Hot Take: Brake Systems Fail Under the Scorching Heat

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.

BLOCBAGETS: A Way to a Worry-free Undas Travels

Quezon City, Philippines – October 2019 – If you are among the thousands of Filipinos who will travel to the province this long weekend in time for Undas (All Saints Day), then you need to ensure that your car is properly equipped and in tip-top condition for a safe and stress-free travel.

This Undas, PRESTONE, is joining anew the NLEX Corporation’s “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko,” an assistance program that aims to provide hassle-free travel experience to motorists traversing the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

To help you prepare for a safer and more convenient journey, PRESTONE, trusted brand of Coolant, Brake Fluid, and Engine Oil, is also here to remind you to look closely at your BLOCBAGETS. This handy mnemonic stands for Brakes, Lights, Oil, Coolant, Battery, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, and Self. Simply put, it’s all the things you need to check before using your car for a long drive to prevent accidents or breakdowns.

Brake. To check if your brake system is not faulty, you should push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. It should not feel spongy and have little to no resistance. Make sure your BRAKE FLUID and other parts are still in good condition. Otherwise, you need to let a mechanic check if you are due for parts replacement, cleaning, or flush & fill of brake fluid.

Lights. Inspect your auto lights, such as the headlights, turn signal signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and tail lights, to ensure safety for nighttime driving. To confirm if they are working properly, test all the lights and check if the light beam reflects on the wall. It also pays to check your lights for dirt, cracks, and breakage. If there will be any, have you’re them cleaned or fixed.

Oil. Cars need oil to lubricate its small engine components. Checking your engine’s oil level and color is important to keep the engine working and to prevent dealing with expensive repairs. When oil is below the minimum level, it’s time to refill. Look for leaks, as well, since they signify that your car is losing oil quickly.

Coolant. Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. If you want to prevent the overheating nightmare, then a simple check if your car has the right level of Coolant can save the day.

Battery. Before you get in your car, make sure that your battery is well-charged and has clean terminals. Also, check if the cable-to-terminal connection is placed. By doing so, you can be sure to prevent being stuck on the roadside because your battery dies in the middle of your driving.

Air. Your car’s tires should always be properly inflated to prevent accidents and decreased fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if the tire, regardless if it is old or new, have the right inflation.

Gas. Do not forget to check your fuel level through the fuel gauge before taking your car for a drive. Ensuring a full gas tank, especially during long drives, can save you from the stress of looking for a gas station or being stuck in the middle of the road.

Engine. Check for engine problems, such as leaks and other sounds like pinging, tapping, knocking, or any weird noise, which may hint at any issues. If any of these are present, then better have a mechanic check it.

Tire. Worn-out tires can lead to accidents. Before a long trip, check your tires for bumps, tears, and other signs of damage.

Self. Lastly, you should also be well-prepared for a long drive. Make sure that you are physically and emotionally fit to drive—free from sickness, dizziness, alcohol, and tiredness (sleep well before the long drive).
To help you with your auto care needs, PRESTONE will be providing FREE TOP Ups and 5-minute Vehicle Check in specific locations along NLEX, SCTEX, and CAVITEX.

From October 30 to November 3, 2019, 6 AM to 6 PM, visit the PRESTONE roadside SMSK motorist camps in SCTEX Floridablanca Lay-by (Subic bound) and CAVITEX Paranaque toll plaza and Kawit toll plaza.

PRESTONE will also be present in Petron Lakeshore along NLEX Outbound, Mexico Pampanga; Caltex Mega Station in NLEX-SB, San Felipe, San Fernando, Pampanga; and Shell of Asia in E1, Guiguinto, Bulacan to provide additional information as well as exciting games and freebies.

If you want to grab exciting deals, PRESTONE product will also be available through its STMSK in Caltex Drive and Dine along NLEX Valenzuela, Metro Manila.

To know more about PRESTONE and the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” campaign, visit its website at www.prestone.com.ph.

Prestone Holds Anew Its ‘Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko’

Quezon City, Philippines – April 11, 2019 – Prestone, a leading innovator of cutting-edge coolants, brake fluid, and motor oils, announced today the launch of its Prestone Roadside Assistance program in time for the Holy Week from April 17 to 21.

The program is in support of the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” project of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC,) which aims to promote and ensure the safety of drivers traveling back to provinces via MPTC-owned expressways during the holiday.

Those who will pass through the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) from Holy Wednesday (April 17), Maundy Thursday (April 18), Black Saturday (April 20), and Easter (April 21), will be assisted by Prestone mechanics at designated stops. This year, Prestone will also provide services to assess vehicular engines in a bid to lessen road accidents during Holy Week.

Prestone booths will offer brake fluid efficiency testing to motorists and administer free top-ups to ensure the safety of drivers with B.L.O.C.B.A.G.E.T.S, a preventive routine that inspects the level of coolants in engines while checking the system for leaks or other issues.

Twisting the familiar B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S, a mnemonic coined by the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG,) Prestone seeks to improve the reminder by replacing “water” with “coolant,” highlighting its importance in ensuring trouble-free driving experience. B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S. means Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brake, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire and Self.

“While the B.L.O.W.B.A.G.E.T.S. procedure helps drivers assess the status of their vehicles, we believe that one aspect can be improved. Instead of checking the water in your radiator, focusing on effective coolants is a key measure to prevent overheating, especially now that we experience El Niño. So for worry-free driving, we invite drivers to drop by our Prestone B.L.O.C.B.A.G.E.T.S. booths during our road assistance,” said Monique Gonzales, brand manager of Prestone.

Prestone emphasizes the value of anti-freeze properties in coolants to prevent overheating. The shift in focus improves the careful maintenance to prevent accidents and vehicular breakdown, especially with the combination of a tropical climate and long-distance travels.

Coolants flow through the engine’s critical areas, absorbing heat as it passes the radiator and releasing it out the exchanger. Poor quality coolants or water is not enough to assure the system’s regulation of heat.

Aside from top-ups, Prestone will continue to provide free roadside assistance for vehicles this holiday. This includes overall check-up, change oil and troubleshooting of engines.

“Many motorists often forget to check their cars before traveling, which can lead to road challenges. We are happy to once again be a part of this initiative and provide safety assistance to lessen accidents. This program is our way of continuing our strong safety commitment through our excellent products and services,” said Gonzales.

Since 1927, Prestone has been innovating and improving its products for the safety and protection of the Filipino motorists for a worry-free and hassle-free driving every day.

To know more about PRESTONE and its Roadside Assistance program, visit its website atwww.prestone.com.ph.

Honda Commences Environmental Sustainability Projects in Romblon

Striving to realize a sustainable society, Honda Motor Co. Ltd., developed the Mobile Power Pack which can charge renewable energy as power source for electric devices that are necessary for people’s daily lives, including electric mobility products. Honda is expanding its efforts toward the realization of “local generation and local consumption of energy” and a “carbon-free society” by combining technologies to “generate”, “get connected” and “use” for energy.

Last 2017, Honda has conducted the demonstration testing of the Mobile Power Pack in Asia, and in the Philippines is Romblon Island, located in the Southern Tagalog region, particularly near the islands of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Palawan. In Romblon, diesel power generation is the primary source of energy while it is therefore overly dependent on high-cost and high-CO2 energy. Aside from the fact that Romblon is also facing a challenge in ensuring stable power supply while accommodating electricity needs with large fluctuations in day-night demand.

For this demonstration testing, Komaihaltec which jointly conducted this testing with Honda, installed a wind power generator that generates clean energy. Honda installed an Exchanger where surplus electricity will be stored in the Mobile Power Packs to realize highly-efficient energy use, through which the two companies will strive to realize a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Soon in Romblon, Honda will utilize PCX ELECTRIC as an electric mobility product which can be installed with the Mobile Power Pack to collaborate with wind power generator as renewable energy source in the island.

The PCX ELECTRIC is an electric motorized scooter. Two Mobile Power Pack units enable the PCX ELECTRIC to travel up to 41km (60km/h steady state test) on a single charge. It maintains the PCX series’ easy-to-handle size and comfortable riding position to realize comfortable and elegant riding. It also maintains the advanced features such as the stylish All-LED lights, and Honda SMART Key System which allows the rider to unlock the main switch knob by simply approaching the scooter without removing the smart key from their garment.

Honda looks forward to the continuous innovation of its products to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and carbon-free environment.

For more information, visit https://hondaph.com/ or follow Honda’s official Facebook page at Honda Philippines, Inc.

Honda PH Celebrates ONE DREAM, Showcases Latest Models in the Riders Convention 2018 – Visayas Leg

Mandaue City, Cebu – Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI,) the number one motorcycle manufacturer in the Philippines, holds the third and final leg of the Honda Riders Convention 2018 at the Tent, Mandani Bay, F.E. Zuellig Avenue, Mandaue City, Cebu, where motorcycle riders and enthusiasts gathered for a day of fun-filled activities that celebrates the camaraderie and support of Honda riders to HPI. It is one of the many activities HPI holds under the ONE DREAM campaign, which imparts the accomplishment of the Filipino’s dreams through their products.

One of the highlights of the event is the launching of Honda’s latest models in various categories –such as the CRF150L and RS150R for the Sports category, the the New XRM125 Motard for the Cub category, and finally for the Scooters, the All-New PCX150,  CLICK125i and CLICK150i. These have exciting new designs and features that are suited to the various Filipinos’ riding needs.

Thrill seekers looking for fearless outdoor adventures were excited with the unveiling of the New CRF150L’s newest color variant Black. It is built for maximum handling performance and powered by the same powerful 150cc engine, complete with a PGM-Fi system that delivers a high off-road performance.

For the sportier riders, Honda unveiled the new color variants of the RS150R— Valiant Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic—with refreshed sporty racing image. It maintains its body design that is agile at high speeds and easy to maneuver for daily commutes, as well as its MotoGP DNA, 6-speed, Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC,) 150cc, liquid-cooled, engine.

Fans of Honda’s XRM125 series—the legendary underbone model that has been a best seller through the years— were pleased with the refreshed stripes design of the XRM125 Motard type in both Fighting Red and Tangerine Orange color variants for more style on the streets.

HPI also boasts of the All-New PCX150, which exudes class and style while delivering a premium performance and having an economic fuel consumption of 51.3km/L. This high-end scooter was built to be sophisticated to the smallest details with its advanced features, such as the keyless ignition, Anti-Theft Alarm, and Answer Back System, Full LCD Dashboard, All-LED Lighting equipment with Hazard Lamp, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS,) ACG Starter and Idling Stop System, and more.

Finally, Honda unleashed the recently launched game changing scooters, starting with the All-New CLICK125i which is powered by a 125cc Liquid-Cooled, PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power and an ACG starter, making the model fuel efficient at 53 km/L. It also has the Combi Brake System (CBS)for added safety. Its new design makes a bold statement with its modern bold decals and All LED Lighting System. It comes at an affordable price of PHP74,900.

Following it is the All-New CLICK150i, powered by a 150cc, Liquid-cooled, PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power, ACG Starter and Idling Stop System, which gives the bike a fuel economy of 52km/L. Like the All-New CLICK125i, it also has the CBS. For more convenience and added security, the model also brims with advanced features namely the keyless ignition, Anti-Theft Alarm, and Answer Back System. This premium scooter is priced at PHP95,900.

“The support [of Honda Riders] reminds us that we must continue to create the best products and latest innovations to continuously support your lifestyle,” said Hervic Villa, Department Manager of Motorcycle Sales Office about the latest models launched during the convention. “It motivates us to bring you best products, services and events.

Other activities for the convention include test ride activity, Riders Skills Challenge, Motor Show, “Riders Got Talent” competition and the “Miss Honda Riders Con 2018” segment. With this, Honda concludes its series of Riders Conventions throughout the year, having previously held legs in Luzon and Mindanao which similarly gathered thousands of riders in celebration of the ever-growing Honda family.

For more updates, visit www.hondaph.com and stay updated with the latest in the world of Honda motorcycles by going to www.facebook.com/hondaph.

Honda Asian Journey Kick Off

The Honda Group of Companies in the Asia & Oceania region today kicked off the “Honda Asian Journey 2018,” a Honda big bike caravan that will cruise down Peninsular Malaysia from November 2 to November 4, 2018, ending up at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) event.

Once again, over 60 riders comprised of customers, journalists, Honda dealers, and associates from six countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and India, will experience the fun and joy of riding Honda big bikes all the way to the destination, the Sepang International Circuit.

The journey started at Stadium Batu Kawan in Penang, a northwest state of Malaysia, where all riders gathered for safe riding training and to warm up on over 60 Honda big bikes they will experience during the journey, such as the new Goldwing, Africa Twin, CB1000R, and CB1100. The caravan then kicked off by travelling to Cameron Highlands, where a scenic landscape awaited the riders to enjoy while cruising.

The itinerary of the Honda Asian Journey 2018 is:

November 2:   The caravan kicks off with a ride from Penang to Cameron Highlands,a mountainous district in Malaysia’s Pahang state.

November 3:  Ride from Cameron Highlands to Putrajaya, the federal administrative center,to attend a welcome dinner featuring an exclusive appearance by MotoGP riders, including 2018 Champion, Marc Marquez.

November 4:  Ride to Sepang International Circuit for the MotoGP race along with hundreds of other Honda customers to cheer for the Honda GP riders in the Malaysia MotoGP.

The following Honda Group of Companies in the Asia & Oceania region are hosting the Honda Asian Journey 2018:

- Boon Siew Honda Sdn. Bhd. (Malaysia)

- PT Astra Honda Motor (Indonesia)

- A.P. Honda Co., Ltd. (Thailand)

- Honda Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Vietnam)

- Honda Philippines Inc. (The Philippines)

- Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt., Ltd. (India)

- Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., regional headquarters for the Honda Asia & Oceania region.

Total distance:  Approximately 490 kilometers.

Honda models: Goldwing GL1800, F6C, Africa Twin CRF1000L, CB1000R, CB1100 series, Rebel 500, CTX1300,  VFR1200X, NC750 series, CBR650F, CB650F, CBR500R, CB500 series

Information about and photos of the Honda Asian Journey 2018 can be found using the official hashtag #hondaasianjourney on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Road Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Undas

Thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to their respective provinces in observance of Undas. Some of those who will traverse the road will be driving with their cars. For long trips, it is especially important to make sure that the car is properly equipped and in good condition for safe driving.

This Undas, PRESTONE, a leading innovator of cutting-edge coolants, brake fluid, and motor oils, is joining the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” project of Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), where they will be providing assistance to motorists who will pass through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

For a safer and convenient travel, PRESTONE shared safety tips to promote and ensure the safety of travelers heading to their provinces.

Prepare a list of emergency hotlines

Some unavoidable circumstances may occur while on the road, so take note of these emergency phone numbers that you can easily connect to when the need arises. Some of the hotlines you can call for assistance are: North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) hotlines - (02) 3-5000 and (02) 580-8910; Twitter: @NLEXtraffic; Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) hotlines - (0920) 96-SCTEX (72839) (traffic hotline) or (045) 459-0522; Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) hotlines - (02) 825- 400, call and text hotline: 0942-822-8489.

Don’t forget your BLOWBAGETS

Ever heard of BLOWBAGETS? It probably sounds funny, but it is, actually, an acronym for the things you should check before heading out: battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and self.

Aside from using water, you should also use a coolant, a fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. Using the right coolant for your engine will provide the ultimate cooling system protection to avoid overheating, rust, and corrosion.

Whether you’re just driving to work or going on a long trip to the province, try to make it a habit to inspect your car. By checking your BLOWBAGETS, you get to ensure a safe and trouble-free trip.

Set aside money for food and accommodation

You might find yourself spending hours stuck in the madness of traffic jams on your way to the province. Long drives can be quite tricky, so consider preparing filling grubs like sandwiches before heading out. There are also stopovers on the way, so fill your stomach so you won’t be hungry while on the road.

As such, some trips can last for more than 12 hours, which can be exhausting especially for the person driving. Don’t force yourself to traverse the road and try to look into cheap accommodation where you can stay for the night—or day.

Prepare gasoline and auto care needs

Making sure your car is in good condition before any trip is important. Try to take your car to a mechanic if it needs work or maintenance before heading out.  Consider estimating your cost for gas as well so you can already set aside money.

To help you with your auto care needs, PRESTONE will be providing products and services in specific designations so that the safety and security of all travelers will be safeguarded.

From October 31 to November 4, 2018, 6 AM to 6 PM, PRESTONE will be providing mechanic service at SMSK motorists camps in SCTEX Floridablanca Lay-by (Subic bound) and CAVITEX Paranaque toll plaza and Kawit toll plaza.

PRESTONE will also offer brake fluid efficiency testing at SCTEX-Floridablanca Lay-by and CAVITEX-Kawit toll plaza from the said date.

To know more about PRESTONE and the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” campaign, visit its website at www.prestone.com.ph.

Honda Philippines Concludes 14th National Motorcycle Mechanics Skills Olympic

Honda has always been the trusted brand with technologically advanced motorcycles and exceptional customer service. Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) and its dealer networks work hand-in-hand to ensure top quality services by training its dedicated workforce. This is Honda’s way to make certain mechanics are growing, alongside technological advancements and more importantly, customer expectations.

Every year, HPI holds a competition for dealer mechanics from all over the Philippines to gauge their expertise.  This year’s finalists was composed of:

1      Mr. Alberto Alabar of Du Ek Sam Talisay City2      Mr. Jun Mar Suplio of Jied Motohaus Mati

3      Mr. Jared Yanga of Guanzon Merchandising Caloocan City

4      Mr. Sherald Anthony Publico of Desmark Corporation Calinan

5      Mr. Arnyl Librea of Desmark Corporation Tagum City

6      Mr. Mark John Blas of Desmark Corporation Calamba City

7      Mr. Jussel Bargamento of United Motoliance Guihulngan

8      Mr. Henry Balais of Motortrade Topline Guimba

9      Mr. Regnes Arenas of Desmark Corporation Tuburan

10   Mr. Jester Monsanto of Summit Superbikes Candelaria

11   Mr. Norman Nueva of Desmark Corporation San Pedro Davao City

12   Mr. Lou Jaysson Landicho of Honda Prestige Traders Incorporated 

After competing in the National Finals for 3 years, Jun Mar Suplio of Jied Motohaus Mati reigned supreme this year and became the Grand Champion.  He received a Brand New CB150R and will be pairing up with last year’s winner to represent HPI in the Asia Oceania Mechanic Skills Olympics on December 2018 in Indonesia.  Mark John Blas from Desmark Corporation, Calamba City won 1^st Runner-Up while Lou Jaysson Landicho of Honda Prestige Commonwealth won 2^nd Runner-Up.

            The Skills Olympics is more than just a competition, it is a stage built for these mechanics to showcase their expertise and recognize their potentials to become the best in their field, uplifting the level of respect for these mechanics and strengthening its claim to not only produce world-class quality motorcycles but world-class quality mechanics as well.

            HPI partakes not just in the realization of every mechanic’s dream, but to every Filipino’s ONE DREAM. For more information, visit their official website –www.hondaph.com