How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced in a New Car?

History of Mercedes-Benz W108

Mercedes-Benz's fourth-generation S-Class (W108/109 series) In March 1965, Mercedes-Benz launched the most powerful version of its fourth-generation S-Class. Engineers equipped this model directly with the V8 4.5L engine from the Mercedes 600, whose formidable performance on the road even left some Porsche owners in awe. Benefiting from the solid market foundation established by the Mercedes 600, the fourth-generation S-Class remained highly popular worldwide and was adopted as official vehicles in several countries. Over its seven-year production run, the W108/109 series achieved a staggering total sales figure of nearly 400,000 units. As the successor to Mercedes-Benz's third-generation S-Class (W111/112), the birth of the fourth-generation S-Class (W108/109) faced immense pressure. On one hand, the third-generation S-Class had suffered setbacks in the North American market with its "tail fin" design, while on the other hand, the Mercedes 600 (W100), launched two years earlier than the fourth-gen S-Class, had already become a benchmark in the luxury car segment. This positioning inevitably made the fourth-gen S-Class appear somewhat awkward. Although production of the W111/112 series wasn't discontinued with the introduction of the W108/109, this didn't hinder the sales performance of the fourth-gen S-Class at all. A total of 383,341 units were manufactured during its seven-year production span. In September 1972, the highly successful fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class was officially discontinued.

11

3

Share

What Type of Engine Oil Does the Skoda Kamiq Use?

The Skoda Kamiq uses engine oil of the VW50200 specification (or higher VW standards compatible with VW50200). The replacement capacity is 4 liters, and the replacement interval is 10,000 kilometers. Before changing the oil, the vehicle's engine should be turned off for 30 minutes to allow the oil to flow back from the cylinder walls to the oil pan, otherwise, there will be residual oil. 1. First, remove the engine cover. (Lift the four clips of the cover) 2. If possible, operate on a lift or use an electric oil pump to directly extract the oil. Pull out the oil dipstick, insert the extraction hose into the dipstick hole until the hose touches the bottom. 3. Extracting the oil takes about 15 minutes; collect the old oil in a waste container. 4. After the oil is extracted, use a socket and wrench to remove the oil filter, wipe off any excess oil from the contact area, and then install the new oil filter. (Tip: Usually, the oil filter is placed on top, but some models have it located at the bottom.) 5. After adding new oil, check the oil level using the dipstick. The first time you pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a tissue before reinserting it, then pull it out again to check. The dipstick has upper and lower limit marks, and the oil level should normally be between these two marks.

2

5

Share

How Many Months Count as Inventory Cars?

Inventory cars do not have a clear legal definition; it is merely a term used by car salespeople to indicate that the vehicle has been in stock for a relatively long time. For domestically produced vehicles, those that have been in stock for more than six months after leaving the factory are considered inventory cars. For imported vehicles, the threshold is 12 months. For joint-venture brand vehicles produced domestically, the timeframe aligns with that of domestically produced vehicles, meaning they are considered inventory cars after six months. Below are methods to identify inventory cars: 1. Check the vehicle production plate: Every vehicle is affixed with a production plate before leaving the factory. This plate contains information such as the vehicle model and, most importantly, the manufacturing date. Checking this plate provides a clear and straightforward way to determine the vehicle's production time. 2. Examine the window production date: The production date of the glass is usually marked on the windshield. This date can help estimate when the glass was produced and whether it has been replaced. 3. Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The VIN is a unique code that can be used to determine the vehicle's production time. 4. Inspect the car's chassis: Often, improper handling during loading and unloading can result in scratches on the chassis.

9

3

Share

What to Do If Engine Oil Is Overfilled?

Solutions for overfilled engine oil: The safest method is to extract the excess oil from the engine. The clean oil removed can be saved and reused. If the oil level reaches the crankshaft, it's advisable to extract some oil. It's not recommended to remove the drain plug because the washer for the drain plug also needs to be replaced during an oil change. This washer is made of a soft material that deforms when tightened, ensuring a proper seal. Once removed, the sealing effectiveness is significantly reduced, and a new washer is required. Additionally, removing the drain plug makes it difficult to control the flow rate, and the drained oil cannot be reused. Hazards of overfilled engine oil: 1. Increased engine operating resistance. In modern engines, the crankshaft does not come into contact with the oil level during operation. Overfilling the oil can cause the crankshaft to touch the oil, creating significant resistance at high engine speeds, which affects engine performance. 2. Increased risk of oil burning. If the oil level is too high and the crankshaft comes into contact with the oil, it can easily lead to oil burning. The high-speed rotation of the crankshaft can agitate the oil, producing a large number of oil droplets that can be drawn into the cylinders by the crankcase ventilation system, resulting in oil burning. 3. Carbon buildup and contamination of the catalytic converter. Oil burning can lead to carbon deposits, and some additives in the oil, when burned, can enter the catalytic converter, reducing its conversion efficiency.

12

4

Share

What does the A-circle on the car mean?

The A-circle button on a car refers to the Auto Hold function, which is an extension of the electronic parking brake. Controlled by the ESP component, it manages the braking of all four wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. When the car reaches a certain speed and brakes, if the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the brake pedal is held down for 1-2 seconds, the engine will automatically shut off. Releasing the brake pedal and pressing the accelerator will restart the engine. This feature is commonly used at traffic lights to reduce engine idling time, emissions, and carbon buildup. This function is usually paired with an electronic parking brake and is not enabled by default; it requires manual activation. The Auto Hold system is designed to automate the parking brake function. Its basic operation involves the brake management system controlling the four-wheel brakes through the extended functionality of the electronic parking brake. For the Auto Start-Stop function to work, certain conditions must be met: the engine coolant temperature must reach at least 85 degrees Celsius, and the engine oil must also be at operating temperature. The Auto Hold function prevents the vehicle from rolling backward, making it particularly useful on slopes and during frequent stops and starts. The Auto Hold system, together with the electronic parking brake (technically known as the electromechanical parking brake), forms an intelligent braking control system. This integrates temporary braking during driving with long-term parking braking, all controlled electronically. The electronic parking brake uses electronic control to achieve parking braking. Its working principle is similar to that of a mechanical handbrake, relying on friction between the brake disc and pads to control parking braking. However, the control mechanism shifts from a mechanical handbrake lever to an electronic button. This extends the basic parking function to include Auto Hold capabilities. Once the car is started, the Auto Start-Stop function activates. For example, when approaching a traffic light, stopping and holding the brake for 1-2 seconds will automatically shut off the engine. Pressing the accelerator or turning the steering wheel at a green light will restart the engine. In some manual cars, the system determines the need to shut off the engine based on actions like pressing the clutch, shifting to neutral, or pulling the handbrake. The engine restarts when the clutch is pressed again. However, in congested traffic, slow forward movement, parking, or steep uphill driving, it may be advisable to disable this function. Additionally, when using this feature, drivers should remember to turn it off when crossing water to prevent water from entering the engine, which could cause startup failure.

3

1

Share

Basic Structural Components of New Energy Vehicle Charging System?

Basic structural components of new energy vehicle charging system: The vehicle charging system circuit consists of power supply circuit, starting circuit, ignition circuit, lighting and signal device circuit, instrument information system circuit, auxiliary device circuit, and electronic control system circuit. 1. The power supply circuit, also known as the charging circuit, is composed of the battery, generator, regulator, and charging indicator device. Power distribution and circuit protection devices can also be included in this circuit. 2. The starting circuit is composed of the starter, starting relay, starting switch, and starting protection circuit. Devices for preheating during low-temperature starting and their control circuits can also be included in this circuit. 3. The ignition circuit is unique to gasoline engine vehicles. It consists of the ignition coil, distributor, electronic ignition controller, spark plug, and ignition switch. Electronically controlled ignition systems are generally included in the engine electronic control system. 4. The lighting and signal device circuit is composed of headlights, fog lights, position lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, interior lights, and related control relays and switches. 5. The instrument information system circuit consists of instruments and their sensors, various warning indicators, and controllers. 6. The auxiliary device circuit is composed of various electrical devices designed to improve vehicle safety and comfort. The types of auxiliary electrical devices vary depending on the vehicle model, with higher-end models featuring more comprehensive auxiliary electrical devices. These generally include windshield wipers and washers, defrosting (anti-fog) devices, air conditioning systems, audio systems, etc. More advanced models may also include power windows, electronic door locks, power seat adjustment, and electric remote-controlled mirrors. Electronically controlled airbags are included in the electronic control system. 7. The electronic control system mainly includes the engine control system (including fuel injection, ignition, emission control, etc.), automatic transmission and cruise control system, anti-lock braking system, airbag control system, and other circuits.

12

2

Share

How Often Should Brake Fluid Be Replaced in a New Car?

History of Mercedes-Benz W108

What Type of Engine Oil Does the Skoda Kamiq Use?

How Many Months Count as Inventory Cars?

What to Do If Engine Oil Is Overfilled?

What does the A-circle on the car mean?

Basic Structural Components of New Energy Vehicle Charging System?

Will Mercedes-Benz Produce the W222 Again?

Will New Energy Vehicles Stall When Out of Power?

Does the Bora Belong to the B-Class Car?

What Type of Vehicle Can an A3 Driving License Drive?