Frequently Asked Questions

Tyres
1. What is my tyre size?

The tyre size can be read off from the sidewall of your tyres. It would be a string of numbers looking like 225/45R17.

2. What tyre design is better for my vehicle?

This will depend greatly on your driving style and personal preference. The general guideline for choosing of tyre patterns are:

Choose Your Perfect Fit

Directional Design

For Sports Handling

Symmetrical Design

For Comfort and Low Noise

Asymmetrical Design

For Balanced, All Rounded Performance

A driver who loves the thrill of speed and navigating sharp corners

For speed lover in you
A driver who wants a less bumpy ride and tyres that last

Great for drivers with kids
A driver who wants a combination of good control and low noise

For drivers who prides speed and comfort
Tyre Noise Reduction
Wet Grip Strength
Treadwaer Durability
Fuel Efficiency
3. When should I replace my tyre?

Here are some guidelines to determine when to replace your tyres:

  • Ideally tyres can be considered to be replaced after more than 3 years period of use.
  • Tyres can be considered to be replaced after a distance of 30.000 - 40.000 kilometers.
  • If the tyre is damaged, then the tyre should be replaced immediately, despite the period of use and mileage.
4. What are the signs of a damaged tyre?

Here are 7 signs that tyres have been damaged and should be replaced:

  • Worn tyres. The tread on the tyres have depth below 1.6mm from the surface of the tyre.
  • Cracks or tears in the surface or sidewall.
  • Bulges and blisters.
  • The uneven wear on the inner side and outer side of the tyre.
  • Too much vibration.
  • Too many former patches.
  • Strange sound coming from tyres.
5. How do I know how old my tyres are?
Each tyre has a required Department of Transportation (DOT) number imprinted on at least one of its sidewalls. It is a 4 digit code expressed in week and year of production. A code of 1510 would mean week of 15 of year 2010.
6. Can I change the tyres to different brands of patterns?
Yes, you can as long as the tyre size is the same or according to the car’s oem tyre size.
7. Can I mix tyre tyres on my car?
For best performance, the same type tyre should be used on all four-wheel positions. Tyres of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability.
NOTE: Some vehicles are intentionally fitted with different size tyres on front and rear.
8. Do you have any warranty for the tyres you sell?

Manufacturers give about 5 years’ warranty on shelf life, and a tyre within this period of manufacture is considered fresh. The exclusion of the warranty includes but are not limited to the following:

  • Tyres are damaged by road hazards, fire, accidents, corrosion, or other Acts of God.
  • Tyres are of normal wear and tear.
  • Tyres were misused, for example, via kerbing, running over foreign objects and potholes.
  • Tyres damaged from improper fitting, improper inflation pressure, faulty rims, negligence, alteration or repairs.
  • Warranty cease at 1.6mm of remaining tread depth.
  • Use in motor racing or exceptional use.

Wheel
1. How do I read the technical information about the wheel?

Wheels Size: determine the diameter x width

PCD: an abbreviation of Pitch Circle Diameter. Usually written in formats such as 4x100, 4x114.3, 5x120, 6x139.7, etc. For example PCD 4x100, it means that the wheel has 4 bolt hole and the distance between opposing bolt holes is 100 mm.

2. What is Double PCD?
If the wheel has PCD 8x100/114.3, then the wheels have double PCD of 4x100 and 4x114.3. It means the wheels are compatible for cars that have PCD 4x100 or 4x114.3 PCD.
3. What is Offset?

Offset (or also called ET) is the distance (in mm) between the mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel.

If positive then that means the position of the mounting surface of wheel tend go to the outer side of the wheel. If negative, it means the position of the mounting surface of wheels tend go to the inside of wheel. If zero, then the position of the mounting surface on the exact middle of the wheels. For more details can be seen in the figure below:

4. What is the recommended tyre size if I decided to change my wheel size?

Please refer to the guide below:

Rim width
(inch)
Min. tyre width
(mm)
Ideal tyre width
(mm)
Max. tyre width
(mm)
5.0 155 165 or 175 185
5.5 165 175 or 185 195
6.0 175 185 or 195 205
6.5 185 195 or 205 215
7.0 195 205 or 215 225
7.5 205 215 or 225 235
8.0 215 225 or 235 245
8.5 225 235 or 245 255
9.0 235 245 or 255 265
9.5 245 255 or 265 275
10.0 255 265 or 275 285
10.5 265 275 or 285 295
11.0 275 285 or 295 305
11.5 285 295 or 305 315
12.0 295 305 or 315 325
12.5 305 315 or 325 335

Wheel Alignment
1. What is a wheel alignment?
Alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of your vehicle’s wheels to original specs. When wheels are properly aligned to meet your vehicle’s recommended specifications, your tyres will function better and last longer.
2. How often should I have my car aligned?
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation noted in your owner’s manual. But, as a general rule, have your vehicle’s tyres checked every 10.000 miles or at least once a year.
3. Why is a wheel alignment so important?
Perhaps you argue that you don’t have time for a wheel alignment, and you don’t care about anything like gas mileage. However, wheel alignment problem is more serious than this. It can affect your driving safety. Your wheels can’t respond to your commands instantly and perfectly, they won’t turn to the exact direction you want them to go. This is very dangerous when you are in some emergency situations. On the other hand, having the wheels aligned normally takes less than one hour.
4. What are the 'symptoms' of a car that's out of alignment?

You should have you car checked:

  • If excessive or uneven tyre wear is found
  • If there is a feeling of looseness or wandering
  • If there is steering wheel vibration or shimmy
  • After 10.000 miles or one year of driving
  • If your vehicle pulls to the left or right whilst driving straight
  • If you need to hold on to the steering wheel to drive straight
  • After changing a set of tyres
  • After a change of suspension or steering parts
  • After the first 3.000 km of driving a new car
  • After tran-axial repair on front wheel drive cars
5. Will my problem always be solved?
Usually but not always. Cars have wheel alignment difficulties through being both out of adjustment (correctable) or by having bent components or even the car body/subframe to which they both being bent. Where adjustments are not possible you will be kept informed.
6. Why have your wheel aligned at Otopac?

At Otopac, we are installing Hunter Hawkeye wheel alignment technology in a growing number of our centres. The Hunter Hawkeye four-wheel aligner is renowned for its accuracy and uses a series of high-definition imaging sensors which measure 14 primary alignment angles on your vehicle. The position and orientation of your wheels are compared against the vehicle manufacturers data for your vehicle, ensuring the vehicle is set up perfectly for you to drive.

Please note: Hunter Hawkeye is subject to availability. At some centres we may use alternative laser alignment technology to provide an equivalent wheel alignment service. The model announced on March 2018 will be used in Hong Kong.
7. What if after inspection, it turns out that my car don't need adjustment or cannot be adjusted due to some broken parts?
You will be advised at the time of inspection prior to any work being carried out. Should we find that no adjustment is necessary, we will happily refund you.

Oil Change
1. How often should I change my car's oil?
It depends on the car’s make, model and year, as well as driving conditions. Many of today’s automakers recommend oil changes at 5,000 miles or every three months. Drivers should check the automaker’s recommendation by reviewing the car’s user manual.
2. Why do you have to change your oil on a regular basis?
Motor oil breaks down over time. When it breaks down, it loses its effectiveness and can no longer properly protect your engine. Oil should be changed before the contamination level reaches the point where engine damage can result. Because it is difficult for the individual motorist to determine when the contamination level is too high, automobile manufacturers provide recommended oil change intervals.
3. What causes my vehicle's oil warning light to go on?
Your oil warning light can come on for a number of reasons, including low oil level, a failing oil pump, a faulty oil-pressure sensor, blockage in the oil system, excessive foaming of the oil and more. In all cases, you should shut down your engine as quickly as it is safe to do so. Continuing to operate your engine with low oil pressure can result in serious engine damage.
4. How do you check the oil in your car?
With the engine off, open the car's hood and find the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out from the engine and wipe any oil off from its end. Then insert the dipstick back into its tube and push it all the way back in. Pull it back out, and this time look at both sides of the dipstick to see where the oil is on the end.
5. How long does it take to get oil changed for your car?
An oil change is a relatively quick task. First the old oil needs time to drain out, while this is happening the filter can be swapped for a new one. Then pouring the new oil in to the engine. So, to answer your question, 15 to 30 minutes.

Battery Change
1. What are the warning signs of a dying battery?

There are warning signs and symptoms that your battery may need replacement:

  • Slow engine turn over, slow engine crank. If you try and start your vehicle, the cranking of the engine is sluggish and takes longer than normal to start.
  • Your check engine light is on and along with a sluggish start up, it could mean your battery is nearing its end of life.
  • Strange system lights, such as low coolant lights, could also mean there is a problem with your battery.
  • Low battery fluid levels. Typically, car batteries have part of the casing that is translucent, so you can check the check the fluid levels. If the red and black battery caps are not sealed, you can look into the battery to check the levels. If the fluid is low and below the lead plates, it's time to have the battery and charging system tested.
  • Welling or a bloated battery case.
  • If your battery sticks; smells of rotten eggs or sulfur, is an indication that your battery is leaking.
  • If you battery is older than 3 years, you should at least have your battery inspected on a yearly basis. Typical life is 3-5 years, but driving habits can shorten the lifespan. Climate and frequent stops can drastically shorten the actual life of your car's battery.
2. How can I get the most out of my battery?
  • Keep the battery terminals clean and inspect regularly (i.e. monthly) for corrosion.
  • Start the car before operating car accessories and operate (drive) the car to allow the battery to get topped off by the car alternator which produces electricity and as a by-product charges the car battery after voltage drops in the battery.
  • Keep the car's battery secure and free from vibration. Batteries that shake can become damaged and short circuited or worse cause damage to your car.
  • Invest in a car battery charger that will maintain an optimum charge level when your car is not in use or when you go on vacation.
3. How do I test the battery?
Otopac use battery tester to determine tested Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) against published rating and condition of starter and charging test. If the tested value is less than 80% of specified CCA or in poor condition, we recommend replacing the battery.

Brake Pads
1. When to change brake pads?

Here are some warning signs:

  • The brake pads is vibrating when stepping on the brakes.
  • When stepping on the brakes, you hear a clicking, rattling, or screeching sound.
  • The brake pads appear too thin if you see less than ¼ inch visibility of the outside brake pads.
  • The car is pulling to a different direction when the car is under braking.
2. How long do brake pads and rotor last?
The lifespan of your brake components depends on a wide set of factors, from the type of pads and rotors you have to your personal driving style. Most brake pad companies and mechanics agree that pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Brake rotors can last quite a bit longer (as much as 3 times as long as pads), but again this depends on many factors like your driving conditions and brake system maintenance.
3. Should I use the same components as specified as OEM?
In the aftermarket, you can choose from a range of lesser-cost, lower-quality components or hgher price, higher quality components. Just because it was specified as OEM-it doesn’t make it better. All of the components we sell are equal to or better than the OEM. Yours to Choose!

Windshield Wiper
1. What are the warning signs that a blade is worn out?
Most manufacturers recommend inspecting your wiper blades every six months for wear. Failures can be identified by excessive noise, streaking and chattering. If the rubber has started to tear apart from the blade it should be replaced immediately.
2. Is there anything I can do to make my blades last longer?
Clean your windshield every time you fill up your gas tank. Wipe off the rubber element with a damp paper towel to clear away any dirt or debris. To prevent wiper blades from sticking to the windshield, pull them away from your windshield, when the car is not operating.

AC Service
1. How often should my AC be inspected?
Heating and cooling professionals say that even if you do not suspect that your air conditioning unit has problems, you need to have it serviced and inspected at least once every year. This will ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency.
2. How do I notice that there is something wrong with my air conditioning system?
  • Poor cooling performance
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Noise
  • Fogged windows
  • Development of unpleasant smells

To avoid follow-on damage, the air conditioning system should be checked by an expert without delay.

3. Where does the musty smell inside the vehicle come from?
The cause of the smell can be an old interior filter and/or a soiled dryer/evaporator. Regular filter replacement and regular disinfection of the evaporator will eliminate this problem or prevent it occurring in the first place.
4. How can I use my air conditioning system as efficiently as possible?
  • Park In the shade.
  • Open the doors for a short time before starting your journey.
  • Set the air conditioning and ventilation to maximum at the start of a journey.
  • Drive with the windows/sunroof open for the first few minutes.
  • The interior temperature should not fall below 22 degrees C.