GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

If you've driven a car with manual steering, you must know how difficult it can be. Power steering is an advanced mechanical device fitted in your vehicle that helps you turn the steering wheels effortlessly.

But very few car drivers know the significance of warning lights appearing on the dashboard. When the warning light for the power steering system in your automobile comes on, you should be concerned since that usually means the power steering system is broken, making it extremely difficult to drive the vehicle.

What turns on the power steering light?

Low fluid level is the most frequent cause of the power steering warning light for vehicles with hydraulic power steering. A leak in one of the tubes can be a primary reason. When your power steering light turns on while driving, it'll be wise to slow down and park your car safely. Just be extremely careful because your steering will be considerably heavier at this point.

Open the bonnet to find the reservoir for the steering wheel fluid. There might be a picture of a steering wheel on the reservoir cap. If not, refer to your owner's manual to locate it.

Examine the liquid level. Before continuing your journey, you should top off the reservoir if it appears to be getting low. If you likely don't have any, visit your neighbourhood car service centre to buy some.

Start your engine after topping off the power steering fluid. You may continue travelling if the warning light doesn't turn on again. If the power steering light is still on, there may be a more significant issue. You should get your vehicle checked at a nearby garage or service centre to inspect the actual problem.

What if an EPS light appears?

Cars without hydraulic power steering will activate the EPS system, which stands for electronic power steering. If your car's EPS warning light glows, diagnosing the problem could be more difficult because there won't be any fluid levels to examine. You should carefully check all the connections to the battery for signs of wear or damage because a problem with the battery or alternator could sometimes cause it.

You may also have a problem with the EPS light if you recently had to jumpstart your car or take the battery out. Sometimes you might resolve the issue by turning your car on and off again. Even if this works, you should still have your car checked at a service centre because there might be a deeper problem.

Driving while the power steering light is on, is it safe?

It won't be simple because turning will be more challenging, and steering will be heavier. Accidents will also be far more likely because it will be nearly impossible to react to situations at higher speeds. If the light turns on while you're driving, it'll be better to inspect your car in a secure location before heading further.

Either way, the steering wheel warning light could mean something is wrong with your power steering system. It would help if you had a trained mechanic checking your car to address the issue.

Car insurance can financially aid you if the damage is severe and requires high repair costs. Every car insurance policy has an annual renewal period. Policyholders must do their renewal promptly to continue using the vehicle insurance services. If they fail, their policy coverage may lapse, and they may lose all the benefits and policy coverage. Always look out for updates in the car insurance price in India and plan your policy renewal accordingly.

Click HERE to buy a comprehensive car insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

As a motorcycle rider, ensuring your bike's safety is paramount. One critical aspect of ensuring safety has the proper tyre set on your bike. The tyres play a significant role in the overall performance and handling of the motorcycle.

In this blog post, we will share some tips on what to remember when buying motorcycle tyres, including the importance of having 2 wheeler insurance online for additional safety. Keep these tips in mind when buying motorcycle tyres. So, without any further delay, let's get started!

1. Choose the right size
When it comes to buying motorcycle tyres, size matters. Ensure you get the right size of tyres for your bike to ensure maximum safety and performance. The size of the tyre is indicated on the sidewall of the tyre and will include information such as the width, aspect ratio, and rim size.

Choosing the right size will provide better handling and stability, especially at high speeds. It is important to note that changing the size of the tyres from the manufacturer's recommended size can adversely affect the bike's performance.

2. Consider the type of tyre
Different types of tyres are designed to perform in different ways. The two main types of tyres are bias-ply and radial tyres. Bias-ply tyres are made with a layered construction of nylon and rubber, providing better durability. In contrast, radial tyres have a steel belt construction, providing better handling and performance at higher speeds.

The type of tyre you choose will depend on your riding style and conditions. For example, if you ride in wet conditions, you may consider getting tyres with better grip and water dispersal capabilities.

3. Check the tyre tread
The tread on the tyre is vital in providing traction and grip on the road. It is essential to check the tread depth regularly and replace the tyres when the tread is worn out. A worn-out tread reduces the tyre's grip on the road, making it more prone to slipping and sliding.

When checking the tread depth, ensure it meets the minimum legal requirements. In India, the legal limit for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. However, tyres with a tread depth of 3mm are recommended to ensure maximum safety.

4. Consider the brand and quality
When buying motorcycle tyres, it's essential to consider the brand reputation and quality. Opt for trusted brands that are known for producing high-quality tyres. Quality tyres ensure better performance and a longer lifespan, saving you more money in the long run.

5. Check the load and speed ratings
Before purchasing motorcycle tyres, checking the load and speed ratings is crucial. These ratings indicate the maximum load capacity and speed the tyre can handle. Ensure you choose tyres matching your motorcycle's load and speed requirements for optimal performance and safety.

6. Don't compromise on safety for price
While staying within your budget is essential, it's equally important not to compromise on safety for price. Cheap tyres may seem cost-effective, but they often lack the grip and durability for safe riding. Invest in quality tyres designed to provide maximum safety on the road.

Buying the right motorcycle tyres ensures a safe and comfortable ride. Remember the tips mentioned above when purchasing. In addition to purchasing high-quality motorcycle tyres, you must protect yourself and your bike with 2 wheeler insurance online which can cover damages caused by accidents, theft, and natural disasters. It's a wise investment that can give you peace of mind while riding your motorcycle.

Click HERE to learn more about the benefits of purchasing 2 wheeler insurance online.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Buying a car is a significant investment for most Indians. It is a dream that cultivates in the minds of the young and is seen as no less than a requirement alongside essentials like a home. After such heavy capital expenditure, it becomes a necessity for every car owner to maintain their vehicle diligently. This may be through careful use, regular servicing, and availing of online car insurance renewal facilities.

Regular exterior maintenance of the car is required to keep it shiny and in good working condition. But what about the interiors? Daily car users face the common issue of stinking interiors for various reasons. Consistent negligence can make your car smell terrible, resulting in an unpleasant driving experience.

How can you overcome this problem? Use these simple methods to ensure that your car smells good.

1. Use baking soda and vacuum frequently
Routine vacuuming your automobile can help keep your car clean, look appealing, and lessen odours. If smells are very potent or persistent, sprinkle the baking soda on the stinking area. Let the surface dry for some time, then vacuum the baking powder.

2. Fabric fresheners and dryer sheets
To refresh the air, hang some dryer sheets on the air conditioner's vents. The sheets will serve as a deodoriser for the vehicle. They will last longer than typical vehicle fresheners when placed on A/C vents. Alternatively, you can create air fresheners by placing deodoriser pods in mesh bags or mason jars with holes in the lid.

3. Freshen up your floor mats
Another spot that may be challenging to maintain is the floor mats, particularly if you have children or dogs. The easiest way to keep the mats fresh is to frequently vacuum them and use baking soda or a carpet refresher to absorb odours.

An alternate choice is a car air freshener, which typically has a pleasant perfume to cover up any odours in your car. However, it may not be the best option if you're attempting to avoid drawing more dust particles in your vehicle. You should also consider installing a charcoal air filter to defend against the stench.

4. Coffee beans
Coffee beans are one of the most potent fragrances for a vehicle freshener. Place some beans in a tiny paper bag, sock, or small mesh bag under the seats. You may also use ground coffee, but do it in stable containers, such as a salt shaker, so you won't need additional cleaning in case they spill. Position it in a regular location, such as the cup holder.

5. Essential oils
A drop or two of essential oils can make your vehicle smell magical. Put this on the console for immediate car aromatherapy if you already have a diffuser. You can utilise variations such as peppermint to prevent nausea or motion sickness when you have sensitive passengers.

6. Diluted shampoo spritz
Avoid washing your dashboard or doors with chemicals that contain alcohol or ammonia, as these might damage the materials. Instead, use a spray bottle to apply a 4-to-1 diluted solution of warm water and mild shampoo on a soft microfiber cloth.

Proper upkeep and accessories are essential for maintaining the appeal of your vehicle, whether it is new or used. Unpleasant odours can be challenging and embarrassing if left to persist for long periods. Like the exteriors, your leather seats and sophisticated cabin interiors deserve appropriate care. Similar to online car insurance renewal services that prevent the burden of potential mishaps, we recommend regular cleaning and using air fresheners to prevent stale air and stenches inside the car cabin.

Click HERE to know more about car insurance renewal.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

Cars are becoming trendier and feature-rich day by day, and the young generation is not satisfied by owning just one car. The craze for cars is ever-increasing, with multiple cars in every household becoming a common sight. The demand for car loans has seen a robust increase in the last few years, thanks to easy EMIs or monthly installments.

Generally, a car loan is available for a flexible tenure, and technically, the bank or financer remains the vehicle owner until the entire loan is paid back.

What is Hypothecation of a car?
Hypothecation is pledging any asset, such as a car, as collateral with a bank or a financial institution in exchange for a loan. When you take a loan from a financial institution to buy a car, you hypothecate your vehicle as collateral or security with that financial institution in exchange for the loan it provides. There is no transfer of title to the bank, and you continue to be the actual owner of the car.
However, the bank will have the right to take your car from you if you miss the EMI payment schedule and fail to pay the loan amount back to the bank. When we hypothecate our car with the bank, it gets mentioned in our vehicle RC (Registration Certificate) and car insurance policy.

How to eliminate hypothecation?

1. Pay off the car loan:
The first step in removing the hypothecation is to pay off the entire loan amount and not just a part of it.

2. Approach your bank:
Once you have paid the car loan amount in full, approach your lending bank and inform it about the same. It will check and issue you a NOC (No-Objection certificate) certifying that you have paid off the loan amount.

3. Go to the RTO:
You must submit the NOC to your concerned RTO (Regional Transport Office). You will also have to submit your car's original RC (Registration Certificate) along with a few other documents, such as your current insurance policy papers and No-pollution certificate.

4. Removal of hypothecation from the RC:
The RTO will then remove the hypothecation clause of your car from the original RC and issue you a new RC. This process usually takes around 5-7 working days.

5. Removal of hypothecation from the insurance policy:
You have to submit the NOC from your bank to the insurance company and terminate the hypothecation clause from your motor insurance India policy.

Why do we need to terminate the hypothecation of our car?
It is very important to terminate the hypothecation of your car once you have repaid your car loan in full. Till the time it is mentioned in your car RC that it is hypothecated to a so-and-so bank, you are not the true owner of the car in the real sense. Your car is still acting as collateral with that bank.

This implies that you cannot sell your car until and unless you remove the hypothecation clause from your RC and insurance policy. Taking a car loan to buy your dream car is a good option as it removes the burden of paying the full amount of the car in one go. You can easily pay some down payment and the rest of the amount in EMIs.

But just buying a car is not enough. You must also have a valid motor insurance India policy as long as you own the car. The motor insurance law in India makes it compulsory. Also, you have to renew it every year. This will ensure your car is protected and secure under your insurance service provider, and you can relax and stay tension-free.

Click HERE to buy motor insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.