TCEC, Renault Offer Brake Service Campaign

In conjunction with the upcoming public holidays, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) is offering a service campaign on brake parts and labour for Renault customers while reminding all Malaysian to stay safe on the roads.

Brakes are an important vehicle component as defective brakes are one of the most common causes of serious accidents. It is crucial for drivers to test their brakes regularly, as well as before any long-distance travel to help ensure their brakes are in good condition. This in turn will allow them to pick up on any problems early on and get them fixed, thus avoiding more serious and costly problems and the potentially deadly risk of sudden brake failure.

Some warning signs drivers should look for that may indicate their brakes need to be replaced include:

• needing to press much harder than usual on the brake
• the vehicle taking longer than usual to stop when brakes are applied
• the brake pedal sinking right down when you put your foot on it
• the brake pedal becoming very stiff and hard to push down
• the handbrake not releasing or if there is less resistance than usual when pulling it up or pushing it down

As a rule of thumb, testing of brakes should be done early in the journey, once a week and before long journeys, always on a safe, empty, flat stretch of road. If drivers notice any problems or are in any doubt as to the state of brakes, they should consult a qualified mechanic immediately and not risk driving the vehicle if there is a possibility the brakes are damaged.

The Renault Brake Service campaign is applicable to all Renault models, excluding the electric vehicles (EVs) and new Koleos models. The campaign offers customers 20 percent discounts on selected brake parts (pads, shoes and discs) and a 10 percent reduction on labour charges on the related brake servicing job. Meanwhile, RENCARE customers will enjoy an additional 10 percent off labour costs for the relevant brake repairs and service.

This campaign is valid from 1 September to 31 October at all 14 authorised Renault service centres nationwide.

At the same time, TCEC and Renault wishes all Malaysians happy travelling and to stay safe and vigilant on the roads at all times.

A recent study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), 80.6 percent of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by human error, such as when road users ignore traffic rules, break speed limits and when they behave recklessly while on the road.

Here are some common reminders from TCEC and Renault to stay safe while travelling on the road in conjunction with the upcoming holidays.

1. Make sure you get sufficient sleep the night before a long drive and eat a snack or meal before departing.
2. Pull over and take breaks every two to three hours, even if you don’t feel sleepy.
3. Keep your roadside emergency assistance contact number just in case of emergencies. For Renault owners, the RENCARE toll-free line is available at 1800-88-8663 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
4. If possible, rotate driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also rest without losing time. If you’re driving alone, turn on the radio or put on some music to help you stay alert. And if driving alone at night, you may want to refrain from using the cruise control – having to concentrate on maintaining your speed can help you stay awake
5. If you do have to pull over, make sure you do so only at designated rest stops and areas. Never park on the side of the road or in the breakdown lane for any reason except an emergency.
6. Smartphone applications such as Waze or Google Maps will be very handy to help guide you around traffic jams.
7. Even GPS apps can fail or connectivity may be spotty in remote areas so make sure you bring along a good map, just in case.
8. Before a long car trip, make sure your vehicle is in good condition — tyres are properly inflated and serviced, all fluids are at their proper levels and you have a full tank of petrol.
9. Don’t wait until your fuel gauge is sitting on E to refuel. On an unfamiliar road, you never know where the next fuel station is. A good rule of thumb is to start looking for the next petrol station as soon as you reach a quarter of a tank.
10. This should go without saying, but it’s important enough to bear repeating: Make sure everyone in the car have his or her seatbelt on. Not only will it keep everyone safe, but in most places, it’s also the law.