Drive November – December 2009 www.aap.org.ph

FOR MOTORISTS, BY MOTORISTS

term. Following Todt’s election, the FIA elected remaining members of the FIA World Council to serve for the next four years including AAP President Gus Lagman as Region II (Asia and Pacific) Vice-President for Automo-bile, Mobility and Tourism.

FIA’s World Council for

Automobile, Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT) is composed of 26 members; the FIA President, the Deputy President for Mobi-lity, seven Vice Presidents and 17 ordinary members.

AAP President Gus Lagman

It meets at least twice a year to discuss proposals from FIA’s Mobility Commissions and Working Groups.

The FIA is the

governing body for motor sport worldwide and the federation of 228 national motoring and sporting organizations from 132 countries. The FIA actively promotes the interests of motorists at the United Nations, within the European Union and in other international institutions.

PGRSP bares plans and programs for 2010

The Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) conducted a capacity building workshop for its incorporators and other road safety practitioners on October 30, 2009 at the Honda Safety Driving Center.

PGRSP President Mel-

chor Dizon presented the organization’s’ plans and programs to improve road safety in the country. In 2010, PGRSP will focus on key road safety issues such as motorcycle road traffic injury reduction, blood alcohol level, speed management, seat belts and program roll out for enforcement agencies.

“These are more of

outlines to get as many ideas for the preparation of plans and programs as well as the [training] of as many people as we can. One of the many concerns of PGRSP is not only operations but also the communication of these regulations to the public, to

the community and even to the law enforcers,” said Dizon.

GRSP Asia Pacific Senior

Advisor, Gayle Di Pietro, briefed the participants on the GRSP organization, linkages, work procedures, road safety best practices and case studies, target setting, monitoring and evaluation.

Launched on July 29,

2009, PGRSP aims to reduce road fatalities and coordinate, enable and expand Philippine road safety projects and initiatives. Its incorporators include AAP, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), Ford Group Philippines, Independent Philippine Pet-roleum Companies Associa-tion, Motorcycle Development Program Participants Associa-tion, Inc., Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT - Smart Foundation), Pilipinas Shell, Tollways Association of the Philippines and the Truck Manufacturer’s

Association with support coming from the Department of Transportation and Co-mmunications, Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Health.

AAP President Augusto

C. Lagman is the chairman of the PGRSP. AAP hosts the PGRSP Secretariat in its main office at 683 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City.

AAP Pres. Lagman now FIA Asia-Pacific VP for Automobile Mobility & Tourism

Give the gift of

AAP membership

this Christmas

Show your family and friends how much you care by giving the gift of AAP membership. Remind them of your thoughtfulness all year long and get them covered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rain or shine with AAP’s Emergency Roadside Service (ERS). AAP is just a phone call away during unfortunate events on the road. The ERS is not limited to towing. Assistance to jump start, change a flat tire and provide fuel is also available..

Aside from 24/7 ERS, your family

and friends will appreciate premium AAP membership benefits such as LTO Vehicle Registration Assistance, free Personal Accident Insurance, free Glass Windshield Etching, 24/7 Discounted Ambulance Service, Motor Insurance Discounts, International Reciprocity, Discounts from Partner Establishments and a one-year subscription to Drive, AAP’s bi-monthly newsletter. AAP also issues the Philippine International Driving Permit (PIDP.)

Discounts are also available for

your immediate family members. When you get an AAP Regular or Associate Individual membership, you can enroll two immediate family members with AAP at a discounted rate. The P300 one-time joining fee is waived for the first immediate family member. For succeeding immediate family members, the P300 one-time joining fee is waived in addition to a 20 percent discount on the annual fee.

For more information, please call

the AAP Membership Services Department at 723-0808 loc. 818 or 819.

The Federation Interna-tionale de l’Automobile (FIA), of which AAP is an affiliate, elected former Ferrari team manager, Jean Todt, as president of the FIA for a four-year

PGRSP President Melchor Dizon discusses PGRSP plans and programs for 2010 during t h e c ap ac i t y b u i ld in g workshop.

More discounts for

AAP members

Sharing the road

with a truck

There are special rules on sharing the road with big commercial vehicles like a truck or bus. Read on and know more about the No Zone.

The “No-Zone” Side blind spots

Trucks and buses have much larger blind spots on both s ides than do passenger cars. If a commercial driver needs to swerve and change lanes for any reason, contact with the car in such a spot can occur.

Rear blind spots

Unlike passenger cars, trucks, and buses have deep blind spots directly behind them. Tailgating greatly increases your chances of a rear-end collision with a commercial vehicle.

Unsafe Passing

Another “No-Zone” is just in front of trucks and buses,

when passing a bus or truck, be sure you can see the truck’s cab in your rear view mirror before pulling in front.

Wide Right Turns

Truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left in order to safely negotiate a right turn. They cannot see cars directly behind or beside

them. Cutting in between the commercial vehicle and the curb or shoulder to the right increases the possibility of a crash.

Backing Up

When a truck is backing up, it sometimes must block the road to maneuver its trailer accurately. Never cross behind a truck that is

preparing to back up or is in the process of doing so. Remember, most trailers are eight and a half feet wide and can completely hide objects that suddenly come between them and loading areas. Automobile drivers attempting to pass behind a truck enter a blind spot for both drivers.

Source: NLEX Motorist’s Handbook

Know your privileges as an AAP member

International Reciprocity AAP is the only

Philippine auto club affiliated with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). AAP’s affiliation with the FIA gives it International Reciprocity allowing AAP members to enjoy various services from automobile associations in other countries when they travel to those countries.

FIA affiliated clubs

provide a broad range of services to members visiting for a time frame of three months. The most common services AAP members can avail of from FIA affiliated clubs are towing, touring assistance, traffic advi-sories/road information, car check-up and technical advice.

Visiting club mem-bers can get road information via phone call inquiries or road maps, atlas and brochures distributed by FIA affiliated clubs. In Iran, club members are provided with a tourist guide while in India they are provided with a rest house during their stay. FIA affiliated clubs in Finland, Denmark, Ger-many, Indonesia, Cro-atia, Greece, UK and others have camping sites and travel activities that visiting club mem-bers can join.

Other countries offer

legal services, insurance discounts, baby seat rentals, driver training and courses in defensive driving with varying fees and discounts.

NO ZONE

NO

ZO

NE

NO ZONE

NO ZONE

Visiting club mem-bers can always expect a warm welcome and reliable assistance from FIA clubs through the International Reciprocity agreement. So wherever you are in the world, you can experience premium benefits and services that only the premier National Auto Club can give.

For more information

on International Recip-rocity with FIA-affiliated clubs, call the AAP hotline 723 0808 or email info@aap.org.ph.

Card-carrying AAP members can now avail of discounts from the following new

AAP partner establishments:

A.M. CLEOFE MULTI-PRODUX AND AUTO CARE CENTER 36 West Ave., Quezon City Tel nos: 373 2942; 371 6783 20% discount on labor

MARTIN'S CAR ACCESSORIES, AUTO PARTS AND SERVICES Unit 1 Motortown 1,Alabang Commercial Center, Muntinlupa City Tel nos: 809-0627; 807-4398 15% discount on labor (cash basis only)

TOPHEALTH MEDICAL CLINICS, INC. 1) 2F SM Centerpoint, Ramon Magsaysay Blvd.,Sta. Mesa Manila; Tel nos: 714-06-13 to 15; 353-1681 to 82 2) 2L SM San Lazaro, A.H. Lacson Ave.,cor Felix Huertas St.Sta. Cruz, Manila; Tel no: 710-8921 15% to 20% discount on all diagnostics/procedures

TYRON PERLIN INTERNATIONAL, Inc. 70 Santolan Road cor Ortigas Ave., Bgy. Valencia, Quezon City 15% to 10% discount on Tyron Safety Bands and EWDs

BCS-BF GOLDEN VISION (BOSCH CAR SERVICE) B-3 L21 President’s Ave., BF Homes, Parañaque City Te nol: 794-3617 15% VIP discount on parts and labor

THE AAP PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Interested parties may contact the AAP Marketing Dept. at 814-0584 or email aap.marketing@yahoo.com.

Here are some basic car check tips to ensure that your car is ready for that long drive. While some of you may be grease monkeys able to check the car on your own, the service of a professional car mechanic is still recommended.

Fluids

For a smooth and safe drive, make sure that your car has sufficient fluids. Remember not to overfill the engine as this can be equally harmful to your vehicle as having no fluid at all. If you see any leaks, have it repaired before traveling. Below are the car fluids that you should check. Note that the first three also have filters that need to be inspected:

engine oil

transmission oil

automatic transmission fluid

gasoline

radiator fluid/coolant

brake fluid

CAR CHECK TIPS

2009 PTCC and PPCC Announcement

Due to recent calamities that hit our country, the AAP, the organizer of the 2009 Philippine Touring Car Championship has moved its 4th and final leg on November 14 to 15 at the Subic International Raceway.

The Automobile Association Philippines condoles with the family of the late

Siegfredo “Boy” Nacar Fuentes, who passed away last

October 30, 2009 in Cebu City.

windshield washer fluid

power steering fluid

Brake hoses and belts Make sure that the brake hoses and v-

belts or groove-belts are properly secured. To see if they are tightly fastened, turn off the engine and wait till it cools down. Then tag your engine belts up and down and check if there is some snap and abnormal wear. Leaving the brake hoses in poor condition can cause them to suddenly burst which may lead to loss of brake control. Lastly, inspect water, radiator and bypass hoses; these are the weakest points of a car system as they easily become brittle.

Tires

Make sure that your tires have the correct air pressure. Low or high tire air pressure or worn-out tires may lead to vehicle slipping or a tire bursting, and an accident. Always have a spare tire, especially on long trips.

Lights

You dare not drive on dark highways with your car’s lights malfunctioning. Check if your car’s headlights, turn signals and interior lighting are working properly before you travel.

Mirrors and wipers

Clean your windshield and wipers and adjust your mirrors at the right angle. Make sure that the wiper blades are in good condition. If there are any cracks on your windshield, have it replaced. Good road visibility is a must for a safe and pleasant trip.

Brakes

Inspect your car’s brake pads and linings. If left in poor condition, they will reduce or lose the brakes’ stopping power.

Air filters

Air filters prevent unnecessary particles from entering your car. However, with time, an air filter collects dirt and this may result in high fuel consumption. To avoid any problem, regular cleaning or replacement (when necessary) is advisable.

Car battery

To prolong the car battery’s life, keep it free from corrosion by scrubbing the terminals with a stiff wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water solvent. If you feel uncomfortable working with chemicals you can always seek the help of car dealers near you as they offer free battery check-ups. Have the battery charging rate checked as well. Watch out for cracks in the battery shell and suspicious bulges as these usually indicate

that the battery needs replacement. Avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or spending your holiday money repairing some car problem that could have been prevented had you just taken the time to check your car before driving off. Your life, as well as the lives of your passengers, lies in your hands as the driver. Be a responsible motorist by taking good care of your car, following traffic r e g u l a t i o n s a n d practicing road safety.

If you are one of the

many planning a long

drive this holiday season,

make sure that your car is

in tiptop condition before

hitting the road.

CLARIFICATION

AAP would like to clarify that AAP is the sole automobile motor sports authority in the Philippines while the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), which is affiliated with the Federation Internationale de Motorcycliste and the Philippine Olympic Committee, is the sole authority on motorcycle sports for two and three wheel vehicles in the country.

MOTOR SPORTS 2009 Calendar

(November - December)

November

6-8 Asian Karting Open

Championship

(Thailand)

8 5th Rd. Autocross

(Davao City)

14-15 4th leg PTCC

(Subic International Raceway)

22 6th Rd. Autocross

(Molino, Cavite)

11th leg Slalom

(Nova Market)

29 Philippine Motorsports Festival

(Subic International Raceway)

December

5-6 7th leg Magnolia Karting Series

(Carmona Race Track)

6 12TH

leg Slalom

(Nova Market)

12 Drag Race Northern Series

(Clark Speedway)

Schedule is subject to change without prior notice.

24/7 EMERGENCY ROADSIDE SERVICE

HOTLINES:

723-0808 726-0191

0917.848.0191 0922.860.1603

When you call the Emergency Roadside Service (ERS), remember to give the operator the following information:

Your name

AAP Membership Number

Model, color and make of vehicle

The license plate number of your vehicle

Exact location where the car is stalled (landmark)

Location where the car is to be towed

Describe what you think is the problem of your vehicle Always appoint a representative to ride with the ERS team while the vehicle is being towed. If

you are able to start your vehicle before the arrival of the ERS team, please call to cancel your service booking.

Better Roads, Better Rides, Better Lives.

Report Road Hazards Immediately!

Assisting You 24/7

Landline: 414-2288 723-0625 Mobile: 0917-504 22 88 Email: aaproadsafety@yahoo.com

IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR

DRIVER’S LICENSE

If your driver’s license is expiring and you are celebrating your birthday this November or December, you should renew your license a week before the date of your birth. Penalties are now imposed on late renewals even if you do it on the same month

DON’T FORGET!

R E M I N D E R S

Types of AAP Membership

Benefits and Services Regular Member Associate Member

Individual Corporate/Group

Joining Fee P300 P300 No

Annual Fee P1,200 P900 P700 each

Three-Year Fee (optional) P3,000 P2,200 No

Registered cars 2 1 10 minimum

ERS interventions per year 4 interventions or

100km tow distance whichever comes first

3 interventions or 60km tow distance

whichever comes first

2 interventions or 40km tow distance

whichever comes first

24/7 Ambulance Service * Yes Yes Yes

Free Battery Delivery * Yes Yes Yes

LTO Registration Assistance

AAP registered vehicles only

AAP registered vehicles only

AAP registered vehicles only

Glass Etching Service (2 free etching)

AAP registered vehicles only

AAP registered vehicles only

No

Car Insurance Discount (CTPL/Comprehensive)

Yes Yes Yes

Personal Accident Insurance (18 to 70 years old only)

P300,000 P200,000 P200,000

Service Vehicle to Members

Yes Yes No

Discounts from business Yes Yes Yes

International Driving Permit

Yes Need to convert to

regular membership Need to convert to

regular membership

International Reciprocity Yes Need to convert to

regular membership Need to convert to

regular membership

Competition Licenses Yes Need to convert to

regular membership Need to convert to

regular membership

Discounts

1st immediate |family member

(Joining fee is waived)

Succeeding immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived plus 20% discount)

1st immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived)

Succeeding immediate family member

(Joining fee is waived plus 20% discount)

10% discount for 50 and more cars

20% discount for 100 and more cars

30% discount for 500 and more cars

Voting Rights Yes No No

* Metro Manila only

Paste member’s name and address here

Entered as third-class mail at the Cubao Post Office by the Automobile Association Philippines under Permit no. 594, March 25, 1995. Postage paid.