In preparation for the Holy Week exodus, Bosch provided free diagnostic services and safety checks for motorists via the pilot phase of the Bosch Car Service (BCS) Clinic held at the Fort Entertainment Plaza in Bonifacio Global City. The two-day car clinic last March 27 and 28 drew local motorists to the parking lot fronting the NBC Tent where BCS partner Top Gear Auto Service provided free mechanical, electrical and diagnostics services.

Among the Philippines’ 6 million registered vehicles, some 2.8 million are registered in Metro Manila. While Bosch conservatively estimated that half of Metro Manila vehicles were used for travelling during the Holy Week season, it is even more inherent that motorists be mindful of their vehicles’ upkeep to ensure a trouble-free journey.

The car clinic program is tailored to address periodic and preventive maintenance issues by providing lube services including change of engine oil, tune-up and vehicle safety inspection, which covers the car’s suspension, steering, brakes, clutch and tires. On-hand during the event were Bosch-trained mechanics qualified to perform OE-quality services as with each of over 14,000 Bosch Service outlets worldwide.

“Through this year’s first leg of the Bosch Car Service Clinic, the company aims to promote not only road and driver safety but regular preventive maintenance as well,” according to Joseph Hong, Robert Bosch Inc. Managing Director and concurrent General Manager of its Automotive Aftermarket Division.

A thorough check

Aside from the regular change-oil, tune-up type of service, Bosch also performed a variety of electrical services including battery, starter and alternator testing as well as diagnostic services to check various engine parameters. On-site were some of Bosch’s latest sophisticated machinery, including a Windows-based ECU Diagnostic Tester (KTS 650) which is used for accessing the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and check for errors, resetting, idling and running conditions, as well as actuator response.

Also in tow were a Engine Analyzer (FSA 750) for checking mechanical-based parameters like engine timing, a Battery Tester (BAT 121) for accurate battery and alternators tests, a Battery Charger (BSL 2470) for rapid-start charging, and a Digital Multimeter (MMD 302) for numerous electrical parameters like resistance and voltage.

While installation services were also performed for Bosch accessories like horns, headlamp bulbs, relays and wipers, the BCS Clinic also provided free smoke emission tests via an Emission Analyzer (BEA 350) for checking gasoline and diesel emissions. This, in order to help motorists comply with the country’s Euro II standards, as regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“In response to the growing needs of Filipino motorists, likewise with rising environmental concerns over carbon emissions, Bosch endeavors to replicate the car clinic program in key cities nationwide,” said Hong, citing the need to raise awareness among Filipino motorists.

Motoring tips for the summer

• During seasons of extreme heat, as Filipinos are experiencing during this summer brought-on by El Niño, some car components like windshield wipers may become more vulnerable. Extreme heat can cause wipers to become brittle and scratch glass surfaces. It is important to choose a pair of wipers that is built with a "tropicalized" rubber compound that will withstand ultra-high temperatures.

• Bosch also recommends to regularly check a car’s cooling system, which works overtime during extreme heat. Engine auxiliary fans operate more frequently as prompted by temperature sensors. If the fans' performance is weakened due to deterioration, this will also compromise the cooling efficiency of the engine and the car's air conditioning unit.  Regularly checking a car's cooling system will prevent overheating as well as ensure the optimum performance of the aircon.

• Smaller components like radiator caps, engine thermostats and car batteries are also not to be overlooked. Reduced electrolyte levels in dry-charge (non- maintenance free) batteries will expose the plates and will weaken its capacity to store electrical energy. Regular top-ups will prolong the service life of car batteries.

• Finally, Bosch recommends vehicle health and safety checks since early detection and preventive maintenance always prove to be the cheaper and safer alternative. Vital components to check are braking systems, tires, cooling systems including radiators and aircons, batteries, ignition and energy (alternator) systems, and fluids (engine oil, coolants and brake fluid).