Q
how do i fix high fuel consumption
To tackle the problem of high fuel consumption, start by checking your vehicle's maintenance status. Make sure you're regularly replacing the air filter, spark plugs, and engine oil – worn-out versions of these parts directly hit fuel efficiency. And always stick to the oil viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which guzzles more fuel, so check your tire pressure at least once a month and keep it at the recommended level. Driving habits play a huge role too: avoid jackrabbit starts and hard braking, try to maintain a steady speed, and using cruise control on the highway can really help cut down on fuel use. Also, lighten the load – clean out that trunk and get rid of any unnecessary stuff you're hauling around; it all adds up. If the issue persists, it might be worth having the oxygen sensor, fuel injection system, or throttle body checked to ensure they're working properly – faults here can lead to incomplete fuel combustion.
Considering Malaysian road conditions, with the hot weather, we're all cranking up the AC a lot, which definitely takes a toll on fuel economy. Try bumping up the AC temperature a notch or using the recirculation mode to save a bit of fuel. Persistent high fuel consumption could be a sign that your car is getting on in years. If your vehicle is quite old, maybe it's time to think about upgrading to a more fuel-efficient model. A lot of modern cars these days come with hybrid technology or smaller turbocharged engines, which can significantly boost fuel economy.
Special Disclaimer: This content is published by users and does not represent the views or position of PCauto.
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Q
How often should I use wax on my car?
The frequency of car waxing should be determined based on the parking environment, climatic conditions, and the performance of the car wax. It is generally recommended to wax every 2 to 4 months. If the vehicle is parked in a garage for extended periods and road conditions are favorable, the interval can be extended to once every 3 to 4 months. For vehicles parked outdoors and exposed to sun and rain, the interval should be shortened to 2 to 3 months. In rainy seasons or areas with high humidity, the interval may be further adjusted to 1 to 2 months to protect against acid rain erosion. Wax should be reapplied promptly when the car body feels rough or the wax layer noticeably diminishes after 2 to 3 washes. New cars come with a factory-applied protective wax layer, so additional waxing is unnecessary for the first six months after purchase. The type of car wax (solid or liquid) does not affect its protective properties, though application methods differ. Liquid wax is more suitable for owners seeking convenience. Waxing not only enhances paint gloss but also provides water resistance, dust protection, and reduces static electricity. It is advisable to wax in a shaded area and avoid cleaners containing sodium chloride to safeguard the car's paint and rubber components.
Q
What happens if I don't wax my car?
Long-term failure to wax a car will accelerate the aging of the paint and cause various problems. The protective film formed by car wax effectively shields against ultraviolet rays, acid rain, and dust erosion. Without this protective layer, the paint surface will fade and turn yellow due to direct sunlight, which is particularly noticeable on white cars. Acidic substances in rainwater can penetrate the paint surface, forming water marks and dark spots, while metal parts may rust as water droplets focus sunlight. Additionally, increased static electricity on an unwaxed car body attracts more dust, making it prone to fine scratches from daily friction and harder to clean. From an economic standpoint, poor paint condition directly impacts the resale value of used cars. Although waxing isn't mandatory maintenance, regular application significantly extends the paint's lifespan. It's recommended every 3-4 months, with shorter intervals during rainy or high-temperature seasons. Opting for car wax containing polyurethane or ceramic components offers longer-lasting protection, while applying care to avoid rubber and plastic parts.
Q
What happens if you never wax your car?
Long-term failure to wax a car can have multiple impacts. The paint will age faster due to lack of protection, as ultraviolet rays, acid rain and pollutants directly erode the surface, causing fading, oxidation and loss of luster, which makes the vehicle appear aged. Additionally, unwaxed paint surfaces have increased friction, making them more prone to accumulating stubborn stains and harder to clean. Minor daily scratches are also more likely to leave marks.
From a practical standpoint, the absence of a wax layer reduces the vehicle's water resistance and anti-static properties. Rainwater may create a convex lens effect that burns the paint, while metal components become more susceptible to rust. Regarding used car value, paint condition is a critical assessment factor - the dullness and minor damage resulting from prolonged non-waxing directly impact resale prices.
It's advisable to select appropriate car wax based on usage conditions, such as UV-resistant or carnauba wax. Regular vehicles require waxing every 2-3 months, while garage-kept cars can extend to 4 months. Monitor water bead formation on the surface (uniform, round beads indicate good condition) to determine when rewaxing is needed. New vehicles shouldn't be waxed for the first five months to preserve the factory protective coating. Dark and light colored paints should use corresponding wax shades for optimal visual results.
Q
What is the main purpose of the exhaust system?
The main function of an automobile exhaust system is to efficiently process and discharge the exhaust gases generated by engine combustion, while reducing noise and minimizing environmental pollution. This system consists of components such as the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe working in coordination. The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from each cylinder and delivers them to the catalytic converter through the exhaust pipe. The converter utilizes three-way catalytic technology to transform harmful substances like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen. The muffler substantially reduces exhaust noise through either sound wave cancellation or sound-absorbing structures. Ultimately, the tailpipe safely channels the purified exhaust gases outside the vehicle. Exhaust system design also involves backpressure optimization to enhance engine intake efficiency; for instance, V-type engines frequently employ a dual-exhaust configuration to improve exhaust flow. Regular inspection of the exhaust pipe's sealing integrity, the catalytic converter's effectiveness, and the muffler's condition is essential for maintaining system performance, ensuring compliance with environmental standards while prolonging the vehicle's service life.
Q
Is the exhaust system important?
The automotive exhaust system is an indispensable core component of a vehicle, and its importance is mainly reflected in three aspects. First, it collects exhaust gases from each cylinder of the engine through the exhaust manifold, transports them to the three-way catalytic converter via the exhaust pipe, and converts harmful substances such as carbon monoxide into harmless gases like carbon dioxide, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Second, the muffler in the system reduces exhaust noise to approximately 20-30 decibels through the principle of sound wave cancellation, significantly improving driving and riding comfort. Finally, as an end device, the exhaust tailpipe needs to ensure that exhaust gases are safely discharged outside the vehicle, preventing high-temperature gas backflow from damaging the engine. It is worth noting that the design of the exhaust system also affects engine performance; for example, equal-length exhaust manifolds can optimize airflow efficiency, while the working efficiency of the catalytic converter is directly related to fuel quality, so it is recommended to use fuel that meets the RON95 or higher standard. If exhaust abnormal noise or power reduction occurs, it may be due to muffler perforation or catalytic converter blockage, and timely maintenance should be carried out to avoid more serious mechanical damage.
Q
What is in the exhaust of a car?
Automobile exhaust is primarily composed of harmless components and harmful pollutants. Among them, nitrogen accounts for approximately 71%, carbon dioxide about 14%, and water vapor around 13%, which are normal combustion byproducts. The harmful constituents include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), lead-containing compounds, and particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10). Although their combined concentration constitutes merely 1%, their impact is substantial. Carbon monoxide impairs blood's oxygen-carrying capacity; nitrogen oxides irritate the respiratory system and contribute to acid rain formation; among hydrocarbons, 32 polycyclic aromatic compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene are carcinogenic; while particulate matter can adsorb heavy metals and deposit deep within the lungs. Additionally, although carbon dioxide in exhaust is non-toxic, it remains the principal contributor to the greenhouse effect. Black smoke emission indicates incomplete fuel combustion; white smoke may result from coolant entering the combustion chamber; and blue smoke signifies abnormal engine oil combustion. To mitigate exhaust pollution, regular vehicle maintenance (including inspection of the three-way catalytic converter), use of compliant fuels, and avoidance of aggressive driving behaviors like sudden acceleration are recommended. Modern vehicles compliant with Euro 6 or China 6 emission standards achieve significant pollutant reduction through optimized combustion technologies and advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Q
Is the exhaust system connected to the engine?
The exhaust system of an automobile is indeed directly connected to the engine, with the connection point located at the exhaust manifold on the engine cylinder head. As the starting component of the exhaust system, the exhaust manifold is tightly connected to the engine cylinder block via a flange, responsible for collecting the exhaust gases generated after combustion in each cylinder and directing them into the exhaust pipe. This rigid connection ensures the efficient transmission of high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust gases. Meanwhile, the design of the exhaust manifold needs to balance between reducing exhaust resistance and avoiding exhaust interference between cylinders to optimize engine performance. The entire exhaust system consists of components such as the exhaust manifold, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe. In particular, V-type engines employ a dual-exhaust manifold design to connect two separate exhaust systems. If the exhaust system develops leaks or becomes clogged, it may lead to problems such as decreased engine power, increased fuel consumption, or abnormal emissions. Therefore, regular inspection of the exhaust manifold gasket sealing and system integrity is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance.
Q
What happens when exhaust fails?
When the exhaust system malfunctions, the vehicle will exhibit various abnormal phenomena, including changes in exhaust color, increased noise, reduced power, and higher fuel consumption. If the exhaust is black, it is usually due to incomplete fuel combustion, which may be caused by a clogged air filter or faulty fuel injectors; blue exhaust indicates engine oil burning, commonly seen with worn piston rings or aged valve stem seals; white thick smoke may result from a damaged cylinder head gasket allowing coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. A sudden increase in exhaust noise often stems from damaged sound-absorbing materials inside the muffler or a cracked exhaust pipe, causing the airflow impact sound to be directly emitted. Reduced power occurs because retained exhaust gas impedes the intake of fresh air-fuel mixture, lowering combustion efficiency, while increased fuel consumption results from the engine compensating for power loss by increasing fuel injection. Additionally, failure of the three-way catalytic converter will trigger the malfunction indicator light, leading to diminished exhaust purification capacity and potentially affecting compliance with emission inspections. Exhaust pipe corrosion perforation or oxygen sensor failure will also exacerbate the problem—the former causing exhaust leaks and noise, while the latter leads to improper fuel metering. It is recommended that vehicle owners regularly inspect the exhaust system, use approved fuel, and perform timely repairs to prevent cascading component damage, ensuring the vehicle meets performance and environmental standards.
Q
What does a full exhaust system consist of?
A complete exhaust system mainly consists of three major parts: the exhaust manifold, the mid-pipe, and the tailpipe. The exhaust manifold is directly connected to the engine cylinder head and collects the exhaust gases from each cylinder after combustion through branched pipelines. Its key components include a three-way catalytic converter for purifying exhaust gases and an oxygen sensor for monitoring the air-fuel ratio.
The mid-pipe runs through the chassis as an exhaust gas transmission channel. It typically features a double-layer corrugated pipe design with a steel wire mesh sleeve, secured with clamps to enhance flexibility and durability. The material is predominantly SUS304 stainless steel, known for its high temperature and corrosion resistance.
The tailpipe is located near the rear bumper. Its built-in muffler reduces noise through multi-channel airflow diversion. Some high-performance models employ specially shaped mufflers like S-type and G-type to optimize exhaust efficiency.
The entire system accomplishes exhaust gas collection, purification, noise reduction, and emission through precise coordination. The corrugated pipe structure effectively absorbs vehicle vibrations, while the three-way catalytic converter transforms harmful gases into harmless substances, complying with environmental regulations.
Notably, exhaust system design must balance back pressure and exhaust efficiency. Excessively low back pressure may impair low-RPM torque output, necessitating comprehensive consideration of the vehicle's power characteristics during modifications.
Q
How much money to fix car suspension?
The maintenance cost of car suspension varies significantly depending on the vehicle model, suspension type, component quality, and service location. For standard vehicles, replacing a single suspension component typically costs between 280 to 600 Malaysian Ringgit. A complete suspension replacement at an authorized 4S dealership ranges from 1800 to 2500 Malaysian Ringgit, while independent repair shops charge approximately 900 to 1200 Malaysian Ringgit.
MacPherson strut suspensions, owing to their simpler design, incur lower maintenance costs of about 2000 to 5000 Malaysian Ringgit. In contrast, multi-link suspensions with more complex structures command higher repair fees of 3000 to 8000 Malaysian Ringgit. Premium systems like air suspensions demonstrate substantially elevated maintenance expenses: basic retrofitting starts around 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit, while professional-grade modifications may exceed 100,000 Malaysian Ringgit.
Regarding components, standard-brand shock absorbers offer economical pricing, whereas performance-oriented brands such as Bilstein may cost 1000 to 5000 Malaysian Ringgit per unit. Vehicle owners are advised to select either manufacturer-authorized or third-party service providers based on actual requirements, prioritizing component reliability to optimize the cost-performance ratio. Implementing regular maintenance can prolong suspension lifespan up to five years, and minimizing travel on rough terrain effectively reduces component degradation.
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Q
Which country has autonomous cars?
Currently, multiple countries around the world have begun deploying autonomous vehicles, including technologically advanced nations such as the United States, China, Germany, and Japan, where tests or commercial operations of L4-level autonomous driving have been conducted. Taking Malaysia as an example, although large-scale deployment on public roads has not yet been achieved, autonomous driving technology is developing rapidly. The government actively promotes it through frameworks like the *National Automotive Policy*. In 2025, 9D Intelligence and ALS jointly launched a public road trial operation of L4-level autonomous logistics vehicles, marking the transition of the technology from experimentation to practical application. Local enterprises, such as REKA with its CRETA accessories, and international brand collaboration projects have also accelerated the technology's implementation. It is expected that in the coming years, priority will be given to its adoption in closed scenarios such as logistics and ports. However, challenges such as defining legal responsibilities still need to be addressed, and full-scale deployment in the short term may remain limited.
Q
Do autonomous vehicles use 5G?
Autonomous vehicles do utilize 5G networks in their technical implementation, but they are not entirely dependent on them. Currently, the development of autonomous driving technology in Malaysia is gradually integrating 5G communication technology. For example, in the 2020 Langkawi 5G demonstration project, driverless shuttle buses transmitted real-time data via 5G and collaborated with 3D-LiDAR sensors to achieve environmental perception and path planning. This low-latency, high-bandwidth communication capability can significantly improve the response speed of vehicles to complex road conditions, with particularly obvious advantages in scenarios such as multi-vehicle coordination or remote monitoring. However, it should be noted that autonomous driving systems adopt a multi-sensor redundancy design, and local perception devices such as millimeter-wave radars and visual cameras remain the core, while 5G primarily serves as a supplementary means for data interaction. The deployment of Tesla FSD in Malaysia demonstrates another technical approach: it achieves high-level autonomous driving based on a pure vision solution and onboard computing power, with low dependence on 5G. However, future integration of V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) functionality would still require 5G support. Overall, 5G is an important enabler for improving the reliability of autonomous driving and expanding application scenarios, but at the current stage, technological implementation still requires balancing communication requirements with cost-effectiveness based on specific solutions.
Q
Does autonomous driving use AI?
Autonomous driving technology indeed relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve its core functions, as fully demonstrated in the recently launched L4-level autonomous logistics vehicle project in Malaysia. The enterprise-level autonomous logistics vehicle jointly developed by 9D.ai and ALS processes sensor data, plans routes, and makes real-time decisions through AI algorithms, enabling it to autonomously complete logistics transportation tasks in complex urban and industrial environments. AI technology endows the vehicle with environmental perception, multi-object recognition, and dynamic obstacle avoidance capabilities. For instance, it can accurately identify obstacles and optimize driving paths in scenarios such as warehouses and ports, while continuously adapting to localized road conditions and climate characteristics through machine learning. This project not only validates the critical role of AI in autonomous driving but also enhances public trust in the technology through educational initiatives. In the future, with the iteration of AI models and regulatory improvements, autonomous driving will see further adoption in logistics, retail, and other sectors, driving the industry toward greater efficiency and intelligence.
Q
Does China have self-driving cars?
China has achieved mass production and application of L3 conditional autonomous driving technology, and has launched pilot programs in cities such as Chongqing and Beijing. Vehicles equipped with special license plates can operate on designated road sections; for example, specific models of Changan Automobile and BAIC Arcfox have been approved for road use. The L3 system can take over driving in specific scenarios but requires the driver to assume control when requested by the system, marking a key leap from assisted driving to autonomous driving.
Meanwhile, L4 driverless technology has been implemented in closed scenarios such as autonomous taxis and logistics vehicles. For instance, companies like Baidu Apollo Go have realized commercial operations in regions including the Middle East and Europe. At the policy level, China is promoting the transition of technology from test verification to large-scale application through regulatory improvements and pilot explorations, emphasizing safety bottom lines and responsibility definition—such as clarifying the division of responsibilities among car manufacturers, system suppliers, and drivers in the event of accidents.
In the future, with algorithm optimization and infrastructure upgrades, autonomous driving will gradually expand from limited scenarios to open roads, but challenges such as safety redundancy in extreme scenarios and cost control need to be addressed. This process not only relies on technological progress but also requires the synchronous development of public trust and supporting social systems.
Q
Do cars use Nvidia chips?
Currently, some automotive brands do adopt NVIDIA's chip technology, especially in the fields of intelligent driving and in-vehicle computing platforms. For example, General Motors has announced the expansion of its partnership with NVIDIA, stating that it will use NVIDIA's DRIVE AGX platform as the core hardware for its autonomous driving system. This platform can provide advanced driver assistance functions and support simulation for future smart factories. In the local market, the demand for NVIDIA chips in the data center industry also reflects its technological influence, although regulatory authorities are currently strengthening the tracking of the circulation of high-end chips. It is worth noting that the application of NVIDIA chips in the automotive sector mainly focuses on scenarios requiring high-performance computing, such as autonomous driving algorithm processing and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Such collaborations are usually realized through direct technical integration agreements between automakers and chip manufacturers. With the development of automotive intelligence, it is expected that more brands will consider adopting similar solutions to enhance the digital processing capabilities of their vehicles.
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