convert a regular mini truck to a dump bed mini truck

How To Convert a Regular Mini Truck to a Dump Bed Mini Truck

Regular mini trucks are multipurpose vehicles. The Japanese Kei trucks are affordable, cheap to maintain, economical in fuel consumption, and robust and mechanically reliable. Mini trucks are common among many people in different industries across the globe and have a more comprehensive range of use. Some prefer them for domestic use, while others have made them commercial vehicles. Did you know that mini trucks can serve as dumping bed mini trucks? This is why initially, you will hear them being referred to them as multipurpose vehicles. In this guide, we will go through the basics of how to convert a regular mini truck to a dump bed mini truck.

Dump Bed Mini Truck

Dump bed mini trucks perform the work of offloading quickly. These small trucks can transport building materials such as sand, gravel, and building stones and, to some extent, can be used to ferry litter to the dumping site. They have hydraulic rams in front of the dump bed. As the hydraulic ram is lifting the front part of the bump bed, the load slides to the dump bed’s rear part and eventually rolls to the ground. This mechanism makes such a truck a little bit expensive to acquire. However, you can convert a mini truck to a dumping truck.

Basics to Convert a Regular Mini Truck to a Dump Bed Mini Truck

You will need a conversion kit to convert the box mini truck into a dump bed mini truck. The kit has a hydraulic pump and other electrical components, such as the wiring kit. The hydraulic pump will be performing the role of moving the dump bed to dump the load. You will be required to remove the bed of your Kei truck to perform this procedure.

Installation of hydraulic pump

Consider the safety of the hydraulic pump when installing it. The bracket will do this. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not make brackets. You have to fabricate one. Mounting can be done either in or out of the frame. In the driver’s cabin, mount the pump where it will be convenient.

Hook up the plumbing after mounting the pump. To do this, use any pipe sealant. When plumbing, there is no adequate space because of the 90-degree fitting. For effective hooking up of the plumbing, remove the solenoid coil.

After tightening the 90-degree L, try to install it in the required direction so that it does not come into contact with other hardware. At this point, run the hydraulic hose, and it should not come into contact with any moving parts of the mini truck.

In the electrical kit bought, identify various wires for wiring. Rewiring is essential when installing the bed dump because the hydraulic pump requires energy for function.

You can never do the conversion process alone. It is a time-consuming job that requires experienced professionals to be successful. When installing the dump bed, you should be very sure of what you are doing and practice caution.

Conclusion

Converting a regular mini truck into a dump bed mini truck is possible. However, this procedure is complex, and you should involve specialized mechanics. Hopefully, this guide has given you helpful basics to installing the dump bed on your regular mini truck.

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

Mazda is without a doubt one of the best when it comes to the lightweight truck class. They were introduced decades ago and have since been gaining popularity. People love the Japanese mini trucks in general for their incredible performance, dependability and cheap cost of running. There are countless things that we can talk of regarding the Japanese mini trucks. But it is also worth noting that most of the mini trucks sold in the US are used. And this sis because there is a 25-year import rule on lightweight trucks like the Japanese mini trucks. In this guide, we will go deep into helping you find a Mazda Scrum for sale in Washington. This should also be applicable in other areas as well.

How To Find Mazda Scrum For Sale In Washington

There are a number of ways that one can use to find the right Japanese mini truck for sale. And here are some of them.

Use Online Classifieds

The internet is one great place where one can find good things to buy. As much as many people do not use classified sites, it is a place that you can shop and find pretty much anything. And this includes vehicles like the kei trucks too. Some of the big classified platforms like Craigslist would be a good place to start. There are also many out there where you can find localized ads that could include the Mazda Scrum.

Local Car Dealerships

Sometimes the best way that one can find the vehicle that they are looking for is through local dealerships. There are many used car dealerships that one can find. They have been around for many years and are usually the go-to place for anyone looking to get a used vehicle. So, if you would like to get a used Japanese mini truck like the Mazda Scrum for instance, this is something that you should consider. It may take you sometime though. And this is because the Mazda Scrum mini truck might not be very popular all over. But searching through multiple of these sales yards should get you the vehicle you want.

Online Car Bazaars

Online car bazaars is an equivalent of the local used car dealerships. Only that this works over the internet and offers more options. For instance, using online car bazaars that list a lot of vehicles does not require one to visit the yard. Instead, one can simply shop online and go though tons of vehicles while in the comfort of their home.

Conclusion

Japanese mini trucks such as the Mazda Scrum are amazing vehicles. They can be used for pretty much anything that on can think of. From being used in the far to hunting, they will surely not disappoint. Shared in this guide are some of the ways that you can find the mini truck the easy way.

Be sure to also check out options on our listing page for some that are on sale in our Japan-based dealership.

Here we will go through the process of changing spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry mini truck

Suzuki Carry – Changing Spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry

Suzuki carry is a Japanese vehicle produced under the Suzuki auto brand. In the Japanese market, it comes as either a mini truck or a minivan. It was first produced back in the 1960s to compete with vehicles such as Daihatsu Hijet, Mitsubishi Minicab, Subaru Sambar, Honda Acty, and Mazda Scrum. For Suzuki Carry to actively compete with other vehicles in this class, it must have a good engine that offers the desired power and reliability. The engine is essential in converting energy from fuel to motion. For an engine to convert the gasoline energy to motion, it has to have a spark plug. What is the function of the spark plug? It ignites the mixture of air and fuel, and the ignition causes an explosion which produces energy for motion. Here we will go through the process of changing spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry mini truck.

Changing Spark Plug for a Suzuki Carry

Most manufacturers recommend that after every 30,000 miles, you should replace your spark plugs. However, the life span of a spark plug can be affected by the driving habit and the general engine performance.

Changing the spark plug for this small Suzuki mini truck might seem a little bit complex compared to other cars where you only open the hood, and there it is. There is a little space where the spark plug is located, which is tilted, making it relatively hard to reach.

In mini trucks, the spark plug exists under the driver’s seat while it is mounted at the rear in the minivan. To safely remove the spark plug, ensure you have a tool called the spark plug wrench. The best one has a rubber inside. This rubber is essential in ensuring the plug does not fall when installed.

Below are the Steps that will Help In Changing Spark plugs of a Suzuki Carry

  • Your mini truck has to be parked on a flat surface that is dry and let the engine cool.
  • Try cleaning the engine parts to ensure that any impurity does not get into the cylinder when removing the spark plug.
  • Ensure your battery is disconnected.
  • Remove the spark plug wire. Do this carefully to avoid damages that may occur, such as tearing the wire terminal.
  • Remove the COP. To do this, ensure the electrical connector is not connected to the ignition. You can achieve this by physically disconnecting it. After disconnection, twist the coil a quarter turn to break the bond. It will pull up and out. Practice caution while doing this to avoid damaging the COP boot.
  • Make sure the engine has thoroughly cooled down, then you can use the spark plug socket to remove the spark plug safely.
  • Install the new plug; before putting the new plug, ensure that the plugs do not have any physical damage and are labeled accordingly. Re-install the COP, and start your engine.

Conclusion

The combustion between air and fuel is what brings motion. Spark plugs play a vital role in the car’s engine by converting the electric current into a spark. This spark ignites the combustion of the mixture of air and fuel. The spark plugs are located at the heads of the cylinders. In the cylinder is where combustion occurs.

Be sure to check out some of the mini trucks on sale in our listing page.

As a servicing routine, always check the valve clearance. Here, we will go through Honda Acty valve clearance procedure.

Honda Acty Valve Clearance Procedure

Honda Acty is one of the most preferred Kei trucks and among the best in the lightweight truck class. It has a small but powerful engine for its size. Pick-up truck owners might look down upon the Honda Acty because of its general physical size. As the say goes, never judge a book by its cover. This small chap is earnest when it comes to performing duties. For most Japanese mini trucks to offer the best services to the owners, they must be in good condition. To achieve this, as the owner, you should ensure that your Honda Acty never misses servicing after the completion of mileage. As a servicing routine, always check the valve clearance. Here, we will go through Honda Acty valve clearance procedure.

To deliver maximum power by your Kei truck, both the camshaft and the combustion chambers have to work jointly. The combined efforts of the camshaft and the combustion chamber harm the parts like the valves. This article will focus on the valve clearance for the Honda Acty.

Honda Acty Valve Clearance

Valve clearance is the space between the upper part of the valve and the rocker arm. This gap will likely to widen or lessen as the valves perform their functions. Maintaining a given length for both the inlet and the outlet valve is essential. The outlet valve should be longer to accommodate the expansion due to heat. It will helpful to do the following to know the measurement of your valve clearance.

  1. First and foremost, practice safety by putting off your engine and letting it cool down. Performing this procedure is only possible on a cold engine. Sometimes, the valves might fail to notify you that there is less or more clearance.
  2. Ensure the crankshaft is in a top dead centre by turning it clockwise. You will determine this by looking at the crankshaft from the flywheel. When you do this, the crankshaft will relax, and the valve will no longer be open.
  3. Use the feeler gauge to determine the space between the valve and the rocker arm.
  4. If the clearance is small, increase it by pulling out the valve and grinding the end of the valve stem. As you grind, ensure you do not remove too much valve stem, check by regularly measuring the length.
  5. After doing this, lubricate each valve stem. While lubricating, ensure no lubricant goes to the tappets or endpoints of the valve stem.

Conclusion

Honda Acty Kei truck is one of the most reliable and liked vehicles in its class. Every owner can rely on it, and it has always proven to be the workmate. This is because of the simple and robust engine it has. Being an excellent mini truck does not put it into 100% perfection. As this vehicle performs its duties, it will develop minor engine issues. The heat produced by the engine is likely to wear out some engine parts with time. It is essential to do valve clearance occasionally to ensure your valves are working perfectly. This guide will help you perform the valve clearance process for Acty mini truck.

changing the spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet

Changing Spark Plugs of Daihatsu Hijet

If you own or have driven Daihatsu Hijet before, you will definitely agree that it is one of the most economical and efficient mini trucks in the market today. The popularity of Daihatsu Hijet is due to its high-performance engine, which guarantees reliability and impeccable durability. Just like any other car brand, there is a need to regularly service your Daihatsu Hijet’s engine. One of the ways to maintain your mini truck’s engine performance is changing the spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet. Think of spark plugs as tiny, yet crucial elements that ignite the mixture of fuel and air, causing combustion that powers your engine. So, despite their small size, spark plugs are what keep your Daihatsu Hijet running.

How do I know when to change the spark plugs of my Daihatsu Hijet?

It is hard to constantly check the spark plugs of your Daihatsu Hijet to determine whether they are worn out. But the key to detect faulty spark plugs lies behind the performance of your engine. Some signs are common and hard to go unnoticed, like slow acceleration and a misfiring engine.

One of the causes of slowed acceleration in Daihatsu Hijet is a faulty ignition system. Spark plugs are made of materials that produce a spark that is hot enough to cause ignition of an air-fuel mixture. These materials wear out over time and the spark might not be as strong impairing the combustion and in turn significantly reducing the acceleration of your Daihatsu Hijet. If you notice slow acceleration in your Daihatsu Hijet, you should consider consulting a mechanic to inspect your spark plugs.

A misfiring engine is typically the stumbling sound from your engine and it is usually an indication of a faulty ignition system. Daihatsu Hijet minitrucks have sensors that might malfunction and cause a similar problem, but the main cause of a misfiring engine is a fault with the ignition system. Engine misfires cause an increase in exhaust emissions, a decrease in engine power and relatively higher fuel consumption.

What are the Benefits of Changing Spark Plugs of Daihatsu Hijet?

You have probably seen one, two, or more benefits of changing spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet by now and the list is much longer.

The fuel efficiency of your Daihatsu Hijet depends on how good your spark plugs perform their combustion function. Essentially, these spark plugs depreciate and wear out over time reducing their efficiency in burning the fuel-air mixture. Changing the spark plugs maintains the gas mileage of Daihatsu Hijet reducing the cost associated with excessive fuel consumption.

Another benefit of changing spark plugs of Daihatsu Hijet is enhancing the combustion of air and fuel in the engine. Weary spark plugs have reduced combustion efficiency making your minitruck to require more power to run. In addition, old spark plugs are the major cause of messed-up minitruck mileage. Changing the spark plugs rejuvenates the performance of Daihatsu Hijet’s performance, maintains the shape of the engine and saves up on repair cost in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Changing the spark plugs of your Daihatsu Hijet has robust benefits especially if you maintain the routine. So be keen on your engine. Watch out for any signs of faulty plugs, consult your mechanic and keep your engine in shape.

how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road

How Safe is the Japanese Mini Trucks on the Road

Japanese mini trucks are ideal for driving through the streets, on the highways, on rugged terrains as well as on slippery surfaces such as lawns. Apart from offering a good driving experience, they are the best for varied uses. The mini trucks have saved those who longed to own a pick-up truck but could not afford one. However, mini trucks are common on the roads. Some people question their safety. This article looks at the safety features of a mini truck which you should know and should answer the question: how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road.

Misconceptions about the mini truck

Before we delve into the safety features of the Japanese mini trucks, let us look at some of the misconceptions people have about these vehicles.

There is a perception that the mini trucks have a heavy front end. The heavy front might cause the rear end to fly in case emergency brakes are applied. The consumers have attributed the tipping to poor loading and slumming of the brakes but not the heavy front end.

There is a perception that the suspension system of mini trucks is substandard, making them problematic. Tests have revealed that the suspension system of the mini trucks is of a good standard.

Safety Features of Mini Trucks

The design Safety

Many mini trucks have a simple, economical design on the manufacturer’s end. The steel used in their body is more robust than the carbon fiber in most modern cars. This makes them have an ugly box-like shape. Anyway, these vehicles are not for luxury but for practicality. The steel material used in the construction is a safety measure for the mini truck.

Driving Safety

An important safety feature to check when purchasing the vehicle is its drivability. Drivability will enable the driver to have complete control of the vehicle. Mini trucks have power steering, four-wheel drive safety measures, a differential lock-in system, and controlled forward and reverse gears as driving safety measures. They have a very efficient braking system, and a four-speed manual transmission to choose from is safe compared to the automatic transmission.

The Airbags

The best primary safety feature every vehicle must have is an airbag. Airbags have helped to minimize deaths related to head injuries in case of accidents. They are located in various parts depending on the vehicle type. For example, high-end cars and newer versions of Japanese mini trucks have airbags for the driver and all the passengers. A standard newer version mini truck has an airbag on the steering wheel and the dashboard.

Latest Safety Features

Mini trucks have the latest safety features based on technology such as the speed limiter, the anti-lock braking system, the Global Positioning System chip popularly known as a tracker, and flexible side mirrors.

Conclusion

So, how safe is the Japanese mini trucks on the road really? It is the responsibility of those driving the mini truck to prioritize safety. Drivers should keep the mini trucks healthy to drive and avoid careless driving, which might lead to accidents. The Japanese automakers have tried to improve and prioritize safety on most mini trucks. This article has discussed some of the safety features of mini trucks.

Here, we go through Mitsubishi mini truck lift kit and suspension.

Mitsubishi Mini Truck Lift Kit and Suspension

The Japanese Mitsubishi Kei truck has been in the market since the mid-1960s. Several improvements have been made to it to satisfy consumer needs. Initially, this mini truck was to serve the local Japanese Market, but it found itself in the foreign markets, credit to Japanese second-hand motor vehicle exporters. As much as these mini trucks can tackle any terrain, very rugged terrain can give them a hard time. To make them move through such places smoothly, consider lifting it. Here, we go through Mitsubishi mini truck lift kit and suspension.

Mitsubishi Mini Truck Lift Kit and Suspension

A lift kit and suspension can increase your vehicle’s height. The lift kit increases the height by a few inches, but the suspension kit can increase the height of your vehicle by several inches. Doing this will improve your ground clearance.

Importance of Raising Your Vehicle

Raising your vehicle using suspension and lifting kits gives you and your car an added advantage. Here are some of the importance of raising a vehicle higher.

Improved Safety

Lifted vehicles are safer as they give the drivers a better view and, therefore, can easily control the vehicle. Raised vehicles are safer to drive on obstacles. The obstacles will not likely to damage the underneath of the vehicle. Instead, they will pass under the vehicle.

Good for Towing

Lifted vehicles provide better towing because they will prevent the bottom of the truck from touching the ground.

Ability to Fix Big Tires

Lifting your vehicle will provide more space to fix big tires. Big tires improve the looks of your truck. At the same time, they improve the performance of your vehicle.

Lifting Makes it Easier to Access the Underneath of Your Vehicle.

It is easy to access and repair the underneath parts of a raised vehicle. You will be able to perform tasks such as greasing the moving parts under the vehicle.

Lifted Vehicles Provides a Better Visibility

When the driver is seated on a raised place, they can see the road clearly, and it becomes easy to avoid potholes and cause accidents.

Provides a Better Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is the space between the underneath of a vehicle and the ground. The raising of a vehicle increases the ground clearance. Driving over obstacles becomes comfortable.

How to Raise Your Mini Truck

There are three options for lifting your mini truck: fixing bigger tires, and using the suspension and body lift kits. You can use one or combine both.

The body lift kit will increase your vehicle’s ground clearance by using lifters. These lifters are fixed between the spaces of suspension springs.

The suspension lift will push your vehicle high and the wheels way below the frame. The suspension kit has leaf spring shackles and coil spring bushings.

Fixing big tires will lift your vehicle some inches from the ground. However, it is possible to fix big tires after fixing coil spacers.

Conclusion

You can increase the height of your Mitsubishi mini truck to improve its ground clearance and performance. Lifting is very effective on the four-wheel version. This guide has what you need to know before lifting your mini truck.

Here is a comprehensive guide on changing Spark plug for Mitsubishi minicab.

Changing Spark Plug for Mitsubishi Minicab

Mitsubishi minicab is a small vehicle made by Mitsubishi Motors since 1960s. It competes with the likes of Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Honda Acty and Subaru Sambar mini trucks. Mitsubishi minicab comes as a mini truck or as a minivan, depending on your preference and needs. This vehicle is made to satisfy the needs in various niches and industries. For customer satisfaction, the minicab has to be reliable and efficient. This comes when the engine is in good operation. An engine comprises of cylinders and spark plugs that cause the motion. The cylinder is where combustion occurs, and the spark plug is what initiates the spark by lighting the mixture of air and fuel in the cylinder. This role exposes the spark plug to tearing and wearing. Here is a comprehensive guide on changing Spark plug for Mitsubishi minicab.

Changing Spark Plug for Mitsubishi Minicab

When replacing the spark plug for your minicab, remove it one at a time and thoroughly check it to determine whether it can be reused or replaced. The spark plug should be changed when the minicab attains a mileage of not more than 50,000 km. This will ensure that your engine functions properly and consumes only the required fuel. To safely replace your spark plug, look at the following steps:

  • Park your minicab on a flat surface, and let the engine cool down.
  • Clean up the spark plug hole on the cylinder. Cleaning removes any impurity that may get into the cylinder upon removing the spark plug.
  • Apply oil to the threads of the spark plug. Do this carefully to ensure that no oil goes to the electrodes and the canter of the spark plug.
  • Turn the spark plug in a clockwise direction by hand, do this carefully to avoid destroying the threads in the plugs.
  • Turn the plug at least twice; after that, you can use tools such as a ratchet or a socket to continue the work.
  • Insert the spark plug socket and attach the ratchet to it, then continue turning clockwise; stop as soon as you meet resistance.
  • Take time to check the spark plug cable and ensure it is not damaged. If it is damaged, then consider changing it. Before you think of attaching the boot to the spark plug, apply silicon lubricant to the boot and gently push it over the exposed terminal of the new plug, then press it on the place.
  • Repeat the procedure on every cylinder. Practice a lot of caution to avoid impurities getting into the cylinder or the threads getting destroyed.

Conclusion

A spark plug is important in the running of a Mitsubishi minicab. Due to its critical nature in initiating combustion in the cylinder, the spark plug is exposed to tear and wear. When it wears out, the minicab’s engine is likely to perform differently and consume more fuel. Therefore, it is important to change the spark plug after attaining a specific mileage. The guides given above will help you to initiate the process safely without having to involve a specialist.

prolong the life of your Kei truck

How To Prolong The Life of Your Kei Truck

Kei trucks are among the most durable vehicle models on the market today. Manufacturers guarantee that they can last up to 150,000 miles when they are used for carrying loads. They last up to 200,000 if they are used for other purposes that do not involve carrying loads. Japanese mini trucks highly preferred for this reason. The good news is, you can prolong the life of your mini truck. This post gives you tips on simple routine practices that you need to prolong the life of your Kei truck. Proceed to find out how.

Stop Overloading!

Despite their small size, mini trucks can carry significantly heavier loads than pick-ups. However, they have a limit of 1760lb as their load capacity. But with their zealous engine, one might be tempted to overload. The mini truck is very much capable of gaining traction while overloaded but this contributes to its tire and structural wear-off. In addition, overloading a mini truck jeopardizes its safety feature capabilities such as the braking system and handling. Overloading stresses the engine, causes fast wear and tear, and increases the chances of accidents. Stick to the weight limit and watch the truck serve you longer.

Take Care of The Engine.

Always look at the engine as the heart of your mini truck, it powers everything. The engine has many moving parts that wear off over time. Many manufacturers, mechanics, and automotive experts will recommend servicing your mini truck every 5,000miles. But you need to go an extra mile to prolong the life of your mini truck. Many people believe servicing the engine is changing the oil and minor adjustments. Go the extra mile of having other minor components such as spark power plugs checked. Use quality oil while servicing your engine and pay attention to your engine.

Small Problems Do Not Exist!

Many people will tell you, that major problems in their Japanese mini trucks begin as small problems. Kei truck too depreciate with time. So, do not ignore a truck problem because it’s small. A good example is overheating of the engine. It might sound like a minor problem with simple solutions but it might be an indication of an engine problem. This does not only apply to the engine but to other components such as doors, the wiring system, and the suspension among others. Nip those problems in the bud!

Conclusion

The key to prolonging the life of your Kei truck lies behind the dedication you put to giving back to your truck. It should be a routine and sometimes requires discipline. Avoid overloading especially if your truck is used for commercial purposes. You might think that you are making a killing by overloading, but in actual sense you lose in the long run. Remember, the engine is the most valuable gem in your truck. Don’t miss any service. Lastly, remember that those small problems escalate to big problems. With those tips in mind, your Kei truck will serve you for quite some time.

Tips To Make Kei Truck Buying Easy

Tips To Make Kei Truck Buying Easy

Buying a vehicle, unlike groceries or diapers in a store, should be a well-thought move. A vehicle is not something you buy with some loose change that you have left in your purse or pocket. For that reason, many people experience a hard time deciding which vehicle to buy and closing the actual deal. Imagine saving up for probably months or years and then being indifferent about which vehicle to buy. But hey! Don’t worry because this post is a perfect guide with several questions and tips to make Kei truck buying easy.

Crucial Tips To Make Kei Truck Buying Easy

Here are some of the most important considerations for anyone looking to invest in a kei truck.

  1. Do You know the Purpose of the Vehicle?

This is the most basic question that you need to answer before buying a vehicle or anything for that matter. Different cars have different designs and they serve different purposes to the owner or the user. For example, if you are in the cargo transport industry, it would be ideal if you bought a mini truck rather than a salon car. The decision is guided by the purpose of the vehicle being bought. It is that simple.

  1. What is your budget?

The budget is another factor that you need to have at the back of your mind. Sometimes you could have a vivid description of a vehicle that you need, but different features make the costs vary. For example, Kei trucks have different models such as Subaru Sambar or Suzuki Carry. Each of these models comes with a market price. Sticking to a budget makes it easy to weigh options between available models and ultimately reduces the hustle of deciding what to buy.

  1. How Much Can You Find Out?

Unfortunately, a big percentage of car buyers do not have enough information about the car they intend to buy. But with the internet, there is only so much that you can find. You can get helpful information including major features and the market price of different vehicles on the internet. Furthermore, you can consult owners of similar car brands to the one you wish to buy if you know one. They often have good pointers that can guide you. In some instances, it is advisable to consult an independent mechanic or an automotive expert if you have one. For example, you could be advised to go for a 4-wheel drive Kei truck rather than going for a rear-wheel-drive or vice versa. Find as much as you can about a vehicle or similar vehicles before buying.

  1. Take your time

Taking your time sounds basic but it is quite important. Researching about the vehicle you need, comparing options, and comparing dealers takes time. Buying a car is a commitment and no one wants to end up with a car that does not serve them. In addition, you need to be confident enough that the vehicle you are buying is what you need.

Conclusion

Buying a vehicle is not always a smooth sail, especially if it is your first buy. But knowing the purpose of the vehicle, your budget, and outsourced information can go a long way to help you. The trick is to be as confident as possible and the above discussed is all you need.

Improve Mini truck Performance

Mini Truck Performance -Tips to Improve Mini truck Performance

The mini-trucks have been in the Japanese market for decades. Their manufacturing can be dated back to the 1950s, when the automotive industry in Japan was still developing. Consumers buy mini-trucks for various uses, such as commercial and domestic use. The mini-trucks have spread to other parts of the world, and various motor vehicle companies compete to win consumers’ hearts by producing more advanced mini trucks. For instance, mini-trucks have become popular in the United States for their reputable performance and reliability. Here we have shared with you some crucial tips to improve the Japanese mini truck performance and keep it going for long.

Tips to improve the Mini Truck Performance

Every vehicle out there needs some improvements to exploit its capabilities thoroughly. And also, as any automotive ages, its performance goes down; therefore, it becomes the owner’s responsibility to ensure that they are well maintained. To get the best from your mini truck, do the following:

Use synthetic oil

Synthetic oil is also referred to as premium oil. They are better in terms of maintaining the moving parts of your mini-truck. Synthetic oil is made through advanced chemical processes, making them the best option to cool the vehicle from heat generated by the friction from the moving parts. Synthetic oil also protects the vehicle from rusting.

Your mini-truck will offer optimum performance if you use that kind of oil which protects it from damages caused by overheating and rusting.

Perform Regular maintenance for your Mini-truck

Ensure that you service your mini-truck after reaching the specified mileage. During the service, perform the following essential maintenance; change the engine oil, change the brake pads, and check the entire vehicle to fix any engine issue or engine’s general body. Replacing the engine oil after a specific mileage will give your engine a longer lifespan and help maintain its power.

The cost of maintaining a mini-truck is relatively lower, and you should take advantage of it to serve you better.

Consider using Original Spare Parts

Generic spare parts appear to be cheap as compared to genuine parts. Many people, therefore, opt for generic spare parts. The disadvantage of these generic spare parts is that they may interfere with your mini-trucks general performance and break down quickly. On the other hand, the genuine spare parts are more durable and improve your mini truck performance. The genuine parts may be expensive, but they are worth the price in the long run.

Go for Good Quality Tire

Good quality tires may be expensive but are worth the investment. They will serve you for a very long time and deliver the best performance to your car. When using high quality tires, you are assured of better traction and good handling on any terrain you are driving on.

Conclusion

If you are a person who loves modifications, you can consider turning your mini-truck for better performance. The above are fundamental ways of improving the performance of your mini truck. Putting the above into practice will make your mini truck give you the best services. It will also make it last for a long time without major mechanical issues.

Are Nissan Vanette Mini Trucks Good?

Are Nissan Vanette Mini Trucks Good?

Nissan Vanette is one of the best Japanese mini trucks in the market. Despite not being as popular as most of the other kei trucks, they still pack a punch. They have been around for many years and having one of these mini trucks will surely be a good investment. But are these Nissan Vanette mini trucks good or just over-hyped? Well, let us go through some of the things that makes them good and lovable by many people out there. This should help you decide on whether you should get it or not.

What Makes Nissan Vanette Mini Trucks Good?

From when the Japanese mini trucks came about in the 1950s, a lot has taken place. There has been a lot in terms of their evolution. Nissan has been part of the history making some of the best vehicles including the Vanette.

Here are some of the factors that makes the Nissan Vanettes good mini trucks worth investing in.

Good Performance

A vehicle can only be best defined by the performance that it has. Nobody would want a vehicle that offers poor performance. But knowing which one to go with is sometimes tricky. But one thing that you can be certain is that the Nissan Vanettes will deliver. They have stood the test of time and proven to be the real deal.

Amazing Fuel Economy

Like most of the Japanese mini trucks, the Nissan Vanettes are designed with small engines. The small engine size means that less fuel is needed for the vehicle to run. But their efficiency has been optimized to deliver maximum output. You can do pretty much anything that you can think of with this vehicle. From being used off road to hauling lots of load, they will not disappoint. They can go a long way on little amount of fuel. It is therefore justified to say that these vehicles have excellent efficiency.

Low Maintenance

The Nissan Vanette is also a low maintenance vehicle. It does not demand much in terms of repairs and regular maintenance. Having a vehicle that is low maintenance is great because it means that it costs less to operate.

Best Value For The Money

Japanese mini trucks in general have a good reputation of being cheap. To that score, the Nissan Vanette mini truck too is an incredible vehicle that comes at an affordable cost. This makes it a good vehicle that is worth putting your money on.

Conclusion

The Nissan Vanette might not be the most popular of the kei trucks in the market, but they definitely pack a punch in performance and reliability. They are also affordable and will give you the best bang for the buck.

If you have made up your mind and want this mini truck, then we’ve got your back. Be sure to check out some of the Nissan Vanette mini trucks we are selling in our listing page. You will find some handpicked ones that are in crisp condition. We can also help you with the shipping of the vehicle.

When To Rotate Your Kei Truck Tires and Why

When To Rotate Your Kei Truck Tires and Why

Tires are one of the major mechanical components of Kei trucks that need to be changed regularly upon wear. But you have probably heard about vehicle tire rotation or have been recommended to rotate your tires by your mechanic. But what is tire rotation exactly and why is it important? In this guide, we will be looking at when to rotate your kei truck tires and why you should do it.

What Is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation refers to the process of routinely switching the tires of your vehicle. Tire rotation should be done systematically to follow a certain pattern. You can rotate your tires from the rear to front or from either side of the car or both. By rotating your tires, you can inspect their damage, wear off, and air pressure. The difference in tread depth of your tires will be visible and comparable to you.

When To Rotate Your Kei Truck Tires

Normally, Kei truck manufacturers recommend tire rotation at around the time when you service your truck. This is usually a mileage of 5000 miles. However, you can rotate your tires any time need arises or when your mechanic recommends. This applies on occasions when the tread depth might have a significant difference before the mileage is reached.

Tires wear off depending on the load they handle, how occasionally and the type of road used. In addition, tires are subject to damage such as punctures where repair or replacement follows. On such occasions, you can balance the grip of your truck by rotating your tires without necessarily waiting to reach the recommended mileage.

Why Is Tire Rotation Important?

Tire rotation has robust benefits as a routine standardizing, balancing, and taking care of your tires. First, rotating your tires routinely ensures that they wear off evenly. This is because each tire on your vehicle is subjected to a significant but different pressure, friction, and torque for turning, accelerating, and braking. For Example, the rear tires of a Kei truck are likely to be subjected to more pressure when the truck is loaded than the front tires. This subjects the tires to uneven tear based on their position. Tire rotation ensures that the wear is standardized.

Secondly, the uniformity promoted by tire rotation contributes to traction and handling consistency across the four tires. This in turn improves the cornering capability and braking efficiency of your vehicle making it safer.

Final Thoughts

Tires are always exposed to pressure and friction from traction, braking, and turning. But tires do not always wear off uniformly the pressure and friction are depended on their independent position. Tire rotation involves a routine switch of the position of each tire to standardize their wearing off and the grip of the entire vehicle. The safety of the vehicle is enhanced when tires are rotated because they wear off uniformly. The general recommendation of tire rotation is every 5,000 miles covered since the last rotation. However, you should consult your mechanic in case of a puncture that required major repair or tire replacement.

Suzuki Carry 4-Wheel Drive

Suzuki Carry 4-Wheel Drive

The entry of Suzuki Carry into the market was successful because it passed the durability and reliability test. Suzuki Carry became a favorite to many because of its less fuel consumption yet delivered immense power. It proved to be a workhorse for both domestic and commercial use. The manufacturers felt it necessary to add something to this vehicle to optimize its services. They decided to develop the 4-Wheel-drive version to tackle the rugged terrains. The Suzuki Carry 4-Wheel version appeared more powerful and could go anywhere compared to the rear-wheel drive version.

How capable is the Suzuki Carry 4-Wheel?

Let us look at the capabilities of the 4-Wheel-drive Suzuki carry that you should know as you plan to buy the mini truck.

Agility on Slippery surfaces

The Suzuki Carry 4-Wheel drive has proved to be the beast to tackle slippery grounds. A 4-Wheel drive vehicle will distribute power to all the wheels, making them rotate at equal speed. This will enable the truck to tackle slippery grounds with a lot of ease. For efficiency, ensure your tires have an excellent grip to avoid slippage. In case it slightly rains, and it happens you were driving on a muddy road or grass, the 4-Wheel drive will emerge the victor.

Agility on rugged terrain

The 4-Wheel-drive Suzuki Carry has emerged as the best to drive on rugged terrains. What is rugged terrain? This is a kind of terrain that may be rocky. Regular rear-wheel-drive vehicles find it difficult to maneuver through rocky terrain because the power from the engine is only transmitted to two wheels. But for the 4-Wheel drive, the power from the engine is equally distributed to all four wheels making them easily maneuver the rocky grounds. If a wheel finds it tough to climb a rock, then the power from other wheels will provide it with the support to climb quickly.

Uniform Power Distribution

The 4-Wheel version of Suzuki Carry utilizes its power better. This is because the power is equally distributed to the four wheels. With the equal power distribution, the driver becomes confident while on the wheel. And the vehicle becomes more stable and easy to handle on any terrain.

Better Towing Capabilities

The 4-Wheel Carry has a better towing capability than the rear-wheel Carry. Pulling load requires additional power, especially when going up a hill. The rear-wheel-drive Carry while straining in such terrain because the front wheels will remain idle as the rear wheels labor to push the entire vehicle. The four wheels will not strain because all the four wheels will be equally working to push the entire vehicle and to push the load also.

Conclusion

A 4-Wheel system is a system in which the power from the engine is distributed to both the front and rear wheels. This means that all the 4-Wheel system wheels can rotate with the same power. The 4-Wheel drive has two versions, one active and one allowing the driver to switch when the demand arises. Whether full-time or partial 4-Wheel drive, it will still be superior to the rear or front-wheel drive in tackling various drive terrains.

Suzuki Carry - Suzuki Carry Utility Van

Suzuki Carry – Suzuki Carry Utility Van

Suzuki Carry utility van is a mini-truck with an enclosed body that can be used for light contractor’s work such as plumbing and electrician. This van has adequate space for carrying small tools, passengers, and equipment. The first carry Suzuki Motors manufactured van in the year 1972. Its engine was water-cooled and produced around 28 horsepower. Since its first production, the Suzuki Carry minivan has undergone several transitions, improving from the previous. This has led to the production of 1.5L Suzuki Carry utility van with more horsepower, torque, and capabilities.

Features of Suzuki Carry Utility Van

Exterior features:

Carry utility Van measures 4344 mm long, 1765 mm wide, and 2030 mm high. It has four doors with a double rear door. It has sliding windows on the side and permanent windows on the rear doors.

The headlamps are above the front bumper to minimize damages caused by debris when driving on the rough road. The air intake is slightly high to protect when driving on a flooded road.

The five-leaf spring mechanism provides additional ground clearance above the axle housing. The rear suspension is rugged to provide more stability when the van is fully loaded.

Interior features:

This car’s interior represents a rugged work design but offers the necessary comfort. The cabin is spacious for the passenger’s comfort and space for carriage. The latest versions are equipped with the latest technology to give the driver an easy driving time. It has got a ground clearance of 160mm.

More legroom makes Suzuki Carry more comfortable, especially for long rides.

The gear lever has been transferred from the space between the driver and the passenger’s seat to the dashboard to increase legroom for both the passenger and the driver. It has bottle holders, a sliding driver’s seat that makes it easy for you to adjust the seat to a comfortable level, and electric steering for easy handling and control of the vehicle.

Performance:

The utility van boasts a 1462 cc Gasoline Engine. It has four cylinders in an inline arrangement with four valves per cylinder supplied with fuel in a 43 liters tank. Carry Utility van has a five-speed manual transmission, making it fun to drive for manual diehards.

Carry van produces 95 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque. This gives it good energy for towing loads. The 1.5-liter engine is suitable for this vehicle because it is economical in fuel consumption while giving a reasonable power output.

Carry has a short wheelbase of 2205 mm; this gives the van the best turning radius. The van can easily maneuver through a friendly working environment.

Similar Vehicles in the Market

Other vehicles with features similar to Suzuki Carry are Honda Acty, Subaru Sambar, and Daihatsu Hijet.

Conclusion

The Suzuki Carry Utility Van is a robust vehicle with a small engine yet delivers exemplary performance. It can give the best services on both rough and tarmac roads. The minivan is the best for transport due to its enclosed nature. The vehicle is suitable for both domestic and commercial use.

Mazda Scrum Valve Clearance

Mazda Scrum Valve Clearance

Mazda Scrum has a compact engine but one that squeezes out immense power. This engine is sufficient to run the mini truck effectively, whether loaded or not. It requires less gas to run. A full fuel tank is just sufficient for it to help you run your activities. Many combustion engines burn fuel in the cylinders to produce energy for moving the vehicle. How does this fuel reach the cylinders? Cylinders have openings called a valve. The human blood circulatory system also has valves that prevent blood backflow. The valve in the engine performs the function of letting in fuel and gas into the combustion chambers. They also expel exhaust gases from the burning chambers. In this guide, we will go through Mazda Scrum valve clearance process.

Mazda Scrum Valve Clearance

When you look at the valve stem and the rocker arm, you observe a small space between them. This space is the Valve clearance. Valve clearance is necessary for two reasons. First, valve clearance monitors the ship’s valves and ensures it closes no matter the existing temperatures. Second, it can contain the expansion of the spindle. The engine’s high temperatures are likely to expand the spindle.

Some Common Signs of Valve Clearance Problems

The behavior of your engine will tell you whether the valve clearance is too tight or very wide. This will help you to know the possible adjustments for correction. You will feel the following signs when the valve clearance is too tight.

  1. The closing and the opening times of the valves will not be regular. They might open very soon or take time to close.
  2. You will realize that some air is leaking from the combustion chamber. Less air will be available for combustion. This is likely to make your mini truck produce less power.
  3. The fuel consumption and the engine’s temperature are likely to go high.
  4. Occasionally, the valve might remain open for a long time and interfere with the engine’s compression pressure.

A wider valve clearance will give the following signs.

  1. The exhaust gases are not likely to come out efficiently from the combustion chamber, which will reduce the engine’s power.
  2. The opening and closing of the valves will be irregular.
  3. The regular collision of rocker arm might damage the valve stem.

Checking Valve Clearance for Mazda Scrum

It is necessary to practice safety before checking the valve clearance. Ensure your engine is not hot and all the valves are closed.

Set all the pistons in Top Dead Centre (TDC). To do this, you must mark the fuel pump and the flywheel and check the position of the valve cam. Doing this will close the valves and let the pushrod free.

If the Top Dead Centre fails, you can opt for the use of the turning gears to achieve the TDC.

Place the filler gauges of different thicknesses between the rocket arm and the valve stem. This will help you to know the sizes of the valve clearance.

Conclusion

Short or long valve clearance can make your Mazda Scrum’s engine not function effectively. It is essential to regularly check and measure the size of the space between the valve stem and the rocker arm. This guide will help you perform that procedure.

kei truck

5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BUYING A KEI TRUCK

So you’ve decided to buy a Japanese Kei truck and are probably wondering where to start. Well, you’re in the right place. This post dives deeper into some of the questions you should ask yourself before buying this agile, lightweight kei truck.

Should I buy Used Of New Mini Truck?

The appeal of owning a new truck is very deeply attractive. Not to mention that a new Kei truck might last longer. Buying a used one is also beneficial – more options for your budget and the undeniable financial upside. These are just some of the factors to weigh before you start looking.

What is the best Kei Truck?

The answer to this question will vary from one owner to the next. One might say, “ Subaru Samba! That’s it!” and another, “Suzuki Carry for life.” Kei trucks are reliable tiny vehicles. However, the most reliable Kei truck for you will be one with the features most important to you. Stick to the top manufacturers and seek out the reviews and opinions of current or previous Kei truck owners.

What kind of maintenance does it need?

Typical to other vehicles, the Japanese mini trucks needs maintenance like oil changes, brakes, tires and

regular service. Another thing to consider is that parts for these trucks are more difficult to find compared to those of other cars. You may decide to substitute the exact spare parts at the auto store for one similar enough to work.

Sometimes you may need to import parts, so be sure to have the truck inspected before purchase to ensure it will not need a lot of work.

How long will it last?

You might be wondering how long the truck will serve your needs.

Well, a Kei truck usually lasts around 100,000 miles or more. Although it’s easy to find a well-maintained Kei truck, its utility will depend on how the previous owner used it. Some owners are known to use them for personal transport while others use them for heavy-duty logging of people or goods. A lightly used truck lasts longer than a constantly used one. Be sure to ask for a maintenance report if buying from a dealership.

You should also consider how the truck will be used and maintained. Will you be driving for long distances, carrying heavy loads, driving on rough terrain, and regularly over-revving the engine? All well-maintained Kei trucks last longer.

How much is a Kei Truck?

A new Japanese mini truck goes for about $20,000. A used one ranges between $2000 and $8000. The price of the Kei truck depends on whether you’re buying from a local dealer or importing one. The age and condition of the mini-truck also factor in a lot.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a business utility car or a fun car to drive around in, you’ve made your choice or are still looking; you now have what you need to compare different models. Give yourself time to research what’s out there.

Replacing Daihatsu Hijet Brake Pads

Replacing Daihatsu Hijet Brake Pads

Hijet Kei truck is in its league in terms of practicality and reliability. From looks, one can undermine it, but sure it delivers. It has the power for towing loads and working the whole day. The steel used in building its body makes it vital to handle any task. It has a small engine yet is very powerful. Daily use of the Hijet Kei truck implies that the brake pads are in action. As the brake pads function, they will wear out with time. Here is a detailed guide with step-by-step pointers on replacing Daihatsu Hijet brake pads.

What are the Functions of Brake Pads

Elmer Ambrose Sperry invented disk brakes in 1898. The disks have brake pads that are close to the brake disk. When the brakes are applied, the brake fluid leaves the cylinders to the brake pads, where they are engaged to press the brake disk. The gradual pressing of the brake disk brings a halt to the vehicle.

Signs of a worn out Brake Pads

Relate the below warnings to malfunctioned Daihatsu Hijet brake pads.

Grinding Sound when braking

This Sound is usually sharp and might interfere with the ear drum. When you engage the brake pedal and hear this Sound, consider replacing your worn-out brake pads.

Shaky brake pedals

When you feel your brake pedals or even the steering wheel is shaky, the brake pads are passing you a message that they are exhausted and worn out.

Brake check light on the dashboard

Your dashboard will sense and alert you that there is a problem with the brakes system. When the light appears, never ignore it.

Procedure for Replacing Daihatsu Hijet Brake Pads

Here are crucial steps that one should take when they are replacing the brake pads of their Daihatsu Hijet mini truck.

  1. Ensure the mini truck is parked on level ground and gently loosen the wheel’s lug nuts. Jack the vehicle until it suspends the wheel, then remove the lug nuts. Remove the wheel.
  2. You will see the brake disk and the pads on it. Two bolts are holding the pads in place. Locate these bolts and loosen the lower one.
  3. After the removal of the lower bolt, remove the pad. The brake line will still hold the brake pad. This rubber should not hinder you from removing the brake pad.
  4. Remove everything that might be holding the brake pad, then remove them. While holding pads, assess whether they are suitable for use or worn out.
  5. If you decide to replace the old pads, remove the old retaining clips because the new brake pads come with new ones. Install the new retaining clips. Lubricate the retaining clips with graphite-based grease.
  6. After installing the retaining clips, put your new brake pads and lock them in place.
  7. At this point, take back the calliper. You will be required to pull back the pistons to fit the new brake pads, which are a little bigger. To do this, you have to reduce the pressure of the brake fluid and then retract the pistons.
  8. After fixing the calliper, tighten the lower bolt you had previously removed. Fix the wheel and lower the jack.

Shared above are some of the guidelines essential for replacing the brake pads of Daihatsu Hijet. They can also be applicable for some other mini trucks.

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Georgia

Mazda Scrum For Sale In Georgia

If you have been watching the Japanese mini truck industry for a while, then you do not need to be told about Mazda Scrum. These vehicles are among the best that one can find in the lightweight truck class. There are many uses that one can utilize Mazda Scrum for. Among them includes being used in farms, in construction sites, hunting among other outdoor activities. It goes without saying that there are models that have 4 wheel drive transmissions and these can go pretty much anywhere. In this guide, we will be looking at ways that one can get a Mazda Scrum for sale in Georgia.

There are restrictions on the use of Japanese mini trucks and lightweight trucks in the state. However, there are people utilizing them for outdoor purposes among other uses in farms. If you get it certified, then you can use it for what you want. As long as it is legal.

Finding Mazda Scrum For Sale In Georgia

Here are ways that you can find a Mazda Scrum for sale in Georgia.

Local Car Dealerships

If you want to get a used mini truck, then you have to check out the local dealerships. This place is where people think of first when they want to sell their vehicle. With that in mind, be sure to check out some of the local car dealerships that are within the state of Georgia. It will also help if you check out as many as you can. This is because Mazda Scrum aren’t very popular and there won’t be a lot of options to choose from. Checking out more dealerships also gives you a wide variety to compare and get the best deal.

Classified Sites & Online Car Bazaars

The internet is a good place if you are dong shopping. There are plenty of sites and platforms where buying and selling of stuff happens. If you are looking to get a used Japanese mini truck like the Mazda Scrum, then this is a place that you can consider. You can start by checking out the classified sites as well as online car bazaars. Some of the leading classified sites worth checking is Craigslist. Check out more sites to increase your chances of finding the mini truck.

Import The Mini Truck

If the options above fail to bear fruits and you cannot find the mini truck you are looking for, then you should consider importing it. Importing a vehicle nowadays isn’t as hard as it used to be a decade ago. You can just browse online marketplaces that are in Japan and after a few paperwork, you are set. You can then wait a couple of weeks to have the vehicle delivered to you. Importing is also a good option because it gives you room to compare many different mini trucks as well as get a better deal in the process.

There is really no reason why you should not consider importing the mini truck. So, be sure t check out some of the mini trucks in our listing page.

Mazda Scrum Maintenance Tips

Mazda Scrum Maintenance Tips

Are you a big fan of the Mazda Scrum? This mini truck is among the best selling in the lightweight class. This is buoyed by the fact that it comes with amazing performance and reliability. The mini truck lives up to the Mazda name. But like any other vehicle out there, there is need to have good maintenance for it to get you the best results. Otherwise, you will not get good service from it. In this guide, we will go through some of the basic Mazda Scrum maintenance tips to keep in mind. It should also come in handy when maintaining other vehicles.

Mazda Scrum Maintenance Tips

Here are some of the most important Mazda Scrum maintenance tips that are worth keeping in mind. This ensures that the vehicle gives you the best.

Change The Oil Regularly

How often do you change the oil of your vehicle? If you take a long time, then you are not getting the best results from the vehicle. Perhaps one of the most important things that one should not forget is to change the oil of their mini truck. Like spare parts, oil wears out with time due to the heat that it is subjected to. And when they wear out, they become less efficient. This is why it is necessary to always change the oil of the mini truck regularly.

Empty The Radiator Once In While

The radiator of a vehicle is one of the most ignored parts. This can lead to rust which can be transferred to the engine. It is necessary and important to always do a routine cleaning of the radiator and keep it in good condition.

Change The Tires

The tires are yet another crucial set of things that need to be looked into. It can be a life-threatening thing to use tires that are worn out. This is because they can easily burst to lead to accidents. As such, ensure that the tires are changed regularly. Experts recommend changing them after 6 months if they are used regularly.

Clean The Mini Truck

Cleaning the mini truck is something that is very important. Many people usually ignore this but the fact that cleaning the vehicle ensures that there is no rust is something to keep in mind. Rust is something that can easily eat into the body of the vehicle making it wear out easily. But when you clean the vehicle regularly, you can make it last longer. It is also advisable to wax the vehicle to protect the paint.

Conclusion

Maintenance in every vehicle is very important and must be done. If you are a big fan of the Mazda Scrum, then this guide should help you get the best pout of the kei truck. It will help you get the best performance from it.

If you need to get yourself a good quality Mazda Scrum mini truck that you can always count on, then check out some that we have in our listing page. We can also help you have the vehicle shipped to your location.

This guide is dedicated to helping you on what to do when your kei truck overheats.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KEI TRUCK OVERHEATS

Overheating is a common issue many Kei truck owners face. You hop into your truck excited for the day ahead and a few miles down the road, the thermostat climbs towards “H”, the dashboard warning light flashes, your engine spews steam or smoke and you have to pull over. Generally, your truck overheats because the cooling system is failing to allow heat to leave the engine. This might be caused by leakage or blockage somewhere in the cooling system, which includes the radiator fan, coolant, water pumps, hoses and thermostat. Are you wondering what should do when your Kei truck overheats? This guide is dedicated to helping you on what to do when your kei truck overheats.

Steps to Take When Your Kei Truck Overheats

  1. Turn on the truck’s heater

Do not turn on the air conditioning of your mini truck. As counterintuitive as that sounds, turning on the heater instead will pull the heat from your engine into the passenger compartment, lightening the load off the cooling system. You’ll know if it’s working if the temperature gauge goes back to the neutral position or the warning light goes off. However, sometimes this is not enough.

  1. Pull over

If the engine continues to overheat, even with the heater on, find a safe space away from oncoming traffic, pull over, and turn off the engine. Don’t cause more permanent damage to your engine.

  1. Don’t open the hood

Sit tight! The hood is hot, the coolant is boiling and the water is now high-pressure steam. Opening the hood immediately may lead to serious burns. Let the car sit for about 10 – 15 minutes and allow everything to cool down, then go ahead and look for leaking coolant or unusual wear and tear on your drive belt. Some engine problems aren’t difficult to identify.

  1. Add Coolant

If there are no leaks, you might be you’re running low on coolant.

Put on gloves, and locate the radiator cap (consult the user manual where necessary). Place a wet towel on the cap, and slowly remove it to release the pressure build-up from when the coolant expanded from heating. Fill up the coolant – most engines use half water, half antifreeze. Replace the cap and start the engine. If the temperature returns to neutral, drive on with caution while checking the temperature gauge.

  1. Get your car serviced

Adding coolant may not address the root cause of why your engine overheated but it often allows you to start your car. Drive to the nearest mechanic and have your truck’s engine professionally serviced.

If the coolant was full, and you found leaks or unusual wear and tear on the drive belt, call your mechanic.

Conclusion

Give love to your Japanese Kei truck, and it will give you good service! So before you get your Kei truck on the road next time, take the time to check the coolant levels, make sure it’s fresh and schedule regular visits to the mechanic. An overheating engine indicates a serious problem developing in your truck.

Improving The Efficiency of Dump Bed Mini Truck

Improving The Efficiency of Dump Bed Mini Truck

If you are a pick-up or truck enthusiast, you have probably heard about the dump bed mini truck. If you have not, worry not because you are about to. Dump bed mini trucks can handle heavier loads than pickups but are lighter than full-size trucks. What makes these Trucks unique is their dump box or the dump bed that can lift vertically, right, left, or dumps loads from the bed the traditional rail gateway. How cool is that? The Dump bed mini trucks are unique due to their size, between smaller cars and full-size trucks. In this guide, we will go through ways of improving the efficiency of dump bed mini truck vehicles.

Improving The Efficiency of Dump Bed Mini Truck

Dump bed mini trucks have several uses. They can haul anything from construction materials that are either too heavy for pick-ups or slightly lighter load for full-size trucks. In addition, their elevation system can pretty much solve several problems. They can dump the traditional way or lift cargo while loading or offloading from a plane.

What’s amazing is hunters have become part of the customer segments of the dump bed mini truck. This is because they find it efficient how the lifting mechanism gives them better elevation while hunting. It all depends on how creative you are and the ideas you have about using the dump bed mini truck.

However, there is a need to pay attention to ensure that you improve the efficiency of the dump bed mini truck and these cool features.

Servicing The Engine

One of the most basic components to check in a dump bed mini truck is the engine. Think of the engine as the heart of your mini truck. The efficiency of the engine depends on how well you take care of it. Mini trucks handle weights that are heavier for pickups. For that reason, they qualify to be categorized as heavy-duty commercial vehicles. You should be keen and constantly service your engine, change the oil in time, and do other basic maintenance such as changing spark plugs and the aircon.

The Hydraulic System

The dump bed mini truck lifts its bed using a hydraulic system. This is one of its coolest features that blow the mind of many users. It is also one of the most delicate features of the dump bed mini truck. The efficiency of the hydraulic system depends on the engine as the source of power and the transmission system for mechanical operations. In addition, the hydraulic system is made up of several other features that work to complete the tasks. These features include the pump, the actuator, and hydraulic fluid. First, the hydraulic system should be serviced to ensure that it is properly integrated into the engine and transmission to avoid malfunctions. Furthermore, the hydraulic system should be checked regularly to ensure there are no fluid leakages. When particles get into the hydraulic system, they can cause damage.

Final Thoughts

Improving the efficiency of the dump bed mini truck is quite simple. As long as the engine and the hydraulic system are well serviced, be confident that your truck will deliver.

How To Replace A Fuel Jet in a Mini Truck

How To Replace A Fuel Jet in a Mini Truck

The love for Mini trucks keeps growing day in and day out. These small trucks are of Japanese origin. Japanese automakers like Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Daihatsu did market research and realized that trucks are in demand. Such companies sorted to make a truck that is affordable to most middle-class members of society. And this was the birth of mini trucks. Most of these trucks have less than 2000 cc engines. The popularity of Kei Trucks has raised several questions among the owners and those looking forward to owning it. Many ask how to perform basic and complex mechanical procedures for the Kei trucks. Let us look at how to replace a fuel jet in a mini truck.

The Fuel Jet

The fuel jet or fuel injector is a device that sprays fuel into the engine. It works the same way a hose pipe sprays water on farms. The injected or sprayed fuel mixes with oxygen in the engine and later burns to produce energy. The fuel jets are at the cylinder heads with the tips inside the cylinder. A damaged fuel jet pump can stop the engine because it will not receive adequate fuel to mix with air and burn.

Signs that your Fuel Jet is Bad

Here are some fo the things that would make you know that a fuel jet is bad in your Japanese mini truck.

-When you experience the engine check light on the dashboard, the ECU will send a signal to the dashboard when the fuel jet fails to perform its role.

-Whenever your engine backfires or takes time to accelerate. This happens when the engine is not getting adequate fuel to burn in the cylinders.

-When your engine produces an abnormal idling sound is a signal of a bad fuel jet.

How To Replace A Fuel Jet in a Mini Truck

Before replacing the fuel jet, bear at the back of your mind that you are dealing with fuel. Fire accidents might occur unexpectedly. Put on eye protection.

Release Pressure in the Fuel System

Make sure you perform the procedure that removes pressure from the entire fuel system. This will help to reduce accidents caused by fuel.

Remove the Fuel Rail

Do this if only your system has a fuel rail. Locate the fuel line, which is towards the rail’s end, and other lines. To remove the fuel line, remove the screws holding the lines in place. Doing this cuts the transmission of fuel to the fuel jets.

Disconnect the Fuel Jet

After the transmission of fuel is cut, removing the fuel jets becomes easier. Locate the wire on the fuel jet and remove it. A flat-mouthed screwdriver will help you to do this. Target the space between the plug and the spring, gently pull your screwdriver, and it will come out.

Pull the Fuel Jet

After removing everything, you are now remaining with the injector. The fuel jet is the most delicate part of the engine, and you must be cautious when handling it. Use a puller to remove the fuel jet gently.

Conclusion

Safety should be the priority when handling fuel jets. Failure might cause physical injury. The engine cylinder is very delicate. When replacing the fuel jet, ensure no debris contaminates it.

how to adjust windshield wipers of a Subaru Sambar

How to Adjust Windshield Wipers of a Subaru Sambar

The legendary Subaru Automakers are popular for the famous boxer engine and manufacture of rally cars. The company also competes in the production of Kei trucks. The aim of producing Sambar is to compete with other automakers such as Suzuki, Honda, Daihatsu, and Toyota, which makes the mini trucks. Subaru car enthusiasts will definitely love Subaru Sambar. In this guide, we will go through how to adjust windshield wipers of a Subaru Sambar.

The windshield in a vehicle has a protective role for the driver and other occupants. As the vehicle is in motion, it opposes wind and encounters dirt and other obstacles that might endanger the occupants’ lives. The protective role played by the windscreen makes it dirty. A dirty windshield impairs the vision of the driver. Wipers play the role of cleaning the windshield. However, with time, the wipers become loose and need to be adjusted.

How to Adjust Windshield Wipers for Subaru Sambar

Windshield wipers attract debris when the vehicle is parked or in motion, which can be removed by knocking the wiper against the windshield. Doing this with time loosens the wiper. Here is how you can adjust the wiper of your Sambar Kei truck.

Check if the Wiper Switch is on

Turn off the wiper switch, and the wipers will drop automatically to a resting position. Switch off the ignition and remove the key.

Remove the Plastic Dust Cap

Before doing this, ensure the arm is in a good position. To remove the plastic cap, you will require a flat screwdriver of a small size. There are minor distinctions on the dust cap, put the screwdriver on them, and the cap will come out. After removing the cap, the nut will be visible.

Examine the nuts

Take time to study the nut. This will help you to choose a socket that fits it. After finding a socket that fits the nut perfectly, you might consider supporting it with a ratchet.

Tighten the Nut

Ratchets can either fasten or loosen nuts. In this case, we are not removing the wiper but need to adjust it to function correctly. Rotate the ratchet in a clockwise direction. If it turns smoothly, continue doing this until it becomes stiff. Stop the procedure in the event the nut becomes very tight.

If the nut spins without tightening, there might be a problem with the nut or the drive post. It is not easy to replace a damaged nut, but you can replace the drive post by buying a new windshield wiper motor.

Test the wipers

Before testing the wipers, return the plastic dust cup to its place. Get into your Sambar Kei truck. Put the engine on and put the wiper switch on. If it operates smoothly, it is okay, but it keeps slipping, it is damaged, and you will have to buy a new one.

Conclusion

Adjusting the wipers of a Subaru Sambar is a simple step with the right tools. Activities that the wipers perform loosen them with time. Removing the debris on the wipers can also loosen them. This guide has provided simple steps to follow to tighten your wipers.

how to change Honda Acty brake pads

How to Change Honda Acty Brake Pads

The Honda Acty has two braking systems, the disk brakes on the front wheels and the drum braking system on the rear wheels. When manufacturing this vehicle, Honda used a complex system standard on the front-wheel drive but decided to mount it on the rear wheels. This and the engine mounted at the rear end make the Acty a unique Kei truck. Besides the steering control, brakes control the wheels. This makes the brake pads wear out with time. In this guide, we will go through steps on how to change Honda Acty brake pads.

How to Know your Brake Pads Need to Be Changed

Here are some of the things that would make you know that the brake pads have outlived their purpose and need to be changed.

1. The pads are old when you hear a grinding sound while applying the brakes. This sound is soo loud for the ear drum.

2. When the brake pedal or the steering wheel becomes shaky, it is high time to change the brake pads.

3. At times the check braking system might appear on the bash board. If either of the above symptoms accompanies this, the brake pads need a replacement.

How To Change Hond aActy Brake Pads

To change the brake pads for your Honda Kei truck, you will need a jack, lug wrench, C-clamp, new brake pads, and brake fluid. You have all the requirements. Take the below steps to change your brake pads.

Lift your Truck Using a Jack

Before lifting the truck, loosen the lug nuts of the wheels. Ensure the jack is well supported, and then use it to lift the mini truck until it suspends the wheel. Detach all the lug nuts, and remove the wheel. Upon doing this, the braking system will be visible.

Locate the Lower Slider Bolt and Remove it

Two bolts hold the Calliper, one at the upper and the other at the lower. When replacing the brake pads, remove only the lower one.

Change the Direction of the Calliper

After removing the slider bolt, you can manipulate the Calliper. Put it facing up. While doing this, never remove the hydraulic brake line because they have a flexible rubber that will let the calliper stretch.

Remove the Old Brake Pads

After manipulating the Calliper to face upward, the brake pads will be visible. Slide the old brake pads to remove them.

Fix the New Retaining Clips

New brake pads have new retaining clips. Remove the old ones and fix the new ones. When fixing the retaining clips, ensure you fix each at the correct position because they are labeled left or right.

Fix the New Brake Pads

Fixing the new brake pads is as easy as removing the old ones. However, a slight difference might arise because the new brake pads are thick compared to the old ones.

Push Back the Pistons

This will help in clearing the new thick brake pads. When pushing back the pistons, there might be changes in the brake fluid level. It is essential to check it.

Put the Calliper back to its Normal Position

Use the minimum effort to do this. Fix back the slider bolt and repeat the procedure on the other wheels.

Conclusion

Assembling the necessary tools and this guide should aid you in changing the brake pads of Honda Acty without calling for help from an expert.

intake & exhaust system

Daihatsu Hijet Intake and Exhaust System Maintenance

Daihatsu Hijet Kei truck never disappoints on motion and can take you anywhere safely. This mini truck will perform several trips and still demand more. They have excellent engines that can run for long without any issue. Internal combustion produces energy that goes to the wheels. What burns is the mixture of air and fuel. Air containing oxygen reaches the engine through the intake system. The burnt gases escape through the exhaust system. Here, we will go through the functions of the intake & exhaust system in a Daihatsu Hijet.

Functions of the Intake & Exhaust System

The intake system supplies your car engine with air. The oxygen and fuel burn in the cylinders to produce power. An adequate oxygen supply will aid your vehicle in fully utilizing its potential and producing more power.

The cold air intake increases the horsepower and torque by letting your engine breathe properly. More horsepower and torque result from the efficient mixing of cold and fuel.

A vehicle’s exhaust system expels the gases produced from the combustion of fuel and oxygen in the cylinders. It expels harmful substances, minimizes noise, and purifies exhaust gases. The catalytic converter does purification. Emissions are minimized when all exhaust system parts are effectively functional, and the fuel economy will improve.

Signs of Bad Intake and Exhaust System

When the intake and exhaust system of your Daihatsu Hijet mini truck become defective, your vehicle will send you signals. This guide explores some of the insufficient intake and exhaust system signals you should know.

Leaking Coolants

Leaking coolant sends signals that the intake manifold gaskets are faulty. They seal the coolant, and if it is faulty, it is likely to leak. When you note that coolant is leaking, repair it immediately because ignoring it can lead to serious mechanical problems.

Engine Becoming Very Hot

A possible cause of the engine becoming hot is low levels of coolant, which cannot cool the engine as it runs. Sometimes it may be hard to see external leaks when the coolant leaks into the intake manifolds.

Stalling Engine

The engine might stop working or slow down when there is a faulty intake manifold gasket. The vacuum leak due to a bad intake manifold gasket interfering with the ratio at which oxygen and fuel mix. This may make the engine stop or function slowly.

Loud Exhaust Noise

When your Mini truck becomes louder than usual, there might be an issue with the exhaust pipe or the muffler.

The appearance of the check engine signal

Suppose your dashboard displays the check engine light. There might be a probability of a problem with the catalytic converter. Visit a professional to fix this.

Rattling Sound

A damaged catalytic converter will produce a sound similar to several coins shaking in a metallic box. This sound signals a problem with the catalytic converter.

Conclusion

Knowing various signs your mini truck might have when the intake and exhaust system develops issues is good. When they develop problems, the engine becomes vulnerable and can be contaminated. Once the engine, the cost of repairing it becomes high. It is advisable to be cautious about minor problems and fix them in time.

In this guide, we will go through how to remove speed limiter in a mini truck the easy way.

How to Remove Speed Limiter in a Mini Truck

Kei trucks are popular in the Japanese market. They are common because of their universal nature. The mini trucks are considered to be universal because these trucks are good for delivery among many other things. They can be used as dump bed mini trucks, as camping van and many more uses. The popularity of the minivan has spread to other parts of the world. The manufacturers have therefore produced several units for foreign markets. During the production of Kei trucks, safety is a priority, and they are fitted with a speed limiter to curb accidents related to speeding. In this guide, we will go through how to remove speed limiter in a mini truck the easy way.

Speed Limiter

Speed limits vary in different countries depending on the roads. For example, traffic safety authorities spell the maximum speed on expressways and other roads. Adhering to this is complex, most motorists might find themselves breaking this rule. To ensure safety, automotive companies manufacture vehicles installed with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). This system helps the driver to control the speed as they drive. Drivers of imported mini trucks may note that the speed limiter of their mini trucks activates at a lower speed or has made the vehicle slow. The need might arise to remove it to increase performance and improve its fuel economy.

Removing Speed Limiter in Your Mini truck

A speed limiter is a programmable component that can be fitted to the mini truck’s engine. Removing it is hard because it is programmable. Instead, you can switch it off. However, it is difficult to change the speed limiter because the manufacturer never intended you to do it.

Getting a tuner will help you remove your Kei truck’s speed limiter. The tuner can reprogram your engine by bypassing the factory programs to make your engine reach its maximum potential. When tuning, you can set the speed limit that is perfect for you or entirely does away with it. Depending on your size, you can buy a new tuning chip or aftermarket chips. This has become the most common method of removing the speed limiter.

You have to buy a tuner compatible with your mini truck’s model. How will you determine compatibility? The step to doing this is by knowing the model of your vehicle and then choosing that tuner that is compatible with it. A compatible tuner will automatically identify the properties of your mini truck. After identifying such properties, you can adjust the rev and the speed limiter. Apart from making adjustments to the speed, the tuner will allow you to correct the error codes on the dashboard of your Kei truck.

To perfectly tune your mini truck, stick to the instructions on the tuner. Before tuning your mini truck, you should know your country’s laws because some countries limit the use of tuners to tune vehicles.

Conclusion

The speed limiter is an engine program that tries to control the speed at which a vehicle should be moving. Removing the speed limiter improves the performance of the vehicle as well as the fuel economy. Many automakers never want you to tamper with the speed limiter. It is difficult to remove it.

Subaru Sambar Maintenance Tips

Subaru Sambar Maintenance Tips

Subaru Sambar is one of the best Japanese mini trucks that one can have. They have a big share in the lightweight class and are becoming more popular by the day. Among the things that makes them so popular and loved by many people is that they offer good performance and are very reliable. But to achieve good service from a vehicle, one needs to maintain and keep it well serviced. In this guide, we will go through some of the basic Subaru Sambar maintenance tips you should keep in mind. This should help you get better out of your mini truck.

Basic Subaru Sambar Maintenance Tips

Here are some of the simple but effective Subaru Sambar maintenance guides to help you get better out of your mini truck.

Clean & Wax The Vehicle Regularly

Did you know that cleaning your vehicle can help it last longer? As much as something like cleaning  vehicle does not seem like it is a lot, it can make a huge difference. A vehicle that is not well cleaned means that it will easily gather rust and consequently wear out much faster. It is therefore good to make sure that the vehicle is clean all the time. Waxing is also recommended to protect the paint and against rust.

Regularly Change Oil & Filter

Oil change is necessary in any vehicle or machine. Due to the heat and friction that goes on in a vehicle, the oil wears out with time. And when this happens, the oil becomes less efficient hence exposing the vehicle parts. It is therefore important to change oil regularly. Similarly, it is necessary to replace the oil filter to maintain good oil filtration to the engine. Both of these will improve the efficiency of the vehicle.

Changing Engine Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are very important in running a petrol powered vehicle. Without spark plugs, the engine wouldn’t start. Considering how important they are, it is always good to change them. Most of the manufacturers and experts would advise to change the spark plugs every 50,000 kilometers for best results.

Regularly Change The Tires

The tires of a vehicle are very crucial. However, when they wear out, they need to be replaced with urgency. You do not have to wait until all the threads of the tire are worn out before replacing them. A worn out tire can easily burst and if you were driving the vehicle, then it could be very disastrous. It is recommended that one change their tires once or twice every year depending on how they use them.

Conclusion

These are some of the most popular fixes and maintenance that one could easily do. The are simple to follow, but they surely can make a big impact. Follow with these maintenance pointers to get the best out of your vehicle.

Be sure to check out some of the best Japanese mini trucks we have in our listing page. Get in touch with us and we can even help you with the shipment process.

Suzuki Carry Maintenance Tips

Suzuki Carry is among the best Japanese mini trucks that one can get in the market. The kei truck has stood the test of time and is guaranteed to get you good service overall. But despite the good performance and reliability that a vehicle can get you, there is need to maintain it. Giving a vehicle good maintenance means that you can get better service from it. In this guide, we will go through some of the basic Suzuki Carry maintenance tips you should consider.

Suzuki Carry Maintenance

Here are some of the most common Suzuki Carry maintenance tips that one should do to get the best out of their vehicle.

Tire Changing

The tires of a vehicle needs to be changed once in a while. They are among the most important things to adhere to. It is crucial in the sense that worn out tires can cause accidents if they end up bursting. The need to change the tires depends on how you use the vehicle and where you use it. If you use it everyday and cover long distances, then you may need to change the tires as soon as 6 months or so. To know when to change the tires, you should check the threads and ensure that they are not worn out.

Regular Oil Change

Did you know that oil in a vehicle wears out just like moving parts? With all the heating and circulation, the oil in a vehicle wears out. It is therefore important to change them more regularly to get the bets out of the mini truck.

It also goes without saying that there are different types of oil. Be sure that you are getting the best quality ones. Avoid cheap ones that can ruin your vehicle. This both for the engine and the gear box.

Timing Belt

The timing belt is one of those crucial but usually forgotten things in a vehicle. You need to change the timing belt on Your Suzuki Carry once in a while, but if you are buying a vehicle, it is recommended to do it as soon as possible. This is because you really cannot know when the timing belt was changed.

Wash & Wax The Car

It is good to have a vehicle that is clean all the time. It is recommended that you clean your mini tuck at least once a week. This helps to avoid things like rust which could eat up the body of the vehicle. Waxing is also good to maintain the car paint and make it last long.

Servicing Cleaning The Car Engine

It has always been said that a clean engine runs cooler than dirty ones. And for that reason, you need to make sure that the engine is cleaned regularly. You also need to do basic servicing and adjustment. Some of the servicing that one could do to increase the performance of their mini truck is to change the spark plug every 50,000 km.

Conclusion

Shared here are just some of the basic maintenance tips to adhere to. They are the starting point to having your Suzuki Carry get you the best performance and reliability.

Be sure to check out some of the best Japanese mini trucks on sale in our listing page.

How To Find Suzuki Carry For Sale

How To Find Suzuki Carry For Sale

There is no denying the fact that Suzuki Carry is one of the best kei trucks that one can get. They enjoy a big share in the kei truck class and are mostly popular for their incredible performance and reliability. They are useful for a wide range of things that could range from being used in the farm to constructions sites. Finding one for sale can sometimes be a problem for many people. In this guide, we will quickly go through some of ways on how to find Suzuki Carry for sale.

Why Suzuki Carry Mini Trucks?

Here are some of the things that makes the Suzuki Carry mini truck stand out from the rest in their class.

Affordable Yet Great

The Suzuki Carry is among the best lightweight trucks that one can have. They are also affordable as compared to most in their class. However, they are also good generally which makes them good value for the investment.

Excellent Fuel Economy

The Suzuki Carry is made with a 660cc engine which is significantly smaller as compared to many out there. The small engine also means that the vehicle will consume less fuel in the process. But besides consuming less fuel, the vehicle also delivers good quality service and performance. Therefore, the Suzuki Carry is a vehicle that offers good fuel efficiency.

Excellent Performance & Reliability

Performance is one of the most crucial things that one should be keen on when buying a vehicle. Good enough, the Suzuki Carry is a vehicle that delivers when it comes to this.

How To Find Suzuki Carry For Sale

Here are ways that one can find a Suzuki Carry mini truck for sale.

Get It Locally

One can opt to use local car dealerships which is something that has been in use for many years. Since it is the first place that one would think of disposing their mini truck when they want to sell, you should consider checking out some of the dealerships around you.

Use Online Websites

The internet has opened up opportunities for many people to engage in more trade. Among some of the things that the internet has made possible is the buying and selling of stuff. This includes buying and selling of vehicles. With platforms like classified sites, you can get the mini truck you want without leaving the comfort of your home.

Import From Japan

Yet another great option that you should consider is to import the mini truck from Japan. This is one of the best options that one can have which has a number of advantages. First, you will have plenty of options to compare various mini trucks. This is unlike buying locally where you only get a few or perhaps not get any depending on where you are.

Talking of importing, you should consider checking out some of the Japanese mini trucks that we have in our listing page. Check them out and get in touch with us for details on any that you are interested in.