Car Servicing in Johor Bahru (Change Tyres)

Relocation of KTM Station in Singapore – Light at the end of tunnelRTM World Cup Schedule

June 5th, 2010 admin

Editor’s note: The post below is contributed from Anthony Goh, a regular Limsimi.com reader.

I am what you call a regular JB visitor – I go into JB every weekend with my wife but because both of us are Singaporeans without any relatives in JB, we are not very familiar around the “deeper” part of Johor Bahru. Our rigid routine every Friday night (or you can call it Saturday early morning at 0200hrs) is:

1) Go in from Woodlands
2) Once exit JB custom, go to the shell station to wash car and pump petrol
3) U-Turn and head back to Singapore

The routine suits us due to the low traffic and matches our schedule since we will usually catch a mid-night movie in SG before that. We dare not venture to far off since it is so late at night and we are a little afraid of the crime rate in JB.

After reading more on limsimi.com, we made a bold move to venture beyond the Shell station and one fine Sunday morning, I decided to drive in with my wife to Tebrau City (directions seem easy enough). We had the schedule planned out perfectly:

1) Go to Taman Sentosa Hawker Center for breakfast
2) Go to Aeon Tebrau City
3) Head back to Shell Station and pump petrol/ wash car
4) Head back to SG by 3pm to avoid the Sunday jam

As luck would had it, we did not even manage to hit Tebrau City on our eventful Sunday trip. After finishing our breakfast (nothing much there), my wife and I got into our car and I locked my car door immediately. On the way to Aeon Tebrau City as we drive along the Tebrau Highway, one motorcyclist honked at me and pointed to the bottom of my car.

KNS, the guy looks dodgy and we are in Johor Bahru – a scam to rob us in broad daylight? I decided to drive on and did not even make eye contact with the motorcyclist.

Shortly after, a very old Proton Saga (the roof of the car even had some rust) honked and pointed at the same place. I sensed something amiss and started to feel that my steering had become slightly heavier. This is unusual for my relatively new Hyundai Avante (weekend car somemore – low mileage and well maintained).

I stopped my car and parked at the side of the road to inspect – giving clear instructions to my wife not to step out. KNS, the front left wheel had punctured and on closer inspection, there was a glass sharpnel lodged right into the type, piercing through it. Damn SUAY and SIANZZ.

Hyundai Avante - Repair at Johor Bahru workshop

At least I know how to change tyre (standard SOP) - got the tyre changed to a space saver tyre within 30 mins and feeling quite proud of it. Asked my wife if she got mood to continue shopping and she just wanted to head back to Singapore – so LL we drove back. Thank goodness for differential steering; my car looks weird with 1 big wheel and 1 small wheel in front but at least, the difference in size are compensated by the car. Kudos to technology. But one the way back to SG, I was thinking to myself that sure kenna carrothead when I go back to Singapore because the car repairman will tell me to change the tyre rim or charge me high price for tyres.

I am not being skeptical or stero-typing but the impression that all people involved in the car business (car insurance agent, car salesman, car repairman or even car accessories fitter) are like knives, with carrots implanted in their eyes such that they think anyone whom patronise them can be chopped (essentially charging high price lar!). Not sure if any of the brothers reading this post will agree.

An option that came to mind is if I could change my tyre in Johor Bahru. I had read about car servicing in Johor Bahru and wondered if it would be half-price if I can change my tyres in Johor Bahru?

On the way back, I passed by 2 tyre shops – One called Continental and another is called Good Year. I decided to turn to Good Year but it was actually not opened yet. Guess my luck ran out but further down, there was a Michelin Tyre shop that was opened. Brand is famous enough so I decided to take a leap of faith and turned into the workshop.

The “say” of the boss of the Michelin workshop is exactly what I expected, kind of like sizing me up and I seem an easy target enough – Singapore weekend car owner (even the T-Shirt I am wearing is the brown Kaki Army T-Shirt). CARROTHEAD.

Asked me what happened and I told him front tyre punctured and asked if they can use any chemical to seal the hole. He took a look and told me NOT POSSIBLE. NEED TO CHANGE TYRE.

“How much?” I asked..
“Mm..” he paused for a while (deep in my mind, this kind of thing should be standard.. need to think meh?!)
“RM$235/tyre” he added.

I have no idea how much a tyre cost in Singapore but decided that it could be more expensive in Singapore, so I told him to proceed.

“One or both tyres” he asked.

He further explained the brand of my original tyre is Hankook Optimal, which has a different threading from Michelin. And both front tyres of a car must be identical to enable stable steering and fuel efficiency. So, if I am just purchasing 1 tyre, they will need to move both my rear tyres to the front and the front to the rear (with the new tyre).

Heart-pain but I decided to purchase 2 tyres and with a total price of RM$460 (he gave me RM$10 “discount”), the job is done in 30 minutes. I must say that they are quite professional about they way they service my car – balancing of the new tyres and checking the final air pressure on all my four tyres.

And then the trip back home.

On the way, I can’t help feeling that I had made a wasted trip to Johor Bahru but convince myself that I will continue to venture beyond the shell station one day.

And the the impression stays that all people involved in the car business (car insurance agent, car salesman, car repairman or even car accessories fitter) are like knives, with carrots implanted in their eyes such that they think anyone whom patronise them can be chopped (essentially charging high price lar!).. and in both Singapore and Johor Bahru.

Lawrence Gan: Better luck next time Anthony, and it is not common for anyone to puncture their tyres in Johor Bahru, twice!

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Entry Filed under: Car Servicing,Services

27 Comments Add your own

1. Ai Leng | June 5th, 2010 at 8:30 PM

I always wonder what seals the tire to the rim that can prevent the air from rushing out due to air pressure. The video of
the tyre change is quite enlightening.

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2. M | June 5th, 2010 at 9:49 PM

Hey,
Sorry to hear that…
Let not ONE bad experience ruin your future trips to JB. I bring my family over fairly often.. and I guess there are ok.. and there are not ok….

You did not pay excess for the Hangkook tyres.. around S$80 to S$100 each depends on size in Spore.

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3. WinMo6.5 | June 6th, 2010 at 3:20 AM

u sound so kiasi, i think you don’t come to jb better, u feel bad,we jb people here also feel sympathy on you. stay at your own country to feel better , at least we don’t heard so much complaint from those limited outlook and experience.

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4. Jonny | June 6th, 2010 at 8:54 AM

Hi Anthony, you sound like someone still in your twenties? Nothing much to worry about driving in JB. Apply common sense and when you should and should not be overly cautious, else the fun if all gone if you are constantly watching behind your back.

Drive into JB more during the daytime and get more experience.

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5. Jonny | June 6th, 2010 at 8:55 AM

and next time, watch where you park!

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6. Kar Hin | June 6th, 2010 at 2:42 PM

Mai Hum Ji! Come to JB to lim kopi more!

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admin Reply:
June 6th, 2010 at 2:52 PM
Hi Anthony, do share with us on your next subsequent visit to JB if things work out.

[Reply]
7. tek | June 6th, 2010 at 10:34 PM

Anthony,

It takes a while to get over yr fears and to ‘venture where many other singaporeans have gone’. Perhaps you might just want to explore taman tebrau area first and get a feel of the place first. then proceed further to pandan city, then go carrefour and jusco tebrau.

a good GPS will be of great help to you too.

Enjoy exploring beyond Johor someday.

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8. Kumar | June 7th, 2010 at 11:43 AM

Hi Anthony,

Since you are an owner of a car, at least you should know the basic pricings of different parts of your car. If your knowledge is in S’pore currency, than just convert it.

Crime rates in JB is pretty high but the fact also remains that there is crime everywhere. Be polite on the road and respect other people. I bet you, you will not get into trouble. At least I have been following this rule for almost 10years now.

Also get yourself a GPS. I just purchased my Garmin Nuvi 255 at RM700 from KL. Its pretty good and its worth the buy. I am sure Garmin has a dealer in S’pore. Get one.

Lastly, stop complaining. Going to JB or Indonesia or Thailand is dangerous. But does that mean nobody can go and we all should stay home? There’s lots of great stuff and food in JB that is cheap and fantastic. Just stop being so suspicious and enjoy life.

Warm regards.

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9. Anthony Goh | June 8th, 2010 at 6:42 AM

Hi all, I did not expect some many responses to my post!

I do not think i am kiasi and what do you expect if you have never ventured much into JB and day in and out, you read all the crime news on the papers?

And thanks for the encouragements given by some of you. I will go into JB again this Saturday morning and hopefully, things will turn out better.

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10. Michael | June 8th, 2010 at 7:13 AM

Anthony, don’t think you gena carrot head. Michelin tyres are of different class. Cannot use your Hankook tyre to compare…

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11. England 2010 | June 9th, 2010 at 8:33 AM

I service mine at Goodyear. About 200/ tire

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12. M | June 9th, 2010 at 9:54 AM

Hey

I am using Hangkook tyres… very good… whole Korea is using Hangkook – the number 1 tyre in Korea…

no worries… just check- are yours made in China or Korea.

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13. Totti | June 11th, 2010 at 9:26 AM

What makes Michelin so special or so expensive?

Because it is French?

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14. De M | June 12th, 2010 at 9:29 PM

Anyone wondered why the mascot for Michelin like the giant marshmallow in ghostbusters?

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15. donnkey | June 13th, 2010 at 9:09 AM

from what i know big rim tyre is more expensive in jb .for ordinary type jb is cheaper but that depend on where its made .there must be a reason tyre shop is making big business here in jb .plenty of sg car is changing theirs here .u can get cheaper in johor jaya i heard.be brave n venture out more to jb .

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16. jbsiao | June 14th, 2010 at 10:33 PM

If yours is just a puncture hole on your tire, it can be repaired for a few bucks in Singapore. They dont seal the hole with chemical but with a rubber seal and the process is similar to sewing. Hence there is no need to change your tires, unless it is a lengthy cut.
RM235 for a Michelin tyre sounds cheap, but I do wonder if the tires are brand new or traded in by other car owners.

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17. Joseph | June 15th, 2010 at 2:05 AM

My sentiments indeed for the Johorean!! for having to read yr story. It was quite a suspense but lead us nowhere!! it was a good laugh really and wonder how yr imagination had lead to many M’sian feeling sore & lousy. Btw, I’m a Sporean who simply loves to explore Malaysia fortnightly especially in JB. Having said that u must be quite young & may seem thrilling to u to even drive any further than woodlands. My experience driving to JB was always pleasant except for the jam at Sg custom!! Well u should start somewhere and soon will find it relaxing & fun to sniff for good makans, good buys & not forgetting the hospitality extended to u from across the causeway. I hope u’ll write something more pleasing and informative after yr next trip… Cheers

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18. sky | August 4th, 2010 at 2:16 PM

welcome to jb.

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19. sky | August 4th, 2010 at 2:17 PM

next time come to jb,i bring u to eat bak ku tea.

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20. sky | August 4th, 2010 at 2:19 PM

dont just wash car or fill petrol only,jb hv a lot of thing to find out.

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21. Krishna | August 8th, 2010 at 5:21 PM

Hi Anthony,
You sound too immature. You should always venture out and see the world at large. I am Indian National who runs business in both Malaysia and Singapore. I feel very, very comfy living in Malaysia and have recently bought a house in Setia Eco Gardens. From my experience Malaysia is not soooo bad after all as its been blown beyond proportions by the MEDIA.
So please dont jusy keep branding Malaysia as a CRIME COUNTRY alone. Dont be skeptical There is so much GOOD in Malaysia than any other S.E.A country.
For example :
1) Good large roads ( I had a tough time in Singapore when I had to pull over to find directions in SG )
2) Free and easy Parking ( you need to keep feeding the Parking bays even at night in SG, whereas there is no charges after 5.30pm in MY )
3) More closer to NATURE ( you name it they have it – Mountains, Islands, Rivers, Deep Sea Diving, etc, etc….except for SNOW.
4) More of a FREE & EASY society.. not doing everything by the books as in Singapore.

The list goes on.. there is a positive side in everything ( even a broken clock shows correct time twice a day !) So train yourself to start looking and the ROSES above the THORNS.

IF you have not gone beyond your “Shell” station and ventured deep into Malaysia – leave alone JB, you have wasted your life ( being a SG’ean).

SG’eans don’t have to come to Malaysia just for the cost of living alone. As a world traveler I am pretty much sure that Malaysia has so much to offer. Its exists. So if you don’t use it its your loss only.

I love SG for its business enivornment. I love MY for its living environment. Quite balanced I guess.

[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:34 AM
Yup, quite a balanced view here Krishna.

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22. porky | August 13th, 2010 at 4:08 PM

I’m a singaporean myself and i love going JB, there are precautions to take,but not to the extend like you, if you want to save on petrol and safety, stay in singapore, don’t drive. Take the public transport, save you alot of trouble, don’t have to change tyres.

Don’t even go JB if you’re so kiasu, if not stop complaining, typical singaporean.

[Reply]
admin Reply:
August 21st, 2010 at 12:25 AM
Hi Porky, there are many Singaporeans who dare venture into the relative unknown, taking one small step at a time.

To our fellow Singaporeans who are contemplating to drive into Johor Bahru, do so! One small step at a time.

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23. Lee | August 29th, 2010 at 2:49 PM

Read your JB tyre puncture experience. Sound like KNS but I trust you do gain some venture experience after this.

The Michelin tyres you pay RM 235 per tyre(~ S$100) is not expensive. In Singapore you won’t be able to get this price, so some consolation for you.

Malaysia is a safe place to drive and visit, so you can plan to go further even after Johore. Try driving during day light if you are worried about night driving (Malaysia night driving at highway need some skills , conscious and alert especially travelling at 120mph and above.

I did heard some incidents happened in Malaysia with Singapore cars but this all depend on individual luck.

Note : Just don’t stop during night driving at highway when someone try to stop you beside the police. If tyre puncture, just drag to the nearest petrol station or call the police using the mobile handphone while in the car for assistant. The most is you spoil only one tyre which cost only $100 rather than you get rob at highway during night driving.

Hope this help for Singapore car driving in Malaysia.

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24. john chong | January 23rd, 2013 at 10:10 PM

sang kancil good year tyre unit price inquiry, please reply to me as soon. Thank you.

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