Inconclusive Test Results

The tests conducted on the fuel taken out of that car, which experienced engine ceasing after having been pumped a tank full of fuel from one of the service stations in the metro were inconclusive in pinpointing that indeed it was the fuel that caused the car to stall.

We would like to thank our readers; Bert del Mundo, Bobby Pangilinan, Ronald C. Camba and Michael H. Xavier for writing in their concerns about the possibility of having "adulterated fuel" being sold in the metro or anywhere in the country after we wrote about a complaint here in our column last May 7, 2003.

As we dug further into the issue we found out that many other factors may have caused the affected car to stall, to include the car itself, and the fact that the actual test conducted on the fuel involved was not conclusive in saying that it was indeed adulterated, on the contrary it actually met the set standards of acceptability.

But I’ll have to admit that there may indeed be some cases wherein adulterated fuel may have been inadvertently (due to water seepage or negligent handling) but not deliberately sold to the public in the metro. Now if you find yourself in such a situation I suggest you document everything — from purchase receipts and depositions from reliable witnesses to an actual test of the fuel to be done by an independent party (DOST is strongly suggested) to stand on firmer grounds and a stronger legal leg, should you decide to make a formal complaint or file for damages.

Having gone through the process of seeing through this complaint, I learned of the stringent measures and procedures that are strictly followed by oil firms and their service stations, especially the reputable ones, to ensure that only fuel, meeting the highest standards, are sold to the public.

Race time again for the media

It’s back to "dirt" for the media personalities and celebrities competing in the 2003 Civic Media Challenge. After having raced on tarmac surface in front of the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta during the last leg, it’s once again loose gravel and a lot of dust or worse sticky mud that await the competitors in the third round of this institutional motor sport event conceived and sponsored by Honda Cars Philippines.

This always much-awaited annual event that’s now on its 6th staging returns to the Liwasang Ipil-Ipil grounds at the CCP Complex with the tight battle between Team Manila Bulletin composed of veterans Pinky Colmenares, Anjo Perez, Aris Ilagan and Bernard de Lara and Team Philippine STAR with a veteran powerhouse combination of Manny delos Reyes, Andy Leuterio, Brian Afuang and Lester Dizon, a closely watched highlight. For individual driver’s honors Anjo, being the best driver for the past two rounds, seems to be a runaway winner despite spirited efforts of competition.

What’s also interesting to find out here is whether Mr. Arnel Doria, HCPI’s deputy head for marketing would again invoke the "seniority rule" as an excuse if his boss Honda Cars president Mr. Mitsunari Takano registers a better time for a novice than a 6-year racing veteran like Arnel-san.

Letters from our readers

From wwwinc.com our reader Jojo writes, "The DPWH can probably take a look at the new pre fabricated humps that China is now using. These humps are made of hardened rubber and steel frames and are just bolted to the road."

To begin with Jojo, I am so glad that finally someone from the government, in this case MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando, has realized that the putting up and the presence of humps in the metropolis should be rationalized. His move to take them out of main roads as they indeed hamper the flow of traffic is really very laudable, although there are still quite a slew of them in some busy roads, which I hope the MMDA would eventually scrape off. But I am also in favor of putting these humps in some areas, like on minor streets going into blind corners intersecting with major roads. This is because many "low IQ" drivers still have the penchant of going through "thru stop" streets without stopping despite the presence of signs. Now if these humps you are saying are indeed a lot cheaper, we hope the good MMDA chairman would consider looking into it. Thanks for writing.

From Mr. Manny Figuracion, "I am wondering if you have a computer software file on how to maintain my vehicle?"

Let me tell you Manny, that since I started our TV show Motoring Today sixteen years ago, I have been besieged with requests for a compilation of maintenance and trouble-shooting tips. There were even suggestions that I come up with a book, "Motoring Today Driving and Car Care Tips" for the benefit of many motoring enthusiasts and vehicle owners. Well, after more than a decade and a half of existence, I may finally accede to the clamor but this time through our website, which is in the process of being fully and completely developed. Watch out for it, I promise to let you know as soon as it’s online. Thanks for writing.

Mr. Lope Severino asks, "Since I need to only replace one worn out tire, would it be alright to have rear tires of different groove patterns?"

Well Lope, if you are not going to engage in competitive racing or other motor sport that would require the best-suited tires in order to participate, I guess you can have a set of rear tires with different groove patterns for everyday driving.

Pit Lane Notes

The inevitable has happened: Michael Schumacher has finally taken over the lead in the Driver’s Championship. Although Kimi Raikkonen has held the lead for the entire duration of the season, even McLaren fans knew at the back of their minds that it would just be a matter of time before Schumi snared it back.

The Canadian Grand Prix was one of the tightest races of the year. So tight in fact that only 1.3 seconds separated the top 3 drivers from each other. Fernando Alonso at fourth was only about 4 seconds behind. The Schumacher brothers played catch-up with each other practically right from the start of the grid. Although Juan Pablo Montoya was at pole, his first lap spin relegated Michael and Ralf to slug it out for first place. Ralf led for most of the first half but pitstop strategy eventually led to Michael taking the lead. Ralf was very disappointed with the finish because he had a huge chance of securing his first win of the season. But for the meantime, he should be content with his first podium finish of the year.

The Canadian Grand Prix is known to be one of the toughest circuits in the tour and the fact that only 11 drivers successfully finished Sunday’s race is proof of this. Many of the drivers were quite obviously pushing their cars to the limit — four retired with gearbox problems and a couple of them encountered motor troubles. David Coulthard capped a very disappointing weekend by pulling out in what appeared to be a routine pitstop. Many were surprised when he just pulled into the garage in lap 47. Olivier Panis secured his team’s first championship point of the season and Toyota must be pretty excited for that. Teammate Christianno Da Matta, however, was not as fortunate as he encountered suspension trouble. Justin Wilson was looking to have an amazing drive but unfortunately he was forced to retire on the 60th lap due to gearbox problems.

Schumi came in 1st, Ralf 2nd, Montoya 3rd, Alonso 4th, Rubens Barrichelo 5th, and Kimi finished 6th. Michael now leads the Driver’s Championship with 54 points, bur Raikkonen isn’t that far behind with 51.

The exciting highlights of the Canadian Grand Prix shall be featured on "Race Weekend" this Sunday on Motoring Today (11:30 AM, Channel 4 Manila and nationwide on the National Broadcasting Network).

Happy Motoring!!!

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