April 2021 – Page 2

What’s the Difference Between SUV & Crossovers?

April 10, 2021May 15, 2021 VD

Every Auto enthusiast always come across one question the difference between SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) and Crossover(Crossover Utility Vehicle).

You might have heard from experts that crossovers are more superior machines over SUV. However, that may have been true once upon a time but now in 2020s things have changed a lot. SUV cars’ market have evolved immensely over past 10 years in India. SUVs now outsell all passenger car segment in India. Early 2020s term SUV became popular for not only its off-roading capabilities but also conquering city traffic. Even though you are aware, each body types have its own merits and demerits, let’s compare both.

Car Body:

Difference between CUV and SUVs is simple SUVs are based on trucks platform while CUVs are based on car’s platform. SUVs are based on rear or four-wheel drive trucks where body is assembled to frame or body on frame SUVs still be driven like trucks.

Auto car manufacturers began manufacturing four-wheel drive or front wheel drive on monocoque chassis hence car became lighter and more rugged look with user friendly spawning new classification of vehicle is called CROSSOVER or Crossover SUV. Crossovers have low ground clearance compared to SUV hence offer better handling and long bodied, the classier silhouette than SUV. Though many sales person, automobile experts frequently refer unibody vehicles as SUVs even though they are crossover by definition. The terms SUV is often used for both CUV as well as SUV.

Ride and Handling

SUVs handling is tricky because of its high central of gravity which affects its stability on road. SUVs bigger body generates big amount of drag and mechanical complexity. Crossover is a driver’s car, they are more agile, more fun to drive, crossover offers better ride quality and handling compared to SUV. SUVs are more often rear wheel or four-wheel drive while crossover comes in front wheel, rear wheel and all-wheel drive options. SUVs have more powerful engines than crossover.

Cabin

SUV have an elevated seating position which helps see over road, bonnet and traffic which is the primary reason for SUV Buyer. No car body type can beat SUVs’ road presence that drives SUV sales. SUVs have slightly longer wheelbase which brings slightly more legroom and boot space. Biggest advantage for SUV buyers is cabin height. More space for headroom and roofline; SUVs certainly feels more spacious. SUVs are wider which provide little more wriggle room for children in second row of seat. Crossover are more comfortable than SUVs. Crossover offer easy lifting and loading heavy luggage in boot than SUV because of its lower lip.

Fuel Economy

SUVs generally weigh more than crossover hence gives poor fuel economy. Crossover drives nimble enough with better fuel efficiency than SUV. Crossover due to light weight offer better fuel economy which is more relevant advantage against SUV. That’s the reason why city buyer prefers crossover overs SUV.

Aesthetic

SUVs have aggressive look. Road presence of SUV is notable. SUVs look more rugged compared to crossover.

Verdict

SUVs make sense for family buyers in villages especially for those with small children. City buyers will certainly be served by a crossover SUVs. SUVs have high seating position, go anywhere ability and aggressive look but neglected by poor mileage and ride characteristics. For driving enthusiasts SUV is not appealing for daily driving needs.

Still decision making is not always going to be black and white. Let us know which one you prefer to ride an SUV or Crossover. Please comment.

Unique Features Offered By Automobile Manufacturers

April 10, 2021April 11, 2021 VD

Year 2015 revolutionize automobile industry in India with launch of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Elite i20, Ford Aspire, Mahindra TUV, Hyundai Creta etc. During this period from 2015 to 2020 cars are becoming more and more personalized. New features were quickly becoming standard features. Somehow Automobile manufacturers have managed to offer some cool features that are not offered by mass. Some car features are absolutely important for day to day life. Let’s have a look.

Volkwagen Polo Auto Window Glass Roll Up – Volkwagen Polo offers very unique and important feature auto window glass roll up when doors are locked. If you left window glass open unintentionally car will automatically shuts all window glasses when central lock button is pressed. Also if you hold driver’s window button up car will automatically roll up all window glasses and shut sunroof. Cool, isn’t?

Clever Features by Skoda – A very important thing which we need during rain is Umbrella and Skoda offers two umbrella holders one on driver and another on co-driver side mounted just above hand rest. When umbrella is wet and you put them in car water will automatically get out of the car. In some cars umbrella holder is provided underneath co-driver seat. Skoda also offers door protector hidden on edge which come out and go automatically when opening and closing the door. If you kick rear bumper electronic tail gate opens automatically. Boot illumination is removable which can be used as a torch. Small dustbin is installed inside front door pockets.

Tata Altroz Customized Packages – Single thing that makes Tata Altroz first of its kind is customized factory fitted packages right from base variant. Consumer can pre-order package, new car will come with factory fitted features so even in base variant you can get drivers hand rest which is only available in top variant. Altroz also offers dedicated space to keep umbrella. Tata Altroz offers 90° door opening so ingress and egress in the cabin is very convenient.

Honda Jazz and Ranualt Triber Magic Seats – Previous generation Honda Jazz used to offer four seating modes viz Tow mode, long board, utility mode and refresh mode. Renault Triber offers Camp mode, surf mode, Life mode and Tribe mode and along with this 100+ Seating combinations. These two cars offer numerous configurations of seats.

Kia Carnival comes with dual electronic sunroof and 9 seats and 4 rows.

How A Rally Car is Built?

April 10, 2021May 15, 2021 VD

A rally car is compact road vehicle that has thorough makeover. Rally cars are based on standard road cars like Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i20 but lot more different than passenger cars. It’s been stripped to metal shell and completely rebuilt from scratch by engineers. Rally cars need to face all sorts of challenging terrain including dirt, rocks, muds, sand, snow and ice covered terrains hence an efficient hatchback becomes roaring racing machine during competition. Rally cars are built on specification and regulations governed by International Rally Regulation.

Let’s start with Car engine. Engines are tunes up for better performance during competition. Regular 90 BHP Car transformed into 300 BHP mean machine. Full cast engine block light weighting is done. Power is pump up in engine with the help of turbo charger and a normal road car is transformed into a car that roars in rally circuit. Supersized substantial radiator system used; this keep engine cool and car doesn’t get overheat.

Car is stripped down to make car as light as possible. Car paint is taken off instead of car painting; graphics used just because graphics are much lighter than paint. Removing car paint alone helps to reduce 5 kg weight. All surplus brackets and panels are removed. Light weighting helps in strong finish in the rally.

Cage is welded to chassis for additional safety of the driver during an event of crash. Cage can even accommodate larger fuel tank in the back. Body shell is then dipped into acid.

Car is upgraded from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. Rear wheel transmission is installed to convert front wheel drive car to four wheel drive. Four-wheel transmission helps drive in better traction and car handling in different terrains.

Lightweight fibreglass is used to make car dashboard. Dashboard is covered with velvety fabric to block light reflection. Car’s seats sink driver and navigator better and hold drive to its position perfectly; driver doesn’t slide around. Seats are made from carbon fibre and indestructible material Even side windows and rear window are made from fibreglass.

Rally car requires tougher parts. Rally car bumper is redesigned to accommodate bigger size tyres. Rally car bumpers and bonnet have clip instead of locks for quick and easy handling during service and emergencies. Rally car tyres are made with special material. Rally car tyres have strong side walls that can absorb all sort of impact at high speed during competition.

Rally car have air scoop on bonnet and cabin. It is mandatory for driver to carry two fire extinguisher during race.

Instead of car paiting graphics are being used just because graphics much lighter than paint. Light weight helps in strong finish in the rally.

Car Spoilers……….Just an Aesthetic or Really Useful Feature

April 10, 2021April 11, 2021 VD

The primary purpose of car spoiler is to spoil unfavorable air movement. Its an aerodynamic device, most often fitted to performance cars or sports cars. Car experience two forces lift and drag to reduce these two forces spoiler is installed. Spoiler helps to reduce vehicle lift which results in better traction control as well as better handling.

Air streamlines travel above the car while some air streamlines travels below the car body. Streamline above and beneath car should form a laminar throughout the length of car but in real life this doesn’t happen. In real life front Airflow has laminar but airflow turns into turbulence due to sudden decrease in car shape. There is a sudden decrease in rear end of the car where air pressure drops. Car experience low pressure above the car and higher air pressure below the car and hence car experiences lift force which may lead to loss of traction. Velocity of air travelling above the car is higher than air travelling below the car. A spoiler helps to maintain laminar airflow. Less drag helps in good mileage.

Performance vehicles and sports cars have active spoilers. Active spoilers can be adjusted dynamically when vehicle is in motion and according to condition. Active spoilers can retract, hide and also extend upward when vehicle exceed certain speed. These are additional benefits offered by active spoilers over fixed one. They give cleaner and uncluttered appearance to car.

Passenger vehicles spoilers are fitted to enhance car aesthetic but if spoilers are not installed properly it may lead to increase in drag ultimately poor car mileage. Spoiler fitted for aesthetic purpose could make worst aerodynamic. At low speed spoilers on passenger vehicles actually increase the drag.

Car Safety Trends in India

April 10, 2021April 11, 2021 VD

Most modern cars are already safe enough. Automobile industry is constantly striving for building safer cars and is also a result of safety evolutions. Modern cars are made safer than ever before by modern computer with extensive experience in designing, equipment and regulations to minimize the crash incidence and its consequences. How car safety have evolved from just metal boxes to what we have today, let us understand.

Early cars were also equipped with safety features like brakes and lights. Those cars were not manufactured for high speed. Brakes were just a wooden stick. Then crash avoidance systems were used by companies which included mirrors, reflectors and signal lights. Hand operated windscreen wipers were installed in cars, Electric windscreen wipers offered in 1926.

Research and development from World War was used in automobile manufacturing such as infrastructure and improved materials that made the car stronger.

Car safety glass introduced in all Ford cars as standard feature to protect passengers. During 30s and early 40s Era, Companies like Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge added features like rounded door handles, Rubber windscreen wiper. Standard disc brakes were first introduced in 1949. Ford introduced optional lap belts. Anti-Lock braking system was invented in 1958 to make braking more efficient and faster. Volvo introduced three point safety belts in 1959 which was a major breakthrough in history of automobile safety.

In 1960s, Padded dashboard was installed in car to reduce face and chest injuries during crash. Head restrain used for front and rear passenger seat to protect occupants from whiplash in rear-end collision. Car companies build a super strong cabin while designing front and rear section to withstand as much impact as possible. Crash dummies were borrowed from aerospace industry. These dummies measured the force of collision and this showed that the car cabin was sufficiently strong but the controls on the occupants were not and this leads to introduction of passive restraints or Airbag.

New car assessment program was also introduced in 70s. 1978 Mercedes-Benz became first car company to install four wheel multi-channel antilock braking system. The First airbag was installed in production vehicles in 1980. Centrally mounted third brake light became mandate in early 80s. In 1987 Traction control used to prevent loss of traction. In 90s, Volvo introduced side airbag. In 1991 Volvo created side impact collision system helps passenger protect against injury.

In 90s and early 21st century computer continue to provide great support to automotive industry. 1996 Kia Sportage added knee airbag feature which was located just below steering wheel to provide protection during crash. Same year rain sensing wipers were invented. Modern cars were fitted with computer inside it. Citroen developed an intelligent anti-skid system which helps driver a level of control while driving in ice and snow condition. Electronic stability control was invented by Mercedes Benz with help from Bosch. 2005 Lane departure warning feature was first used by Citroen. Automobile manufacturers keep on inventing new safety features like Blind spot monitoring system (20017), Autonomous breaking (2008), Pedestrian detection (2015) and V2V V2I Communication (2018). As technology is increasing less and less human intervention will be required. This is giving relaxed driving experience but also removes most unpredictable events on the roads.

In India ABS, Airbag and rear parking sensors has become mandatory fitment in car from in year 2019. Car manufacturers started installing ABS in all models after April’18. By 2022-23 Electronic stability control and autonomous emergency braking shall become mandatory fitment.

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.