Guide – Page 2

Will You Pay Premium Price for These Useless Features?

April 10, 2021April 13, 2021 VD

Car Sunroof

Sunroof is the most overhyped feature in Indian automobile market. Sunroof is the feature which is primarily available in luxury cars like Mercedes amg, BMW, Audi but slowly and steadily in recent past sunroof have come down to mass market cars in their top trims. Now there are many other cars which gets sunroof like Honda City, Honda WR-V, Hyundai Creta even Tata Nexon got the sunroof as an accessory.

One purpose why sunroof in a car came into existence was countries abroad where the ambient temperatures are cooler and you need sun to feel that heat hence need to allow that extra light inside. But eventually in India. It has become more stylized feature. In India if you are driving in the afternoon at 12 to 2 you just cant have it open so actually it becomes useless to have sunroof in your car in the afternoon. In India has major problem of dust. When you open the sunroof it allow unwanted dust and smell inside the car passenger cabin.

You might have seen many times, parents allow kids stand out from sunroof. Now the way they are doing it by standing on seats or central console and then they try to grip the roof. This is crazy and this absolutely not safe. When you pose the wind deflector might get damage as it is not made to grab body weight of a kid or an adult. Sunroof parts are not cheap it is expensive. Never stand in sunroof, when car is driven or it is in motion.

Sunroof maintaince is not cheap. Also if sunroof stops working completely and you want to sell your car it become negative point against your car for second hand car buyer and car affect car resale value.

Rain Sensing Wipers

When car detects any type of moisture it can be mist or drizzle it can be blizzard car automatically starts using wipers. When sensor senses rain is coming it automatically starts wiper working. There are lost of electric car circuits installed but do you really need this feature. You just pull one stalk and wipers starts working. It takes only second to move stalk to turn wipers into working mode?

Automatic Head Lamp

A digitally supported camera system which continuously regulates the high beam when driving in the darkness. Intelligent head lamp control when detects approaching car system continuously regulates light beam so that on coming traffic is not impacted. It automatically switch from high beam to low beam. The camera recognises car going back into the lane after overtaking it immediately regulates the lighting range. As soon as there are no further vehicles inside the full beam is regulated to offer more driving range to driver. How much time does it take to move headlamp stalk provided just behind the steering wheel.

Day Time Running Light

There has been a bit hype about day time running lights. DRL are meant to always be on during daytime driving and may dimmed or turn off at any time. Usually at these are important because it increases your visibility to other drivers. DRL were primarily develop in Sweden, Sweden has low light scenario for most part of year. These light according to some studies have been shown importance to reduce road accidents. Using DRL during day time increase longitity of headlamps. But India it is just a styling an esthetic feature since in India, we have abundant day light hours. Where the visibility is low DRL is actually a safety feature but in India companies successfully marketed it as a aesthetic features.

Push start button

Let us understand key less entry cars is a stupid idea? Keyless system offer to keep the keys in pocket when unlocking, locking and starting car engine. Key is identified one or several sensors and antennas in the cars bodywork and radio pulse generator in key housing. They also have mechanical key. It is convenient feature that offers hands free operations. There is high chance that you keep a car running and walk hurrily out of car. Hackers can easily hack codes and steal your car. Thief can easily hack car electronic system to operate vehicle. If you accidently hit push start button on highway speed make sure car has safety feature so that car doesn’t stop. How much time does it take to start a vehicle just rotating the normal key.

Rear AC Vents

Cooled glow box

Cooled glow box is a myth because separate A/c is provide just behind glow box of car but this is not the actual case. Normal ac of car extension is take simply inside the glow box. It really cooled glow box doesn’t chill the water bottle or a can place inside the glow box.

Voice Commands

Indian voice essence do not match with the voice accent of the car’s command system even if you modulate you voice according to car’s accent. How much time does it take just to press a button to open windows and sunroof. Processing of commands also take lot of time.

Don’t pay car loan emi for these gimmick features which are less practical and more stylized.

What Next After Buying Second Hand Car?

April 10, 2021April 11, 2021 VD

If you have brought a used car no matter how old the car is its better idea to do these things first. These are crucial things so that your experience will be pleasant with your car.

Check for car recalls

Car recalls are super important and you need to check your used car. First find VIN number of your car. You can find it on windshield, driver door, bonnet, car chassis. Next go to manufacturer’s website then click on recall link and enter VIN number. Recall is active only if it does have any. After entering VIN number, call nearby authorized dealership and set up an appointment to fix recall. Recall shouldn’t cost you any money since they are called by manufacturer itself because it was a mistake from their part. Some recalls are not safety recall but airbag replace need to fix as soon as possible as it may dangerous.

Extended Warranty Transfer

A normal passenger car has approximately 30,000 components right from smallest screw to ECU, Ac Compressor, wiper motor, Power window motor etc. Its better to purchase extended warranty if your running is more than 20,000 in a year. Extended warranty can be brought as long as car is still under the new vehicle standard warranty. Extended warranty is freely transferable to new owner of a car. Simply contact the dealership, sometimes seller need to initiate the transfer process of an extended warranty. In case company charges transfer fees of an extended warranty be sure who will pay the transfer fee before closing the deal.

Car Insurance Transfer

Used car market in India is very vast and steadily growing but information available about car ownership transfer including vehicle insurance and warranty is very less and whatever information is available is very vague. As per law, You need to transfer car insurance policy to new owner with in 14 days of sales of car. You need three forms i.e. 28, 29 & 13 and RC with new car owner to transfer insurance. In case RTO hasn’t provide the RC you can use receipt provided by them stating initiation of RC transfer process. You also need no objection certificate issued by previous owner and previous insurance copy. Be sure to negotiate good terms and good deals with auto insurance companies.

Visit Garage

First thing first, check all fluids including Coolant, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and engine oil. Check all lights on car this big safety issue. You can easily replace bulbs in local auto part stores. Visit nearby buy garage and change Engine oil as you don’t know when previous owner visited service station for engine oil change. Check air filters and replace them. Never forget to change cabin air filters. It will improve life of A/c and also gives you fresh smell in cabin. Clean the car exterior and interior, You will come to know dents and scratches that you need to take care of and for future reference scratch was there when you brought it or it has come later. Last but not the least walk around the car and check what all things need to fix, sooner you will realize, everything is fixed, your car is rock solid, looks clean and its perfect for all long drive, you dream off.

Change Tyres

Inspect cars tyres and follow these guidelines to understand whether tyres needs replacement. Look for tread wear indicators which are ribs inside the grooves that run across tyre surface if tread is worn down to that level then you will know it’s time for tyre replacement, deeper the groove better the tyre to be on rainy roads. Check for uneven wear of car tyres, if there is more wear on one side of tyre than other it means there is misalignment or broken suspension component. If tyres shows cupping which dishing out with high and low spot which means car shock absorbers are dead and car tyres are literally bouncing on the road. Check tyre side walls, if side wall are damaged in that case tyre may lead to blow up while car is running which is extremely dangerous situation. Tyre side wall damage cannot be repaired.

What Next After Buying New Car?

April 10, 2021September 19, 2021 VD

You have brought a new car, Great! But what next. Let ‘s understand things to do after buying a new car.

Familiarize yourself with the owner car manual

Critically important but often ignored. It is said that having all the information related to your car is like gold. What if your car breaks down in the middle of a jungle and you don’t have a signal on your phone, maybe the problem is small. In this case, these manuals are ultra-useful. Car owner’s manual tells you where parts are located so you don’t have to baffle during an emergency situation. You can make out the problem and fix it immediately with the help of the owner’s manual. Owner’s manual contains all general information of a car’s entire service schedule, Car engine oil, gear oil and brake oil grades and quantity. This information can save you from engine oil scam which is pretty normal in India. Car owner’s manual tells you the preliminary function of different types of car parts and accessories, for example Battery and headlight control. It tells you what every button/knob in your car and every gauge means. Every car is different. You may have owned many cars in the past but every new car model comes with advanced technology. Treat this manual like a precious piece of paper. It may take two to three hours to read the complete car owner’s manual.

Get Acquainted with car features

After reading the car owner’s manual, the next important thing is check and use each & every feature. As mentioned earlier, New cars come with advanced technology. It will take time to get acquainted with new features and controls. Sometimes as simple as trying to judge bonnet size, A pillar size while turning. Luxury cars have many personalized settings. It’s important for new car buyers to know car capabilities like acceleration and braking. Driving will be much more comfortable and pleasant when you already know your car.

Car Accessories

Always invest in car safety, passenger safety and also convenience accessories rather than decorative car accessories. Under shield Protection cover, Gear Lock, Cabin AC filter, Headlight upgrade, Remote central lock, Parking sensors, Auto dimming IRVM, Dash Cam, Tire Pressure monitoring system, Mats and Mud Flaps are few car accessories which can be installed if not offered with variant you have selected. Be careful while fitting aftermarket car accessories especially that involves cutting of electronic wiring that may void car warranty. Avoid these accessories: car paint protection, anti rust coating, Rear view camera without grid lines, High upsizing of wheels.

Change Car Tyres

Last three to four years, New trends in the automobile industry have been observed, namely tire upsizing. Primary purpose of car upsizing in India is to increase the surface area of tires and car macho looks. Car manufacturers now offer different tire sizes for different variants If you are buying any base variant; it is recommended to upsize tires offered in top spec variants. Never upsize plus two size tires it will ruin car handling, comfort and mileage of car moreover odometer will show wrong reading.

How to Get Better Value of Used Car

April 10, 2021September 19, 2021 VD

Buying used has been a problem ever since new car mass production started and used cars appeared. For nearly a century buying a used car has been a problem. In India the second hand car market is bigger than the new car market. In this article, let’s understand how sellers can get better prices for used cars.

Car Inspection Report

Car examines or vehicle inspection reports are evolved to protect used car buyers. Its objective is to give confidence to the buyer that he/she should not end up with a problematic car. Even a car inspection costs you around INR 300 but it will give valuable information to buyers and that information will boost confidence in the car and help to make an easy buying decision.

Check all Car Papers

One of the basic requirements is to keep RC book, insurance copy and PUC ready. Keep the National Crime Record report of vehicles ready. You can visit this site www.mahatrafficechallan.gov.in to check unpaid challan if you stay in Maharashtra. Similarly, you can also check www.echallan.parivahan.gov.in. RC won’t be transferred to new vehicle owners unless old challan outstanding is paid. If vehicle loan is closed, it’s important to remove hypothecation from RC.

Car Detailing

Car detailing helps to look your car near to showroom like condition. Normally car paint is oxidized and needs to bring more gloss to it. Car detailing removes scratches and swirl marks. Cleaning mats, carpets, body oil on steering wheel and touch points like infotainment system are included in car detailing service.

Car Service Records

Every car has a history and it’s lived a life. Some of that may have been under the care of the service station. It’s important to have a clear and concise view of maintenance and service history of a car. Consider your vehicle report as a medical history file. If you want to convince buyers that your car is reliable you need to keep the records. It will tell what work has been done and what is coming up. How long ago have you done oil change or brake flush. A well-maintained car is always attractive to buyers. When you sell your car, the car buyer feels a transparent deal and he/she may buy your car at a better price than the market. If something goes seriously wrong with your car and the car is still under warranty. Buyer will come to know what’s been done and what should be done under the warranty.

Car Interior Cleaning

Perception is everything when selling a used car. External and internal clean cars will indicate to buyers how the car is driven and maintained. Focus your attention on the driver side door. Clean seat bolster, cupholder, door handle and steering wheel, buyer notices this quickly every time getting in the car. Clean floor mats. Floor mat takes a lot of wear and tear. Use water-based greasing for a deep rich look of plastic parts. Wipe with dry cloth afterwards. Locate all bad smell areas, scrub and vacuum those areas.

Second Key

If your car is stolen you can claim insurance but if your spare key is missing then you are in big trouble. It is mandatory to produce both car keys to a company to get compensation against theft. Insurance companies have cited cases of fraud where the insurer was complicit in conspiracy to have the car stolen. If the car’s original key is misplaced then it is advisable to file FIR and keep a copy of FIR for record to safeguard yourselves in case of any claim in future. Hence always handover both keys to the buyer.

Odometer Tempering

Though there is no provision in Motor Vehicle Act against odometer tampering, buyers may complain against unfair trade practices or cheating or dishonestly persuading a person to deliver any property.

User Manual

Used car buyers always value original papers and equipment while handing over the car. Car owner’s manual is precious and is like gold. Car owner’s manual has all preliminary information and is always valued by the buyer and may increase car valuation.

Wheel replacement

Proper wheel alignment and balancing optimize driving experience. Vehicle is going to grip the road, handle properly and roll straight hence enhances the overall performance and luxury of the car.

Car Accessories

Buyer may appreciate car safety accessories like under shield Protection cover, Gear Lock, Cabin Ac filter, Headlight upgrade, Remote central lock, Parking sensors, Auto dimming IRVM, Dash Cam, Tire Pressure monitoring system, Mats and Mud Flaps. Remove accessories like Steering wheel knob, Fancy Gear knob, it may give the wrong impression. Car decorative accessories are purely personal choice, it may cut car value.