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Motoring Advice
AA offers useful motoring tips and information exclusively to AA members only.
I just bought a car that is equipped with a 4-disc brake system. How does the parking brake system work on my car? Basically, there are two types of systems being used in cars equipped with rear disc brakes. In the more common system, the parking brake cables go to the rear callipers and connect to a lever in the calliper that moves the pistons out. When the pistons move out, they push the brake pads against the rotor, thus applying the braking force.
When I collected my new car, the sales person told me to “run-in” the engine. How should I go about doing this? Dana Low You should drive the car normally, but there are some don’ts for the fi rst 500 to 1,000 kilometres. Do not drive at sustained highway speeds, but vary the RPM’s instead. Do not carry heavy loads. Do not pull up quickly on steep hills, race the engine, or pull high RPM’s by fl ooring the accelerator pedal. That should be a good start. Sometimes, the owner’s manual will have additional comments. Your salesperson will also be able to advise you on prolonging your car’s life.
Headlight condensation means that somehow, water has infiltrated the housings. The solution is to get the moisture out and seal any cracks or leaks. If your lights have covers, take them off and dry out the interior. If they are sealed, take out the bulbs and use a hair dryer or park the car in the sun. Your headlights may need new seals or they may have a crack. Cracks that do not interfere with the light can be sealed with a silicon sealer. If the cracks are not repairable, or if water continues to condense, you may need to replace the entire light assembly.
My car’s “service engine” light came on, but when I went to a workshop to have it checked, I was told that nothing was wrong. The “service engine” light and the “check engine” light refer to two different things. When the workshop mechanic checked your car, he was probably only looking for things that would trigger the “check engine” light. If you look in your owner’s manual, it will explain why the “service engine” light came on and what to do when it happens. Often, the light comes on at a set interval to inform you of certain maintenance that the car may need. The owner’s manual will also tell you how to reset the light if you have already performed the required maintenance. If still in doubt, do bring your car back to the workshop for a complete check, just to be on the safe side.
Automobile Association of Singapore Alternatively, please submit your question in the form online.
Note: AA reserves the right to edit selected letters to be published in the Association's communication channels including Highway magazine, website, etc
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