Q

tandem car park meaning

A tandem car park refers to a front-and-back sequential parking space design, usually found in parking lots with limited space—you'll spot these a lot in Malaysian shopping malls or older residential areas. This setup lines up two or more parking spots one after another, sharing a single access lane. The catch? The car at the back can't get in or out until the one in front moves first. On the plus side, it saves space and crams in more parking spots, but convenience takes a hit. It works best for short stays or places with high vehicle turnover. In Malaysia, you'll find this layout in parts of malls like Pavilion KL or Mid Valley. Pro tip: Keep an eye on ground markings or signs when parking to avoid blocking the works. If you're stuck with a tandem spot, aim for the front one to cut down on waiting time. And don't forget to engage the handbrake and leave your contact info—just in case someone needs you to move. These days, some newer Malaysian parking garages are stepping up with smart systems or angled parking to make things smoother. But tandem spots still stick around because they're cheap and adaptable. Knowing the ins and outs of these designs? It’ll help you park smarter, not harder.
Special Disclaimer: This content is published by users and does not represent the views or position of PCauto.

Related Q&A

Q
Does 7th gear exist?
The 7-speed gearbox does exist; it is an automatic transmission with 7 forward gears, commonly found in models using dual-clutch technology. The gear settings of such gearboxes include Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). Some models also offer specific gears like D1, D2 and a Sport mode (S) to meet different driving needs. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox operates through the alternating engagement of two clutches: one responsible for odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th), and the other managing even-numbered gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), enabling rapid and seamless gear shifts while balancing fuel efficiency and power responsiveness. Based on clutch type, it can be categorized into dry and wet variants. The dry-type features a simpler structure and higher transmission efficiency but inferior heat dissipation, making it suitable for small-displacement engines; the wet-type employs oil cooling to handle greater torque, albeit at higher cost. Such transmissions have been extensively adopted in numerous mainstream models in domestic markets, demonstrating high technical maturity, with future development trends focusing on intelligentization and weight reduction. Notably, the 7th gear in these transmissions typically serves as an overdrive ratio designed for highway cruising, effectively lowering engine RPM and enhancing fuel economy.
Q
Is a V14 engine possible?
The V14 engine does exist, but it is a relatively rare configuration, mainly used in large medium-speed diesel engines for power generation and marine propulsion. This type of engine adopts a V-shaped arrangement with two banks of 7 cylinders each, which can provide higher power output and lower emissions. For example, the MAN B&W V14 engine has a power range of 7,000 to 16,800 kilowatts and has been used in some cruise ships such as "Explorer Dream" and "Norwegian Spirit". However, the V14 design is hardly used in the passenger car market due to its large size and high cost, making it more suitable for industrial or marine applications with fewer space constraints. Currently, the mainstream passenger car engines are still four-cylinder, six-cylinder or eight-cylinder, balancing performance and fuel economy. There are also products with similar names in the hydromechanical field, such as the Parker V14 series of bent-axis piston motors, but they are hydraulic system components and have nothing to do with internal combustion engines.
Q
Why do cars have seatbelt alarms?
Cars come with seatbelt reminder alerts mainly to boost driving safety, using audio or visual cues to get passengers to buckle up and cut down on injury risks in accidents. Studies show that proper seatbelt use can slash the chance of fatal injuries by around 50%, which is why so many countries make this feature a mandatory standard. Modern vehicle alert systems usually go with a progressive reminder—starting with a gentle chime, then ramping up if ignored. Some models even show exactly which seatbelt isn’t fastened on the dashboard. Beyond legal requirements, these designs also highlight automakers’ focus on safety tech. Take high-end models, for example—some link up with pre-tensioning seatbelts or airbag systems to automatically tighten before a crash. It’s worth noting, though, while alerts do a solid job of increasing seatbelt use, drivers forming the habit of buckling up on their own is way more crucial. After all, no matter how advanced the reminder, it can’t replace personal safety awareness.
Q
What happens if a passenger doesn't wear a seatbelt?
If passengers don't wear seatbelts, they first face legal risks. According to traffic laws, all passengers in a vehicle must wear seatbelts; otherwise, they could be fined. More importantly, not wearing a seatbelt drastically increases the risk of injury in an accident. When a vehicle suddenly decelerates or crashes, passengers might be thrown from their seats, hit hard objects inside the car, or even ejected from the vehicle entirely, leading to severe injuries or death. Seatbelts are designed to hold passengers in place during a crash, distribute the force of impact, and reduce harm to the head, chest, and spine. Additionally, not wearing a seatbelt can compromise the effectiveness of airbags. Airbags work in conjunction with seatbelts, and using an airbag alone could even cause secondary injuries. It's worth noting that accidents can happen suddenly, even at low speeds or during short trips. So whether the journey is long or short, fast or slow, wearing a seatbelt is a must. Some passengers might think the back seat is safer and skip the seatbelt, but in reality, rear passengers face just as much risk—especially in rear-end collisions or rollovers. For your own safety, both drivers and passengers should make it a habit to buckle up as soon as they get in the car.
Q
What is the function of ESC in a car?
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is a crucial car safety tech that's all about keeping you in control when things get tricky—like during sudden swerves or on slippery roads. Here's how it works: sensors constantly track how the vehicle's moving. If it detects wheels slipping or the car veering off your intended path, the system jumps into action. It automatically applies the brakes to individual wheels and tweaks the engine's power output to help you regain control, cutting down on the risk of skidding or rolling over. This stuff really shines on rainy days or when taking sharp turns, making driving way safer. And ESC isn't alone—modern cars also come with other helpers like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System). These systems team up to boost stability and handling. When you're car shopping, it's a smart move to prioritize models with these safety features. Trust me, they make for a much more secure driving experience.
Q
Is ESC in every car?
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) isn't standard on all vehicles, but its adoption in new cars has increased significantly in recent years. Particularly, since 2014, regions like the EU and the US have mandated ESC for new vehicles, so most imported cars or global models come equipped with it. In the local market, mid-to-high-end models and new cars from major brands generally have ESC, but some entry-level models or older used cars might still lack this feature. When buying a car, you can check the "ESC OFF" indicator on the dashboard or the vehicle specification sheet to confirm. ESC uses sensors to detect wheel slip and automatically adjusts braking force or engine output, effectively preventing loss of control due to understeer or oversteer, which is especially noticeable on rainy, slippery roads. If your budget allows, it's recommended to prioritize models with ESC. Also, keep in mind that this system can't overcome physical limits, so safe driving habits remain fundamental. Other common active safety features like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System) usually work in conjunction with ESC, and together the three enhance driving stability.
Q
Which cars have Electronic Stability Control?
Most new cars from major brands these days come with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a key part of modern automotive safety tech. You'll find it on Japanese models like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, European rides such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, Korean cars from Hyundai and Kia, and even locally assembled domestic vehicles like the Proton X70 and X50, where it's standard. ESC uses sensors to monitor the car's movement. If it detects a skid or loss of control, it automatically adjusts engine power and braking to help the driver keep the vehicle stable—super useful on wet roads or tight turns. As safety regulations get stricter and consumers become more aware, ESC has moved from a high-end option to a common feature even on budget cars. When buying, just check the spec sheet or ask a sales rep. Some brands might call it VSC, DSC, or other names, but the basic function is the same. I’d recommend prioritizing cars with ESC. After all, you can never have too many safety features, and this tech has been proven over the years to cut down accident risks.
Q
Can ESC be turned off?
Most vehicles' Electronic Stability Control (ESC) can indeed be manually turned off via an in-car button, usually labeled "ESC OFF" near the instrument cluster or on the center console. A long press of 3-5 seconds typically disables the function, though note that operations may vary slightly across brands – some performance cars, for example, offer multi-stage disable options. When ESC is off, the system no longer actively intervenes in wheel slip or oversteer/understeer situations. This is intended for experienced drivers in specific scenarios, like getting unstuck from sand or practicing drifts on a track. However, it's strongly recommended to keep it enabled during regular driving for safety, as it effectively prevents skidding, especially in rainy weather or on sharp turns. It's worth noting that even when manually disabled, some models will force ESC to restart if extreme danger is detected – this is a safety redundancy feature. Additionally, ESC often works in conjunction with Traction Control Systems (TCS); disabling ESC in some vehicles will also affect TCS functionality, so it's advisable to check the owner's manual for specific details. While modifying the ECU to fully disable ESC is possible, this is not only illegal but extremely dangerous, potentially invalidating insurance coverage – it's by no means a wise choice.
Q
What happens when I press ESC?
When you hit the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) button, the system kicks in based on the vehicle's status. Its main job is to prevent skidding or loss of control when driving on slippery roads or taking sharp turns. It stabilizes the car by automatically adjusting engine power and applying brakes to individual wheels. If ESC is on (which it is by default in most vehicles), the indicator light on the dashboard will flash briefly and then go off, meaning the system is ready. If you hold the button to turn ESC off, the light stays on, and the system won't interfere—this is for pros in specific situations, like getting unstuck from sand or track driving. Important note: Keep ESC on for regular road driving, especially in the rain or on mountain roads; it really cuts down the risk of rollovers or fishtailing. Nowadays, ESC usually includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System). Some high-end models even refine the intervention logic, like pre-emptively adjusting power distribution when it detects a sudden sharp turn of the steering wheel. If the ESC warning light stays on for no reason, it's a good idea to check the wheel speed sensors or system wiring soon to avoid safety issues.
Q
Which of the following is an example of an active safety system?
Active safety systems are devices that intervene in real-time to prevent or mitigate collisions before an accident occurs. A classic example is Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which keeps wheels from locking up during hard braking, maintaining steering control to avoid obstacles. Similar systems include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which corrects vehicle skidding by automatically adjusting individual wheel braking and engine power, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. These technologies work together through sensors and electronic control units, significantly boosting driving safety. In recent years, more advanced active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) have become increasingly common. The former can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically, while the latter prevents lane departure through slight steering corrections. It's important to note that these systems don't completely replace the driver; instead, they act as assistive tools, especially effective in compensating for human reaction time limitations during rainy weather or nighttime driving. Car owners are advised to regularly check the system status and familiarize themselves with the specific features their vehicle is equipped with to fully leverage their protective benefits.
  • Popular Cars

  • Model Year

  • Car Compare

  • Car Photo

Latest Q&A

Q
What does the 1/2/3 mean on my car?
The numbers 1, 2, and 3 on a car's automatic transmission represent gear-limiting functions, primarily designed for specific driving scenarios. Gear 1 locks the transmission in the lowest gear to provide maximum torque output, making it suitable for steep hill starts or towing heavy loads; Gear 2 restricts the transmission to shifting between 1st and 2nd gears, which is useful for starting on slippery surfaces or driving on gentle inclines to minimize wheel spin; Gear 3 permits the transmission to operate within the 1st to 3rd gear range, making it appropriate for mountain driving or situations requiring frequent acceleration and deceleration, as it maintains power responsiveness while preventing excessive gear changes. These gear-limiting modes manually override the transmission's shift logic, offering more precise power management while retaining automatic transmission convenience. Note that extended low-gear operation may result in high engine RPMs and increased fuel consumption. Some vehicle models substitute L (Low) for Gear 1's function, whereas S (Sport) mode delivers comparable performance through delayed upshifts but operates on a different principle.
Q
What do you mean by gears?
The gears of a car are mechanical devices in the transmission that adjust the matching between engine speed and wheel speed, mainly divided into manual and automatic types. Manual transmission usually includes 1 to 5 forward gears and reverse gear (R). Gear 1 provides high torque for starting; as the vehicle speed increases, higher gears are shifted into sequentially to balance power and fuel efficiency. Reverse gear (R) must be engaged only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop to avoid transmission damage. Automatic transmission uses letter markings: Park (P) prevents the vehicle from moving through mechanical locking and needs to be used with the handbrake; Reverse (R) also requires operation after stopping; Neutral (N) cuts off power transmission and is suitable for short-term parking; Drive (D) automatically shifts gears to meet daily driving needs. Some models are also equipped with Sport (S) mode, which delays upshifting to enhance power output, and Low (L) mode, which enhances engine braking effect when climbing or descending. Correct use of gears not only optimizes the driving experience but also extends the transmission life. For example, shifting from Drive (D) to Neutral (N) requires maintaining a low speed, while switching to Park (P) requires a complete stop and pressing the brake. Manual transmission requires precise gear matching according to vehicle speed (e.g., Gear 1 for 0-15 km/h, Gear 3 for 20-40 km/h), while automatic transmission simplifies operation and is more suitable for urban road conditions.
Q
Does 7 speed mean 7 gears?
A 7-speed transmission indeed features 7 forward gears. This design optimizes engine performance across various speeds through closer gear ratio spacing, enhancing both fuel efficiency and power delivery. Technically, it encompasses multiple variants, including conventional torque-converter automatics (7AT) and dual-clutch transmissions (7DCT). The latter employs dual clutches to separately manage odd and even gears, enabling millisecond shifts with over 95% transmission efficiency, and is typically deployed in performance-oriented vehicles like the Audi A8 or Porsche Cayenne. Wet-type 7DCT suits high-torque engines, utilizing oil cooling for improved durability, whereas dry-type 7DCT offers a more compact design but requires avoiding extended low-speed operation to prevent overheating. In real-world driving, a 7-speed transmission reduces highway cruising RPM by approximately 15%, lowering fuel consumption by 1L/100km, while its proven reliability is reflected in a service life exceeding 200,000 km. For Malaysian drivers frequently traversing expressways, the 7-speed's efficiency advantages are particularly beneficial, though model-specific selection between wet/dry variants and scheduled maintenance remain crucial for peak performance.
Q
What is 6th gear used for?
The sixth gear in a six-speed transmission is primarily used for high-speed cruising, with its core functions being optimizing fuel economy and driving smoothness. As the highest gear in both manual and automatic transmissions, the sixth gear reduces engine speed through a smaller gear ratio, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and noise when the vehicle is traveling under stable conditions such as on highways. For example, when the vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h, the sixth gear can control the engine speed at around 2000 rpm, saving approximately 8% to 12% of fuel compared to a five-speed transmission. For automated manual transmissions (AMTs), the sixth gear is intelligently shifted by the system in automatic mode, while in manual mode, the driver can actively upshift using paddle shifters to improve efficiency. In addition, the close-ratio design of six-speed transmissions reduces shift shock, making them particularly suitable for Malaysia's mixed road conditions of numerous highways and urban areas. Some models also adopt overdrive technology in the sixth gear to further reduce mechanical load during high-speed cruising. It is worth noting that although the sixth gear optimizes high-speed performance, it is necessary to downshift when climbing hills or accelerating rapidly to obtain sufficient torque. Therefore, gears should be used flexibly according to road conditions in actual driving.
Q
Does 7th gear exist?
The 7-speed gearbox does exist; it is an automatic transmission with 7 forward gears, commonly found in models using dual-clutch technology. The gear settings of such gearboxes include Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). Some models also offer specific gears like D1, D2 and a Sport mode (S) to meet different driving needs. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox operates through the alternating engagement of two clutches: one responsible for odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th), and the other managing even-numbered gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), enabling rapid and seamless gear shifts while balancing fuel efficiency and power responsiveness. Based on clutch type, it can be categorized into dry and wet variants. The dry-type features a simpler structure and higher transmission efficiency but inferior heat dissipation, making it suitable for small-displacement engines; the wet-type employs oil cooling to handle greater torque, albeit at higher cost. Such transmissions have been extensively adopted in numerous mainstream models in domestic markets, demonstrating high technical maturity, with future development trends focusing on intelligentization and weight reduction. Notably, the 7th gear in these transmissions typically serves as an overdrive ratio designed for highway cruising, effectively lowering engine RPM and enhancing fuel economy.
View More