Nissan to Deliver Driverless Car by 2020

Nissan is planning to get driveless car ready to the masses by 2020. Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Nissan, said in a news release, “I am committing to be ready to introduce a new groundbreaking technology, autonomous drive, by 2020, and we are on track to realize it."

The company says it's working on autonomous cars with several universities, including MIT and the University of Tokyo. It's also building the first dedicated proving ground for autonomous cars near its headquarters in Japan.

A host of advanced equipment is needed for autonomous operation, including cameras that can see the area surrounding the vehicle; radar sensors that measure distance; laser scanners that detect the shape of objects; a global-positioning sensor that locates the vehicle; advanced computer systems that apply artificial intelligence to that data and make driving decisions; and a variety of actuators that can execute driving maneuvers while compensating for less than ideal conditions.

So, pretty soon we all can chat, drink coffee, or even read our e-mails while our car is driving itself.

Source: Yahoo, CNN, NY Times

Reasons why you should get an Engine flush

What is an Engine Flush?

Many oil-change workshop offer extra services these days, from transmission fluid changes to air conditioning maintenance. One of the services an oil change technician might suggest next time you're in is an engine flush, which is exactly what it sounds like -- it flushes the gunk out of your engine.

Dirty Oil and contaminants after engine flush

An additive like LIQUI MOLY ENGINE FLUSH PLUS are poured into the engine, which is then gently idled for a few minutes to make sure the cleaning agent reaches every place oil would normally go. Then the additive is drained, just like the oil would be for an oil change. The result is: Gunk out, and clean engine.

So, why do we need engine flush?

1.      If you live in a city like Kuching, where you only travel for a short distances and stop. Also, many stop and go traffic, this way of driving can cause particles in the oil to become deposits in the engine, which can build up over time. These deposits restrict the flow of oil. An engine flush can clear out those deposits to open narrow oil passages clogged by gunk that's been floating around in the oil. Releasing those deposits and allowing the oil to flow freely saves wear and tear on the engine and keeps parts moving as they should.

Dirty engine can cause many problems and inhibits performance

2.      An engine flush could help keep your new oil clean. That's why these services are often performed together: First the flush to get rid of old oil deposits, then the new oil to keep the engine in tip-top shape. Without the engine flush, the new oil will just pick up the old deposits and sludge and keep them circulating through the engine. Soon enough, the new oil is just as dirty as the old oil. An engine flush can help you go longer between oil changes, especially if the maintenance on the car hasn't been perfect.

3.      Most oil filters remove particles as small as 25 microns, but there are particles circulating in your car's oil that are even smaller, particles that even the newest, best filter can't keep out of the system. And even tiny little bits like that can cause wear over time. They can also band together to create sludge and deposits. If these particles become excessive, clean oil alone can't flush them out. But the chemicals used in an engine flush can -- stopping any further wear and giving the new oil a chance to do its job properly.

4.      If the gunk in the engine oil gets too bad, the parts of the engine can get gummed up. An engine flush removes the gunk, which keeps the parts running smoothly. That in turn can make the engine more efficient, bringing the power and fuel efficiency closer to what the car had when it left the showroom floor.

So, there you go guys. Now, you all know that engine flush is very important. So, remember, if you have not get the chance to flush your engine, please do so during your next service. Remember to flush your engine using LIQUI MOLY ENGINE FLUSH PLUS.

Have a nice day guys and remember to always drive safely!

The Additive Chemicals in Engine Oil

So, what are the usual additive chemicals are added into the engine oil? The most common additives are:

1.      Detergent-Dispersant Additive

a.       Detergent-Dispersant additive are added to engine oil to prevent and to clean carbon deposit that formed inside engine parts. But, overtime, heat and thermal cycling depletes the detergents. Then, the carbon deposits will begin to coat the inside of the engine, plug oil passages and cause catastrophic engine damage. Therefore, the detergent-dispersant additive in the engine oil is not enough to clean the carbon deposits inside the engine. You need to add extra additives to really get your engine clean and maximize its performance. That is why Liqui Moly has the extra additives like ENGINE FLUSH PRO, which has been proven to clean the engine thoroughly from carbon deposits, thus maximizing engine performance and prolonging engine life.

2.      Acid Neutralizer

a.       As the engine operates, acid will build up in the oil. Acid build up will cause bearing surfaces to deteriorate. All modern motor oil contains sodium hydroxides (NaOH) to combat the acid build up in the oil.

Besides the common additives that are added into engine oils, there is also a special additive that can be added to engine oils. This special additive is usually found in higher-quality engine oil. The special additive is:

1.      Mos2 (Molybdenum Disulfide)

a.       Liqui Moly products contain this special chemical called MoS2 to enhance its lubricating properties. MoS2 in motor oil has been proven to enhance the lubrication quality of oil, to allow longer interval between oil change, and to allow the oil to perform better in harsh conditions.

So, there you go guys, the additives of engine oil. It is important to choose the right engine oil for your car. Also, remember that high-quality engine oil will save you more money in the long run.

Have a nice day and always remember to drive safely!

Engine Oil 101: The Basics of Engine Oil

It takes fuel to make an engine run, but it also takes oil to keep it alive. As we all try to maximize the service lives and fuel economy of our engines, it’s important to understand engine oil’s role in all this, whether you use conventional, semi-synthetic or synthetic varieties. This is an amazingly complex subject, so I am going to share some basic information to get you started. I won’t get into every last detail here, but I will arm you with the fundamentals.

Base Oil

There are two main components that any motor oil is made of. There is a base fluid (sometimes called a base stock) and the additive package. The base fluid typically makes up the bulk of the oil. Additive chemicals are then added to enhance the positive qualities of the base stock and to overcome whatever negative qualities there may be.

What are the Requirements of Engine Oil?

Motor oil must create a film between moving parts to make them "slippery" which increases power, performance and efficiency. The film that motor oil provides between metal surfaces does more than just lubricate though. By keeping engine components from coming in contact with each other, motor oil also provides protection against wear.

Motor oil must also protect against corrosion of engine components. Oxidation of the oil and contamination from condensation and combustion by-products which cause acids within engine oil. Additives in engine oil are designed to combat these acids

So, there you go guys. Engine oil 101. Now you are expert in engine oil and can choose the right oil for your car.

Have a nice day guys and remember to always drive safely!

Proton Suprima S

Hello guys, have you heard that proton has a new model called the Suprima S? I just heard it today and I have checked it out at the Proton website. To be honest with you, the Suprima S really looks impressive. It is powered by 1.6 L CamPro Turbo engine producing 138Hp and 205Nm of Torque. This is the same power and torque with Proton Exora CFE. 7-speed protonic CVT with paddle shift come standard in the Suprima S.

 What is more impressive is the comfort and safety of this vehicle. The Suprima S is equipped with dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. For comparison, Proton Exora CFE full specs is only equipped with dual front airbags. Furthermore, the Suprima S is also equipped with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stabily Control, and Hill Hold Assist (Premium Variant). That is a lot of safety features. Oh ya, The Suprima S is also rated 5 stars by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

 

For the comfort and entertainment, the Suprima S is equipped with 7’ LCD screen with built-in GPS system and DVD player. The premium variant also come with leather seats, automatic headlamps, engine push-start, and tailgate remote release.

For East Malaysia, the standard version is priced at RM 78,688 (Metallic) and the premium version is priced at RM 81,988 (Metallic). Looking at the information and review of this car, I can say that this car is quite a bargain for the many features its offers. Of course, I need to test drive one to know for sure.

Source: Proton Edar Website