we can pour both into the engine. Can we?

The simple answer is no.

Different tasks and functions

The main reason why it cannot be done is because of the tasks. Car and motorcycle lubricant oils have very different tasks. For cars, the lubricant oil’s task is solely to lubricate the two surfaces within the engine that come into contact, to prevent components from scratching and getting damaged.

If you notice, modern cars now use low viscosity oil. For example, the Perodua Bezza uses 0W-20 grade oil, which is considered thin oil.

The reason is that modern cars are tuned to save fuel and reduce air pollution. Thin oil makes it easier for components to move, and the engine temperature is not as high as high-performance cars. Therefore, it is fine for daily driving. The oil will not become too hot or thin even with its low viscosity.

Different oils for different systems

Furthermore, cars have other oils, such as transmission or gearbox oil, which are very different from engine oil. In addition, there is also a different fluid in the cooling system, namely coolant.

Different systems in cars will use specific different fluids. Engine lubricant oil cannot be used in the transmission, and vice versa.

Oil is more critical for motorcycles

For motorcycles, especially those with small cc, the engine oil is designed for more than one task. This oil lubricates and protects the engine, is also used in the transmission, and to cool the engine.

Motorcycles also usually rev at higher levels. The engine is hotter, so it needs a higher grade. In short, motorcycle lubricant oil is more critical, and the task is tougher.

The engine size is also smaller, so the space for oil passage is narrower. That’s why you’ll notice that the requirements or qualifications for car and motorcycle engine lubricant oils are quite different. Because of the specific functions and tasks, the formulas are also different.

For example, even though the viscosity is the same, car engine lubricant oil contains friction modifiers. If poured into a motorcycle engine, the clutch can slip, causing inefficient driving. Worse still, it can damage motorcycle transmission components.

Now you understand why car and motorcycle lubricant oils are different and why they cannot be poured around casually. Let’s not risk our engines just to save a little.

The easiest thing to do is to refer to our car or motorcycle manual. Do you still have it? The manual provides the most accurate guidance for our machines.

For motorcycles, there are usually more specific specifications that are not found in cars. For example, 4T for four-stroke engines, JASO MA for wet clutch systems, or JASO MB for scooters.

We hope this article is helpful! If you are discussing this topic with friends at a coffee shop, share this article for better understanding.

NEWS

Nilu27 arrives with a sexy V12 hypercar featuring gullwing doors and 7-speed manual

Let’s welcome the arrival of the new supercar maker, Nilu27. It is a brand founded by the designers of Koenigsegg and Bugatti, Sasha Selipanov.

The first model revealed is NILU. Unlike using overly advanced or complex technologies, such as turbo or hybrid, NILU comes with a naturally-aspirated V12 engine and a manual gearbox. This is a hypercar for purists.

However, not everything about this hypercar is old-school. Within its carbon fiber monocoque chassis, it features an aluminum-tubular subframe.

The V12 engine is from Heartley Engines based in New Zealand, with a 6.5-liter capacity. Nilu27 claims it “will rev like an electric motor.”

Unlike most engines with intake within the “V” and exhaust outside, the airflow in this V12 engine is reversed. Individual throttle bodies are located outside, with exhaust exiting above and inside the “hot V.”

The Inconel exhaust uses a 12-to-1 configuration and is produced using 3D printing. Specific power is not stated, but Nilu27 claims this V12 generates “more” than 1,000hp.

Nilu emphasizes responsiveness in its hypercar. Hence, the gear lever is in the form of a pole and has a special locking mechanism to prevent accidental engagement of reverse gear.

Additionally, there are no excessive buttons in the Nilu. No steering wheel buttons, and no driving modes. The only screen is integrated into the rearview mirror to enhance rear visibility.

The seats are fixed, while other parts such as the pedal box, headrest, and side mirrors can be manually adjusted using specially engineered switches and buttons.

Underneath, it has a double-wishbone and pushrod suspension, supported by 20- and 21-inch rims with central locks, and wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. The brakes come from Brembo.

Nilu says only 15 launch edition NILU units will be produced, but does not state whether they are street versions. The company also mentioned it is planning to build 54 “road homologation” units, which means the initial 15 units may be track-only versions.

This hypercar will make its first appearance at Pebble Beach during the Monterey Car Week event on August 15. NILU will be assembled in Irvine, California before its production is shifted overseas.

NEWS

Even supercars share parts with common cars, here’s 10 examples you must know

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DEVELOPING a new car involves very high costs, and manufacturers typically employ various methods to reduce expenses.

One of the ways is through rebadging or engine and platform sharing, as seen in examples like the BMW Z4 with the Toyota GR Supra. Another popular option is sharing small components such as interior parts, lights, or side mirrors.

As we know, the development costs of supercars are much higher with minimal production. Therefore, car manufacturers have taken components from regular cars to use in supercars, often unnoticed by many. Let’s take a look at the 10 most interesting examples!

1. Lotus Esprit and Morris Marina – door handles

Lotus is known for cost-saving measures by using components from other cars, such as the Toyota AE86’s taillights on the Esprit Mk3 and the Renault 4’s lights on the first-generation Elise.

Another example is the first-generation Esprit, which used door handles from the less popular Morris Marina.

2. Lamborghini Diablo and Nissan 300ZX – headlights

It’s not uncommon for premium brand vehicles to use components from regular cars. One popular example is the Lamborghini Diablo and Nissan 300ZX. Which components are used? The headlights. The Diablo facelift employed headlights from the Nissan 300ZX.

Furthermore, Lamborghini attempted to hide the Nissan logo with small carbon fiber strips, making it look like a unique Lamborghini component.

3. Jaguar XJ220 and Citroen CX – side mirrors

The Jaguar XJ220 once held the record for the world’s fastest car with a top speed of 349 km/h, but it was developed at a lower cost than expected. The original V12 engine was downsized to a V6, and the car adopted gullwing doors. It also used Rover 200 taillights to further reduce costs.

One of the most notable features is the use of side mirrors from Citroen CX. This was due to the mirrors not being integrated with the doors like in other cars. Additionally, these mirrors were also used in Aston Martin, Lotus, and TVR vehicles.

4. Pagani Zonda and Rover 45 – air conditioning buttons

When launched in 1999, the Pagani Zonda immediately became a hit with its high power and on-track performance. It was powered by a 7.3-liter V12 engine with a top speed of over 320 km/h, boasting exceptional styling that made it unforgettable.

However, in the cabin, the air conditioning control panel of the Pagani Zonda was sourced from the Rover 45.

5. Aston Martin DB7 and Mazda 323 Familia – taillights

Ford acquired Aston Martin in 1989 and simultaneously had investments in Mazda. This led to component sharing between these brands for better financial management.

The Aston Martin DB7 not only used door handles from the Miata but also adopted taillights from the Mazda 323 Familia. Aston Martin added plastic covers to disguise these lights, though they are still visibly recognizable.

6. Dodge Viper and Mitsubishi 3000GT – side mirrors

The Dodge Viper was a wild car when it was launched in 1990. With an 8.0-liter V10 engine (originally from a truck) producing 450hp in the GTS version.

The Mitsubishi 3000GT is also a sports car, albeit in a slightly different category from the Viper. The 3000GT boasts more technology, active aerodynamics, rear-wheel steering, and AWD. Both vehicles are quite different, but they share the same side mirrors.

7. Ferrari California and Chrysler Sebring – infotainment unit

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has been a giant in the automotive industry, leading to inevitable component sharing. For example, the Ferrari California and Chrysler Sebring. Both are FCA group products but are distinct vehicles.

These sports cars once shared the same infotainment unit.

8. Chevrolet Corvette C5 and Oldsmobile Aurora – door handles

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Corvette (C5) is a gorgeous sports car. Launched in 1997, it received better handling and engines than the C4 version, making it much more enjoyable to drive.

On the other hand, the Oldsmobile Aurora is a conventional sedan. It is powered by a front-wheel-drive V8 4.0-liter engine. The Aurora also ‘donated’ its door handles to the Corvette C5.

9. McLaren-Mercedes SLR and Mercedes Sprinter – turn signal stalk

An exemplary instance of how a car manufacturer can be vastly comprehensive is the Mercedes SLR McLaren with the Mercedes Sprinter.

One is a high-tech supercar, while the other is a panel van for commercial use. However, both vehicles share the same turn signal stalk. It is the lever mounted on the steering column.

10. Lotus Evora and Proton Persona – side mirrors

Lastly, here is an example that is particularly close to us Malaysians. As we all know, Proton once owned Lotus. Among the benefits obtained was Proton acquiring engineering knowledge from Lotus, which is why Proton is renowned for its good handling, all learned from the British sports car manufacturer.

But, as seen in the examples above, component sharing occurs. The Lotus Evora once received components ‘donated’ by the 2009 Persona, namely the side mirrors.

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More than 19,000 vehicles were inspected by JPJ, and action was taken on 667 buses

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More than 19,000 vehicles including express buses have been inspected by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) in a joint operation from 2 July to 31 July. According to the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, in the operation, a total of 667 buses were taken action against for various offenses.

“The Joint Special Operation focuses on ensuring that all express buses are in safe condition, driven by competent license holders, and that the vehicles comply with all relevant legal provisions set forth.

“From the inspection of 2,547 express bus drivers, 26 drivers tested positive for drugs.

“A total of 19,456 vehicles were inspected; 667 were taken action against; 14 were seized by the Road Transport Department (JPJ); 1,600 notices issued under JPJ P22, Section 61 (1) Section 59, and others.

“In this operation, the JPJ, in collaboration with the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), conducted urine screening tests on express bus drivers,” he said.

Anthony also added that JPJ carried out a Special Operation on Commercial Vehicles focusing on goods and public service vehicles. This pertains to technical violations, traffic violations, and major offenses starting from 1 August to 31 August 2024.

“Findings from 1 August to 5 August show that 21 drivers tested positive for drugs, based on urine screening tests conducted on 276 commercial vehicle drivers during the five days of the operation.

“This means that for every 13 drivers, one is detected to be under the influence of drugs while on duty, driving on the road. This is a concerning situation,” he explained.

He emphasized that JPJ will not compromise with incompetent drivers handling commercial and public service vehicles. He further stated that these measures are to ensure the safety of all road users and reduce the rate of road accidents.

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It’s official: Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi will collaborate

Before this, we reported news that a trio from Japan – Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi – would be joining forces. Now, this matter has been confirmed. Official.

The Honda-Nissan Alliance announced last March is now expanded with the inclusion of Mitsubishi. They will come together to discuss the best ways to collaborate in building electric vehicles (EVs) and their components.

Takao Kato, Representative Executive Officer, President, and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, stated: “Nissan and Honda’s discussions on a possible partnership have progressed, and we have decided to participate in this framework.

“Collaboration with partners is essential in today’s automotive industry, which is undergoing rapid changes due to technological innovations such as electrification and intelligence. We believe that we can discover new possibilities in a variety of fields through collaboration among the three companies.”

In related developments, Nissan and Honda will pool funds for the development of software for autonomous driving technology, connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This collaboration will also include the development of battery-powered and electric-driven axles with shared motors and inverters.

The expanded alliance makes sense given the rapid rise of EVs from China. Instead of working entirely on their own—a lengthy and costly endeavor—the three companies are joining forces to accelerate development and achieve economies of scale.

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi must face increasingly tougher competition as electric cars from China are significantly cheaper and more diverse.

This is not the first time Japanese companies have joined forces this year. A few months ago, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru also held a meeting to reaffirm their long-term commitment to combustion engines.

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Here’s a list of the most rebadged cars ever

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REBADGE is a production and marketing technique used by vehicle manufacturers. In terms of language, rebadge means changing the badge. More precisely, a car has its badge/logo replaced with another badge, and is then known by a different name.

There are many reasons for rebadging, such as market factors. If the Perodua brand is not well-received in Indonesia, the car is rebadged with a different brand that is more accepted by the market.

However, the primary reason for rebadging is cost. It saves production costs for a manufacturer from developing a new car. Simply take what is available, use a new badge. The ‘donor’ company then receives payment or incentive from it.

Let’s take a look at the most rebadged vehicles today. But first, there are conditions. Firstly, the vehicle must be sold under a different brand. So for example, if the Subaru Crosstrek and XV are sold under different names in different markets, that is not rebadging.

Secondly, the rebadged car must share a majority of body panels with the original vehicle. There should be no changes to the body design or lights, only the badge is changed.

Daihatsu Rocky

Beginning as the Daihatsu Rocky, this compact SUV was later transformed into the Toyota Raize and Perodua Ativa. It was then rebadged as the Subaru Rex. Yes, the Perodua Ativa is rebadged from the Daihatsu Rocky.

However, it must be noted that even though only the badge and cosmetics are changed, Perodua was also involved in the development of the Daihatsu Rocky from the beginning.

They have long planned to release different brands for different markets. But to the untrained eye, it still appears as a rebadge, and it meets our two criteria.

Suzuki Swift 1988

This is not the Suzuki Swift we know today, but the 1988 version. It was rebadged as the Geo Metro in the U.S., Chevrolet Sprint and Pontiac Firefly in Canada, Holden Marina in Australia, Maruti Suzuki 1000 in India, and Subaru Justy in Europe.

All in all, there were seven different models.

Opel Kadett C

The Opel Kadett C was based on the T-platform developed by GM. The Opel Kadett was rebadged as the Vauxhall Chevette, Chevrolet Chevette, Buick Opel, and Holden Gemini in Australia.

In Korea, it was rebadged as Saehan before becoming Daewoo, Isuzu Gemini, and finally in Argentina, as the GMC Chevette. In total, there were nine different models.

Isuzu Trooper Second Generation

Finally, the awaited car on this list, the Isuzu Trooper (second generation). Under Isuzu’s partnership with GM, it was sold as the Chevrolet Trooper in South America.

In Europe, it was sold as the Opel Monterey and Vauxhall Monterey. It was later known as the Holden Jackaroo in Australia, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon in Japan, and eventually became the Acura SLX as a more luxurious model.

A Chinese company, Sainjiu, also released the Trooper as a CKD model. In total, there were ten different models, making the Trooper the most rebadged vehicle in history.

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Here’s a list of Proton limousines from back in the day

IN addition to the lineup of SUVs and several sedans offered today, Proton has also produced limousine models in the past. As we all know, a limousine is a longer version of a sedan, based on the sedan models that Proton was selling at that time.

It is important to remember that a limousine is distinct from the Executive version that Proton released. The Executive also has a longer wheelbase, but the rear doors are elongated and still connected to the front doors. Limousines have regular-sized rear doors, so with a longer wheelbase, they are separate from the front doors.

There are also limousine models that have six doors, meaning two additional doors between the front and rear. So in this article, let’s take a look at the Proton limousine models that you should know about.

Proton Saga and Iswara Limousine

Because the Saga and Iswara are two models that are almost identical with the same engine offerings, we include both of these models under one sub-topic. The Saga and Iswara Limousines were released in the 90s and offered in various lengths, namely 4.8 meters, 5.1 meters, and 5.5 meters. Interesting, isn’t it?

Even more intriguing is that their prices ranged from around RM69,800 to RM165,000, significantly cheaper compared to luxury brand limousines that typically cost two or three times as much. The Limousine models come with premium features such as a vinyl-coated roof, 14-inch alloy wheels, front and rear air conditioning units, and power windows.

They also include wind deflectors, a rear center armrest for rear passengers, chrome accents, a suede roof lining, and luxurious carpeting. The Proton Saga Grand Limousine was first showcased at the Shah Alam International Trade Exhibition in July 1990.

Proton Wira Grand Limousine

The Proton Wira Grand Limousine could be the answer for those who felt that the Wira Executive was not long enough. This is because the Wira Grand Limousine had an additional 915mm wheelbase compared to the standard sedan model.

Only 25 units were ever produced, making this Wira rarer than the Satria R3! Additionally, the Wira Grand Limousine was manufactured in Australia, not in Malaysia.

The Wira Limo is equipped with features such as a television with a video player, a boomerang antenna, Connolly leather upholstery, a table with drawers, a privacy partition between the front and rear, and an intercom system with the driver.

It also boasts sheepskin floor carpets, wood trim on the dashboard, rear reading lights, ambient lighting, and soft PVC-wrapped roof lining. Quite luxurious, especially during its release in 1996. The Wira Grand Limousine was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 113hp and 137Nm of torque. Its price at that time was RM108,358.97.

Proton Perdana Limousine

This is the older generation of the Perdana, before the V6 model was introduced. There isn’t much information available other than official images. It is believed to have used the same 4-cylinder engine as the Perdana SEi, the 2.0-liter 4G63.

Proton Perdana (Accordana) Limousine

For the Perdana, rebadged from the Honda Accord model, there were several limousine versions. The first was a more ‘common’ version for cabinet ministers with an additional 457mm in length, without many other changes.

Then there were three units specially built for Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, and one left-hand drive unit for the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Another version was more luxurious with limited production. This Perdana Limousine was exclusively made for the seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir. This unit received Tun’s personal touch, starting with OZ Racing Italia 150 rims and a special red-themed rear cabin, complete with a Nespresso coffee machine.

The individual rear seats featured electric adjustments with controls mounted on door panels resembling those in Mercedes-Benz vehicles. A Bose home theater audio system was also installed. At the front, it had a center-placed push-start button, electronic parking brake, and something rather extraordinary, a rotating gear knob akin to that of a Jaguar.

Proton Chancellor

The Proton Chancellor was based on the Waja, with an additional 250mm in length. It featured a different engine, using the V6 2.0-liter from the Perdana V6 paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

This engine produced 150hp and 179Nm of torque. An interesting fact about the Proton Chancellor is that its prototype was sent to Spain for a 220,000km test on the uneven terrain of Belgian Pave.

According to Proton, the same test was also undertaken by Lotus vehicles. Additionally, structural enhancements were made to the chassis and roof, making the Proton Chancellor sturdier compared to the Perdana Executive. It was designed for high-ranking government officials and corporate executives. Its selling price at that time (2005) was RM138,000.

However, in our opinion, the Proton Chancellor is more akin to the Waja Executive. Our research indicates the existence of an actual elongated Waja Limousine. However, there is no further information available, and we suspect it utilized the standard 1.6-liter Campro engine.

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Pagani Utopia now sexier with Roadster version, 6.0 V12 twin-turbo, 7-speed manual option

THE Pagani Utopia is truly a work of art hypercar; with its sexy body design, V12 engine, manual gearbox, and luxurious sporty cabin. The only way to make it more appealing is with a convertible roof.

And that’s what Pagani has done. They are presenting the new Pagani Utopia Roadster.

Its body is made of exposed carbon fiber in Habanero Red. It features the same design as the coupe version, with round front lights, a large grille, round rear lights, quad exhausts, and “butterfly” doors.

The wheels are 21 inches in the front and 21 inches in the back, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa Cyber tires.

This hypercar is powered by the same heart, a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine producing 852hp and 1,100Nm of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through an electro-mechanical differential. Its top speed is 349 km/h, slightly lower than the coupe version.

As for the gearbox, owners can choose between a 7-speed manual or a 7-speed automated manual with paddle shifters.

Even with a removable hardtop roof, the Utopia Roadster weighs exactly the same as the coupe—2,822 pounds dry. Impressive. Pagani credits the strength and lightness of its advanced monocoque carbo-titanium chassis for helping maintain that weight. The company also used over 40 “formulas of composite materials” in the Utopia’s construction to help keep it light.

The interior isn’t any less spectacular than its fixed-roof counterpart. Carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum cover nearly every inch. The Utopia’s signature exposed gear linkage remains for the seven-speed manual, and the shifter itself has a polished carbon fiber insert.

The steering wheel may not look all that interesting at first glance, but it’s impressively detailed. It was constructed out of a single piece of 9,480-pound metal and took five-axis milling machines 28 hours of continuous work to complete. All told, the steering wheel weighs just 5.3 pounds.

As with the coupe, the Utopia Roadster will be a rare beast. Pagani only plans to offer 130 examples worldwide at a cost of USD3.4 million (RM15.46 mllion). The first Utopia Roadster makes its world debut during Monterey Car Week in August.

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Malaysia horror stories: Three encounters in Jalan Kuala Klawang-Genting Peras!

Greetings to our readers and friends, we are starting a new segment on this website, which is the frequent mystical stories that circulate among drivers in Malaysia.

Aside from reading about car test drives, current news, and tips, how about we also indulge in leisurely content like this, right?

For the first episode, we bring you the story of the Kuala Klawang-Genting Peras Road. It seems that this story is not widely known, in fact, this author himself heard about it for the first time.

This road is an obligatory route for participants of Le Tour de Langkawi because it is a hilly route with over 240 bends, making it quite challenging. Due to its location in a hilly area, the road becomes very dark and quiet at night.

Many motorcyclists and drivers who use this road at night have spoken about the existence of supernatural beings such as “pontianak” and “langsuir” that often disturb them.

According to some social media posts, “You won’t be alone in Genting Perez.” Here is the full story of this route:

Have you been to Genting Peras? Not Genting Highlands, this is a back road connecting Semenyih, Hulu Langat, from Kuala Klawang through Bukit Tangga.

At that time, it was 3:30 in the morning, passing by the Sungai Tekali Ulu Langat Mosque, thick fog, visibility only about three meters. I cautiously rode my small motorcycle up the hill, fearing that an animal might cross the road.

Upon reaching a bend, I smelled a foul odor. It smelled like a carcass, sour-smelling. It even had a hint of vomit. I pretended not to notice because it was common to see carcasses of squirrels, cats, birds, and discarded furniture along the roadside.

However, the smell grew stronger until it made me sick. An old person once advised not to confront anything strange.

As I coughed, suddenly the road in front of me cleared. Wow! I smiled to myself. But in reality, the road cleared because God wanted to show me His other creations!

On the right side of the road, on the hillside, I saw what looked like the figure of a woman with long hair standing in the bushes up to the waist. I looked closely, unsure if it was a person or a banana leaf. It turned out to be a human-like creature!

But at that time, I remained calm because I wasn’t sure about what my eyes were seeing. Never mind, I continued the journey. In my heart, I was speechless.

The road was still clear, so I could pick up some speed. My headlight was bright as I confidently took the next bend. Truth be told, I was afraid and didn’t think about what crossed my path at that time until I reached the downhill road before the Semenyih Dam junction.

I slowed down because my brakes weren’t working well, and there I saw it again!

On the left side of the road this time. Closer. Previously, it was about 50 meters away, but this time about 10 meters. I clearly saw the gleam of its hair!

Confirmed, that creature. I was scared, all the hair on my body stood on end, I saw it clearly. I placed my trust in God.

After being scared for a moment, I reached the indigenous village after the Semenyih Dam. The fog thickened again, and I became afraid once more.

I prayed to God, asking to be kept safe from any misfortune. But God wanted to test me once more!

As I climbed the hill approaching the boundary sign of Jelebu-Kajang, the creature appeared again!

This time, on the left side, right above the road. I saw the lower part of its body covered in mud. I couldn’t see its feet because of the long cloth. Its arms reached down to its knees, and the long hair reached down to its chest. I couldn’t see its face.

I was dumbfounded, I slowly passed by it. My motorcycle’s headlight was bright, and I could see it clearly. The smell was very foul.

When I was right next to it, it disappeared in the blink of an eye. At that moment, I couldn’t remember what I was thinking, I felt empty. Perhaps I was in shock.

I looked ahead again, continuing to ride my motorcycle as usual.

Upon reaching home, while resting, I realized that panicking could lead to an accident. My eyes wandered around the house, feeling a bit eerie.

After the morning prayer, I met my mother. I told her what I had seen, and she told me to wash myself to dispel the fear.

This is the first time I’ve experienced it. I’ve also heard various things from my friends about the Kuala Klawang-Genting Peras road.

That’s the end of the first story we’ve shared. Have you ever had any strange experiences on this road? Or if you have other stories from Malaysian roads, feel free to share them with us.

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What happens if you mistakenly put petrol into a diesel engine or vice versa?

IF you own a car or have a driving license, you surely know that there are generally two main types of fuel, namely petrol and diesel. Both of these fuels are very different and serve as the fuel for two different types of engines.

However, errors in filling fuel are quite common, such as mistakenly filling petrol into a diesel engine vehicle or vice versa.

This mistake can be caused by various factors such as forgetfulness, frequently changing cars, lack of awareness, or any other reason that could be the cause.

In this article, we will explore what happens if you mistakenly fill fuel or oil into a vehicle. Most importantly, we will also look at what can be done to ‘fix’ that mistake.

What are the consequences of the wrongdoing?

The consequences or effects of this error essentially involve damage to engine components. Each petrol or diesel engine operates differently, and petrol and diesel have different properties.

It’s like if you were supposed to add sugar to a drink, but mistakenly added flour, the drink would surely be ‘spoiled’, right?

Diesel in a petrol car

In actuality, it’s quite difficult to include diesel in a petrol car. This is because diesel nozzles mostly do not fit into a petrol car’s fuel inlet. However, if diesel is included, it will damage the internal engine components and fuel system.

Petrol is thinner and diesel is denser. If diesel is introduced into a petrol engine, it will cause blockages in the system since petrol engines are not designed to handle the denser diesel fuel.

Subsequently, the fuel injectors will be blocked, the spark plugs will also be damaged. The engine will stutter, there might be white smoke before the engine dies and cannot be restarted.

Petrol in a diesel car

The likelihood of filling petrol in a diesel vehicle is higher. This is because petrol nozzles are smaller and can easily fit into a diesel tank inlet. Unfortunately, filling petrol into a diesel tank will cause greater damage to the diesel engine.

In a diesel engine, compression ignites the fuel. Therefore, the fuel will enter the internal engine parts, and the fuel also acts as a lubricant.

So, if petrol enters this engine, its evaporation properties can damage the engine components. Fuel injectors that require lubrication will not function properly as well. The worst part is, it’s not easy for us to realize the presence of petrol in a diesel engine.

By the time you realize it, it is likely too late, and the engine is severely damaged.

What can be done if a mistake is made?

Now, let’s also look at what can be done if a mistake is made.

Diesel in a petrol car

If you realize it while filling, don’t worry, if it’s still a small amount, continue filling the tank with petrol. If a little diesel has mixed in, you can still safely drive the petrol car.

The best course of action is to remove all the diesel from the tank and refill it with petrol.

If you filled it up completely, do not start the engine. Immediately contact a tow truck to take your car to a workshop for further action.

Lastly, if you’ve already started the engine, turn it off immediately. Contact a tow truck and take it to a workshop.

If you have driven a long distance, stop and turn off the engine immediately as well. This is the worst-case scenario, and if you realize it, the car’s fuel system needs to be inspected and cleaned. Components like fuel filters and spark plugs may need to be replaced.

Petrol in a diesel car

Handling this situation is almost the same as above. When you realize you have filled petrol, immediately tow the vehicle so the fuel system can be cleaned and refilled with diesel.

If you’ve already started the engine, petrol might have flowed further in. Your diesel engine will need a thorough inspection.

The worst situation is if you have driven the vehicle for some time. Petrol may have entered all areas of the engine and many components will be damaged. Immediately stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and contact a tow truck to take the vehicle to a workshop.

Tips to prevent filling errors

Some tips to prevent the above situations from happening are:

  1. Use fuel stickers – These act as quick warnings so you do not mistakenly fill the wrong fuel.
  2. Double-check when entering a gas station – Always be aware of the station and pump you are entering.
  3. Get out of the vehicle when refueling – It’s better to step out of the vehicle than to let the attendant do everything for you. Also, make sure they are filling the correct fuel into your vehicle.