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.

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.

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.