The Ideal Driving Distances

How often do you want to get close to the car ahead? Close enough to be able to see what's on the parcel tray? If the answer is always, often or even once in a while, you're in danger of running into the back of the car in front. You are in serious need of reviewing how you drive rather than blame the driver in front for stopping suddenly in case you do run into his back, which you will sooner or later.

You see, no matter how good the brakes are, in most cars you must fi rst apply them to get the car to stop. This means braking is heavily dependent on your reaction time, and the average human reaction time is about 1.5 seconds, which is plenty of time for a crash to happen. So the simple rule of thumb is the closer you are to the car ahead the less your reaction time needs to be. Now, think again, are your reactions fast enough for you to apply the brakes and get the car to stop before you run into the back of the car whose parcel tray you can see? Unlikely.

At the same time it isn't practical to suggest that you keep as large a gap as possible with the car in front. But, as with all things, there's a solution. Drive at such a distance where you're not getting left behind but you can still stop well in time in an emergency. How do you do that? Here's how.

Follow the three-second rule. It's a simple rule really. It simply means that your car should pass a point at least three seconds after the car ahead has crossed the same point.

First, identify a fixed point along the road, like a lamp post. Let the car ahead pass this point (in this case the lamp post). Now you ensure that you're able to count slowly from 1 to 3 before your car crosses the same lamp post. Now, maintain this gap.

A three second gap between your car and the one in front will give you enough time to react to any emergency manoeuvres that the driver in front might need to make. At the same time you won't be left behind.

But remember that stopping distances also depend on factors like the surface condition. So, if it's raining and the sufrace is wet, or there's an oil spill on the road for instance, the time required to stop increases and with it the 3 second rule.

The distances shown are a general guide and could vary depending upon your thinking distance, road surface, weather conditions and also the condition of your car

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Budget and Premium Tyres

As with any other commodity, there is a wide variety of tyres available in the market. Which one should you get for your vehicle, though? Does a more expensive tyre mean better performance? Most importantly, what is the point at which an expensive tyre becomes an overkill for your vehicle?

As a rule of thumb, manufacturers will fit your car with tyres that are economically feasible for them. This means that they will have the lowest cost, with minimal requirements when it comes to grip – but they will ensure that the tyres have long life, because that is what the general public wants. This rule doesn’t apply to premium cars, which have more specific requirements and whose target customers are more willing to shell out money for more benefits.

The low grip helps with better fuel economy figures. The regular driver isn’t bothered with how much grip his car generates, because he isn’t going to see how fast he can go around a corner with his car. Therefore, he can live with low grip because nine times out of ten, he’s not going to explore the limits of grip with his car. Since most of you reading this will have a budget car (relatively speaking) you can explore options that will help increase fuel economy while still bringing down braking distances.

Of course, everything comes at a price, so be prepared to shell out a premium for tyres that do all these things, or are imported. If you own an MUV and especially if that MUV is used for commercial applications, you will certainly want the car’s tyres to last a long time without compromising on fuel efficiency, but grip levels will not be high on your list of priorities. In this case, the factory-fitted tyres will probably serve you best, because those are the requirements for the overwhelming majority of MUV owners.

If you have a premium car, you will want to pay careful attention to the tyres you have on your car, because if they are inferior, you will have a safety problem; one that will rear its head only at high speed. Take careful note of the speed and load ratings on the tyres that were original fitment, and fit tyres that meet or exceed those ratings. If you find it exceedingly difficult to wrap your head around this, a good way of making sure you get the right tyres is to look at what is fitted on the new model, or the competition. If you’re still not sure, look at what is fitted on cars a class higher – though that might be overkill for your car.

A good rule of thumb to have is to follow the policy of going “one step up”. See what the logical upgrade is for your vehicle, and opt for those tyres. This will ensure that you don’t lose out on acceleration and fuel efficiency while increasing safety via shorter braking distance and increased cornering grip. Of course, whether you upsize the tyre is up to you, since that will void the manufacturer’s warranty, but the compound is what matters more.

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Essential Driver Safety Tips To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Gone are the days when pedestrians walked on footpaths and the roads were for motorists. Thanks to the thousands of new cars being registered and increasing number of people crowding the cities, congestion has become a harsh reality and there is no dearth of people on the streets today.

Pedestrians often stray in the path of motorists and things can go from chaotic to dangerous in the blink of an eye. One must therefore be prepared for any eventuality and the following basic driver safety tips to avoid pedestrian accidents should help go a long way:

• Awareness is the key and it all begins with knowing your vehicle. Most of the new cars these days come with disc brakes and ABS. These go a long way in reducing the stopping distance and ensuring steering control during a braking manoeuvre.


• Out on the road, anticipation is the key. One of the top driver safety tips to avoid pedestrian accidents is by staying alert at all times. Pedestrians can pop in from anywhere and without warning. So be warned.


• Slow down when going past a stopped bus, passengers are notorious for getting off and bolting across the road from the front.


• A nod, headshake, potential distractors are all early warning indicators that a pedestrian could make a dash for it. Watch out for these.


• Lunch times along with opening & shutting hours are when pedestrian traffic is high in work districts. So proceed with caution if you’re in such an area during that time.


• Keep a watch for children around residential complexes. They have an uncanny knack of running across in the street chasing after a ball.


• When driving after dark, ensure that the headlights are well-aligned and illuminate the road sufficiently. Re-align if it isn’t so.


• Most pedestrians walk with the back to the traffic. So a short toot lets them know that there’s a motorist behind them.


• Fitness awareness may be improving but not the infrastructure. So watch out for enthusiasts who may be jog right into your path in the wee hours of the morning.


• Any place is a good place to cross for most pedestrians. So drive keeping the conditions in mind, not the performance of the car or your mood

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Do I Need to Replace More Than One Tire at a Time?

You can safely replace only one tire if the others still have most of their tread.

Unlike the old days, when a pair of "snow tires" would be mounted to the drive wheels only for winter use, today we recognize that a vehicle should have four matching tires: same type, same model and, yes, even same degree of wear. The reason is simple: A car with four tires that behave the same — whether accelerating, braking or cornering — is balanced and predictable. If any of these factors are different at one or more wheels, traction characteristics can vary and performance will be unbalanced.

Tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch, and most new tires typically have 10/32 to 12/32 (5/16 to 3/8) of an inch of tread. If a car's other tires have lost only 2/32 or up to maybe 4/32 of their original tread depth, it's probably OK to replace just the damaged tire.

There can be exceptions, though. Some manufacturers of all-wheel-drive vehicles recommend that all four tires be replaced, not just one or two, because a new tire will have a larger overall diameter than the other tires. The ones that have lost just a few 32nds of tread depth will spin faster than the new one, and the difference could cause an all-wheel-drive system to engage on dry pavement and possibly damage the system.

On an all-wheel-drive vehicle or one with a conventional four-wheel-drive system, all four tires would ideally be replaced at the same time so they all have the same amount of traction as well as the same diameter.

On a front- or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, similar guidelines apply. If half or more of the tread on all four tires is gone, replacing just one tire will result in one wheel spinning at a slower rate than the others, possibly sending false signals to the traction control and antilock braking systems. It also will result in one tire having more or less raction for acceleration, braking and cornering grip than the others, which can affect a vehicle's behavior. On a two-wheel-drive vehicle, a better approach would be to replace both tires on the same axle. The best approach, though, is to replace all four if the tread on the old tires is significantly worn.

One way to avoid buying more than one tire is to have the tread on the new one "shaved" so it matches the depth of the others. Some tire dealers will shave off some tread depth on a special machine for a fee.

If you decide to replace only one tire, it should be the same model, size and tread pattern as the others. A different brand or model tire will have even greater differences in traction and number of revolutions per mile, and it's likely to wear at a different rate. That means it could conceivably wear out faster than the others, even if it starts out with more tread depth.

Whether you decide to replace just one tire or more, tire experts advise that the new rubber should be mounted on the rear. If new tires are mounted on the front, the worn tires in the rear would be more susceptible to hydroplaning — riding on top of water on the road — and possibly causing the vehicle to spin in a turn.

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Myths about Car Insurance

It is imperative to thoroughly understand the insurance policy you are buying, no matter what type of insurance it is. When looking for a car insurance people are hindered by numerous misconceptions. Let’s go through those myths which people still carry while buying car insurance.

If your car meets with an accident while being driven by a third person the car insurance policy may not work in such a case. If above is the case, the claim will be paid off through your own policy and not through the policy of that third person who drives the car. However, sometimes the car insurance covers the damage to the car in case of an accident only, and only when the car is driven by the owner or policyholder while in case of an accident.

It is strongly seen that people think that the colour of the car always affects their car insurance premium. The Red colour of the car bears higher premium than normal. This is not true. Colour of the vehicle has no impact on your insurance premium. Rather, your car insurance premium depends on several other important aspects such as the age of the car, past records of accidents with claims, chassis, make, engine and the size of the car.

Buyers are observed to avoid comprehensive car insurance stating that they are good drivers and don’t require a comprehensive policy. This justification is baseless since even expert drivers could have accidents. A comprehensive insurance policy protects you from other liabilities as well, apart from the accident itself. It safeguards your car from any loss or damage out of theft or natural and man-made calamities.

Your private car insurance will not cover your car if you are using it for business or office use. Private car insurance will only cover your vehicle when used for personal use. To extend the cover of your car insurance, you need to take passenger car insurance. Also, your comprehensive car insurance does not cover your personal belongings left in the car. You need to extend your cover to cover your personal belongings as well.

Your credit score does count. It does affect your car insurance premium. Insurance companies believe that there is good correlation between claim filing history and credit score. Those with a good credit score are less likely to file a claim. Hence, some insurance companies may offer you a discount if you have a good credit score.

Most of the people think that they already have car insurance for their old car so they don’t have to buy one for their new car. Wrong! Your old car insurance won’t cover the damages or any harm to your new car. So, one needs to purchase new car insurance for a new car.

Solitaire Honda Insurance Services in Mumbai will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.

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7 tips to keep your car ready for road-trips

Imagine yourself, buried under the files, struggling to meet the steep targets your boss has set for this quarter. It is your quarterly review today and you see your boss walking up to you. Dollops of sweat are perched on your brow and a chill runs down your spine. You follow him silently to the meeting room, anticipating a barrage of bullets waiting to pierce your tired soul.

Your boss has seen you toiling for the last three months, striving incessantly to achieve the monstrous targets that were set. Though you couldn’t get them all, your boss is very impressed. Your next task is a road-trip – a week long all paid holiday a birthday gift from your company.

Well, this does not happen even in movies! And plus a fertile imagination can play tricks on you like this. But with good roads, better cars and an adventurous trait, road-trip plans materialise out of thin air. All you need then, is your car to be roadworthy and fit so that all you have to worry about is how long you would be travelling.

We have a few tips put together to ensure that you and your car always stays fit and reliable and also to ensure your safety and comfort as well as others on the road.

1. Service your car regularly as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you find anything amiss between the service intervals, get it checked. In case you have a road trip planned in advance, get your car serviced a couple of days before you leave to let the changes settle down.


2. Keep an eye on all the fluids levels - engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid, windshield cleaning fluid and get them topped up whenever needed. Also have a glance under the vehicle once in a while you would certainly know if something is leaking and needs to be checked


3. Keep a regular check on electricals – headlamps, tail-lamps, indicators and the horn. It is better to know where the fuse-box of your car is located. Always keep a couple spare – in case of a blow-out, it is the fuse which will be the first casualty. Also keep an eye out for any warning lights on your dashboard – especially the engine check. If it starts flashing, you have to look for the nearest service centre.


4. Keep a track of the condition of the wiper blades – a clean windshield is imperative for a safe drive. Properly clean your windshield and rear-view mirrors before starting your journey and also in between regularly.


5. A regular check of tyre pressures and tread condition (including the stepney) will help you avert punctures or tyre bursts. Do rotate your tyres as recommended to ensure their longevity. It is advised to change all tyres when you opt for new and get a uniform wear pattern for all of them. Learn to change tyres (a lot of people don’t know) and how to jack your car up to avoid getting stuck at remote locations.


6. Driving is a tiring task. Get sufficient rest before you begin. Keep yourself hydrated and take regular breaks during the journey. It is always better to have at least one back-up driver in case you need a break. If ever you feel sleepy while driving, stop immediately and freshen up. If that too doesn’t work, never take it on yourself to continue further – a small mistake may turn out to be disastrous.


7. Drive at a speed you are comfortable with and avoid speeding. You tend to get more tired when you are speeding while the actual time you save is not worth the risk. Avoid taking risky manoeuvres or overtakes, you always have a long road ahead to make a move and avoid overtaking from the left on a dual carriageway. Remember to flash and/or honk before you make a move to warn the other driver of your intentions.

Ultimately, cars are machines and they do tend to break down once a while. But if you follow these tips, the chances of remembering those journeys with all the good memories will certainly by sky high.

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No Claim Bonus - How to save on your insurance premiums!

NCB is the short form of No Claim Bonus; it is rewarded to the owner of the vehicle who is also the policy holder for No Claim / Claims reported in the previous policy year. It can be accumulated over a period of time.

Do you know you can save as much as 50% on your new car’s insurance? You can transfer a No Claim Bonus (NCB) from your old car. One can transfer the NCB from your old car to reduce the cost of insurance for your New car.

NCB rewards you for being a good driver and helps you save on your motor insurance.

Most Indian car buyers negotiate on financing, dealer discounts and freebies but forget about the insurance component.

How to use the NCB to save on your insurance premium

• When you sell your old car: The biggest mistake people make is transferring the insurance lock stock and barrel when selling a car. Ensure that ownership is transferred and make a photocopy of the new entry in the RC book for insurance purposes.


• Obtain the NCB certificate: Forward a copy of the delivery note to your insurance company and ask for the NCB certificate or holding letter. This letter is valid for three years; you may find it easiest to go to your insurer's local office to pick it up in person.


• Use the NCB: Forward the NCB letter to your new car's dealer. Voila! You have just transferred the NCB to your new car insurance and saved a bundle.

Remember to shop around; manufacturers’ insurance schemes are much cheaper than regular insurers’.

Another process, if you are happy with your existing insurance company, is to go to the insurer with your new car invoice and chassis number. The agent should use your NCB to offer a reduced premium and give you a cover note on the spot. The dealership will need this cover note to register your car with traffic authorities.

Insurance Tip: If you are buying a premium car, it would be wise to opt for Zero Depreciation Add-on car insurance policy. After all, premium cars are equipped with premium-priced parts.

Some Points to remember:

• A No Claim Bonus means just that – no damage claims on your car. Drive carefully, take security measures to protect your car and claim judiciously.
• NCB follows the fortune of the customer and not the vehicle
• NCB can be transferred to the new vehicle in case of substitution of vehicle of the same class
• Validity - 90 days from the date of expiry of the policy
• NCB can be utilized within 3 years (where the existing vehicle is sold and a new vehicle is purchased)
• NCB recovery can be done in case of a name transfer
• It sometimes makes sense not to make small claims. Ideally, whenever your vehicle is damaged, get an estimate for the repairs. If the No Claim Bonus you stand to exceeds the estimate, it makes sense not to raise a claim and instead pay for the damage yourself.
• You can transfer full benefits of No Claim Bonus when you shift your policy from another company to another insurance company.

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Honda launches the All-New Honda Accord Hybrid in India

New Delhi, October 25, 2016: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today launched the All-New Honda Accord Hybrid featuring the world’s most efficient hybrid system which delivers top-of-the class powerful performance with 215 PS of maximum output and best in class fuel economy of 23.1km/l.
The new Honda Accord Hybrid is the ultimate Accord, the most refined, technologically sophisticated, uniquely stylish and the most fuel efficient hybrid model in its segment. The Honda Accord is equipped with Honda’s two motor hybrid system - Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) combined with an ultra-efficient 2.0-liter i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle engine.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, , “It is always our endeavor to offer Honda’s latest technology and products to the Indian customers and the introduction of the Accord Hybrid is in line with our commitment. The All-New Honda Accord Hybrid is automotive perfection with many dimensions of advanced technology and safety systems. With its luxurious design from exterior to interior, I’m confident that the Honda Accord Hybrid is the perfect response to our customer’s demands for a car that will reflect their identity and vision of being ahead of others.”
“The Accord brand was initially introduced in India in 2001 in its 6th Generation version and has been our flagship model in the country. We are very pleased to introduce the latest 9th Generation Accord in its Hybrid version in this market which will further strengthen the brand value for Honda cars in India,” he added. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD)is a full hybrid system featuring a 2.0-Liter, 16-valve, Atkinson Cycle Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine combined with two powerful electric motors, an E-CVT transmission, a Power Control Unit (PCU) with high power output density, a compact & light 1.3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) high output Lithium-Ion battery and Electric Servo Brakes with high regeneration efficiency.
The system switches intelligently and seamlessly between 3 driving modes to match all driving conditions.
• In the EV Drive Mode, the driving motor provides motive force, drawing energy from the lithium ion battery.
• In the Hybrid Drive Mode, the gasoline engine powers the generator motor which provides energy to the driving motor. In this mode, the battery can also assist the driving motor as per driving conditions.
• In the Engine Drive Mode, the engine power is directly sent to the wheels.
For a sportier and more exciting drive, the new Honda Accord Hybrid includes a Sport Drive Mode. . By pressing the “sport” button on the center console, Sport Drive Mode uses the battery to help boost the electric motors for better acceleration. The driver also has the option to choose an ECONOMY mode for enhanced fuel efficiency.

The Accord Hybrid utilizes the latest version of Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure to enhance occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions.The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design also ensures safety of the pedestrians along with the occupants of the car.
Honda Accord Hybrid is equipped with a complete array of safety features including the Honda LaneWatch blind-spot display with a camera on the passenger-side mirror that provides a view on the 7.7 inch i-MID screen; a multi-angle rearview camera for better rearward vision when reversing the vehicle with three perspectives: 130-degree, 180-degree, and top-down views;Active Cornering Lights (ACL) that enhance nighttime visibility when the vehicle is turning;Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS); Anti-lock braking (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD); Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control, Brake Assist, Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Six airbags including dual front i-SRS airbags, i-Side airbags, and side curtain airbags for advanced safety protection to help prevent driver and passenger injuries for greater safety during every journey.
Automatic LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL); blue-frame LED taillights; aClear Blue accented front grill; rear trunk spoiler; and sporty 18” alloy wheels give the Honda Accord Hybrid a uniquely luxurious yet sporty exterior design.
Inside the spacious cabin, the new Honda Accord Hybrid features a full range of equipment with premium functions. This includes an Engine Remote Start to pre-cool the cabin even before entering the car; a 7” Advanced touch-screen audio system that supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ with embedded navigation and Internet browsing capability, a Multi-function Steering Wheel with simple fingertip control of the car’s systems; i-Dual Zone Climate Control with Plasma Cluster Cluster that can intelligently adjust temperature and air volume based on direction and strength of sunlight and Ivory color plush leather upholstery.
To ensure the quality of the new Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda provides a 3 year Unlimited Km Standard warranty with Road Side Assistance and a 5 year Unlimited Km warranty on Hybrid battery.
The All-New Honda Accord Hybrid is available with a choice of four colors: Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.
The Honda Accord Hybrid is imported from Thailand as a Completely Built Unit and will initially be sold through select Honda dealerships in the country.


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Tips for driving safely in the hills

Most drivers from the plains know little about hill driving etiquette and therefore end up using their car horns more than the car's mechanicals. Most people don't know what gear to use or how to avoid over cooking the brakes while driving downhill. No wonder a large percentage of hill road accidents involve drivers from plains with little hill driving experience. Here's a crash course on how to tackle the mountains.

Overtaking

As your sight of vision will be shorter while driving uphill and also the fall of the headlights would be limited, drive with utmost care because the traffic against you, is anyway moving faster coming down the hill.
Before overtaking, check traffic signs for bends, narrow bridges or any other information available. Also, watch the vehicle in front before overtaking for any signs of change in speed, an overtaking move or swerving. Remember he has a better view of the road ahead and might be taking remedial action before you can even see the obstruction ahead.
On any uphill climb, gravity slows you down. The steeper the road, the more you will have to use lower gears to climb hills or mountains. In coming down a long steep downhill, gravity causes the speed of your vehicle to increase you must select an appropriate safe speed, then use a low gear, and use proper and judicious braking techniques.
Brakes work thanks to the friction created between the pads and the discs. Naturally, friction causes heat and excessive heat can cause brake fade. It's therefore important to balance engine braking with mechanical braking techniques.
One should also plan ahead and obtain information about any long steep hills along your planned route of travel. If possible, talk to other drivers who are familiar with the area to find out what speeds are safe.

Escape ramps

Escape ramps are specially built on most steep mountain roads to allow drivers to either make stops or allow overtaking as normally the roads are not very wide to permit drivers to make a stop wherever they desire.
Escape ramps normally have a long bed of loose soft material like gravel to slow a runaway vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for escape ramp locations on your route and only stop on them to allow free flow of traffic and for your own safety. Signs often show drivers where ramps are located.

Speed and curves

Slow down to a safe speed before you enter a curve as braking in a curve is dangerous as it can cause the vehicle to spin out of control thanks to weight shift. Don’t ever exceed the posted speed limit for the curves, your speed should be normally just under what is posted. Be in a gear that will allow slight acceleration through the curve as this will help maintain control. When entering a curve while going downhill, allow gravity to provide the slight acceleration.

Lane position in a corner

Maintaining the right lane position around a bend will help avoid head-on collisions. Stay centered in the lane to keep a safe clearance on all sides of the vehicle.
Hugging the outside of a curve increases the chance of dropping a tyre off the paved portion of the road onto a soft shoulder and losing traction. Hugging the inside of a curve on the other hand, increases your changes of a head-on accident especially around right handers as you end up driving in the wrong lane and have little time to avoid an on coming vehicle or even rocks on the road.






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Why Is My Muffler Rattling?

A loose bracket, rubber hanger or connector, or one that is badly corroded, can allow a muffler to rattle when you accelerate or drive on bumpy roads, or even when the car is stationary and idling.
A loose muffler can allow excessive movement in other components as well and increase the stress on those parts, so it can become more than an annoying noise if left unattended. If the muffler is hanging lower than normal, there's also a risk that it could be broken off by hitting a bump or going over railroad tracks.
Modern exhaust systems are usually made of aluminized steel or stainless steel, but that doesn't mean they or the parts that hold the exhaust components in place last forever. Heat, debris, road salt and moisture can all cause rust in the exhaust system.

Though a muffler rattle might be fixed simply by tightening a couple of bolts or replacing a broken hanger, the corrosion might be bad enough on the muffler or neighboring parts that they will have to be replaced.
A rattle or banging noise from the exhaust system might not be an external problem. Baffles or other components inside of mufflers can come loose and cause internal rattles.
In addition, the muffler may not be the only cause or even the culprit. Brackets and bolts securing tailpipes, heat shields above catalytic converters and other components can come loose, and catalytic converters can develop internal rattles when they go bad.
SOLITAIRE HONDA SHOWROOMS & SERVICE CENTERS, MUMBAI - will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.


TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM


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Honda announces festival delight for its customers with ‘The Great Honda Fest’

Honda announces festival delight for its customers with ‘The Great Honda Fest’
New Delhi, October 6, 2016 : Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today announced ‘The Great Honda Fest’ being conducted at all authorized Honda dealerships. A special contest “God’s Play of Lights” has been launched which gives a unique opportunity to winning couples to get a fully paid trip to experience the phenomenal Northern Lights in Norway.
Speaking about this unique and amazing offer, . Jnaneswar Sen, Sr Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We aim to give exclusive experiences to our customers that are special, grand and memorable for the rest of their lives. While we continue to make all efforts to enrich the Honda ownership experience, this once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Norway on buying a new Honda car can make this festive purchase even more special and rewarding for our customers.”
The contest is open for customers who buy any Honda car (Invoiced or Delivered from 1st October to 31st October 2016) and they have to log in and participate in the contest hosted on a special url www.hondacarindia.com/godsplayoflights
Northern lights are magical play of lights in the night sky which can be experienced in the Scandinavian countries. They are the bright dancing lights which are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the Sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere.
The offer which coincides with the Indian festival of lights, Diwali, is one-of-its-kind opportunity for the new Honda customers to make the most out of their association with the brand Honda. Other than the grand chance to win a Norway trip, customers will benefit from exciting offers available on Honda cars throughout October’16.
SOLITAIRE HONDA SHOWROOMS & SERVICE CENTERS, MUMBAI - will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.


TO BOOK HONDA CAR TEST DRIVE IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM
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Car Care Tips for Rat Protection

Rats can reek havoc in your car if not prevented. Here are some tips.

Rats love dark, warm and musty spaces that they can hide themselves in while gorging on garbage and leftover food. Sadly, in India, strewn garbage is a big problem in most big cities and thus the rat menace is more than obvious. Even in the better part of town, rats have been known to cause havoc by hiding in cars and destroying electrical components. Parking in general is problematic to say the least and since most cars are parked near the footpath which is usually near a drain, cars are prime locations for rats to hide in. In the monsoon for instance, rats usually prefer a warmer and dryer spot as compared to a wet drain.

In almost all instances, rats will be found in the engine bay. Favorite hiding spots for rats in the engine bay include the areas behind the battery, under the engine cover, between the headlamps and the radiator, between the firewall and the engine block. Rats usually enter the engine bay jumping onto the axle or drive shafts and making their way deeper into the engine bay. Although the cabins of most modern cars are well insulated, there are spots like the fresh-air vent of the air conditioning system or the rubber grommets on the firewall, especially around the floor-mounted pedals that can let rats in.

Once inside a car, not only will the rat urinate or defecate everywhere, it also leaves a foul smell in the interior. If by chance a rat dies in the air conditioning system, the only way to get rid of the smell is to professionally get your car cleaned and your whole air conditioning system serviced thoroughly. Rats can also chew on upholstery and carpets ruining the interior look of your car.

Rats usually end up chewing things like hoses, belts, wires, bulb holders, rubber inserts, connecters and fasteners. If god forbid, a rat chewed through a key cables that connects your car to its ECU, the resulting costs could be in the thousands. Chewed though wires can also cause short circuits which could end up being potentially life threatening.

The best home remedies to counter a rat problem are naphthalene balls and raw tobacco. Buy a good amount of the cheapest or worst quality of chewing tobacco one can buy and sprinkle it generously in your engine bay. Before you do that though, thoroughly wash the engine bay at a service centre. You can also generously distribute naphthalene balls in your cars engine bay and boot as they too help keep rats away. Spraying the engine bay with phenyl too helps repel rats. If you park in a basement, make it a habit of completely disinfecting your parking spot once every two weeks to keep rats at bay.

If you do find remnants of a rat’s visit in your engine bay, things like morsels of food, stray bits of plastic or rat droppings, get the engine bay thoroughly washed if possible to remove traces of rat urine. In cases where none of the above works, the best thing you can do it change your car’s parking spot.

SOLITAIRE HONDA SHOWROOMS & SERVICE CENTERS, MUMBAI - will also perform overall health checks on your vehicle and if there is other work that needs attention or other parts that need changing they will communicate this with you in advance to make sure you are aware of what additional work is required and whether any further costs may be incurred.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR SERVICING IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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Six Vehicle Warning Signs Your Nose Can Recognize

Most vehicles start out with a “new car smell,” but there are other specific odors that motorists should never ignore. Identifying these suspect smells early on can help car owners be car care aware and avoid the hassle and expense of an unexpected breakdown.

Unusual smells can be the sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle. By acting quickly and making necessary repairs, you’ll be able to breathe easy knowing there is no harmful damage to your car.

The Solitaire Honda recommends a sniff test of your vehicle to identify any unusual smells, including the following six warning signs :

1. The smell of burnt rubber could be slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys. Do not reach in if the engine compartment is hot.
2. The smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area.
3. The smell of fuel is likely the sign of a fuel leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the casino online fuel tank. Any smell of fuel can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.
4. The sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that your car is leaking engine coolant from a leaky component related to the car’s cooling system. Do not open the radiator cap when it is hot.
5. The smell of burning carpet could be a sign of brake trouble and a safety hazard. Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions.
6. The smell of rotten eggs is never a good one and, if you smell it coming from your vehicle, it could mean a problem with your catalytic converter not converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. This smell can also be attributed to a poor running engine, causing the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown.

When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it. Instead bring your vehicle to a Solitaire Honda car service centre for to get an informed opinion on the nature of the odor.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR SERVICING IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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4th Generation premium sedan Honda City clocks 2 lakh sales in India

The 4th Generation Honda City has crossed the 2 lakh sales milestone in a record time of 32 months in India thus becoming the fastest selling mid-size sedan in the country. Maintaining a strong sales momentum since its launch in January 2014, the 4th Generation Honda City cumulatively registered sales of 200,098 units by the end of August 2016.

First introduced in India in January 1998, the Honda City is the most popular premium sedan in the country and has cumulatively brought joy to over 6.3 lakh customers.

Talking about the success of the Honda City in India,Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd “The Honda City is a much loved brand in India and has been the most crucial part of Honda’s success in the country by cumulatively bringing in more than 6.3 lakh customers to the Honda family. Continuously re-inventing itself, each generation of the Honda City has brought in new technologies and offered new value to enthrall the customers, becoming benchmark for quality and trust. We are extremely proud of reaching the new milestone of 2 lakh sales of the current generation of City and are confident that it will continue to put up a strong performance in future too. We would like to thank our customers for their love and faith in the Honda City as we celebrate this success.”

The Honda City has been a leader in Quality, being ranked No.1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Study for the 14th time during its presence in the Indian market. Product quality, matched by excellent after-sales service at the dealerships, has generated strong positive word of mouth for Honda.

The 4th Generation City embodies the best of Honda’s technologies, including the advanced transmission system – CVT – mated with an i-VTEC petrol engine and the highly fuel efficient i-DTEC diesel engine. These engine technologies offer a fine balance of performance and fuel economy. The new generation CVT of the Honda City has set new benchmark in Automatic Transmission cars by delivering higher fuel efficiency than manual transmission. The car’s sporty exterior styling and premium, spacious interiors have been well appreciated by Honda’s discerning customers. The City comes with a host of Honda’s active and passive safety technologies, including ABS with EBD, SRS airbags and Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body shell.

TO BOOK HONDA CITY CAR SERVICING IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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Tips For Safe Night Driving On Highways

There are two kinds of drivers out there – one set prefers driving when the sun is up and the other comes out only when the sun has well & truly retired for the day. While it does indeed involve a greater quotient of risk, following a few tips on safe night driving on highways should make things easier if you belong to the latter club.

Let’s start with the vehicle being driven. The lights are the most important accessory when driving in the night. This is as true for hatchbacks as it is for larger SUV’s. So make sure that each and every light element, from the headlights and the driving lamps, the tail-lamps and the stop-lamps – everything must be in proper working order.

The above holds true in the case of the brakes and for India, the horn as well. Good brakes can often mean the difference in a situation where the oncoming vehicle’s overtaking manoeuvre has gone bad, for example. The horn too can be used as a deterrent for those who tend to ignore the flashing headlights. The general guideline for tips on safe night driving on highways is that the vehicle being used must be maintained to a higher level of reliability than one that is used to drive along during daytime.

The single major cause for road accidents in the night is driver fatigue. A well-rested driver not only drives safer but also arrives at the destination reasonably fresher. Pulling a double-shift on the eve of a long-weekend trip is not the right way to get that employee of the month award and neither is it the best way to get behind the wheel.

Tempting as it may, a heavy meal will only make one drowsy. So keep those biryanis and other delicacies for when you have reached your destination. Best to stick to light meals on the trip if you are driving.

the trip if you are driving. When in doubt, give way to the vehicle on the other side. There’s no room for bravery displays when driving in the night. Keep those adventurous overtaking manoeuvres for when the light comes out. The thumb rule is that if you can’t see, don’t go. Lastly, in India, the rules are usually dispensed with on the road. So hatchbacks or SUVs if you are behind the wheel then keep the safety-first rule in mind at all times when you drive.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR SERVICING IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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How to choose the best car insurance policy

Buying vehicle insurance can be quite a riddle in itself unless you are adept at choosing the right cover for your car. If your car is under five years old, you will find persistent auto insurance salesman trying to sell their product. However, you need to pick the insurance policy carefully after going through fine print as insurance policies are the very definition what is written in this fine print. It is always advisable to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to see who is offering you the best deal.

FOLLOWING IS A CHECKLIST TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR HONDA CAR INSURANCE POLICY

a) Types of vehicle insurance

Generally plans offered by general insurance providers can be broadly classified under two categories:-

1. Third party liability insurance - This plan usually covers damage to property, accidental death and injury to a third party. This plan is also mandatory requirement for all vehicles plying on public roads in India.
2. Comprehensive Plan - This usually is a preferred options by many as it covers for both 'own damage' and legal liability of third party. It also covers theft or damage caused by unforeseen perils like cyclone, earthquake, fire explosion etc.

b) Factors that affect the premium for vehicle insurance

The factors affecting premium calculation are based on the risks that insurance company will be underwriting and these can be can be grouped under four categories:

1. Vehicle related risks - Make, fuel type and cubic capacity etc. are few parameters which will determine the premium. Some vehicles like SUV (sports utility vehicle) and commercial vehicles often need higher premium payouts as insurance firms get large number of claims on such vehicles. Generally diesel vehicles have a 10-15 per cent higher premium than petrol cars. At the time of renewal Insured declared value (IDV): At the time of renewal the age of the vehicles and its depreciation predominantly determine the premium that you will pay. For vehicles less than five years old, based on the years of use depreciation is applied to the ex-showroom price to calculate the IDV. For vehicles that are older than five years the market value of the car is taken as IDV.
2. Location related risks - This depends on the area of registration. Usually premiums are high if you live in urban area, near highways or densely populated area. If theft is high in the area where you live then the premiums go up.
3. Claims history related - If claim for your vehicle insurance then premium can go up following year.
4. Driver related - The age and profession of the driver is taken into account. If there are multiple drivers then the premium goes up

c) Tips to reduce the cost of your vehicle insurance

1. Voluntary deductibles - Deductibles or excesses are the amounts over and above which a claim is payable by insurance provider. If you are willing to settle petty claims for small damages from your pocket voluntarily, then the cost of premium for vehicle insurance can be reduced approximately by thirty per cent.
2. No claim bonus - You can reduce the premium payout by nearly fifty per cent every year, if you don't claim insurance on your vehicle. Insurance companies give the benefit of no claim bonus as record of your good driving year after year. If you sell your vehicle, this no-claim bonus can be transferred to your new insurance policy for the new vehicle and avail lower premium payout.
3. Discount for security features - Few cars come with enhanced security systems which are built-in such as anti-theft alarms and immobilizers. There is low probability of theft of such cars. These cars can be insured for less premium. However, only Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) approved devices will attract a 2.5 per cent discount on your premium.

d) Add-ons that increase the premium but are useful

1. Nil-depreciation insurance - A nil depreciation policy covers for complete claim for rubber and plastic parts. Generally an insurance company will pay only for fifty per cent of value for these parts that are subjected to wear and tear. With most cars having features with plastic and rubber parts it is advisable to go for nil depreciation policy, although the premium would be increased. In case of a claim it can knock a lot off amount in a repair bill.
2. Personnel cover - A normal comprehensive insurance cover will include personal accident coverage for the owner of the car. For a small fee, additional users who possess a valid driving license and are using the car can also be covered under the insurance policy. By default, most companies include this cover in their comprehensive insurance policies.

e) Key areas where you may go wrong when choosing a cover

1. Value of the car - In order buy a policy with a lower premium payout, often people reduce the IDV or 'insured declared value' of the car. But in case of an accident the car will be treated as total write off. Avoid such practice as the benefit for the cost is not adequate. Always try and choose a policy that offers you the maximum IDV on your vehicle, even if it means a slightly higher premium.
2. Lapse of Policy - In case of lapse of policy lapse your insurance provider may give a grace period of usually a week. Post this period you run the risk of driving a car without insurance. You will also stand to lose out on benefits like lower premiums or discounts for vehicle insurance.

TO BOOK HONDA CAR INSURANCE SERVICES IN MUMBAI CONTACT SOLITAIRE HONDA AT 022 67385555 OR EMAIL US AT INFO@SOLITAIREHONDA.COM

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