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Buying A Car
Start to Finish: Buying a Car with Carsome

By

Devan S

We understand that buying a used car can be daunting because of the traditional methods that are riddled with uncertainties such as hidden fees, dodgy transactions, and lack of transparency.

Because of these pain points, we have created a new way of buying used cars that gives you the peace of mind you need. With over 1,000 quality used cars in our inventory, buying your next ride can be worry-free because where we take the hassle and guesswork away from the journey.

With our Carsome Certified cars, we give you quality used cars that have passed a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure it is free of major accident, frame, fire or flood damage. To top it off, Carsome Certified cars are also reconditioned professionally before being listed on the website.

Why Make it Carsome?

Our Carsome Certified cars set the standards high when it comes to used cars. This is because every car we list must be thoroughly checked and Carsome Certified cars also come with the Carsome Promise.

This is our Carsome Promise to you:

175-Point Inspection:
As we mentioned, every car must pass our strict inspection to ensure it is free of major accident, frame, fire, or flood damage.

Five-day money-back guarantee:
 If you buy a used car from Carsome and it doesn’t fit your needs, you can return it back to us within five days to get a full refund. No questions asked!

One-year warranty:
 For your peace of mind, we will give you coverage within your first year.

Fixed price:
 The price you see on the website is the exact price you will pay with absolutely no hidden fees.

Now, here are the easy steps on how you can buy a quality used car with Carsome.

Step 1: Browse for Your Dream Car

First, when it comes to choosing a car, you would have something in mind – a six-seater? Or maybe you would prefer a sedan. This is why our website has filters made where you can narrow down your search to body type, brand and models, year, budget, and more.

However, even if you do not have anything in mind, you can just simply browse around from the comfort of wherever you are! Plus, every car on our website comes with a full inspection and reconditioning report for full transparency on the car you’re buying.

Meanwhile, we also include close-up shots of the exterior and interior, while selected cars also have a 360-degree view to ensure you can fully check out the actual condition of the car.

Step 2: Make a Booking

Now, it is time to make a booking. Once you have selected a car you would like to get to know more about, you can click on “Get Started”.  Here you can do either one of the following:

Schedule a free test drive:
Schedule a test drive at your preferred Carsome Experience Center or at your own location for a home test drive, and a Carsome Consultant will reach out to you to confirm your appointment. Just enter your details and select either a morning session (9 am to 1 pm) or an afternoon session (1 pm to 5 pm). The details of the location will be listed on the appointment booking page. We will contact you to confirm your details after the appointment has been made.

Book and secure a car:
Pay a fully refundable fee with our easy online payment methods and we will reserve the car for five days.

Get in touch with us:
 Talk to a Carsome Consultant for any questions you may have on the process, or the car.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents & Buy the Car

It’s time to make a decision. At this stage, you would have already viewed the car, gone for a test drive, and are finally going to make the purchase. Along your entire journey until this point, a Carsome Consultant would have been with you every step of the way.

To make the purchase, our Carsome Consultant will guide you through your preferred payment method. Depending on how you want to finance your car, here are the steps you have to take:

Financing Your Car Purchase with a Loan

Provide the necessary documents to our consultant. These may include a copy of your identification and payslip.

Our consultant will help you to submit your loan application to our panel of financial providers.

After your loan has been approved, which may take one to two weeks, we’ll arrange the delivery of your car.

Purchasing Your Car in Cash

Provide a copy of your identification for the registration of your car.

Complete the payment for your car. You can pay via online payment methods or with credit card payments.

After confirmation of the payment, we’ll arrange the delivery of your car.

No matter your preferred method of payment, our Carsome Consultant will guide you and settle all the paperwork for a hassle-free experience. After all is done, all that’s left is for you to pick up your car at a Carsome Experience Center or better yet, have it delivered to your home.

And you’re done!

Get Ready to Experience the New Way of Buying Cars

At Carsome, we make buying cars as easy as buying goods online. We want you to have convenience, transparency, and complete peace of mind when you purchase a car from us – everything is just at the tip of your fingertips!

On top of that, you can test own the car where if you don’t like it, you can return it within five days for a full refund. No questions asked.

So, start your Carsome journey today and browse our inventory now.

Devan S
Devan believes written content is here to stay despite our depleting attention span and the rise of short videos. He loves four and two-wheeled vehicles, and movies of all makes and models.


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Buying A Car
A Complete Guide on Buying or Selling Used Cars in Malaysia

By

Haziq Asyraf

Buying or selling a used car can be a tedious task especially if it is your first time –  you will need to prep details from your car’s valuation (which are based on the depreciation rates) to choosing a car loan and insurance that best fits your needs.

However, you will be more confident in selling or buying a used car once you understand the nitty-gritty details of these transactions. With this comprehensive guide, we cover everything from useful tips to breaking down the different stages and more.

Table Of Contents

Buying a Used Car

How to Buy a Used Car

Booking a Test Drive & Assessing Car Quality

Choose Your Car Loan

Understand the Types of Car Insurance

Changing or Picking a Car Plate Number

Buying a Car with Carsome: How Carsome Reconditions Cars

Payment Methods at Carsome When Buying a Used Car

Selling a Car

How to Sell a Used Car

Documents Required to Sell your Car

Car Market Value & Depreciation Rate

Puspakom B5 Report

Carsome Live Bidding

Car Ownership Tips

Road Tax & Car Insurance Renewal Online

Refinancing a Car Loan

Car Servicing Tips

Changing Car Ownership in the Event of Death

Buying a Used Car

1. How to Buy a Used Car

Buying a car is a big commitment and it can be pretty overwhelming with the many car makes, brands and models to choose from. However, buying a used car may require extra steps because of its second-hand nature and assessing its quality is imperative.

But before you do that, the first step in buying a car is understanding your wants and needs, which is why it’s always best to do your research before you place a booking. Additionally, you will need to factor in your budget and your lifestyle too.

Read:
10 Tips to Buy a Used Car

2. Booking a Test Drive & Assessing Car Quality

Test driving can be a pretty exciting experience if you know what you are looking for in a car. It is also an important step in buying a used car as you get to feel the car’s performance, as well as understand the true quality of the car and spot any issues.

But if you are not well-versed with cars, identifying a quality used car during test drives can be a difficult task. Fret not, we have prepared a guide on test driving a car, complete with a checklist, what to look out for, what to do if you get into an accident, and more.

Read:

Your Ultimate Guide to Test Driving a Car

3. Choose Your Car Loan

When you buy a car – new or used – the most common way to finance this purchase is to use a car loan, which is also known as a hire purchase loan. These loans may vary in terms of interest and monthly installments based on the type of loan you choose, as well as which bank you take the loan from.

Besides that, there are terms such as the margin of finance, loan period, down payment, and more to understand before you commit financially.

Read:
A Guide to Car Loans & Interest Rates in Malaysia

4. Understand the Types of Car Insurance

Did you know you cannot own a car in Malaysia without car insurance? It is mandatory and with good reason – they serve as coverage for your car or a third-party car in the event of an accident.

There are various types of car insurance in Malaysia with different coverage inclusions (some may only cover the third party!) and the price will vary depending on this. Additionally, you will need to understand insurance
premiums, No Claim Discounts (NCD), as well as the differences in coverage terms and the type of coverage you should have for your car.

Read:

Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance

5. Changing or Picking a Car Plate Number

Buying a used car does not mean you have to stick to the current plate number. In fact, there are three ways to go about changing your car plate number to the special digits you want.

You can change or pick a plate number by visiting a Road Transport Department (JPJ) office. You can also do it online via
MYSIKAP
 or
JPJeBID
.

Read:

How to Bid for Your Favorite Car Plate Number

6. Buying a Car with Carsome: How Carsome Reconditions Cars

Buying a used car is easy and completely hassle-free with Carsome. We have an inventory of quality used Carsome Certified cars that have an all-inclusive price and have passed a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure every car is free of major accidents, frame, or flood damage.

Following that, Carsome Certified cars are reconditioned to ensure it is truly roadworthy for you.

Read:
Buying a Carsome Certified Car: How are these Cars Reconditioned?

7. Payment Methods at Carsome When Buying a Used Car

Buying a car with Carsome is not only hassle-free but we give you peace of mind with our five-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Moreover, the price we feature on the car listing is all-inclusive, which means there are no hidden fees. If you decide to buy a Carsome Certified car, there are various payment methods you can pick from to finalize your transaction.

Selling a Car

1. How to Sell a Used Car

When it comes to selling a used car, there are various items you will need to prepare for. Although you may have a price in mind, you will need to get your car valued to know how much you can actually sell it for. The price will factor in concepts such as the depreciation rate, as well as its wear and tear, among other factors.

Nevertheless, there are ways to mark up the price of your car such as changing the engine oil, tires and even repainting the body.

Read:

Sell Your Used Car at a Higher Valuation

2. Documents Required to Sell your Car

There comes a time when you will bid farewell to your current car, to either trade it in or pocket some cash. However, the traditional process of selling a car isn’t as clear-cut as getting paid and handing over your keys – there are various items involved including the dreaded paperwork.

So, before you kick start the process, you’ll need to understand how to sell your car fast and what documents you will need.

Read:
What Documents are Needed to Sell Your Car Fast

3. Car Market Value & Depreciation Rate

The value of a new car depreciates the moment it leaves the showroom. Knowing the depreciation rate of your car is important as it helps you estimate what the value of your car would be down the road. The best-case scenario would be selling your used car while its market value is still high.

Read:

Know Your Car’s Market Value & the Depreciation Rate

4. Puspakom B5 Report

Do you know what a Puspakom B5 Report is? Before you sell your car, your car will have to undergo an inspection at Puspakom for ownership transfer where a B5 Report will be required.

There are various documents required for a B5 report and you will need to arrange for an inspection appointment at Puspakom.

Read:
What is a Puspakom B5 Report?

5. Carsome Live Bidding

There are two ways you can choose to sell your car to Carsome. After the inspection process, you can either accept the price offered on the spot by our certified inspector or opt for live bidding. This live bidding will be open to all Carsome dealers and you may get a great price that is higher than its actual market value.

Car Ownership Tips

1. Road Tax & Car Insurance Renewal Online

Road tax and motor insurance renewal is an annual affair that needs to be done before they expire. If your road tax is about to expire, there are three different ways you can renew your road tax and insurance physically or online for easy convenience.

But before that, we also cover some must-know details about the importance of road tax and motor insurance in Malaysia.

Read:
How to Renew Your Road Tax & Insurance Online?

2. Refinancing a Car Loan

Thinking of refinancing your car loan? Whether you intend to settle your car loan early or want to reduce your financial burden, you have to understand what refinancing actually entails or if it is advantageous for your situation – there may be downsides to refinancing as well!

Read:
Refinancing a Car Loan: Should You Do It?

3. Car Servicing Tips

Servicing your car is important as it helps maintain the driving performance and keep your car in good condition to avoid any major repairs. Driving too long on the same spark plugs, forgetting to change the oil, and not listening to squealing brakes or clunking sounds can damage your car severely. To avoid that, we have created a basic checklist of what to do and when to do it when you service your car to help extend its life.

Read:
Things to Check when you Service Your Car

4. Changing Car Ownership in the Event of Death

In the event of a death, the situation may become difficult for the next of kin as the ownership transfer requires several processes and documents.

JPJ requires seven documents in total for the transfer. However, one set of the documents differs depending on whether the individual passed away testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will).

Read:
Documents Needed for a Vehicle Ownership Transfer if the Owner is Deceased

We hope these articles will be able to guide you in your car journey. Remember,
Carsome
 provides a hassle-free transaction in

trading in,
 buying a used car
, or
selling a used car
. Our transactions are handled carefully by our Carsome representatives from inspecting your car and processing the paperwork to delivering your new car to your doorstep. It’s that easy.

Haziq Asyraf
A self-proclaimed foodie and gamer whose passion for food and games has recently extended to cars.


From the BYD E6 to Han: Here Are the Top BYD Cars in Malaysia in 2023

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Electric Cars
From the BYD E6 to Han: Here Are the Top BYD Cars...

By

Devan S

BYD Malaysia is one of the hottest EV (electric vehicle) manufacturers in the country right now. Its first vehicle in our market, the BYD Atto 3, offered a very practical driving range at an affordable price and the company is not stopping there. We saw several BYD cars including the Seal and Dolphin previewed in Malaysia in 2022 and we expect them to be launched here in 2023. So, here are the top BYD EVs you can expect to see in the near future.

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is the first BYD car launched in Malaysia in December 2022 and it has received tremendous reception with 1,000 orders already delivered as of April 2023. The Atto 3 is currently one of the most affordable EVs in Malaysia. Its base Standard Range variant starts at RM149,800 while the Extended Range variant starts at RM167,800.

BYD Atto 3 Variants

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

Standard Range

204

310

49.92

410

Extended Range

204

310

60.48

480

Being slightly larger than a
Proton X50
 and boasting a 440-liter boot, the Atto 3 is no doubt practical, even when compared to non-electric SUVs (sports utility vehicle). It’s also well equipped with both variants getting six airbags, full ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function. It also has a V2L (vehicle to load) outlet which enables it to power other electrical appliances from mini fridges to laptops.

Read More:
The Cost of Owning & Driving an EV in Malaysia

BYD E6

BYD has confirmed that it’ll bring the BYD E6 electric MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) into Malaysia so we can likely see it sooner rather than later. The E6 has a single motor propelling the front wheels, and from what we can gather based on markets like Singapore, only come in a single variant for now. Below are its performance numbers.

BYD E6 Variant

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

Standard

95

180

71.7

522

Compared to the Atto 3, the BYD E6 has more conventional exterior and interior styling so it might satisfy the tastes of more buyers. Despite being around the same size as a
Proton Exora
, the E6 is sold as a five-seater in markets such as Singapore and India, though that does give it a boot space of 580 liters. The BYD E6 is priced at around RM170,000 in Thailand.

BYD Seal

The BYD Seal was previewed alongside the Atto 3 in 2022 and is targeted to launch in Malaysia in Q4 2023. This four-door sedan sits on the higher end of BYD’s car lineup and it shows in its styling and performance. It has a sleek silhouette with Porsche Taycan-like headlights and a luxurious cabin. Unlike the previous front-wheel drive (FWD) models we discussed, the BYD Seal comes in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) variants. Here are the performance numbers of its different variants.

BYD Seal Variants

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

Standard Range RWD Elite/Premium

201

310

61.44

550

Long Range RWD

312

360

82.56

700

Long Range AWD Performance

523

670

82.56

650

The Seal is also BYD’s first car to have its battery integrated into its platform as a structural element. This CTB (cell-to-body) structural battery system means that it has increased battery volume and improved safety in a frontal crash. In China, prices for the BYD Seal range from RM138,000 to RM188,000.

Read More:
All the EV Charging Station Apps for a Greener Road Trip

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin was previewed with the Seal and is also aimed for a Q4 2023 Malaysia launch. This B-segment hatchback has a youthful styling similar to the Atto 3, albeit with a smaller 44.9 kWh battery. It comes in two variants with different motors powering the front wheels. We don’t know the names of the variants just yet so here are the performance numbers of the entry and top-level variants.

BYD Dolphin Variants

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

Entry Level

95 PS

180 Nm

44.9 kWh

405km

Top Level

177 PS

290 Nm

44.9 kWh

401km

The Dolphin is sized similar to the
Honda City
 hatchback and if its price in Thailand is anything to go by, it could be competitively priced too. In Thailand, the BYD Dolphin starts at around RM103,000, which is quite affordable for what it offers.

BYD Tang

The BYD Tang is a seven-seater electric
SUV
 that provides something the EV market lacks – a large, practical passenger EV that won’t break the bank. It comes in three variants in China with performance numbers as below.

BYD Tang Variants

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

Standard Range FWD

228 PS

350

90.3

600

Long Range FWD

228

350

108

730

AWD

517

700

108

635

As you can see, the BYD Tang is no slouch when it comes to power and driving range. It also has ADAS safety features, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and a luggage capacity of up to 1,655 liters with the second and third-row seats folded down. Prices in China range from RM182,000 to RM228,000.

BYD Han

The BYD Han is BYD’s flagship sedan that’s built to rival cars from the likes of
BMW
 and
Mercedes-Benz
. It has sleek styling to achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.23. According to BYD, this contributes to better speed and range. In fact, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.9 seconds. It has two variants, both with an 85.4 kWh battery.

BYD Han Variants

Horsepower (PS)

Torque (Nm)

Battery (kWh)

Range (km)

FWD

245

350

85.4

715

AWD

517

700

85.4

610

In the Han’s luxurious interior, you have a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, ambient lighting, and a multifunctional touchpad on the rear armrest – features that make it a strong competitor in the luxury EV segment. Prices for the BYD Han in China range from RM175,000 to RM215,000.

Electrification is no doubt the future of transportation in Malaysia and BYD is poised to be a major brand we see on our roads. That being said, if you’re not ready for the EV lifestyle, you can always find affordable, quality cars on
CARSOME
. Each of our CARSOME Certified cars are put through a stringent 175-point inspection to ensure they’re free of major accident and flood damage, and gone through the
CARSOME Certified Lab
 Refurbishment Process. What’s more, CARSOME Certified cars come with a fixed price and no hidden fees, a five-day money-back guarantee, and a one-year warranty.

So what are you waiting for? Visit
CARSOME
 today or
download our app
.

2 COMMENTS

casey

						    18/05/2023						    At						    4:45 pm

Any date for byd han in Malaysia?

Reply

Devan S

						    30/06/2023						    At						    10:58 am

There is currently no estimated date for the BYD Han’s arrival in Malaysia, but stay tuned as we’ll update the info as soon as it’s available.

Reply

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Car Reviews
2023 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Here’s What’s New

By

Devan S

The
Toyota Vios
 is one of the top-selling B-segment
sedans
 in Malaysia for good reason. It’s always been affordable, reliable, and spacious, making it a top choice for young professionals and families alike.

Toyota
 has launched the new 2023 Vios with a host of improvements. So how does it stack up to the prior generation from 2021? Is the higher price of the Toyota Vios worth it for Malaysians? Let’s dive into it.

Toyota Vios Pricing in Malaysia

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we should note that the Toyota Vios now only comes in two variants; the lower 1.5E and the range-topping 1.5G variants. The base 1.5J variant has been dropped resulting in a much higher starting price for the car but that also translates to more kit and refinement. Here’s a quick comparison of the Toyota Vios prices in Malaysia.

Variant

2023 Toyota Vios

2021 Toyota Vios

Vios 1.5J

Dropped

RM77,600

Vios 1.5E

RM89,600

RM85,600

Vios 1.5G

RM95,500

RM90,400

Want a Heavily Discounted Toyota Vios?

As the price of the Vios has risen by more than RM4,000 within the variants, many would argue that it’s no longer an affordable car. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the reliability and practicality of a Toyota Vios by going the pre-owned route with CARSOME. We have a large selection of Toyota Vios models with
additional discounts of up to RM4500
.

Check out our inventory
 but be quick so you don’t miss out on the best Vios deals!

Engine & Performance

Now that we got the price out of the way, let’s look at the engine. The 2023 Toyota Vios is powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with DOHC (dual overhead cam) and dual VVT-i (dual variable valve timing-intelligent). Although it has the same displacement as the 2NR-FE used in the outgoing 2021 model, the new engine has slightly lower output figures of 106 PS and 138 Nm (down by 1 Ps and 2 Nm).

The engine drives the front wheels via a new D-CVT (dual-mode continuously variable transmission) which combines a belt and gear drive to give the 2023 Vios better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The CVT comes with seven virtual speeds, and, new in the G variant are paddle shifters – perfect for some sporty weekend driving.

Built on an All-New Platform

The biggest improvement in the 2023 Toyota Vios is its new platform – the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture). This platform utilizes a continuous frame design and high-tensile materials resulting in increased rigidity and a curb weight that’s 100kg lower than the outgoing 2021 Vios.

These contribute to better handling and stability on the road making the Vios now better to drive. The new platform also contributes to lowered cabin NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), and with its longer wheelbase, allows for more legroom inside.

Read More:
History of Toyota: The Largest Carmaker in the World

Exterior

The new Vios also sports a fastback body and a cleaner front face adorned with a large intake grille that makes the car look sportier and more grown up than the previous model. Not only that, but it also has functional side air vents that channel air into the front wheel wells to cool the brakes, a feature we don’t see on cars at this price point.

Lights

Like in the previous model, both E and G variants get LED lights all around with headlights equipped with auto on/off, follow-me-home functions, and sharp L-shaped DRLs (daytime running lights) for that extra presence on the road. Both variants get LED tail lights like in the previous model but the G now has sequential turn signals, something we usually see on
luxury vehicles
 and aftermarket light kits.

Aero Kit

To further accentuate its sporty styling, the 2023 Vios comes with an aero kit as standard that includes a black front bumper lip, side skirts, a boot lid lip spoiler, and a rear bumper diffuser. If you wanted an aero kit for the 2021 Vios, you’d have had to pay Toyota an additional RM2,500 for that.

Colors

In terms of colors, the new Vios comes in five shades. Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic are carried forward from the previous model while new this generation are Spicy Scarlet, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Attitude Black. The two colors dropped from the lineup are Dark Blue Metallic and Red Mica Metallic.

Dimensions

The new DNGA platform doesn’t just affect the driving dynamics and comfort but also results in a slightly bigger car.

Dimensions

2023 Toyota Vios

2021 Toyota Vios

Length

4425mm

4420mm

Width

1740mm

1730mm

Height

1480mm

1475mm

Wheel base

2620mm

2550mm

Read More:
Should Fresh Grads Get a Used Car As a Safer Bet?

Interior

The new increased price of the Toyota Vios in Malaysia is reflected well in all the improvements you’ll find in its interior. The cabin is now more refined and spacious making it more comfortable than before.

Interior Changes across the Vios Range

New features that are shared across the range are rear air vents, a wireless charger (was optional in the previous model), sunglass holder, and a larger nine-inch display infotainment system. However, Toyota has now omitted the armrest for rear passengers and the rear seats no longer fold down, so you can’t carry exceptionally long items in the Vios anymore.

The boot has also shrunk from 506L to 475L, although the boot now has a hidden storage below the main space to store smaller items such as your shoes or other valuables. Also worth noting is, in place of a spare tire, there’s now a tire repair kit.

New Features Only on The G Variant

A welcome new feature in the 2023 Vios is the tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel in the range-topping G variant which allows you to get into the perfect driving position. Other new features on the Vios G variant include a seven-inch TFT multi-information display (MID), a 64-color ambient lighting, and electronic parking brake with auto brake hold. There are also more soft-touch materials all around from the leather-wrapped dashboard to the driver’s knee padding.

Safety Features

Safety-wise, the 2021 Toyota Vios is no slouch as it has all the passive and active
safety features
 you need including some advanced Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features. The 2023 Vios carries over all of those features which include an ISOFIX tether system, front DVR (digital video recorder) with smartphone connectivity, pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure warning (LDW), and a 3D panoramic view monitor, just to name a few.

Both the E and G variants also get a three-year Toyota vehicle telematics system (VTS) subscription which allows you to track and control some functions of the car directly on your smartphone.

What’s new in this generation are additional TSS features which are lane keeping control (LKC), auto high beam (AHB), and
adaptive cruise control (ACC)
. However, these are only available on the top G variant.

Read More:
Top Car Safety Features Invented by Women That May Have Saved Your Life

Get a Used 2021 Toyota Vios at a Bargain

The 2023 Toyota Vios brings with it a long list of upgrades from the new platform to all-around refinements. That said, previous generations of the Vios still offer great value, especially in terms of reliability and space. In fact, you can get this
2021 Toyota Vios E
 in excellent condition from CARSOME if you’re quick enough.

If you’re looking for even better deals, we have a selection of
Vios models with big discounts of up to RM4,500
 waiting for you. Each car is CARSOME Certified which means they’ve been through a 175-point inspection and professional refurbishment to ensure they’re safe, comfortable, and gorgeous enough for discerning buyers like you.

Looking for another car? Visit
CARSOME
 today or download our app from the
Google Play Store
or
Apple App Store
.


Importance Of Cabin Air Filters

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Lifestyle
Importance Of Cabin Air Filters

Importance Of Cabin Air Filters

By

Haziq Asyraf

As the world continues to struggle to control the spread of Covid-19, most of us are required to avoid crowded areas and to stay home at all time unless it’s absolutely necessary to be out and about. We are also required to adhere to the new normal – a strict practice of good hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing. But, when it comes to travelling in a car, what can we do to minimize the chances of falling ill?

Do you know that every car needs to wear a mask as well? The mask that we are referring to in this case is a cabin air filter. On the 24
th
 of November,
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia

(Bosch AA) in a “Mask Up Your Car” online media briefing session encouraged the same precautionary measures to be practiced within our cars.

What Are Cabin Air Filters?

Commonly confused with the engine air filter, the cabin air filter is an especially important car part that filters the air flowing from outside the vehicle into the car cabin through the air conditioning system. It not only improves the air quality you breathe in your car but also simultaneously increases hygiene in the car itself.

According to studies, in-car air quality can be up to 15 times more polluted than the air outside the car. Sitting in traffic causes the highest air pollution in the car as emissions from surrounding vehicles flow into the car. Subsequently, a Bosch AA study done in April this year reported that 96 per cent of Malaysian drivers showed concerns about air quality in the car. On top of that, exhaust or unpleasant smells and dusty air in the car are the two most common experiences 64% and 58% of drivers notice while driving, respectively. These are an indication that the majority of drivers may have a clogged cabin filter.

Why Cabin Air Filters Should be Changed Frequently

Pollution – Pollution is the most commonly cited reason to change the cabin filters.  These filters are the one that stops exterior air of the road from entering the interior air of your car. The filters block a lot of smog and dirty exhaust let out by other vehicles on the road and regularly changing out this filter stops these pollutants from making its way into the car’s cabin.

Debris – It seems unlikely to find twigs and leaves inside your cabin air filter — these are larger objects that many assume would not get sucked into the filter. However, many drivers find their air filters clogged with leaves, twigs, and other natural debris, especially if the car is parked in an area with lots of trees or bushes. These can have a huge effect on the efficacy of your air system and need to be removed.

Allergens – Besides just pollutants and debris, cabin air filters also greatly help in reducing the number of allergens that can get into your vehicle. Pollen could easily get into your vehicle without the air filter, and when the air filter is not frequently changed, imagine the amount of pollen in your car cabin!

Allergens building up in your cabin air filter is more common in states that have massive pollen seasons, particularly areas with a large amount of plants with flowers. Regardless of where you live, however, it is important to change your air filter so that you don’t have to deal with any allergens getting into your vehicle.

Reduced Efficacy – When your cabin filter gets clogged, your air conditioner has to work harder to push cool air through the filter. This can result in a noisy or ineffective air conditioning system. This can be a huge pain in Malaysia, as the weather is always hot and sunny — if your air filter is full of debris and dirt, it will take way longer for your cabin to cool down. On top of that, a clogged air filter also impacts your fuel efficiency because your engine would have to work extra hard to power up the system!

Bosch Cabin Filter –
Bosch Aeristo Premium

A typical cabin filter filters out unwanted air contaminants and impurities such as dust, dirt, smoke, mold spores and pet hair. But, a good cabin filter like the Bosch Aeristo Premium comes with enhanced features including antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help minimise exposure risks to airborne pollutants, bacteria and viruses.

image source :
BoschAA Facebook

T
his cabin filter has a natural polyphenol layer made out of plants that has the ability to restrain
viruses by decomposing the virus protein. Similarly, it has an antibacterial agent that prevents the growth of bacteria. Thus, reducing the invasion of virus and bacteria carried by the air flowing into the car cabin.

On top of that, it is woven and layered with an electrostatic charged material that removes fine particles and air pollutants as small as 2.5 microns. Essentially, the Bosch Aeristo Premium has a filtration efficiency of a PM2.5 filter. It is able to filter 98 per cent of fine air particles at 2.5 microns. To give a point of comparison, a strand of human hair is 50-70 microns in diameter which means the cabin filter filters out air pollutants that are naked to the eye.

As a bonus, this range of cabin filter is also fitted with an activated carbon layer that absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant smells and harmful gases such as smog, car exhaust or the ozone. The activated carbon is made from coconut shells that have higher filtration and absorption capacity than those made from wood or coal. On top of that, it also has an anti-allergy layer that has antifungal properties to filter common allergens in the air as well as prevent fungal and mold growth on the cabin filter.

In conclusion, if you do not remember when the last time your cabin was changed, it’s best to get it checked.
The cabin filter should be replaced every year or every 15,000km, whichever comes first. We at
Carsome
, encourage you to make this one of your priorities the next time you take your car for its service. #CarsomeCares


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How are Car Loans and Interests Calculated?

By

Haziq Asyraf

When you buy a car, new or used, unless you have some cash saved up to pay off your car, the most common way is buying it via a car loan (or also known as a hire purchase loan). In Malaysia, it would be extremely convenient to have your own car to move around. But when it comes to getting a car loan, many do not fully understand how to calculate car loans and interests. But before we delve deeper into that, here are some basic terms you should know.

Car Loans Terms

Interest Rate:
It is the overall cost of taking out a loan. It depends on the base rate that is provided by the bank, which can go up and down depending on the country’s economy.

Down Payment
: The upfront payment for the car that covers part of the cost, usually, 10% of the total cost for new cars and 20% for used cars.

Margin of Finance
: The proportion of the car’s cost that the bank will lend to you.

Loan Period
: The total amount of months/years taken to pay off your loan.

Installment
: The amount that you need to pay monthly to the bank to clear off your loan.

Guarantor
: Someone who is bound legally to pay off your loan if you are not able to do it.

How Does A Car Loan Work?

Generally, there are two types of
car loans
 and both these loans’ interest rate depends on the base rate, the bank you choose and if you are getting a new car or a used car.

Fixed rate loans – interest rate stays the same throughout the loan period.

Variable rate loans – interest rate fluctuates according to the current Base Rate.

Banks typically provide you a margin of finance up to 90% and the rest, would be paid via down payment by you. While it is easier for your short-term finances if you take out the largest margin of finance available, this also means you would be paying higher monthly installments and in the long run, a higher interest.

Another factor that might affect your installment and interest is the loan period. The longer the loan period, the smaller your monthly installment would be, but you would end up paying more in interest.

How to Calculate Car Loan

Example: A RM 70,000 car loan with an interest rate of 3.5%.

Monthly Installment

RM 2,148.61 (3 Years)

RM 1,370.83 (5 Years)

RM 852.31 (9 Years)

Total Interest

RM 7,350

RM 12,250

RM 22,050

Car Loan Interest Rate

To know how the installment and interest rate is calculated for your fixed-rate car loan,  all you need to do is to determine these values:

Loan Amount

Loan Period

Interest Rate

These are the formulas used to determine the total interest, monthly interest, and monthly installment for your loan. Using back the above example: A RM 70,000 car loan with an interest rate of 3.5% with a 5-year loan period.

Calculation Formula

Example

Your total interest

interest rate/100 x loan amount x loan period

3.5% x RM 70,000 x 5 = RM 12,250

Your monthly interest

total interest / (loan period x 12)

RM 12,250/ (5×12) = RM 204.16

Your monthly installment

(loan amount + total interest) / (loan period x 12)

(RM 70,000 + RM 12,250) / (5×12) = RM 1370.83

But when it comes to getting a car, you should also take into consideration all the other costs that might come up along the way. These costs include petrol, maintenance and repair, road tax, insurance, parking, and toll cost, among others. So do consider these costs when you are coming out with a budget for a new car. You can also check out Carsome’s huge range of
used quality cars
 if you want to cut some costs
 from your total budget.

2021 Car Loan Moratorium

As introduced again under the PEMULIH stimulus package, a six months moratorium is offered from the 1
st
 of July 2021 to the end of the year. Although it is largely similar to what was offered last year, this current moratorium does not offer the same eligibility requirements as the targeted repayment assistance, that was available from October last year.

Car loans in Malaysia are mostly fixed-rate loans, which means, the interest rate for the loan has already been agreed upon upfront and this fixed amount is charged monthly throughout the loan repayment period. However, for this current moratorium, banks are allowed to set their own terms and conditions for how they want the loan to be paid back. Some pay impose interest accrual during this deferment period while others may not. Some of the banks that have agreed to accrue the car loan interest till the end of the year include Maybank, CIMB Bank, and Hong Leong Bank where the collected interest during this deferment period has to be paid off together with the final installment.


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Car Tips
How to Calculate Petrol Price in Malaysia

By

Carsome Author

If there is one thing that is ever changing in Malaysia, it is the price of our petrol. The price used to change only a few times a year, then it was every month. From April 2017 onwards, the petrol price started changing every week. To keep yourself updated on the current petrol price, you can check it out
here
. But after years of filling up our car tanks with petrol, how is the price of fuel determined every week? Do you know what calculation is used to calculate petrol price?

There are many factors that determine the fluctuating price, but the greatest single factor influencing fuel price is the cost of crude oil. Do keep in mind that crude oil and petrol are not the same thing as petrol is produced from crude oil and according to the Malaysian government, it’s not just the price of crude oil that affects the overall price of petrol but the price of producing petrol and it is calculated using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM).

What is Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM)?

Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM) is a formula that is used to calculate the price of fuel in Malaysia. Its function is to stabilize the price of petrol and diesel in Malaysia to a certain extent via a variable amount sales tax and subsidy, so the retail price only has to be changed if the difference in price exceeds the threshold of the tax and subsidy, at the discretion of the government. Here is the formula of the APM:

Price of MOPS + Operation Cost + Profit Margin for Oil Companies + Profit Margin of Petrol Dealers + Alpha = PRICE OF PETROL PER LITER

If you are confused on what these terms mean, do not worry, here’s an explanation of each.

MOPS – Which also stands for Means of Platts Singapore, is a calculation done by a company in Singapore called Platts. They provide different kinds of complex calculations and one of them is the price of refined oil.

A buyer of a finished (refined) oil product will refer to the MOPS index as a better indicator/benchmark of world prices rather than crude oil prices. The MOPS price typically has a premium over the crude oil prices. This is why the Malaysian government uses MOPS to determine fuel prices rather than NYMEX crude oil prices. Unfortunately, it is hard to track MOPS prices as individuals because the data is only available to those who purchase it, unlike the publicly available charts from the NYMEX.

Operation Cost – Multiple different costs (including transportation and marketing) which is a pre-set amount by the government at 9.54 cent per litre (Peninsular Malaysia), 8.98 cent per litre (Sabah), and 8.13 cent per litre (Sarawak).

Profit Margin for Oil Companies – This is when the Oil companies make money. Pre-set by the government at 5 cent per litre (petrol) and 2.25 cent per litre (diesel).

Profit Margin for Petrol Dealers – The petrol stations make more money per litre of fuel. Pre-set by the government at 12.19 cent per litre (petrol) and 7 cent per litre (diesel).

Alpha – The difference between the MOPS price and the actual price that is transacted between oil companies and refineries. This is set at 5 cents per litre (petrol) and 4 cent per litre (diesel).

Next comes sales tax and subsidies by the government. According to the Sales Tax Act 1972, the Malaysian government can collect a maximum sales tax of 58.62 cent per litre for petrol and 19.64 cent per litre for diesel. This takes place when the real price of petrol and diesel at the stations are lower than the fixed retail price. Then, the government can either take profit from this or revise the fuel price to be lower to remove the difference in price so that the savings can be for the people.

Apart from that, if the fixed retail price of the fuel is lower than the actual cost of the petrol and diesel at the pumps, the government can pay a subsidy of the same range. Now, the government gives a maximum subsidy of 30 cent per litre instead of a maximum allowable subsidy of 58.62 cent per litre. This 30-cent maximum subsidy is as part of an improved Automatic Pricing Mechanism, which is designed to stabilize fuel retail prices and allow industry players to manage expenditure in a more orderly manner.

Now that you know how petrol price is calculated, you might be able to estimate the price weekly, but to make things easier for you, we also have an updated page that refreshes every week with the current petrol price. Now, apart from this, if you ever need to change or car or get a new used car, do check out
Carsome
!

Carsome Author


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Keep Yourself Safe With These Items From Car Accessory Stores

By

Brian Wong

A car is just a mode of transport if you look at its wheels and pedals. To make it yours, you can accessorize your car to suit your needs. However, you should also get accessories that can help you during emergencies. Unlike in the olden days when car accessories were seen as a luxury, car accessory stores are almost on every corner of shop lots and malls.

With 33.3 million registered vehicles
 in the country, the car accessory industry is a huge market many entrepreneurs are trying to tap into. In this article, we’re not telling you to buy your run-off-the-mill car accessories like an air freshener or a floor mat, these accessories can save your life when the situation arises.

Dash Cams from Car Accessory Stores

In the unfortunate event of a car crash or accident, footage recovered from the dashcam can be used as evidence to protect its owners and aid in the police investigation. An article by Paul Tan reports that there has been a recorded
255,532
 road accidents from January to September 2021. How many accidental close calls have you experienced driving in Malaysia so far? If you lost count, don’t blame yourself for it. In fact, Malaysia has even been rated the
8th most stressful place
 to drive in!

Studies have shown that up to
60% of the accidents
 on the road can be reduced if a dashcam is installed in a vehicle. An independent study further proves that humans tend to be more behaved and compliant if they are aware their actions are being recorded on camera. This is dubbed the Hawthorne Effect. This theory can be applied to owning a dashcam on the road as
research
 has shown that drivers with dashcams installed tend to drive safer. Generally, dashcams can be bought from eCommerce sites or car accessory stores.

Read More:
Top 4 Best Dashcam Brands in Malaysia & How to Choose One

Jumper Cables

Jump cables or
jumper cables
 can be a lifesaver if your car battery ever goes dead. Jumper cables are two reinforced wires;  a positive and a negative cable. These cables come with crocodile clips on both ends that hook onto a car battery. You can get these from car accessory stores, depending on length and output for around RM200.

If you do find your car with a dead battery, you may require assistance from another driver to perform a jump start. The term jump starting comes from using these cables to supply power to a car battery from an external source of power in which this case, another car with a live battery running. This process involves hooking your red cable (positive terminal) and black cable (negative terminal) to the car batteries. This process is fairly simple, it will take less than ten minutes as demonstrated in this guide
here.

Portable First Aid Kit

Just like a first aid kit at home, stocking one for your car is just as important as any other accessory. In the unfortunate case of a car accident, a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver for the victims while waiting for emergency services to arrive. A decent, fifteen-item first aid kit should go no more than RM50 though you can find better-equipped ones if you spend a bit more. If a car accessory store does not have it, you can just go to the nearest pharmacy to get it.

While your first aid kit doesn’t have to be fancy, it is important to stock up on some essential supplies. For example, a tourniquet can be used to stop heavy bleeding, a splint to hold broken bones together, and an iodine solution to prevent wounds from getting infected.

Blind Spot Mirror

As the name suggests, these small, fisheye rounded mirrors play a huge role in allowing you to see your vehicle’s blind spots. For
inexperienced drivers
, blind spots are hidden areas that cannot be seen by the driver from the driver’s seat even with its rear and side mirrors. The only way you can get a clear line of sight at your blind spots is to turn your head to the left and right accordingly.

Plenty of modern cars like Mazda and Toyota offer blind spot monitoring sensors that light up in your side mirrors if an object is not within your line of sight. However, for older cars, blind spot mirrors are simple, paste-it solutions that get the job done. Blind spot mirrors are the cheapest and easiest accessory to use in this article and cost no more than RM15 from any car accessory store.

Car Escape Tool

In extreme crashes, cars could get flipped upside down. A car escape tool is a small, metal-tipped hammer that can also come in the form of a keychain. This tool is designed to break open car windows and windshields safely to allow occupants to exit a crashed vehicle with just a little tap.

Some auto manufacturers have these given to owners for free and are usually found in the glove box of your car. Otherwise, a car escape tool can be bought from car accessory stores for a fairly cheap price. There are plenty of designs and options available, even custom-designed ones!

Tire Pressure Monitor System

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a device that is installed on all four of your tires to monitor the tire pressure. Besides continuously feeding drivers with the information about all four tires, it
aids
drivers by warning them when their tire pressure gets exceedingly low. The device is commonly found in accessory shops but has also found its way pre-installed in most high-end vehicles today.

Currently, there are
two types of TPMS
 available in the market. The most popular one, Direct TPMS has its sensors installed in the air chucks. These sensors are linked via Bluetooth to an external monitor mounted on your dashboard. The monitor will sound a warning if the air pressure in your tires drops below a certain level. Another type of TPMS is called an Indirect TPMS which works with your Anti-lock Braking System with its wheel speed sensors. Its commonly built into vehicles and will warn you through your dashboard when the air pressure in the tires runs low.

While these accessories can be quite pricey or a hassle to install, consider adding these to your car to ensure you and your occupants will stay safe when the situation arises. These accessories aren’t a cure-it-all solution for your car; you still need to properly care for and maintain your car, especially your tires and batteries to ensure your car can safely serve you for years to come.

With that, we hope these accessories will come in handy in the future.

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Car Tips
Learning Centre
Maintenance

Brian Wong


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Top Four Signs of a Malfunctioning Car Air Conditioner

By

Brian Wong

For Malaysians, a malfunctioning car air conditioner is every driver and passenger’s nightmare. The
Malaysian Department of Information
 reports that on average, temperatures in Malaysia can reach up to 32°C! Without our life-saving air conditioners, the blistering heat inside our vehicle can cause serious heat stroke to the occupants. In worse cases,
fatalities have been reported
 in the past where children died of heat stroke after being left in a hot car for too long. If you found your car’s air conditioner not working properly, the following may be the culprits that are causing a malfunction.

Read More:
Car Maintenance Checklist for Your Road Trip

Car Air Conditioner Refrigerant running low or leaking

A car’s air conditioning system always leaks gas now and then from wear and tear. In hotter climates like Malaysia,
rubber hoses
, batteries, fans, and condensers have to work under heat stress. Combined with a running engine under hot weather, this further accelerates the wear and tear effects on our car air conditioner. Commonly, worn parts from the air conditioner involve O rings and rubber seals as they work by
keeping high-pressure air
 from the condenser straight into your cabin.

Otherwise, do send your car to a workshop if your car is running low on refrigerant. In most modern cars,
R134a
 is the industry standard since 1994 for ongoing vehicles on the road due to its low flammability and being more eco-friendly.

Clogged Filter in the Car’s Air Conditioner

Dust is always omnipresent no matter how often we clean something. Dust occurs from the drying and flaking of particles from various sources like objects, organisms, and soil to smoke. Picture your car filter as the lungs of your vehicle. Without an air filter, the car will suck in all sorts of dirt and debris which can lead to
serious breakdowns
of your car engine! If an air conditioner has no filter, you’ll be breathing in cancerous, polluted air.

Over time, our air filters can get clogged from particles accumulating in the microscopic netting inside the filters. A clogged air filter will make your entire car air conditioning system to put on strain hindering
its efficiency
 in working properly.
Depending on your vehicle
, some cars come with paper filters for easier replacement and some are made with cloth or carbon to make washing easier.

Read More:
The Importance of Cabin Air Filters

Faulty Cooling Fan/Radiator

Image source:
ClearMechanic.com

Did you know that your engine’s cooling system and air conditioning system are
tied together
?  To reduce the number of unnecessary components and save space in the engine bay, certain components are connected to more than one system. This comes at a cost of complexity – if one component fails, one or more features of the engine may fail together. In this case, our car air conditioning system is usually located sitting right behind our vehicle’s radiator.

To locate the radiator, all you need to do is find a big, thick silver panel that sits between the front bumper and the engine block of your car. These fans pull in the cold air as the car is being driven on the road to
aid in cooling the engine
 and in turn, cool the air conditioning radiator, compressor, and other vital components. Hence, check on your car’s radiator at the nearest mechanic if you do find your car’s air conditioner not working.

Condenser Malfunction

In lieu of a faulty radiator, a malfunctioning condenser can cause our car air conditioner to blow hot wind at our faces.
The condenser
 is a heat exchanger. It cools the refrigerant that is heated by the compressor and evaporates the moisture into the cold air that flows through the cabin’s vents.

If there is a malfunction in the condenser, all your refrigerants will be put to waste as the radiator will turn them into liquid. A first tell-tale sign of a malfunctioning condenser is small puddles of water found on the ground where your car is parked; underneath the engine bay.

Read More:
Things to Check When you Service your Car

Choose CARSOME Certified for Complete Peace of Mind

If you’re looking for a quality, pre-owned car with a tip-top and functioning air conditioner, look no further than
CARSOME
! All of our vehicles are put through a strict 175-point inspection and a professional refurbishment process to ensure they have safety, comfort, and refurbished aesthetics beyond standards.

Plus, each
CARSOME Certified
 pledges to offer great value with the following promises.

Fixed price:
 No hidden fees. What you see is what you’ll get. Everything displayed for you is the full price.

Five-day money-back guarantee:
 Not happy with the car that you bought? We have a five-day money-back guarantee. Bring it back to our center and get a full refund!

One-year warranty:
 All CARSOME Certified cars also have a one-year extended warranty for your peace of mind.

Check out
CARSOME
 to find your dream ride today!

Brian Wong


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Car Tips
Keeping Your Car’s Air-Conditioning Cool & Problems to Look Out For

By

Devan S

Nobody really cares how a car’s air-conditioning system functions… until it doesn’t. Cue chaos and pandemonium if we ever have to endure a day without it in the scorching and humid tropical weather here.

Sweltering, sweaty and oftentimes searing, the air-conditioning system in the car could very well be described as an essential, depending on who you ask. Let’s just say it’s more of a necessity than a luxury. Furthermore, the system also filters the air circulating in the cabin, ensuring it remains clean and healthy for the occupants.

To nobody’ surprise, your car’s air-conditioning system is quite a complex combination of components. While it’s best left to the experts, learning a little about it might help troubleshoot if it doesn’t flow cool air anymore or isn’t functioning as optimally as before.

How Does It Work?

Some of us might recall a lesson during science class back in school regarding a matter changing states. This is referred to as a phase change. A liquid such as water turning into a solid and becoming ice is an example of a phase change.

Phase changes can be controlled by manipulating the heat stored by a type of matter. The fundamentals of your car’s air-conditioning system operate based on the same principles of phase changing.

The air-conditioning system manipulates a refrigerant by means of pressure and temperature, alternating the medium between a liquid and gaseous state. It might seem counterintuitive for those with a basic understanding of chemistry as the refrigerant can be both superheated and low-pressure but this is why it’s the perfect medium for cooling the air.

 This is how the refrigerant functions within the air-conditioning system.

 The refrigerant enters the compressor as a low-pressure but superheated gas, its chemical composition allowing for the logic-defying state.

 The compressor pumps the refrigerant towards the condenser, where it is cooled and condenses into vapor before transitioning into a cool, high-pressure liquid. This phase change produces hot air which the condenser blows away via the external electric fan.

 From the condenser, the liquid refrigerant arrives at the metering device. The device lowers its pressure and the refrigerant once again reverts into the vapor state.

 The vapor enters the evaporator. Here, it absorbs heat from the space being cooled. The heat causes the vapor to boil and initiates another phase change back to a superheated low-pressure gas. This process produces cool air that’s blown into the cabin by the blower.

 The superheated, low-pressure refrigerant makes its way into the compressor for the cycle to start all over again.

Read More:

C
ar
 Engine Overheating: Here Are the Causes & What to Do When It Happens

The Components of an AC System

Although on a much smaller scale, the air-conditioning system in a car comprises all the components found in the air-conditioner unit in your home, just much smaller of course.

The primary components are an evaporator, compressor, condenser, expansion device and a blower. Here we’ll take a look at the core components and their functions.

1. Compressor

Often referred to as the heart of the system, the compressor’s function is pretty self-explanatory. As the name suggests, it creates pressure within the system to convert the refrigerant from a vapor state back into liquid form, allowing it to continue flowing within the condenser. The compressor is powered directly from the engine’s crankshaft via a pulley and belt.

2. Condenser

Next up is the condenser. It serves as a radiator to cool the refrigerant post compressor. Again, as the name suggests, it provides condensing (lowering temperature) to further cool the liquid refrigerant. The radiator fan or an electric fan in the engine bay helps the process.

3. Expansion Valve

After the condenser, the expansion valve functions to expand the high pressure, low temperature liquid refrigerant to release pressure in the system before it flows into the evaporator.

4. Evaporator / Cooling Coil

This component resembles a radiator as well and is the piece that’s often found behind the dashboard in the cabin. The evaporator takes heat from the cabin and converts the liquid refrigerant from the expansion valve into vapor. This phase change cools the air in the cabin.

5. Receiver-Dryer

Located just before the compressor, the receiver or dryer is a safety device that prevents some of the refrigerant from flowing back into the compressor and causing damage. Therefore, this component converts all the remaining liquid refrigerant into vapor before it flows into the compressor to repeat the cycle.

6. Refrigerant

If the compressor is the heart of the system, the refrigerant is very much the blood. It’s a fluid with an extremely low boiling point and serves as a heat exchange medium.

Common Problems

Your air-conditioning system isn’t immune from issues. While the most common one would obviously be the air not being cold, the source of the issue could stem from a number of components.

Hence, it’s a good idea to form a clearer understanding of some common issues with the system and how to accurately identify the source.

1. The Air Isn’t Cold at All

Usually, this means a refrigerant leak. That’s the easy part though. The tough part is finding the source of the leak as it could be anywhere along the system. Refrigerant leaks aren’t easy to locate due to the nature of the medium being designed to evaporate when exposed to the atmosphere.

A car air-conditioning specialist will probably use a refrigerant leak detector or a fluorescent leak tracer dye to identify the source of the leak. Once identified, fix it or replace the faulty component and off you go.

2. The Air Is Cool but Not Cold

This is again likely related to the refrigerant, or rather a lack of it. A slow leak will see the system’s pressure drop and prevent the clutch from activating the compressor’s cycle.

The compressor’s clutch is also prone to failure and will need to be refurbished. If it fails, the compressor can’t be triggered to pressurize the system.

On the other hand, if the refrigerant levels are sufficient, it could mean a clogged condenser.

3. No Air Blowing from the Vents

There’s no clear-cut fix for this as there are a number of possibilities. It could be that the blower isn’t receiving any electrical power or the blower itself has broken.

Blocked intakes could also be the culprit. Air enters the cabin via two sources; vents below the windshield or intakes in the cabin for air that’s recirculated within the cabin itself. If either of the intakes are clogged such as by leaves or debris, there will be very little to no air blown through the vents.

4. The Air Smells Moldy

If the air from the vents has a moldy or foul scent to it, there’s likely bacteria growth in the system. This one mostly affects older vehicles or those that always have the air-conditioning system on full blast as the extra moisture promotes bacterial growth.

Try replacing the system’s cabin filter for starters. It’s an easy job and can even be done yourself depending on the car. If that doesn’t eradicate the stench, an air-conditioning specialist will add an antibacterial chemical into the evaporator area that eliminates all the bacteria.

5. The System Makes Weird Noises When Switched On

The air-conditioning system is relatively quiet when in use. In fact, the only noise should be the air being blown out the vents. Depending on the noise, it could be a small issue like a squeaky compressor accessory belt or a major one such as the compressor’s clutch failing.

This one’s best left to the experts. Let them identify the source of the errant sound and advise you on the next course of action.

6. Water on the Front Footwell

There is a drain line along the evaporator or cooling coil behind the dashboard that’s meant to collect moisture from condensation and channel it out of the vehicle. Over time, the drain line can become clogged. If this happens, the condensation will drip out and fall onto the carpeted floor in the front footwell.

If left unchecked, the water in the footwell will not only give off that wet carpet smell but also lead to rust on the floorboards. A specialist technician will identify the source of the clog and fix it accordingly.

Read More:
What Is a Car Engine Overhaul and When to Do It

Practise Regular Maintenance

Most of us are sticklers with the engine’s scheduled maintenance like oil changes and spark plugs replacements. Understandably, the air-conditioning system doesn’t always get the attention it deserves but we implore you to change that mindset.

Just like every other key system in your vehicle, the air-conditioning system requires periodic maintenance as well.

For starters, always run the system for a few minutes at least once a week. However, this being Malaysia we’re pretty sure that’s not an issue for most of us.

Next up, remember to have the system inspected by an air-conditioning specialist at least annually. They’ll give it a proper once-over and identify any components that require servicing or replacing.

Each vehicle will have a recommended service interval by the manufacturer as well. This will cover aspects such as replacing the refrigerant and cabin filter as well as servicing the compressor if needed or fitting a new drive belt.

Look after your car’s air-conditioning system and it’ll keep you cool for years to come.

Devan S
Devan believes written content is here to stay despite our depleting attention span and the rise of short videos. He loves four and two-wheeled vehicles, and movies of all makes and models.


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What Is a Car Alternator & the Signs That It Is Failing

By

Devan S

A car alternator is responsible for powering the electrical and electronic components in your car and ensuring that it drives smoothly on the road. But do you know how an alternator works and what are the signs of a malfunctioning alternator? Seeing how vital an alternator is in powering your car, knowing how to identify car alternator problem signs before they become major issues can be extremely helpful. After all, it could prevent you from getting stranded at the side of the road with a
broken-down car
.

What Is the Function of a Car Alternator?

The alternator works together with the battery to keep your car running. While the battery provides the initial power to start your car when it’s turned off, the car alternator functions to keep most of the electrical parts powered while the engine is running. It powers components such as the radio, headlights, and power windows while your car is idling and moving around.

When the engine is running, it powers a drive belt that turns a pulley attached to the alternator’s rotor shaft. This shaft then spins a set of magnets which generates alternating current (AC). The alternator’s rectifier converts this AC power into direct current (DC) power which keeps the electrical components running and charges the car battery while on the road.

6 Car Alternator Problem Signs

While a car alternator usually lasts the car’s lifetime, it can deteriorate and malfunction under certain circumstances. Factors such as normal wear and tear, damaged parts, exposure to water or heat, and overuse can cause your alternator to stop working. In general, your car warning lights indicate if there are issues with any components. However, there are other car alternator problem signs to look out for to determine if your alternator is about to give out.

1. The Battery Warning Light Comes On

When the battery
warning light
 on the dashboard lights up, it may not always indicate a malfunctioning battery. It could indicate a number of issues including issues with the car alternator, a loose battery cable, and more. This warning light connects to the vehicle’s computer system which detects the voltage output from the alternator. It can light up when the voltage goes below or above the standard operating voltage of the alternator which is typically around 13 to 14.5 V. The battery warning light in most cars is shaped like a battery. However, some cars have the characters ALT (alternator) or GEN (generator) warning lights instead.

Read:
More Car Warning Lights Explained

2. Dim or Flickering Lights

Besides a warning light, another car alternator problem sign is when the lights on your car go dim or start flickering. As you know, the alternator provides steady power to the electrical components including all the lights. That’s why a malfunctioning alternator can affect the lighting of your car. If you notice the lights on your car get brighter when accelerating and dimmer when slowing down, it may indicate some damage to your car alternator.

Another sign that your alternator isn’t delivering enough power to your lights is if they are flickering. Although these issues don’t seem major, they are reliable indications that your alternator may eventually stop working completely.

3. Whining, Growling, or Grinding Sounds from the Engine

While engine noises are normal, there are some sounds that may indicate your car alternator is going bad. These sounds are typically whining, growling, or grinding sounds from the engine. These sounds may indicate a number of problems with the moving parts of the alternator. They may be the result of a misaligned pulley, a worn-out belt, or other damaged parts. If you hear any odd sounds from your car, it’s best to get it checked at the workshop.

4. The Smell of Burning Rubber or Plastic

Foul smells such as burning rubber or plastic wires can be a sign of damage to your alternator. Since the alternator’s drive belt is constantly rotating and exposed to constant heat, friction, and tension, it may wear out and emit a smell like burnt rubber. If there are damaged wires or if the alternator is being pushed past its limit, it can also produce the smell of burning plastic. When a car alternator sends too much electricity through its wires, the wires can overheat, which produces the smell. Damaged wires also have a higher electrical resistance which may cause them to heat up excessively.

5. Unable to Start the Car or Frequent Stalling

When a car can’t start up, the causes are usually a dead
battery
 or a bad alternator. If you’re unable to start your car even if it has a new battery or that it’s in good condition, the next most likely issue is a malfunctioning alternator. If your car frequently stalls while driving, it could mean that the alternator isn’t sending enough power to the spark plugs and coils to keep the engine running.

There are ways to test if you have an issue with your battery or alternator. If you can start your car only to have it die immediately, it’s usually a sign of an electrical failure; your car alternator may not be delivering enough power to charge your battery. However, if after jumpstarting your car, you’re unable to start it up the next time with its own power, you most likely have a dead battery. To identify electrical issues in your car, you can consider getting a voltmeter. This device measures the voltage between two points on a circuit and you can use it to quickly test the voltage on your battery or alternator.

6. Malfunctioning Electrical Components

Since a car alternator functions to supply electricity to your car’s electrical components, malfunctioning components may indicate a problem with your alternator. One example is when your power windows stop working or operate slower than usual. Other components that may be affected include the windshield wipers, power locks, and radio.

Most modern cars have onboard computers that are programmed to prioritize certain components when there isn’t enough electricity. This means that when you have a malfunctioning alternator, the computer will cut power to non-essential equipment first such as the radio or folding side mirrors before cutting power to vital accessories like the headlights.

Causes of a Faulty Alternator

The lifetime of an alternator usually depends on the load it has, its pulley, and drive belt. A typical alternator lasts the lifetime of the car. However, if you have an older vehicle, it’s recommended to periodically check the voltage on its battery and alternator. Make sure it’s around 13.5 V and that the alternator functions without odd noises. Below are several factors that can cause your car alternator to deteriorate faster than usual.

Fluid leakages into the alternator. Fluid such as engine oil or power steering fluid can leak into the alternator causing it to malfunction. To prevent this, it’s recommended to
check and service your car
 on time.

Excessive idling with the use of multiple equipment such as radio and air conditioning can overwork the alternator. This puts a strain on the alternator and speeds up wear and tear.

Modern cars with numerous car accessories are more prone to having alternator malfunction. The electrical components such as heated seats, sunroof, navigation unit, and other components running concurrently can put a higher load on the car alternator.

Since the alternator is located at the bottom of the engine, it’s more exposed to water and road debris. These elements can enter and damage the alternator.

Car Alternator Cost in Malaysia

The cost of repairing and replacing a car alternator depends on the model, make, year, and configuration of your car. It can cost anywhere from RM100 to RM300 for an alternator, with the labor cost of replacing it ranging from RM50 to RM100. The estimated costs of a Perodua Myvi alternator are RM165 (for a Myvi 1.0), RM185 (for a Myvi 1.3), and RM210 (for a Myvi 1.5). However, the price also depends on the type of alternator; whether it’s an OEM, reconditioned, or original manufacturer’s alternator. Original parts tend to be costlier than OEM parts.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about your car alternator and its functions, as well as help you identify any car alternator problem signs. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, be sure to get them checked immediately and solve them to prevent unnecessary costs further down the road.

If you’re looking to
buy a used car
 or
sell your own
, visit CARSOME for more information. Our platform offers reliable and safe cars which have been
thoroughly inspected
 and given the CARSOME guarantee!


Don’t Get Blindsided by Your Car’s Blind Spots: Here’s How to Minimize Them

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Don’t Get Blindsided by Your Car’s Blind Spots: Here’s How to Minimize...

By

Amarnath

With regards to blind spots while behind the wheel, it’s definitely not one of those times that out of sight equals out of mind. In fact, everything that’s hidden from your field of vision is all the more important as it could very well be something you end up
colliding with
.

What’s a Blind Spot?

You’ve probably heard the term before, likely in driving school. Your driving instructor would have mentioned it while you were being taught to adjust your side-view and rear-view mirrors.

On a side note, that’s also the primary reason your instructor would’ve taught you to always glance over your shoulders to ascertain your surroundings and not relying solely on the side-view mirrors.

Nonetheless, what exactly does it mean?

As the name suggests, a blind spot is an area of the car’s immediate surrounding that cannot be seen through the rear-view or side-view mirrors. Any car will have it, even the diminutive
Perodua Axia
.

The reason blind spots are so dangerous is that the area out of view can be large enough to hide another vehicle from your field of view.

Let’s delve into an example to better understand the immense risks without checking your blind spots on the road.

Say you’re stuck behind a slower car on the highway and haste needs to be made. You glance over to your right-view mirror and the coast appears clear. Cue hitting that indicator to signal your intended lane change to the right.

Just as you’ve turned the steering a little and your car’s begun transitioning into the lane on the right, you hear a horn blaring from that side.

It’s coming from a car on the right lane that’s had to get on the brakes to avoid you turning right into it and causing a collision.

You quickly yank the steering to bring your car back into your current lane before giving a timid wave of the hand to the driver to apologize whilst wondering where on earth that car popped out from.

That car wasn’t conjured out from the shadow realm, it was in your blind spot that was obscured from that quick glance into the side-view mirror.

Read More:
Proper & Safe Driving Attire

Where Are the Blind Spots in a Car?

Most cars have at least two main blind spots. They are the area behind your side-view mirrors and next to both your front and rear doors on each side of the car.

Additionally, the design of the vehicle can also create blind spots depending on the placement and thickness of the pillars. After all, if function dictated all car designs, it’ll make for some pretty mundane form.

In most cars, the usual culprit are the A-pillars. The A-pillar is the upright pillar between the sides of the windscreen and the upper-front of the front doors that arches up into the roof. Depending on the design, the pillars could create a blind spot towards the sides of the fenders that prevents you from seeing oncoming cars or pedestrians as you exit a junction.

In larger
SUVs
, the C- and even D-pillars (usually on SUVs with a third row) can be rather wide, further contributing to the two primary blind spots mentioned above. Let’s not even go into panel vans that further reduce the field of vision from their rear-view mirror.

Image source: Edmunds.com

When Should I Check My Blind Spots?

At the very same time your driving instructor introduced you to blind spots, he or she most likely drilled into you the habit of checking said blind spots each and every time prior to making a lane change or a turn.

For instance, before making a lane change you should glance into your rear- and side-view mirrors but your instructor would have taught you to also take a quick glance over your shoulder towards the side you’re transitioning to. This move may help you pick out other cars, motorcycles, or even pedestrians depending on the situation.

Read More:
Keep Yourself Safe With These Items From Car Accessory Stores

Is There a Way to Eliminate or Reduce Blind Spots?

Human evolution hasn’t yet reached the stage of growing eyes on the back of our heads but there are ways to narrow the width of those blind spots.

There are now methods to adjust the side-view mirrors to reduce or even completely eliminate these spots. Here are the steps towards achieving that:

 It starts with the rear-view mirror. Do not attempt anything different with this. As the name suggests, this mirror’s sole purpose is to give you a view of the rear. Once you’ve adjusted yourself into the optimal seating position, move the mirror to give you the best and most direct view straight out the rear windshield. Don’t attempt to tilt it towards the side to try and compensate for a view of traffic on either side of your car. That’s the purpose of the side-view mirrors.

 Now, lean your head until it just touches the driver’s side window. Then, adjust the mirror on that side until you can barely see the side of your car and nothing more. Do not push the mirror any wider until you cannot see the side of the car.

 Repeat the same process for the other side by leaning your head towards the middle of the car and adjusting the mirror on the opposite side until you can just barely see the left side of your car. Once you’ve done this and straightened your head, you shouldn’t be able to see the sides of your car. Do not panic! This is intentional as it gives you a much wider field of view.

 Your side-view mirrors are now positioned optimally to reduce and almost eliminate the two primary blind spots on each side. The final step is to ensure the effectiveness of the adjustments. As you’re driving on a four-lane road or highway, keep to the rightmost lane and note any vehicle in the left lane approaching you to pass. Without tilting your head to either side, glance in the rear-view mirror and track the car as it gains on your left side. As it disappears from your rear-view mirror, glance to the left side-view mirror and you should be able to clearly see the car. Lastly, as it disappears from the side-view mirror, it should appear in your peripheral vision. The result is you’ve successfully eliminated the blind spot on your sides as you’ve been able to keep track of the car without turning over your shoulder. Try the same thing with the other side and make slight adjustments if you notice a blind spot for even a split second.

Read More:

Top Holiday Destinations for a Budget Vacation in Malaysia

Is There Anything Else I Can Do to Reduce Blind Spots?

More and more modern vehicles are being equipped with BLIS (BLind spot Information System); first introduced by Volvo. The system uses a camera or sensor located under the housing of the side-view mirror to detect a vehicle in the blind spot and alert the driver by illuminating a warning light on the tip of the side-view mirror or on the inside of the car right by the mirror.

Optionally, there are plenty of aftermarket solutions that utilize a convex blind spot mirror stuck on the edge of your side-view mirror. These curved mirrors give you a wider field of view that covers the blind spot.

Conclusion

To be a safe driver, your situational awareness needs to be at its highest level and one of the key components to that means being aware of the vehicles and space around your car while driving.

Eliminating your blind spots will create a wider field of view behind the wheel in case any emergency maneuvers are required.

Therefore, it is paramount that you take some time to discover the blind spots in your usual driving position and learn to reduce or eliminate them by adjusting your mirrors according to the method recommended.

It might be a small step but it will play a huge role in making you a much safer driver on the road.

Amarnath


5 Signs Your Car is About to Break Down

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5 Signs Your Car is About to Break Down

5 Signs Your Car is About to Break Down

By

Haziq Asyraf

Sometimes, you don’t have to be a trained mechanic to know something is wrong with your car. When strange things start to happen to your car, it’s a clear sign that your car might require repairs somewhere under the hood.

It can be overwhelming when you have to deal with car malfunctions and troubles, especially when it happens out of the blue, leaving you stranded in the middle of the road. In order to avoid facing a sudden breakdown in the future, you should address these major signs that show your car is about to fail.

Warning Lights are Displayed on Your Dashboard

Warning lights on your dashboard are surefire indicators that there is a problem with your car. So don’t ignore it and be sure to keep an eye out when you start your engine if any lights are on when they usually aren’t.

Send your car to a workshop and get a mechanic to see what is wrong with your car immediately. The good news is, these warning lights can help your mechanic pinpoint where any problems might be hiding and it could be a simple fix that could save you the trouble of going through a major repair.

Read more:
A Guide to Car Warning Lights and Indicators

Your Car Starts to Produce Odd Noises

Never ignore any weird or unnatural sounds produced by your car. Any sounds coming from your car that are too loud or too high pitched should be paid attention to and you should immediately inform your mechanic so they can diagnose the problem.

Some unusual sounds that spell trouble for your car include:

Squealing, grinding, or scraping sounds coming from the brakes.

Low oil pressure that is indicated by a ticking noise from the engine.

If your coolant level is too low, your car’s engine will produce a hissing noise when it overheats.

If there is an issue with your shock absorbers, it will produce a thunking and clunking sound.

If your car battery terminals are corroded, you will hear a clicking sound when you try to start your engine.

Your Engine Keeps Overheating

Excessive heat and car engines do not go well together. Your car drives best when the internal temperature of the engine and transmission is kept at an optimal level. When the cooling system works fine, all your engine parts can function properly.

But when the engine and the transmission overheats, it’ll cause major problems to the internal parts. This can cause the parts to warp, crack, or seize. If you drive your car with damaged parts, you will risk ruining the engine altogether, which in turn will lead to a major repair or even a dangerous situation in the future.

When your engine is overheating, it’ll display the following signs:

The engine temperature gauge on your dashboard is pointing near the red zone or the engine temperature warning light is turned on.

When you see steam or smoke coming out of your engine, that means your engine is running too hot and it is causing the coolant to evaporate.

A burnt smell coming from the engine.

Read more:
Car Engine Overheating: Here Are the Causes & What to Do When It Happens

Excessive Vibrations & Rattling

Your engine is supposed to vibrate and rattle while it is running but it shouldn’t be to the point where it makes your driving experience uncomfortable. When your car shakes too much, it could point to issues with your wheels, alignment, suspension, brakes, or the engine itself.

Whatever the cause of shaking may be, it is vital to have it checked by your mechanic so the parts that are affected can be replaced and fixed before it leads to even more damage to your car.

Read more:

If Your Car Vibrates While Driving, Start Paying Attention to These 5 Components

There are Fluids Leaking Out

Notice any fluid spots underneath your car after parking for a while? This is a clear sign that you need to send your car to a workshop to be inspected because there might be fluids leaking out of your engine.

If there is an oil leak, leaving it untreated will lead to low oil levels in your engine which in turn will expedite the wear and tear of your engine. It could also be a coolant leak, which will be very harmful to your engine as it will lead to overheating.

Immediately send your car to a workshop once you notice any leaks so that your mechanic can work on fixing the leak before it causes bigger issues in the future.

Choose CARSOME Certified for Complete Peace of Mind

Even with all these aging signs displayed by your car, it is possible to maintain it to keep it running for a few more years. But the time will come when you have to say goodbye to your old car and say hello to a new ride, especially when it becomes a money pit for maintenance.

If you want complete peace of mind, just choose CARSOME! Every CARSOME Certified car has passed a thorough 175-point inspection to ensure they are free from major accident and flood damage. They have also been refurbished professionally to provide you with quality pre-owned cars that come with safety beyond standards, complete comfort, and refurbished aesthetics.

On top of that, each
CARSOME Certified
 car also comes with the following promises:

Fixed price:
The listing price you see on CARSOME is the actual full price of the car with no hidden fees, so you know exactly how much you’re paying.

Five-day money-back guarantee:
 If you buy a car from CARSOME and you change your mind, you can return it within five days to get a full refund. No questions asked!

One-year warranty:
 All CARSOME Certified cars also have a one-year extended warranty for your peace of mind.

Head over to
carsome.my
 or download our mobile app and book your dream car today!

Haziq Asyraf
A self-proclaimed foodie and gamer whose passion for food and games has recently extended to cars.