Below are some of the most frequently asked questions posed to Al-Futtaim Honda’s experts by Honda owners. In-depth answers have been given to help motorists keep their cars performing at their peak.
Which type of fuel should I use in my car?
Cars manufactured before 1992 should only be filled up with leaded fuel with an octane rating of 92. However, any Honda car produced since 1992 can run on both leaded and unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 95. Motorists are advised to fill up with unleaded where possible as it is better for the environment.
Which factors impact on fuel efficiency?
There are many factors that impact on a car’s fuel efficiency. By understanding them all motorists can save fuel and money.
How can I take care of my car’s air conditioning system?
When the engine stops, the evaporator component (where refrigerant expands to cool the air) creates condensation, which corrodes the part and causes leaks. To increase the working life of the evaporator, drivers should switch off the air conditioning unit around five minutes before the journey ends. This brings it up to a higher temperature which prevents condensation and therefore lowers the chance of corrosion.
Another simple way in which motorists can care for an air conditioning unit is to regularly check the radiator grille for leaves, insects, dirt and other obstructions that block the grille. This reduces airflow into the system and lowers its cooling efficiency. Lightly spraying the grille with a water hose is a good way to remove these obstacles without causing any damage.
During the winter (when you are likely to be using the air conditioning system less) it is advised to run the system for at least ten minutes a week when driving at a steady speed. This circulates the lubricating oil in the refrigerant which is important to keep the unit running smoothly.
If an air conditioning system is not working efficiently, it is wise to take the car to a service centre promptly for an inspection. If an issue has been caused by leaking refrigerant, the compressor oil will also be lost which means both fluids need to be topped up. The leakage will need to be repaired before the system is fully recharged, which should only be performed by a trained technician.
Why is it important to adjust the valve clearance and how often should it be done?
The movement of engine valves plays a large role in a car’s efficiency. Valve clearance refers to the distance between the valve stem and rocker arm as the components expand when the engine temperature rises. As parts become worn, the clearance distance changes, which reduces power and impacts negatively on efficiency. Adjusting the clearance therefore improves fuel economy and this task should be completed every two years or after every 40,000 kilometres.