Q

What is PMG fuel?

PMG fuel, short for Petrol Motor Gasoline, refers to the 95-octane (RON95) gasoline available in Malaysia, one of the most commonly used fuel grades for passenger vehicles. It is widely accessible across all major petrol stations, including Petronas, Shell, BHPetrol, and Caltex, making it convenient for most drivers. PMG is specifically formulated to suit the majority of local and imported cars with standard engines, such as popular models from Proton, Perodua, and many non-performance variants of international brands. Compared to the higher-octane PMS (RON97) fuel, PMG is more affordable and caters to everyday driving needs without compromising engine performance for vehicles designed for mid-octane fuels. In recent years, Malaysia has upgraded PMG to meet Euro 5 emission standards, which reduces harmful pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to better air quality and longer engine lifespan. Drivers should always refer to their vehicle’s owner manual to confirm if PMG is the recommended fuel type, as using the correct octane rating ensures optimal engine efficiency and avoids potential issues.
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Latest Q&A

Q
How is engine torque calculated?
There are mainly two methods for calculating engine torque. At the basic physics level, it can be calculated by the product of force and moment arm, with the formula: Torque M = Force F × Moment Arm r (where F is the force acting perpendicularly on the moment arm, in Newtons; r is the length of the moment arm, in meters; the resulting unit is Newton-meters, Nm). In automotive engineering, the commonly used calculation method is based on the engine's output power and rotational speed, with the formula: Torque T = 9550 × Power P ÷ Rotational Speed n (where P is the output power, in kilowatts, kW; n is the rotational speed, in revolutions per minute, rpm). For example, an engine with a power of 100 kW and a rotational speed of 5000 rpm has a torque of 9550 × 100 ÷ 5000 = 191 Nm. Torque is widely used in the automotive field. During the design phase, it can be used to optimize the parameter matching of the engine, transmission, and drive system by calculation, and select an appropriate gear ratio to balance power and fuel economy. In performance testing, the torque curve can reflect the dynamic characteristics of the engine and help evaluate the power transmission efficiency. In the manufacturing process, parts assembly must strictly follow torque requirements. For instance, the bolt tightening torque should be moderate to avoid loosening or damage, ensuring the reliability and stability of the vehicle.
Q
Is higher or lower engine torque better?
Engine torque is not simply a matter of higher or lower being better; it needs to be judged comprehensively based on the vehicle's purpose and power requirements. Torque refers to the twisting moment output by the engine crankshaft, measured in Newton-meters. It directly affects a vehicle's acceleration from a standstill, climbing performance, and load-carrying capability—greater torque means more responsive power at low engine speeds, a stronger "push-back" feeling during acceleration, easier climbing or load-carrying, and fewer gear shifts in daily driving, which reduces component wear. However, torque must be considered in conjunction with power and rotational speed. Power (which determines the maximum speed) is derived from the product of torque and rotational speed. If torque is high but rotational speed is limited, the vehicle may lack sustained acceleration capability at high speeds. For example, models designed for off-roading or heavy load-carrying prioritize high-torque tuning to handle complex road conditions, while sports cars pursuing top speed need to balance torque with power output at high rotational speeds. Therefore, when choosing a vehicle, one should consider the usage scenario: sufficient torque is a priority for urban commuting or off-roading, while a balance between torque and power is required for high-speed cruising or racing.
Q
How much is 1 nm in torque?
1 N·m (Newton-meter) is the international unit of torque, referring to the rotational torque effect generated by applying a force of 1 Newton on a 1-meter-long moment arm. For example, when a 1-meter-long wrench is used to tighten a screw with a force of 1 Newton, the torque exerted on the screw is 1 Newton-meter. In the automotive field, the Newton-meter is a key parameter for measuring the "rotational force" output at the crankshaft end of an engine. The torque output by the engine is amplified through transmission systems such as the gearbox and drive shaft before being transmitted to the wheels to propel the vehicle forward; even a torque of 1 Newton-meter can be converted into effective driving force to push the vehicle after being amplified by the gear ratios of the transmission system (such as gearbox gears and final drive). The magnitude of torque directly affects vehicle performance. For instance, the greater the torque, the stronger the vehicle's starting acceleration, climbing ability, and load-carrying capacity usually are. A family car with large torque accelerates more responsively, an off-road vehicle with large torque climbs more easily, and a truck with large torque has a greater load-carrying capacity.
Q
Why is engine torque important?
Engine torque is one of the core indicators for measuring vehicle performance. It refers to the rotational force output by the engine from the crankshaft end (measured in Newton-meters) and has a crucial impact on driving experience and practical performance. First, torque directly determines acceleration performance. Models with high torque can quickly increase speed when starting from zero, providing a noticeable "back-pressing sensation". In urban driving, they respond more rapidly when traffic lights turn green and make overtaking easier and more efficient. Second, torque affects climbing ability. When facing steep slopes or mountainous roads, high-torque vehicles can maintain stable power output without frequent downshifting, making climbing smoother and less strenuous. Third, torque is strongly related to load capacity. For family cars, high torque ensures smooth acceleration; for off-road vehicles, it delivers excellent off-road passability; and for trucks, it allows higher load weights. In addition, high torque can enhance stability during high-speed driving and reduce the risk of skidding. Moreover, properly tuned high-torque engines can output sufficient power at low speeds, which helps reduce fuel consumption and vehicle wear. When choosing a car, it is necessary to balance torque parameters according to usage needs. For daily commuting, models with appropriately matched torque are more economical, while for off-road or load-carrying requirements, priority should be given to high-torque engines to meet driving needs in different scenarios.
Q
Is 500 Nm torque good?
A torque of 500 Nm represents a relatively strong level in terms of automotive power performance, and its specific evaluation needs to be considered in conjunction with the vehicle's intended use. In the Malaysian market, the torque of ordinary family SUVs such as the Proton X70 is approximately 255 Nm; the high-output version of mid-to-large pickup trucks like the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete has a torque of 470 Nm; high-end hybrid SUVs such as the Tank 500 can achieve a combined torque of 750 Nm; and commercial diesel engines like the Cummins ISF3.8 have a torque range of 450-600 Nm. A torque of 500 Nm is higher than that of most family cars and close to the medium-to-high torque range of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. It can provide excellent traction, making it suitable for scenarios such as heavy loading, off-roading, or towing. It delivers strong power response at low engine speeds, enhancing the vehicle's climbing ability and acceleration performance. For users pursuing power performance, this is an excellent level. Torque is a key indicator for measuring a vehicle's traction as well as its ability to start and overtake. Higher torque means the vehicle can handle complex road conditions or load-carrying situations more calmly. Within the category of non-performance sports cars, 500 Nm is a good torque value that can meet various high-intensity usage needs.
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