Understanding Modern Cars and their Language- II. Review on General Tips on Buying a Car

Please read my earlier review on similar title to understand this better:

Technical Jargons and What they Imply:

There are a number of new technical terms and modern gadgets associated with  the manufacturing of modern cars  which are also presented in the manufacturers’ technical literatures. Average buyer of cars do not bother much about this, but these days, when there is a buyer’s market  for  cars, and when there are pressures on the potential buyer for a this car or that, buying  decision shall be based on/after a careful analysis of the technical advantage and disadvantage of each brand or model, with specific reference to ones needs or tastes or budget. The following terms used in the literatures  are too important to be ignored:

FUNCTIONAL:

1.  Wiper Speeds:

If the wiper works at constant single speed, you will not be able to drive safely during drizzling, since the wiper will scratch the windshield if the car picks up muds and dusts  during the drive, from the vehicle running before you. Intermittent speed permits water to accumulate on the windshield and wiping will be smooth if done after a delay. Similarly during heavy rain the wiper speed shall be much faster. Therefore it is essential to have two speeds plus a slow intermittent speed.

1. Trip Meter;

This will enable you to calculate the mileage and also will facilitate monitoring the driver’s Trip Sheet more accurately, in case you engage a driver. Any misuse can be easily diagnosed.

1. Power Steering:

For people with problems of health, like Angina on stress, driving with mechanical steering will be risky especially while negotiating in narrow roads, and passing through narrow lanes……common feature in Indian Villages. Power Steering makes U-Turn  on  medium roads, a very light job.

1. Turning Radius:

This indicates the capability of the car to take a full turn and the diameter covered at full twist of the wheels is called the Turning Circle. Usually a Radius of 4.5 meters is very ideal but is shall not exceed 5. With  Radius of 4.5 you will be able to U turn easily on a 50 feet wide road.

1. Rear Window Wiper and Defroster:

This is as important as your front wiper since safe driving depends on your attention on the rear vision. If there is fog or rain drops on the read windscreen, you may be hit be the closely  following vehicle, when you apply brake. A very common feature on Indian roads.

1. Front Fog Lamps:

These help you identify potholes, during heavy rain and stagnant water on the road at night.

1. Suspension:

McPherson Strut Suspension with Coil Springs and Air filled Shock Absorbers ensure you a noiseless, smooth drive as against leaf spring  suspension.

1. Sequential Electronic Multi Point Fuel Injection Vs. Single Point Fuel Injection System:

The first is microprocessor controlled and injects just enough fuel needed for your driving commands through accelerator, judged by the gear you have engaged, and the running speed etc., and does not just open the fuel as per your acceleration. This is most economical and there is no wastage of fuel. The second is similar to the first one, but fuel distribution is through a single vent to all the cylinders and therefore, it will take a little time for the pick up response.

1. Power to Weight Ratio:

The empty(kerb) weight of the vehicle and the engine power shall match together to give optimum performance. The power should be higher against its weight load, for strain free performance of the engine. The weight of the car determines the stability and safety. Mostly Japanese Brands are of light weight while those from Europe like Opel, BMW, Ford, and Fiat etc are of heavy construction with stability and comforts. Weight also helps in braking power, without the car  going out of track on sudden braking needs.

10.  Engine Torque:

Torque is a measure of resistance to power and it is high at the initial R.P.M of engine. It shall be high at first three  gears at low r.p.m. so that the engine picks up speed within seconds of applying or changing gears. Thus a 120Nm at 3000 r.p.m. is preferable over 100 Nm at 4000 r.p.m. Torque should come down to near zero on fourth and fifth gears to prove that the engine is smooth on top gear.

11.  Overdrive on 4th and 5th Gear:

A car that offers this facility will not produce engine knocking if driven at slow speed on 4th and 5th  gears.  Only expensive brands offer this at both 4th and 5th gears, while others offer only on the 5th  gear only. The former will be helpful in fuel saving at slow speeds and city driving.

11.  Wheel Base:

Wheel base is  the distance between the axis of front and rear wheels. The longer the wheel base, the more comfortable will be for the rear seat passengers. Also, check the position of the rear wheel and the rear seat in hatch back cars. Cars which have their rear wheels far behind the rear seat locations will not produce jolting and rocking for the passengers. Location of the seats just above the wheels will cause uncomfortable travel for the rear seat passengers.

1. Alloy Wheels:

Alloy wheels last longer than the sheet metal pressed wheels, which tend to misalign and deform after long run on rugged roads. Some models and brands offer Alloy Wheels as standard equipment. Palio 1.6 GTX offers this.

SAFETY FEATURES:

1.   Crumple Zone:

In the  cars that provide this will ensure that in the event of a crash, this zone absorbs the entire load and get damaged without passing on the shocks to the inmates. This is usually built in the front and rear side of the car with extra reinforcement.

2.   Side Impact Beams:

They  mean the reinforcement in the door panels to protect  the passengers in the event of an impact from the sides.

3.   Rear Spoilers:

This is a device in the cars of aerodynamic design, intended to direct the air in such way that the rear side travel is made more comfortable by pressurizing the tail side, to keep even-level on the road at high speed. Commonly found in Sports Versions.

4.   Fire Prevention System:

This facility prevents a fire hazard during an accident, by a microprocessor, which stops supply of fuel to the Fuel Injection Kit, when it senses a sudden impact on the car, at high speed.

While looking into the literatures of the cars, check for all these features, and any car that gives all these at an affordable price, it is the best choice.

Palio of Fiat India Limited(which is an International Model) offers all these in its hatchback version and it is the first of its kind in this segment.

Others who offer these are Ford, Opel, Honda and Siena in Higher  Segment cars, and they cost Rs. 1.25 to 2.5 lakhs more than Palio.

Palio 1.6 GTX is the ideal car for a luxury-loving family with added assurance on comforts and also safety. This car can be made economic by fixing LPG Kit, but the risk of LPG Kits, not assembled in the factory itself under rigid quality tests, will out weigh the other benefits of the car. Therefore, if one can afford, better not to touch the fuel system.