JTA in trouble

[Torquelover]

Sorrie, what's the diff betw a 'push-rod' engine as compared to a normal engine?

 

I also recommend Varta batteries. My Xsara come out of the factory with one, have been driving my car for the past 2 years, luckily no problems on the battery yet (fingers crossed).

[Turbobrick]

One thing to consider Perry, do U drive short trips <10km or at least 10-20km most of the time? The battery takes some time to charge and general rule of thumb is 20mins of engine running before the battery is fully charged again by the alternative (which is coupled to the engine via the accessory belt)

 

So if your trips are short the battery may not get enough charge each time and slowly detoriate over time. Well, my original battery from factory didn't last long although >30min trips are a norm to work so sometimes is the battery's age as well

 

Do ask any questions U have about cars, we are more than glad to answer your queries and help U!

Edited February 7, 2002 by Turbobrick

[Turbobrick]

The traditional engines are pushrod type with the cams operating a pushrod which translates to intake/exhaust valves opening/closing action. The near overhead cam arrangement (aka SOHC or DOHC) have the cams lobes directly mating with the valve stems to control the valve movements.

 

For the entire story click here http://www.howstuffworks.com/camshaft.htm

[Perry]

ar.... ic.... i learn something new today again:)) hehehe

 

yes, me and my wife drive to work together daily, usually only about 15km, from amk to city... also only about 15 to 20 mins.... hmmm.... means that with this kind of pattern, it will be hard to prolong the battery's lifespan.... hmmm.......

 

anyway, thanks for tip:)

 

One thing to consider Perry, do U drive short trips <10km or at least 10-20km most of the time? The battery takes some time to charge and general rule of thumb is 20mins of engine running before the battery is fully charged again by the alternative (which is coupled to the engine via the accessory belt)

So if your trips are short the battery may not get enough charge each time and slowly detoriate over time. Well, my original battery from factory didn't last long although >30min trips are a norm to work so sometimes is the battery's age as well

 

Do ask any questions U have about cars, we are more than glad to answer your queries and help U!

[Turbobrick]

From AMK to City takes only 20min??? Plus morning jam should at least past 30mins right?

 

What's the brand of battery JTA replaced for you btw? Varta batteries are known to be quite long lasting and though despite irregular charging pattern.

[Pisces69]

But u sud b repaid with better handling n safety.

 

Thats why if cost is a major consideration, pple get jap or korean. Otherwise get a conti.

[Pisces69]

That's my dad, after breakfast coming home. Hee....I drove later part of the day

 

Hahaha. Luckily i did not flash or horn him. Otherwise he wud have got out n gave me a good trashing there n then.

[Turbobrick]

Handling = BMW

 

Safety = Volvo (plus bonus turbocharger )

[DoctorDrake]

If my previous Citroen was anything to go buy, looking after a conti car is worse, sorry, more demanding, than looking after your significant other. They (the 4-wheeled ones) are expensive and temperamental. But when everything is right, it's a pleasure to drive.

 

Like my brick, stupid ABS control module cost $1.5k!!! And it's made in the Phillipines although it's a German brand (damn arse QC, ABS cannot last past 5yrs! )

 

Conti cars tend to be more sensitive, fully agreed.

 

But if well maintained can tahan past 10yrs easily

[Pisces69]

I wud think merc wud have better handling but bmw has better power.

 

Volvo always for safety n now styling n power(turbo) too.

[Yongwd]

How come no one talk about Saab?

 

 

I wud think merc wud have better handling but bmw has better power.

 

Volvo always for safety n now styling n power(turbo) too.

[Madarmour]

The only thing Merc excels in is STATUS SYMBOL! Die, die must have that tristar badge!

[Pisces69]

I guess in sin u r right. Most pple who drive merc dont drive fast as they usually older type driver n usually drive 2 lit cars. Maybe 10 years own car also never experience kick-down.

 

In germany, especially on the autobhan, merc can b seen clocking in excess of 230kmh along with porsche n some big conti cars. Thats where real high speed handling n stability comes in.

 

BMW seems to have improved their handling with the new 7 series with the help of several aids like traction-control etc.

 

If u remember, long ago, the earlier bmw's were notorious for poor handling n skidding. Even on dry roads. But they were good image boosters for the younger crowd as bmw was considered a sporty car.

[Fabiaman]

I normally look for JTA adverts in Straits Times as a signal how well they are still doing. The larger the adverts JTA placed, the more likely they can sustain. Reason being SPH is not a organisation which you can owe money for a long time. So the Skoda expensive adverts have to be promptly paid - which does gives us an insight whether they still have cash.

 

2 observations in recent times....

 

1. Correct me if I am wrong .... But i did not see any advert today for Skoda from JTA. (1st time they did not advertise on Saturday)

 

2. The recent Budget Car Rental adverts did not advertise the rental rates for Skoda. Instead they post the rates for 3 other car makes (cannot remember which BUT certainly not Skoda Octavia as they always advertise). FYI, The JTA owners own Budget Car Rental as well... hence the Octavia is often recommended by Budget Car Rental.

 

Something not right?

[Pisces69]

[reply]How come no one talk about Saab?

 

 

Maybe bcos saab not so popular here leh! although they make some of the best cars around.

[Turbobrick]

SAABs are indeed good cars but not enough exposure in Singapore. Seeing more of the 9-5 though, sweet car

[Seven11]

Good observation.

You track them like X-files...

[Pisces69]

The saab 9-5 is indeed a good car but unlikely to sell well as the marque has poor re-sale value n if the turbo gives trouble, that's mega bucks to repair here.

 

If u looking for saab, go for a 2-3 year old car as u prob get better value for money. The heaviest depreciation has already been taken care of by the 1st owner