Tuesday, 6 December 2022

The Essential Car Insurance Checklist for Your New Vehicle

 November 2022

Ensure your brand new car remains new, come what may, with Solitaire Honda Car Insurance


Honda Car showrooms in Mumbai | The Essential Car Insurance Checklist for Your New Vehicle



Few in India would dispute that buying a car is second only to buying a home. Why? Because it is i) a collective decision – one that involves the entire family and everybody weighs in with their opinions, and ii) requires extensive research across vehicle type, features, brand, colour etc., and iii) requires adequate financial planning to ensure that the EMI outflow fits within your budget.

This clearly shows that a car is more than just a vehicle; it’s an emotional asset for most owners – especially if the purchase is the first one. And as with any asset, it too must be protected by the best car insurance available in the market. But how do you pick the right car insurance for your new vehicle in a market with a wide variety of options?

In this article, we will take you through the “Car Insurance Essentials” checklist to help you separate the wheat from the chaff and help you safeguard your prized possession in the most efficient and effective way.

Let’s explore.


Car Insurance Types

Before we deep-dive into the checklist, it is absolutely important that we understand the broad categories of car insurance. In essence, there are two types of car insurance covers - a third party car insurance cover as mandated by the Indian Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and a more comprehensive cover that insures against damage to both third-party vehicles and your own.

Because of the extent of its coverage, a comprehensive car insurance cover usually costs more than a third-party liability cover. However, the higher cost is offset by the greater protection offered especially, if your car is fresh out of a showroom.

The majority of insurance companies provide products and services that can be classified in the above two categories. However, some of the leading insurers like Solitaire Honda also offer other types of cover that can help reduce the higher premium. For example, in addition to a standard and comprehensive cover, Solitaire Honda offers a car insurance plan where you can reduce the coverage amount and number of add-ons, thus lowering your premium amount. However, it is important to remember that reduction in premium comes at a cost of coverage which may not be available when you need it the most.

Now that we know the broad types of car insurance, let us move to the features that you must check before buying a car insurance policy.


Car Insurance Deductible

A deductible refers to a fixed amount you need to pay out of your pocket when filing a car insurance claim. It’s similar to how a copay works in health insurance. The deductible and premium charged are typically inversely proportional to each other i.e. a higher deductible will lead to lower premium and vice-versa. With Solitaire Honda Car Insurance, a buyer can customize the overall plan and choose the deductible amount, hence giving you the flexibility to optimize your monthly / quarterly / yearly budget.


No Claim Bonus

The No Claim Bonus also popularly known as the NCB is the reward given to you if you make no claims during the term of your car insurance policy. It’s adjusted as a discount on your premium during car insurance renewal and is capped at 50 per cent on the own damage premium.


Car Insurance Add-Ons

As the term indicates, add-ons are additional covers that an insurer like Solitaire Honda provides to its customers. These are over and above the base insurance cover and as such, increase your car insurance premium amount. The exact quantum of increase is completely dependent on the number of add-ons you choose.

For instance, some of the most popular add-ons offered by leading insurers like Solitaire Honda are:

  • Zero Depreciation – Also referred to as ‘zero dep.’ This add-on cover pays you the full insured amount during a claim without considering depreciation. Zero depreciation is a reinforcement for your standard insurance and is perfect for new cars.

  • 24x7 Road Side Assistance – A 24x7 road-side assistance add-on is among the best investments you can make while buying a car insurance policy. It can rescue you from several sticky situations that are part and parcel of driving. For instance, Solitaire Honda’s 24x7 Sport Assistance add-on cover offers help with a flat tyre, dead battery, towing service, and even legal advice in case of an accident.

  • Engine Protector – The engine is the most valuable part of your new car and with an engine protector add-on cover, you can insure it from damage caused by oil leakage, water ingress, gearbox malfunction etc. Solitaire Honda’s engine protector add-on also covers the replacement or repair of your new car’s critical engine parts such as pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder head.

  • Consumables Cover – Replacing consumables regularly is the key to keeping your car functioning like new for years together. But replacing them out-of-turn after an accident or damage can set you back by quite a bit. You can avoid this by opting for Solitaire Honda’s consumables add-on, which covers labour and material expenses related to engine oil, brake oil, air and fuel filters, gearbox oil, AC gas oil, brake oil etc.

  • Conveyance Benefit – Life without your car can be hard, especially when it’s undergoing repairs after an accident. You can tide over this hardship by opting for Solitaire Honda’s conveyance benefit add-on that provides a ‘per day’ cash benefit for the time your car is out of action.

  • Key & Lock Replacement – Solitaire Honda tailors its car insurance offerings after thinking through every trouble a new car owner like you might face. Nothing exemplifies this better than the ‘Key & Lock Replacement’ add-on that covers the high cost of making a duplicate key for your new car if you lose the original one.

  • Personal Baggage – If you are someone who carries valuable personal baggage in your car during commutes, it makes sense to opt for Solitaire Honda’s personal baggage add-on as it covers loss or damage suffered by your personal baggage kept inside your car.


Car Insurance Cashless Garage Network

When buying insurance for your new car, always go with a provider that offers a wide and robust cashless garage network. This ensures you can file a claim and get your car repaired from an authorised garage wherever you are in India. This is similar to buying health insurance where it’s advised to opt for a provider with the wide network of hospitals with cashless facility.

For instance, Solitaire Honda has a pan-India network of over 4,000 cashless garages. You can even check out the cashless Solitaire Honda garages in your area using your PIN code or city name.


Car Insurance CSR (Claims Settlement Ratio)

CSR refers to the percentage of claims paid out by the insurer. Simply put, go for a provider that has a high CSR. This ensures you face minimum hassles while filing a claim and also get paid quickly for the damages suffered. Solitaire Honda is a great example of this as it has a CSR of over 90 per cent, one of the best in India.


Car Insurance Claims Settlement Process

A customer-friendly and fast claims settlement process goes a long way in soothing the pain of seeing your car damaged or immobile. When buying car insurance for your new car, sort through the insurer’s claims settlement process carefully. Needless to say, always go for leading insurance providers like Solitaire Honda, whose claims settlement process is fast, thorough, and keeps you updated continuously via phone, SMS, and email.


Car Insurance Customer Service

One of the most important criteria when buying new car insurance is customer service. While the CSR and claims settlement process are good indicators of customer service levels after buying your insurance, there are other signs you can rely on to judge an insurer’s customer support.

An insurer like Solitaire Honda, for instance, makes the insurance buying process easier by offering a free online car insurance calculator. If you go ahead with the purchase, the company instantly issues an online car insurance policy without any paperwork. Solitaire Honda also mails you a digital softcopy of the policy document that you can carry in your phone. Rounding off the brilliant experience are Solitaire Honda’s 24x7 instant support and automatic renewal reminders.


Your New Car Deserves the Best

Buying a new car is a major enhancement for your lifestyle. At the same time, it’s also a big step for you financially. In this scenario, any unintended or accidental damage to your new car can cause both mental and financial distress. You can avoid such a situation by letting Solitaire Honda’s car insurance carry the burden for you while you keep clocking the miles on your car for years to come.


To Know More About Honda Car Service centres in Andheri and Borivali Visit Solitaire Honda Mumbai, Contact us at 022 67385588 or email us at sales@solitairehonda.com

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

5 Advantages Of Timely Engine Oil Change

 Changing engine oil at regular intervals not only helps in extracting the best performance and fuel efficiency, but also enhances the life of the engine and adds to the resale value of the vehicle

When talking about an internal combustion engine, we usually discuss displacement and power but tend to miss out on maintenance. How do you ensure your engine performs as good as a new unit, year after year? One sure-shot way of doing so is by getting the engine oil changed at regular intervals. The best way to keep your motor running trouble-free is by using high-performance engine oil brands such as GS Caltex’s Kixx G1 Synthetic SAE 5W30 and Kixx G1 Synthetic Power SAE 5W40. Kixx car engine oils are high-performance synthetic lubricants that can be used in various petrol and diesel engines. They are recommended for a wide range of vehicles from SUVs to MPVs.

So let’s understand how synthetic engine oils such as the Kixx G1 Synthetic and Kixx G1 Synthetic Power unlock your engine’s optimum performance:


Gets Rid of Dirt and Debris

As oil lubricates the crucial parts of the engine, it gets contaminated with dirt, debris, and other carbon particles. A scheduled oil change helps in removing this excess dirt that builds up in the engine over a while. Besides, it also aids in the ejection of sludge -- formed when oil solidifies -- from the engine which can lead to serious issues otherwise. Basically, changing the oil keeps the engine clean and helps it run smoothly.


Improves Performance

Friction is one of the primary challenges curtailing the performance of the car. Due to improper lubrication, the moving parts of the engine create friction and generate excess heat. One can easily prevent friction and overheating of the engine by changing the engine oil as recommended by the manufacturer. This means changing the oil in time will not only help with the performance but also improve the durability of the engine.


Ensures Better Fuel Efficiency

While most of us realise the importance of fuel efficiency, we tend to ignore the effect of engine oil. Mineral oils have higher impurities and are resistant to flow as compared to synthetic oils, affecting engine performance as it becomes ineffective upon prolonged usage. Thanks to its refinement level, synthetic oil reduces friction, resulting in improved fuel economy and engine protection.


Keeps Emissions In Check

In the BS6 era, the importance of timely engine oil change has become even more apparent considering the emission hardware technology used in vehicles. A well-lubricated engine is required to keep emissions in check and to that effect, changing engine oil on time is a must. In fact, if you fail to do so, you seriously risk damaging your engine and emission hardware components.


Healthy Engine=Longer Life Span

Timely oil changes will make your car last longer by providing proper lubrication to the engine’s moving parts. It’s no secret that a properly maintained car with a healthy engine will have a good resale value.

So now that we understand the advantages, it’s important to choose the right oil. Opt for a fully synthetic oil as it offers better protection compared to its mineral oil counterparts. The Kixx G1 Synthetic engine oil from GS Caltex India features advanced additive technology that helps your vehicle perform optimally while curbing tailpipe emission.


To Know More About Honda Car Service centres in Andheri and Borivali Visit Solitaire Honda Mumbai, Contact us at 022 67385588 or email us at sales@solitairehonda.com

10 Car Issues You Should Fix

 The festive season is here, and the occasion of Dussehra has always been an iconic festival. It marks the victory of good over evil; it is very similar to our daily lives. Be it real-life issues or first-world troubles; we go through them all. Let’s look at some car troubles we should get rid of today:

1. Battery Problems

A battery is one of the most vital elements of a car. It helps in starting the vehicle and also runs the electrical systems. Symptoms such as malfunctioning electrical and dim headlights indicate battery problems. Whether repair or replacement, our experts can handle it all and make your troubles disappear.


2. Uneven Alignment

The following car problem on our list is alignment. If you are driving in a straight line and if your car tends to sway in either direction when your steering is left free. That means you need to get the alignment checked. Our tyre experts can sort out your alignment issues in no time.


3. Dents & Scratches

It is impossible to avoid problems in life; dents are the same inevitable troubles you cannot avoid. Dents & scratches always find their way to your car and harm the body and looks of your vehicle. But it’s nothing to worry about. Our denting shop is among the best and can make your car as good as new.


4. AC Issues

The next on our list is the air conditioning system. It can also be prone to many issues depending on the usage. Be it a simple filter cleaning on a full service; we can cater to it all. Aircon systems have come a long way from cooling to dual-zone climate control and need appropriate maintenance.


5. Unusual Exhaust Smoke

The exhaust system emits a lot of gases from the combustion chamber. Multiple types of smoke indicate different kinds of issues. White, black & blue are the common ones that show some problems. If you notice any unusual smoke coming out of your exhaust, just let us know. This Dussehra you can get rid of such car troubles and make sure your car functions well.


6. Squeaky Brakes

If you drive aggressively and overspeed frequently, your brakes will wear out quickly. If you notice any unpleasant squeaky sounds during braking, you must get them checked to diagnose & let us replace the brake pads or repair the system.


7. Low Fuel Efficiency

Driving with a heavy right foot can be the primary cause of a not-so-fuel-efficient engine. But if you are still facing low fuel efficiency after responsible driving, it is better to get the car checked. A delay in the car service can also cause this kind of performance drop, but there is nothing to worry about. Our experts can do everything while you can sit and relax at home.


8. Faded Paint

The next element on our list is the paint job. We all loved it when our car had a new finish & paint job, but it tends to fade with time due to environmental factors. This Dussehra, you can bring new life to your car exterior with a fresh paint job for your car.


9. Dirty Interior

We all get so busy we miss out on things like cleaning the car’s interior. The cabin also needs a periodic deep cleaning, which is the best time to get one and have a fresh interior for the festive season. Be it preparing for festivals such as Dussehra & Diwali or just coping with our daily lives.


10. Engine Overheating

The combustion process of burning fuel produces a lot of heat, and to keep the system cool, the car needs components such as radiators to help. If the temperature gauge in your car is going towards red, then it is time to get your engine checked. You can contact our experts, who will take care of the rest.


To Know More About Honda Car Service centres in Andheri and Borivali Visit Solitaire Honda Mumbai, Contact us at 022 67385588 or email us at sales@solitairehonda.com

Monday, 28 November 2022

The Essential Car Insurance Checklist for Your New Vehicle

 Ensure your brand new car remains new, come what may, with Solitaire Honda Car Insurance

Few in India would dispute that buying a car is second only to buying a home. Why? Because it is i) a collective decision – one that involves the entire family and everybody weighs in with their opinions, and ii) requires extensive research across vehicle type, features, brand, colour etc., and iii) requires adequate financial planning to ensure that the EMI outflow fits within your budget.

This clearly shows that a car is more than just a vehicle; it’s an emotional asset for most owners – especially if the purchase is the first one. And as with any asset, it too must be protected by the best car insurance available in the market. But how do you pick the right car insurance for your new vehicle in a market with a wide variety of options?

In this article, we will take you through the “Car Insurance Essentials” checklist to help you separate the wheat from the chaff and help you safeguard your prized possession in the most efficient and effective way.

Let’s explore.


Car Insurance Types

Before we deep-dive into the checklist, it is absolutely important that we understand the broad categories of car insurance. In essence, there are two types of car insurance covers - a third party car insurance cover as mandated by the Indian Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and a more comprehensive cover that insures against damage to both third-party vehicles and your own.

Because of the extent of its coverage, a comprehensive car insurance cover usually costs more than a third-party liability cover. However, the higher cost is offset by the greater protection offered especially, if your car is fresh out of a showroom.

The majority of insurance companies provide products and services that can be classified in the above two categories. However, some of the leading insurers like Solitaire Honda also offer other types of cover that can help reduce the higher premium. For example, in addition to a standard and comprehensive cover, Solitaire Honda offers a car insurance plan where you can reduce the coverage amount and number of add-ons, thus lowering your premium amount. However, it is important to remember that reduction in premium comes at a cost of coverage which may not be available when you need it the most.

Now that we know the broad types of car insurance, let us move to the features that you must check before buying a car insurance policy.


Car Insurance Deductible

A deductible refers to a fixed amount you need to pay out of your pocket when filing a car insurance claim. It’s similar to how a copay works in health insurance. The deductible and premium charged are typically inversely proportional to each other i.e. a higher deductible will lead to lower premium and vice-versa. With Solitaire Honda Car Insurance, a buyer can customize the overall plan and choose the deductible amount, hence giving you the flexibility to optimize your monthly / quarterly / yearly budget.


No Claim Bonus

The No Claim Bonus also popularly known as the NCB is the reward given to you if you make no claims during the term of your car insurance policy. It’s adjusted as a discount on your premium during car insurance renewal and is capped at 50 per cent on the own damage premium.


Car Insurance Add-Ons

As the term indicates, add-ons are additional covers that an insurer like Solitaire Honda provides to its customers. These are over and above the base insurance cover and as such, increase your car insurance premium amount. The exact quantum of increase is completely dependent on the number of add-ons you choose.

For instance, some of the most popular add-ons offered by leading insurers like Solitaire Honda are:

  • Zero Depreciation – Also referred to as ‘zero dep.’ This add-on cover pays you the full insured amount during a claim without considering depreciation. Zero depreciation is a reinforcement for your standard insurance and is perfect for new cars.

  • 24x7 Road Side Assistance – A 24x7 road-side assistance add-on is among the best investments you can make while buying a car insurance policy. It can rescue you from several sticky situations that are part and parcel of driving. For instance, Solitaire Honda’s 24x7 Sport Assistance add-on cover offers help with a flat tyre, dead battery, towing service, and even legal advice in case of an accident.

  • Engine Protector – The engine is the most valuable part of your new car and with an engine protector add-on cover, you can insure it from damage caused by oil leakage, water ingress, gearbox malfunction etc. Solitaire Honda’s engine protector add-on also covers the replacement or repair of your new car’s critical engine parts such as pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder head.

  • Consumables Cover – Replacing consumables regularly is the key to keeping your car functioning like new for years together. But replacing them out-of-turn after an accident or damage can set you back by quite a bit. You can avoid this by opting for Solitaire Honda’s consumables add-on, which covers labour and material expenses related to engine oil, brake oil, air and fuel filters, gearbox oil, AC gas oil, brake oil etc.

  • Conveyance Benefit – Life without your car can be hard, especially when it’s undergoing repairs after an accident. You can tide over this hardship by opting for Solitaire Honda’s conveyance benefit add-on that provides a ‘per day’ cash benefit for the time your car is out of action.

  • Key & Lock Replacement – Solitaire Honda tailors its car insurance offerings after thinking through every trouble a new car owner like you might face. Nothing exemplifies this better than the ‘Key & Lock Replacement’ add-on that covers the high cost of making a duplicate key for your new car if you lose the original one.

  • Personal Baggage – If you are someone who carries valuable personal baggage in your car during commutes, it makes sense to opt for Solitaire Honda’s personal baggage add-on as it covers loss or damage suffered by your personal baggage kept inside your car.


Car Insurance Cashless Garage Network

When buying insurance for your new car, always go with a provider that offers a wide and robust cashless garage network. This ensures you can file a claim and get your car repaired from an authorised garage wherever you are in India. This is similar to buying health insurance where it’s advised to opt for a provider with the wide network of hospitals with cashless facility.

For instance, Solitaire Honda has a pan-India network of over 4,000 cashless garages. You can even check out the cashless Solitaire Honda garages in your area using your PIN code or city name.


Car Insurance CSR (Claims Settlement Ratio)

CSR refers to the percentage of claims paid out by the insurer. Simply put, go for a provider that has a high CSR. This ensures you face minimum hassles while filing a claim and also get paid quickly for the damages suffered. Solitaire Honda is a great example of this as it has a CSR of over 90 per cent, one of the best in India.


Car Insurance Claims Settlement Process

A customer-friendly and fast claims settlement process goes a long way in soothing the pain of seeing your car damaged or immobile. When buying car insurance for your new car, sort through the insurer’s claims settlement process carefully. Needless to say, always go for leading insurance providers like Solitaire Honda, whose claims settlement process is fast, thorough, and keeps you updated continuously via phone, SMS, and email.


Car Insurance Customer Service

One of the most important criteria when buying new car insurance is customer service. While the CSR and claims settlement process are good indicators of customer service levels after buying your insurance, there are other signs you can rely on to judge an insurer’s customer support.

An insurer like Solitaire Honda, for instance, makes the insurance buying process easier by offering a free online car insurance calculator. If you go ahead with the purchase, the company instantly issues an online car insurance policy without any paperwork. Solitaire Honda also mails you a digital softcopy of the policy document that you can carry in your phone. Rounding off the brilliant experience are Solitaire Honda’s 24x7 instant support and automatic renewal reminders.


Your New Car Deserves the Best

Buying a new car is a major enhancement for your lifestyle. At the same time, it’s also a big step for you financially. In this scenario, any unintended or accidental damage to your new car can cause both mental and financial distress. You can avoid such a situation by letting Solitaire Honda’s car insurance carry the burden for you while you keep clocking the miles on your car for years to come.


To Know More About Honda Car Service centres in Andheri and Borivali Visit Solitaire Honda Mumbai, Contact us at 022 67385588 or email us at sales@solitairehonda.com

Friday, 18 November 2022

Honda Life - Where to travel during the winters

 Your plans of travelling to the best winter destinations of India in 2021 must have gone in vain amidst the pandemic scare. However, with vaccination drives around the country going in full swing, the situation has improved significantly and more importantly, has become somewhat favourable for travelling. So if you are fully vaccinated, it is time that you pack your bags and drive away from the hustle-bustles of your daily life to amazing winter travel destinations.


“Where to travel during winters?” is one of the most common questions that cross our minds whenever we plan for a winter vacation. Thus, we bring to you some of the best places to visit in winters that you can consider, maybe for your next winter road trip.


Winter travel destinations in India

India is one of the most astonishing countries whenever it comes to winter destinations. It has mountain ranges that will leave you mesmerized with the magic of fresh snowfall and also accommodates beach destinations for people who look forward to ditching the winter chills and enjoy pleasant climates.

Here are some of the top winter travel destinations (in no particular order) that you can consider for experiencing the season at its best:


1. Gulmarg

Often referred as the “Crown Jewel” of Jammu and Kashmir, this small town comes to new life during the winters. While it can be visited all around the year, its beauty during winters becomes unmatched. The sight of snow laden mountains and frozen lakes make a picture-perfect landscape that will leave you bedazzled.


2. Manali

The ultimate honeymoon destination, Manali is undoubtedly India’s one of the most loved tourist places in winters. A tourist hub, the town receives ample snowfall and offers some of the most stunning views of towering snow laden Himalayan ranges. Moreover, it is well-connected with highways, making it a perfect destination for a winter road trip. For instance, Delhi to Manali is one of the most popular road trips in North India.


3. Dalhousie

Situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is a small town that you can consider travelling in the winters. Contrary to tourist places like Manali, Dalhousie is a quaint and peaceful hill station that attracts a horde of nature lovers. If you plan to visit, consider going for hiking activities in the spellbinding snow-laden deodar forests.


4. Kutch

Onset of winters also marks the beginning of the world famous cultural fest “Rann Utsav” at the Rann of Kutch. The festival invites lakhs of tourists each year and leaves them nothing but enchanted with picturesque landscapes, traditional cuisines, and desert safaris. For instance, stargazing in sub-zero temperatures in the wide expanse of white lands could be a sight to behold during your winter travel.


5. Goa

Goa is the best place for making winter travel. plans if you’re not a snow person. Period! The onset of winters marks the beginning of the party-season and the place becomes extremely lively. The ultimate beach destination, Goa is just perfect if you are looking to sway away from chilly cold waves. What's best; take a winter road trip from Mumbai to Goa. Spend your day sunbathing at serene beaches and relish life at night at throbbing nightclubs.


6. Munnar

Also famous as the “Kashmir of South”, Munnar is another winter destination if you’re looking to escape cold waves. A perfect getaway famous for exhibiting the alluring beauty of the Western Ghats it savours a decent and pleasant winters. Don't miss out on tasting different teas and local homemade chocolates during your winter travel. in Munnar.


While being too much fun, travelling in winters could be challenging, especially if you’re going to places where temperatures tend to drop below freezing point. Thus, make sure to adhere to certain winter travel tips before you even start packing your bags.


Here are some important winter travel tips you should consider:
• First and foremost, (double) check the weather forecast of the place on your planned dates. In case the weather is unfavourable, opt for other dates.

• Pack as per the weather. If you’re planning to spend days in the snow, carry warm clothes like jackets, sweaters, caps, socks, etc. to keep yourself comfortable.

• Carry the first aid box. Pack all necessary medications and medical aid. You should always hope for the best, but should definitely be prepared for the worst.

• Keep your devices like mobile phones and tablets charged. If possible, carry portable chargers or power banks.

• Consider talking to locals rather than travel agents to plan your trip. Locals know the place better than anyone.

• Plan your travel and make bookings in advance. It is one of the most important winter travel tips as events like Rann Utsav and Goa Carnival experience footfall from worldwide. Thus, it is wise to make bookings earlier.

While the above-mentioned places can be reached easily via flights and railways, we suggest you take roads and plan a winter road trip. After all, it’s not just about the destination, but a lot about the journey. However, consider sticking to all important winter safety tips and tick all the items on the winter car maintenance checklist before hitting the roads.


TIPS FOR SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CAR IN WINTERS

Driving on awe inspiring highways while grooving to your travel playlist is an ultimate experience. However, this pleasure can turn upside down in minutes if you have skipped your winter car service. Winters tend to take a toll on your car’s performance which makes winter car care essential, especially if you're going on a road trip soon. Improper car maintenance during winter can lead to a breakdown in the middle of the road. And believe us, being stranded is no fun!

Here are some of the most important winter car maintenance tips you should follow while planning a winter road trip:

• Warm up your car before starting your journey every day. Start your car and wait for 3 to 5 minutes before you get going. This is the foremost winter safety tip you should follow on a road trip.

• Your car’s battery is prone to dying-off in winters. Thus, keeping its charge and health under regular monitoring becomes an essential cold weather car maintenance routine. A malfunctioning battery harms the functioning of your car's electrical systems and performance.

• Air tends to contract in winters. This means that the chances of tyre pressure going low in winters is higher. In order to avoid any misfortunes, carry a portable air pump in your car.

• Dense fog is a common scenario during winters. Thus, make sure that your car’s headlights, tail lights, and fog lamps are functioning properly.

• Accumulation of mist or fog on the windshield is fairly common in winters. Since they harm visibility, it is important that you get your car’s heaters and defoggers checked beforehand.

• Make sure that the car’s wipers are in good condition and working properly. Worn out wiper blades can smudge your windshield which eventually makes driving difficult.

Lastly, plan a winter car service before taking a road trip. Servicing can help in identification of car issues that may become big and ruin your travel plan. Moreover, your car gets a fresh dose of oils, coolants, and other fluids that further ensure high performance on the roads.


To Know More About Honda Car Service centres in Andheri and Borivali Visit Solitaire Honda Mumbai, Contact us at 022 67385588 or email us at sales@solitairehonda.com

Friday, 11 November 2022

Everything You Need To Know About Parallel Parking

 If you get sweaty palms just thinking about parallel parking, trust us, you are not the only one. Many drivers feel the same pressure when they have to align and park the car without causing any damage to other cars.


Parallel car parking is a hard skill to master because of how intricate it is. And yet, it is an essential driving manoeuvre that you must know of to park in tight spaces that you encounter in day to day driving.

Here is all that you need to know about parallel parking, which along with the on-road practice, will help you master the art with ease.

Understanding the Technique of Parallel Car Parking

Parallel parking is a method of parking a car in line with other parked vehicles on one side of the road and facing in the same direction as traffic on that side. To do this, one has to slightly drive past the available parking space and pull up next to the parked vehicle, then gradually reverse to fit in the space whilst keeping a safe distance.

This may sound a little tricky, but there is no need to get nervous. With concentration and some practice, one can easily master the technique of parallel car parking.


Steps Involved in Parallel Parking

Being a precise driving manoeuvre, parallel parking hinges on following the right approach. Here are the four steps to parallel park your car.


STEP 1: FIND THE RIGHT FIT

In parallel parking, you should not just park in the very first space spotted. It requires careful analysis of the available parking space to see if your car will fit there. As a thumb rule, the parking space should be one and a half times the length of your car. Only then should you pull up or else keep looking until a suitable space is available. Once the right spot is found, stop your car parallel to the car you are going to park behind. Maintain a distance of 2-3 feet while doing so.


STEP 2: PUT IT IN REVERSE

Next, slowly reverse until the middle part of your car is parallel to the other vehicle's rear bumper. At this point, your car will start changing direction to slot behind the car in front. The benefit of maintaining distance will become evident here; you'll have enough space to reverse without risking any contact between your car and the other vehicle.


STEP 3&4: SLOT YOUR CAR INTO POSITION

Now, cut the steering wheel towards the right to achieve a 45° angle and continue in reverse gear. Then, turn the steering wheel anti-clockwise and continue reversing until your car is perfectly aligned with the rest of the vehicles, and parallel to the wall or divider on the driver's side.

Note: The same approach will be applicable when you are parallel parking your car on the left. In this case, the left side of your car will be parallel to the wall, divider or any such boundary.


STEP 5: STRAIGHTEN AND ALIGN

The final step is to check if your car is at an equal distance from the cars in front and behind, and the edge of the road. If not, then reposition your car until it is in the center and demonstrates perfectly parallel lines.


5 Tips That Work Best for Effortless Parallel Parking

Is it surprising for you to see other drivers flawlessly parallel park their car? Here are the 5 must-know parallel parking tips to help you get there.


1. USE YOUR INDICATORS

Always keep your indicator (whether left or right) switched on while you are parallel parking the car to let other drivers know about your intended turn. Remember that this is the only way to communicate with other vehicles on the road. Hence, use your indicators wisely while parallel parking your car.


2. PUT YOUR IRVM AND ORVMS TO GOOD USE

There are quite a few possibilities of blind spots when parallel parking. Hence, always keep an eye on both using your IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirror) to check for any risks or obstacles while reversing the car.


3. SLOWLY BACK UP

Rushing is never a good idea on the road especially when parallel parking. Keeping in line with the thought, slowly and gradually reverse your car as you slot your car into the empty parking space.


4. MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL

Parallel parking is all about how swiftly and smartly you turn the steering wheel whilst having full control of it. Remember to place your hands in the nine and three-position at all times and let the wheel spin freely with both your hands on it as much as possible to maintain good control.


5. FINALISE YOUR POSITION

While keeping your car as close to the wall or divider as possible, you also need to ensure that there's ample room left in front and behind for other vehicles to easily pull in and out of their respective parking spaces without the risk of damage.

When the divider or wall is on the driver side while parallel parking, leave enough room for the right side doors to open for you and your co-passengers to get in and out.

Remember, the more you practice using these tips to parallel park, the easier it becomes to master the art without any sweaty palms or the risk of bumping into other parked cars while you are parallel parking your car.


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