Showing posts with label #cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #cars. Show all posts

Friday, October 24, 2025

Car Horror Stories: Road Mishaps You Should Avoid this Undas

Pasig City, Philippines – October 17, 2025 – Undas or All Saints' Day/All Souls' Day, is a time for families to come together, honor loved ones and reconnect with their roots. But for many, it also means long drives, packed highways, and unpredictable road conditions. As thousands of Filipinos prepare to travel to the provinces this season, Prestone®, the #1 Brake Fluid and #1 Coolant in the Philippines, reminds motorists that a safe journey begins with preparation, because road horror stories can creep up on you when you least expect them.
 
From flat tires to overheated engines, here are some of the most common car horror stories that can ruin your Undas trip, and how you can avoid them through proper car preventive maintenance and the right coolant for your car.
 
The flat tire surprise
Image you’re driving to your hometown, and you only have a few kilometers away to reach your destination when you hear a loud thud. You stop and check your car, and it turns out your tire gave up. Whether it’s a nail on the road or a worn-out tire, this classic road mishap can throw off your entire schedule.
 
That is why it’s important to inspect your tires before traveling. Make sure they have proper air pressure and don’t forget to bring a spare tire, jack, and tools. A quick check before the trip can spare you hours of roadside trouble.
 
The lost case of dead batteries
After a short stopover, you return to your car, only to find that it won’t start. A weak or drained battery is a common culprit during long weekends when cars sit idle for days before the trip.
 
Have your battery checked before you travel and clean any corrosion around the terminals. Keeping your lights, dash cameras, and accessories off when parked helps extend battery life. This is a simple car maintenance tip every driver should practice, even on casual daily drives.
 
The broken brakes scare
You’re in heavy traffic when your brakes suddenly feel soft or unresponsive. It’s every driver’s nightmare, and it usually stems from neglected car maintenance which often includes old brake fluid, worn pads, or leaks in the system.
 
Schedule a quick check-up at your nearest car maintenance service centers or talyers. Brake health is non-negotiable, especially on long drives. Remember, it’s always better to prevent than repair.
 
The curious case of stalled engine
You’re halfway through your journey when the car suddenly stalls in the middle of the road. The reason? Old coolant or a system leak that caused the engine to overheat.
 
When you’re far from a mechanic, Prestone Coolant Ready To Use can be a real lifesaver. Formulated with 5X Superior Cooling Protection Guaranteed, it protects your engine from overheating, rust, corrosion, and boilover, ensuring long-lasting protection for key components like the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and aluminum parts.
 
Because it’s pre-diluted and ready to pour, there’s no need to add distilled water or mix. Just top up your coolant anywhere and you’re good to go. Siguradong compatible with all makes and models, even motorcycles, and meets ASTM standards for superior performance.
 
The overheating nightmare
Few things are as stressful as seeing steam rising from your hood in the middle of a long drive. Overheating often happens when drivers skip basic car maintenance or use incompatible coolant for car.
 
Before you hit the road, make sure your car’s engine is protected with Prestone Asian Coolant. Engineered with 5X Superior Cooling Action and Cor-Guard™ Technology, siguradong compatible with your car brand.
 
The Prestone Asian Coolant 1L is available in RED/PINKBLUE, and GREEN color variants.
 
  • RED/PINK COOLANT: For all Toyota®, Lexus®, and Scion® vehicles, all years
  • BLUE COOLANT: For all Honda®, Nissan®, Subaru® vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 & Newer
  • GREEN COOLANT: For all Isuzu®, Suzuki®, Hyundai®, KIA®, Mazda® Mitsubishi® vehicles, pre-2009 to 2011 & Newer
 
Turn your Undas trip into memories, not horror stories
As Filipinos gear up for the long Undas weekend, Prestone reminds every driver to take extra precautions before hitting the road. From checking your brakes to topping up your coolant, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe journey for you and your loved ones.
 
Don’t let car troubles become your real-life horror story this Undas. Keep your engine cool with Prestone Asian Coolant and Prestone Coolant Ready to Use— siguradong compatible with 5X superior protection your vehicle deserves.
 
Both Prestone Coolants are available at leading automotive stores and retail outlets nationwide, including True Value, Handyman, Ace Hardware, Blade, and online through the official stores on Lazada and Shopee. Prestone also urges customers to purchase only from authorized retailers to ensure product authenticity and vehicle safety.
 
To learn more about Prestone’s full range of products and car preventive maintenance tips, visit www.prestone.com.ph
 

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Gear Up for ZIC Protech.Pitstop at Ayala Malls Feliz!

Calling all car and motorcycle enthusiasts! Get ready as ZIC Philippines, your trusted partner in engine oil, is gearing up for their next exciting event: ZIC Protech.Pitstop at Ayala Malls Feliz!
Happening on July 12 and 13, 2025 at the activity center of Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City, ZIC Philippines will be presenting exciting games and programs for all mall-goers during that weekend.
ZIC is the number one preferred engine oil brand in Korea, trusted by millions of motorists and backed by advanced technology from SK Enmove, Korea’s leading lubricant manufacturer.
📷
MAKING THE RIGHT IMPACT. ZIC continues to expand its local visibility through high-impact consumer engagements like the recently concluded SM MOA, and this upcoming weekend, Ayala activation.
In the Philippines, ZIC offers a comprehensive range of engine oils to cater to various vehicle types and needs. In South Korea, ZIC has consistently held the title of the most popular engine oil brand for an impressive 27 consecutive years since 1997. This dominance in its home market speaks volumes about the trust and performance associated with the ZIC brand. In addition, Korean superstars Gong Yoo and Lee Dongwook are the brand ambassadors of ZIC, establishing its credibility in the engine oil industry.
ZIC’s entry into the Philippine market is highlighted by its exceptional performance under extreme heat and urban driving conditions, relevant to Philippine road realities.
ZIC Philippines will be bringing the same excitement that includes immersive brand experience booth, with interactive activities and giveaways, where ZIC Philippines customers can also learn more about ZIC engine oil through the product display and other consumer engagement programs.
A DAY OF FUN AND IMMERSION. Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will get the chance to know more about ZIC, while enjoying games, giveaways, and exciting prizes. These include: one winner of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6, three winners of Galaxy Watch Ultra and four winners of Galaxy Watch7.
The ZIC Protech.Pitstop, happening this weekend, will feature three main activities for all booth visitors: the PROTECH. Challenge, Smooth Buzz Ride, and Piston Power Shot. After completing all three, participants can spin the Prize Roulette for a chance to win additional giveaways from ZIC.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to give your car or motorcycle the ZIC protection it deserves! Troop down to Ayala Malls Feliz next weekend and be part of this special event only from ZIC Philippines!
For more information, visit and follow the official ZIC Philippines Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/zic.philippines, or explore our full product line-up at the official ZIC website: https://skzic.com/eng/index.do.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Essential Travel Tips to Keep Everyone Safe

Prestone

Pasig City, Philippines – [February 08, 2022] – The year 2022 is here! While the start of the year symbolizes hope, it also serves as a reminder that we all remain vigilant, particularly as the threats of new COVID-19 variants still lurk around.

Due to the upward trend in the number of cases, the National Capital Region (NCR) and some of its nearby provinces are now placed under a higher alert level status. And yes, this means stricter safety protocols and limited outside activities for Filipinos.

Long drives, however, are inevitable for some. For instance, those who went to their respective provinces for holidays are starting to go back to the metro. Meanwhile, those in the frontline, especially health workers, sometimes need to travel for long hours to reach their patients.

If you’re one of those who need to travel long hours, Prestone, a proven and trusted quality brand of Auto Care fluids since 1927 and a road safety advocate, reminds you of these safety protocols for your vehicle before you hit the road.

Bring a travel health kit with Prestone Disinfecting Car Wipes. When you’re traveling, it's a given that you will encounter different people and surfaces, maybe in checkpoints, gasoline stations, or tollgates. You may be exposed to various bacteria and viruses, especially COVID-19. With that in mind, bringing a travel health kit can help you prevent their spread and avoid getting sick.

Make it your one-minute habit to wipe down the high-touch surfaces of your vehicle with Prestone Disinfecting Car Wipes. These disinfecting wipes can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the COVID-19 virus in just one minute. It is safe to use on the dashboard, console, steering wheel, window buttons, door handles, and gear stick, among others. (Follow usage instructions as per label).

Include in your kit a few spares of face masks, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or rubbing/sanitizing alcohol, and even a first aid kit, just in case.

Inspect and maintain your brakes with Prestone’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluids. When stepped upon, a vehicle’s brake pedal exhibits an adequate amount of resistance. If you observe your brake pedal has a spongy feeling every time it’s pushed, this indicates that your brakes need to get checked and fixed to avoid any accident. Also, be on the lookout if your brakes produce a sharp squeal as you drive your vehicle. It may mean that you need new brake pads.

Prestone, on the other hand, has reliable and trusted brake fluids for your vehicle’s braking system, delivering the best possible care for all its related parts. Exceeding the standard requirements, Prestone’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluids give an incredible performance in high-temperature braking systems and provide an increased fluid life of 50,000 miles. It also prevents all metal corrosion within the braking system and is suitable for a disc, drum, and anti-lock braking system.

Examine and fuel your engine with Prestone Motor Oil. Early detection of an engine problem may save you trouble on the road. It’s always better to ensure that your engine has no leaks or strange noises that would indicate problems.

Meanwhile, Prestone has a variety of motor oils suitable for gasoline or diesel engines, whether it’s turbo or non-turbo, that you can apply to help your engine achieve its best performance and maintain its tip-top condition.

Made in Singapore, Prestone Motor Oil is packed with quality base oils and significant additives that assist in reaching a high viscosity rate. It is approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the largest oil and natural gas trade corporation in the U.S., marking it with an API Donut.

Prestone Motor Oil has G-Tech and D-Tech 500 formulations for gasoline and diesel motors, respectively. G-Tech comes in three variations: the G-Tech Advance (Mineral Oil), the G-Tech Synblend (Synthetic Blend), and the G-Tech Full Synthetic. D-Tech 500, on the other hand, consists of the D-Tech 500 Synblend (Synthetic Blend) and the D-Tech 500 Full Synthetic.

Look at your tires, battery, lights, and other essential components and fluids. Your vehicle’s tires are the only components in contact with the ground. For that reason, you should always pay attention to their air pressures and tread depths while looking for bubbles, bulges, or visible damages.

Then, check to know if your vehicle’s battery has sufficient charge and all the necessary cables are connected to the terminals. Next, look for any faulty or fractured bulbs in your headlights, brake lights, hazard lights, turn signals, and taillights so you can have them changed as nighttime driving is unavoidable.

In addition, don’t forget to inspect the levels of your coolant, windshield wiper fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Ensure that your vehicle’s belts, hoses, and air filters are in an excellent state.

“Long drive requires more effort from your vehicle. As Prestone continuously advocates for road safety, we hope to encourage motorists to apply these safety measures before their journey for a smoother and more convenient trip. However, as traveling is a part of our daily lives, these protocols should be an everyday routine to be always safe on the road,” said Paolo Lao, marketing director of Prestone Philippines.

Prestone also wants to remind motorists to buy Prestone Disinfecting Car Wipes, Prestone Motor Oil, and Prestone’s DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluids from reputable stores and distributors to ensure they only get genuine Prestone products to prevent accidents or car damage.

To know its authenticity, check the product details and look for misspelled texts and information on the labels. Be sure it has a PS mark or ICC stickers issued by the Bureau of Product Standards of the Philippines. Many counterfeit products also have 900ml packaging.

Aside from car wipes, motor oils, and brake fluids, Prestone has other cutting-edge car care products, such as coolants, power steering fluids, and more.

Friday, August 6, 2021

Yokohama Tires Philippines, Inc. Gives Back on its Silver Anniversary

Yokohama Tires

In recognizing the value of the company’s success, Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. (YTPI) kicks off its 25th anniversary by giving back to the communities within the company’s vicinity.

The tire manufacturing company is set to donate tires for the emergency service vehicles of its neighboring communities to support the quick Covid-19 and emergency response of its local health units. Aside from this, YTPI will also be donating printing materials to nearby public schools that are currently under the modular learning system due to the pandemic.

"YTPI has come so far in the past 25 years. I am humbled and grateful for the support the company and our team have received over the years. Despite the global pandemic, I feel blessed that we have grown YTPI into a business that can give back,” said YTPI President and CEO Tetsuya Nagao.

Moreover, several events are also lined up to commemorate the plant’s 25th anniversary, including a social media project that will feature some of the people behind the success of the company, and a photo exhibit about the company’s milestones through the years.

To build camaraderie in the workplace, several in-house activities will also be held, including a board design contest, an online gaming contest, and the launching of an informative video series. In addition, custom-made insulated bags and free food will be distributed to employees on the anniversary launch and culmination day.

From producing 5,000 tires per day to manufacturing 27,000 tires everyday

25 years had passed since the Yokohama Rubber Company, Ltd. (YRC) established YTPI in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Two years after the company’s inception, the first S-760 passenger tire model was manufactured at the first Yokohama tire manufacturing facility in Asia outside Japan.

Since then, YTPI has become a strategic and vital subsidiary of YRC that is essential to the local and global distribution of high-performance passenger car radial and recreational vehicle tires.

Over the years, tire demand and industry growth have resulted in YTPI’s several business expansions marking the company’s focus to proceed in several phases. On June 9, 2003, Phase II expansion started to ramp up production to 10,000 tires per day. Two years after, the company started the construction of its Phase III expansion, increasing production by 70 percent. 2008 was a banner year as YTPI set a record by producing 22,000 tires in a day. In 2011, YTPI officially started building the West Plant. The expansion move increased the company’s total land area from 16.5 hectares to 44.7 hectares. It also ramped up production resulting in a huge increase of the company’s manpower. By 2014, the second and last phase of YTPI’s West Plant Expansion was finally completed. To date, YTPI manufactures 27,000 tires per day and employs over 3,000 staff.

In less than a decade, amazing strides were made exponentially increasing production by fastidious and daring shifts. As manufacturing continues to achieve gain after gain, its workforce has grown as well, providing even more opportunities to the community.

Triumphed over challenges

Things did not go easily for the company as misfortune struck on May 14, 2017, when the YTPI East Plant – Phase 3 was razed with fire. As an agile and resilient company, YTPI began rebuilding and reconstruction the same year. And by June of the following year, partial production has already commenced.

In the constantly changing business environment, the company was able to recover and quickly stay the course. YTPI’s dauntless leadership and ability to adapt with complex shifts was crucial not only to maintain its momentum but also to move beyond. Nowhere is this more pronounced than the symbolic year of 2018, a year after the unfortunate event, when YTPI manufactured its 100,000,000th tire.

“Credit goes to every diligent employee who gave their all day in and day out. Their commitment and dedication to build quality tires that people can trust can only be matched with an unquenchable thirst for success,” said Nagao

As a testament to quality and excellence, the tire manufacturer has obtained ISO 9001 in 1998 for the Quality Management System and ISO 14001 certification in 2000 for the Environmental Management System. Moreover, in 2010, the Occupation Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS 18001) certification was given to the company. A tire produced from YTPI guarantees that it has been manufactured abiding by the international standards of quality, and safety.

For YTPI, it has never been easy to create a good enterprise. As the company strives to attain its business goals, the management ensures that its business processes are founded on fair practices and compliance to all regulatory agencies. YTPI’s accomplishments are the employees’ achievements as well. It is a shared purpose, where the company’s leadership invests in its workforce and both have worked together towards the company’s mission and vision. YTPI’s singularity of providing safe work spaces whilst yielding quality that meets international standards has been a yardstick that defines it, all while committing to an environment where employees thrive, are valued and heard.

Giving back to the community

As a keen adopter of sustainability and eco-friendly business, it was all too clear that corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship has been part of the company’s mission. As an industry leader in reducing its carbon footprint, YTPI undertook the expansion of the Forever Forest, a global initiative of its parent company. Several generations ago, it all seemed that the world’s resources were infinite, but in the intervening years, wisdom and experience has shown otherwise, and in the time that YTPI has been involved with Forever Forest, over 44,000 trees have been planted within the facility and nearby areas.

The company has admirably committed and invested in sustainability and in 2019, YTPI has installed its own 4MW solar power rooftop. It is the second largest rooftop solar plant in the country and the largest in Central Luzon. It is considered as one of the company’s biggest environmental milestones to date as it greatly reduced Freeport’s annual CO2 emissions. In addition, a 1,020m3 rainwater recovery tank to harvest rain water for industrial purposes was constructed.

YTPI also devoted equal importance to strengthening partnerships with the local communities. Some of its notable projects include scholarship grants to nearly a hundred college students. The company has also donated health and sanitation facilities to public schools and has provided extensive and active support to Brigada Eskwela. In 2006, YTPI donated Php 1,000,000 worth of materials and supplies for the rehabilitation of the water system providing potable water to Indigenous Peoples (Aeta) families in San Vicente in Tarlac province. Socially responsible to itself, its stakeholders, and the public, YTPI is conscious of the kind of impact the company has on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental facets.

Braving through the new normal

As the whole world faces the challenges brought by the pandemic, the tire manufacturer officially launched The New Normal: Together We Can Beat This Better protocols and programs to ensure the safety of its people. Notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the company continued to contribute to the economic development of the country by generating employment opportunities, paying its taxes dutifully, and creating profit through fair and honest business activities.

In the face of both adversity and privilege, within a score and five years, what makes the YTPI’s silver anniversary worth celebrating is that despite the recent challenges of being in the midst of a global pandemic – the company continues to produce and deliver millions of tires that people can trust. All of this, operating within complexities big and small. This kind of success does not come without difficulties. It is through hard work, meticulous planning, cooperation and a great degree of foresight that this degree of accomplishment is envisioned, let alone, achieved.

“I want to congratulate all our former and current employees on this special milestone. It has been a wonderful journey altogether. Let’s continue to defy the odds and hope for the best in the coming years,” Nagao ended.

Monday, May 10, 2021

Hot Take: Brake Systems Fail Under the Scorching Heat

Prestone

Pasig City, Philippines; [May 10, 2021]
– Summer is finally here! As we put our fans at max power and wipe the sweat off of our faces, motorists should be reminded that cars also need a break under this relentless heat, says Prestone Philippines, the leading manufacturer of cutting-edge coolants and brake fluids in the country.With authorities keeping NCR Plus (Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal) and three other areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine until May 14, Prestone encourages motorists to do the necessary preparations and keep their cars in its best shape for a safer journey.

However, one crucial car part you need to check, especially this season, is your car's brake system. When checking every part of your brake system, remember the importance of brake fluids since it keeps the brake system's moving parts lubricated, metal components protected from corrosion, and hoses and seals remain in good condition.

Brake fluids are also susceptible to scorching heat. It can lead to unwanted water absorption to the fluid –its arch-nemesis. When brake fluids absorb water, it can decrease their boiling point and heighten the risk of a spongy feeling in the pedal or complete brake failure.

Worn-out brake fluid can also endanger vehicles with Auto-Brake Systems (ABS) since its components are sensitive to moisture. So, make sure to keep your brake fluid fresh and use the best-quality, assuring product that's perfect for your car.

Prestone's DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluid is built for systems that require high-temperature DOT 4 brake fluid. It exceeds specifications, with dry boiling point of >260C and wet boiling point of >165C, providing unmatched performance in high-temperature braking systems which provides corrosion protection for all metals within the braking system. It is suitable for disk, drum, and ABS brakes and compatible with most car models in the market now.

Beyond brake system care, give your vehicles double protection from the summer heat with the Prestone’s new Asian Ready-to-Use Coolant Range, coming in three variants: Asian RED, Asian BLUE, and Asian GREEN. It is specially formulated with POAT (Phosphate Organic Acid Technology) formula that best suits your specific car make and model, providing superior boil over and corrosion protection.

Other than your car’s brake system, remember to check your car’s BLOCBAGETS to make sure you are extra safe on the road, such as:
  • Brake Fluid – Ensure only genuine and quality brake fluid is in your system for reliable braking power.
  • Lights – Make sure all car lights from headlights, taillights, and turn signals are bright clear.
  • Oil – Check on your car’s oil and other fluids to make sure it is fresh and at the right level.
  • Coolant – Fill your engine with the right coolant to avoid over heating.
  • Battery – Remember to keep your car battery fully charged, clean and properly installed.
  • Air – Ensure that your tires have the right air pressure to be ready for a steady ride.
  • Gas – Make sure your car has fresh gas and a full tank of it.
  • Engine – Make sure it works smoothly consistently without weird sounds.
  • Tires – Check your tires any signs of flatness to avoid road incidents.
  • Self – Last but not the least, make sure you have the right mindset, and you are well rested when driving on the road.

Prestone also wants to remind motorists to stay cautious with the products they use on their vehicles, especially brake fluids that are possibly old or counterfeit. Using fake brake fluids can permanently damage or overheat your vehicle's engine and cause it to lose its brake, leading to accidents.

Watch out for sellers offering products that come from unknown sources and with suspicious prices and discounts. To know its authenticity, check the product's details, look for any imperfections, and ensure it has a PS mark or ICC stickers issued by the Philippines' Bureau of Product Standards. Many counterfeit products also have 900ml packaging.

To know more information about Prestone Philippines, visit their website, https://www.prestone.com.ph/ and follow their Facebook page, Prestone Philippines.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Making Your Christmas Travel Safe and Secured

Prestone

Pasig, Philippines—December 18,2020— Like many traditional holidays, Christmas will be completely different this year as Filipinos brace for a non-traditional celebration since mass gatherings and parties remain restricted due to the pandemic.

As quarantine guidelines loosen, on the other hand, people can now visit malls, restaurants, and shops if they abide by specific safety protocols to prevent the further spreading of the virus.

With travel still possible for Filipinos, Prestone Philippines, the leading manufacturer of cutting-edge coolants and brake fluids in the country, reminds motorists of the importance of keeping their vehicles in good shape to have safe journeys this holiday season. Before embarking on your trip, the company encourages us to check on your vehicles and if possible, undergo preventive maintenance.

Following your vehicle's preventive maintenance schedule (PMS) can help ensure that it stays safe and in tiptop condition. It maintains that it has no engine leaks or irregular noises that can be signs of problems, as well as keeps its oil and coolant at the right levels. It also reminds you to charge your vehicle's battery and keep its terminals clean.

Other than engine parts, PMS also helps make certain other parts of your vehicle are in good shape. For instance, ensuring your tires are fresh or still in good condition, inspecting your vehicle's auto lights, and ensuring that your vehicle's brake is not too loose and ready for road travel.

Prestone also ensures that motorists' products are high-quality and dependable fluids to ensure your vehicle remains safe and in good condition. For instance, the company's Asian Coolant Range provides instant protection to all Asian-made engines. It optimizes engine temperature and protects parts from rust and corrosion.

They also provide an Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) designed to meet or exceed many cars' needs on today's road. It can help delay or eliminate the need for costly repairs by assisting to stop leaks and condition dry and cracked seals. Their Power Steering Fluid (PSF) also helps maintain smooth power steering operation while fighting leaky seals for vehicles.

One of the company's best products is its Prestone DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluid built for systems that require high-temperature DOT 4 brake fluid. It exceeds specifications, provides excellent performance in high-temperature braking systems, and provides corrosion protection for all metals within the braking system. It is suitable for disk, drum, and ABS brakes.

Prestone also wants to remind motorists to stay cautious with the products they use on their vehicles, especially brake fluids that are possibly old or counterfeit. Using fake brake fluids can permanently damage or overheat your vehicle's engine and cause it to lose its brake, leading to accidents.

To know its authenticity, check the product's details and look for any imperfections, and ensure it has a PS mark or ICC stickers issued by the Bureau of Product Standards of the Philippines. Many counterfeit products also have 900ml packaging.

"We all surely want a joyful and warm Christmas celebration this year, especially with all the challenges we have experienced. So, we should make sure the products we use in our vehicles are high-quality and safe. Watch out for brake fluid sellers whose products come from unknown sources. Familiarize yourself with the product's original price to know products with suspicious prices and discounts. High-quality products are more important than cheap but low-quality products to ensure safe travels," said Paolo Lao, marketing director of Prestone Philippines.

To know more information about Prestone Philippines, visit their website, https://www.prestone.com.ph/ and follow their Facebook page, Prestone Philippines.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual: A Compelling Esport Experience for Michelin

Michelin Tyres

The first-ever Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual saw Rebellion Williams [sport claim first place with its N°1 car shared by Deletraz / Marciello / Wisniewski / Brzezinski. Pole-sitters Dillmann / Guerrieri / Simoncic / Pedersen (N°4 ByKolles Burst Esport) were second past the chequered flag, ahead of the N°13 Rebellion Williams Esport foursome (Canapino / Aitken / Arana / Romanidis). The GTE class was won by Porsche Esports Team which emerged as the category's dominant squad in qualifying. The top prize was secured by the W93 Porsche 911 RSR of Tandy / GOven / Rogers / Ostgaard thanks to a surefooted performance. Interestingly, British driver Nick Tandy can now claim to have won Le Mans' GTE class with Porsche and Michelin in both the real world and 'virtually'. Second in class went to the N°95 Aston Martin (Thiim / Westbrook / Sorensen / Biancolilla), while R8G Esports Team's N°80 Corvette (Juncadella /Beche / Jayovski / Kappet) took third. All these cars contested the race on 'virtual' Michelin tyres.


Not only did the realism of the rFactor2 software employed for the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual provide endurance racing fans with a welcome chance to enjoy their favourite discipline once more after the recent halt to real-world motorsport, but it also gave video game fans an opportunity to discover motor racing from a fresh perspective that introduced them to the important role that tyres play in motorsport.

Michelin Tires

Close, spectacular, realistic racing


Buoyed by a field of 50 cars and 200 topflight racing drivers and sim racers, the show provided by the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual lived up every bit to its promise. Drivers from different forms of racing and top names from the world of endurance racing teamed up with a line-up of sim racing stars to showcase their professionalism not only during their respective pre-race preparations but also in the course of the twice-around-the-clock race itself. The result was a gripping fight between the successive leaders who all chose similar race strategies and the gaps at the end were extremely close.

As expected, the teams with the strongest reputations took turns in front and took the two 'virtual' red-flag interruptions that bunched up the field in their stride. Thanks to the quality of the coverage and the work put into the event by its organiser, the ACO (Automobile Club de l'Ouest), it was easy to forget at times that this wasn't actually the real thing. "The inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual was a resounding success," says Michelin Motorsport Director Matthieu Bonardel.

There is always room for improvement, but I would like to thank everyone at Michelin Motorsport, as well as all the staff at the ACO and the FIA World Endurance Championship who put so much effort into this project. Michelin's business is advancing continuously on the digital front and we are delighted today to have had this opportunity to reach out to a new audience thanks to the Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual."

An even more detailed understanding of our 'virtual' tyres

The drivers were swift to acclaim Michelin's tyres after qualifying and their praise continued during the race as they paid tribute to the realism of the feedback replicated via the steering wheel, and notably the difference between the feeling of the different compound options. As in the real Le Mans 24 Hours, their strategies were based on the use of either hard or medium tyres during the early stages of the race, before switching to the softer option for the cooler hours of darkness. On Sunday morning, as the temperature started to climb to exceed 20°C again, they returned to the medium compound, and then the hard tyre.

In contrast to the real Le Mans 24 Hours, however, where multi-stinting the same set of tyres is commonplace, this tactic wasn't a feature of the virtual race. This was due on the one hand to the fact that the teams didn't have a maximum allocation of tyres for the race, whereas numbers are capped in the real world. On the other, the simulated time allowed for tyre changes was relatively short, so there was little to gain from staying on the same rubber for more than one stint. Meanwhile, the wear-rates factored in by the software were higher than in reality. The game effectively reproduced a cost of two seconds per lap (one stint equivalent to approximately 10 laps) due to wear, whereas — in reality — Michelin's tyres deliver consistent lap times from the start to the end of runs of up to four stints at a time Michelin hopes to be able to work with the rFactor2 platform's designers so that competing teams have a broader spectrum of possible strategies in the future while demonstrating the consistency of its tyres' performance more fully.

A resounding worldwide success and new contacts for Michelin

Given that the Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual allowed motor racing enthusiasts to enjoy the action in the virtual company of video game fans who often have little interest in real motorsport, Michelin saw its involvement in the race as a chance to reach out to a wider audience which was able to discover the importance of the role played by tyres not only in real life racing but also, by extrapolation, on their road cars. The quality of the race's video coverage kept millions of fans captivated across the world, with viewing figures boosted by Michelin's own social media teams who provided live streaming of the race on Michelin and Michelin Motorsport's Facebook pages in 30 countries. Meanwhile, the teaser video posted by the French firm ahead of the race attracted by 1.3 million views on Instagram alone, plus another 450,000 on YouTube and 155,000 on Facebook.

Michelin's involvement in the inaugural Le Mans 24 Hours Virtual asserts its commitment to eSports and, in September, it will be looking to follow up by extending its current unbeaten record in the real race to 23 victories in a row since 1998.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Phoenix Supports Sports Car for a Cause


Shiny, fast automobiles may be an expensive hobby but indulging in them gains more meaning with events such as the 3rd Sports Car for a Cause street car show, sponsored by Phoenix Petroleum and FamilyMart.

This year’s event was held on February 9 along 4th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, where proceeds benefited the Sister of Mary Schools and Fr. Al’s Children Foundation Inc., institutions that aim to help Filipino youth attain a better future through proper learning and education.

Students from the Sister of Mary Schools expressed their gratitude and serenaded the audience with choir singing accompanied by instrumental bells. Special guest entertainer Sitti also lent the event a relaxed, cool vibe with her bossa nova numbers.


Nearly a hundred car enthusiasts, including special guests comprised of ambassadors and consuls of various countries, were delighted by an impressive collection of high-end sports and classic cars from iconic luxury brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche.

Phoenix PULSE fuel items and merchandise were raffled off, and motorists were introduced to the superior line of Phoenix lubricants suitable for super cars, such as the those featured at the show. Free FamilyMart Coffee Creations samples were also handed out to attendees, providing their caffeine fix.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Press Statement of Secretary Ramon Lopez on the Closure of the Honda Car Production Facility in PH


We just learned today the announcement from Honda. We were told that they had to optimize the allocation and distribution of their resources in the region, which led them to decide to close the assembly of Honda City and BR-V models in Sta Rosa Laguna.

In other words, they may be facing challenges in keeping the cost competitiveness of their local assembly operations. We are meeting them on Monday to consider other alternative options so as to minimize the impact of any final decision they will make.

The cost structure of their local car assembly, which has about 380 workers, is basically challenged and there’s no tariff protection, thus making imports of vehicles as a cheaper alternative. Vehicle imports have been growing, causing injury to local industry, from assembly to the local parts supply network in the country.

Thus we really have to study the need to impose safeguard duty and other measures to provide at least a level of support to the local assemblers.