GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Tobacco use is both a physical and mental addiction. This deadly habit has affected a vast population worldwide. Nowadays, smoking and chewing tobacco observe no age as the majority of the youth are trapped under the negative influence of excessive tobacco use, which becomes irresistible and difficult to quit.

Nicotine delivers a transient high. To quit smoking, you must prohibit both the addiction and the associated behaviours and routines. With the correct assistance and quitting strategy, smokers can overcome their habit even if they've tried and failed previously.

We're all aware of the harm caused by smoking and how it isn't easy to quit. When you stop getting your tobacco dose regularly, your body goes through physical withdrawal symptoms.

Following are ten tips that will guide you to quit smoking in no time.

1. Make a quitting strategy:
Following the "no puff" criterion is always beneficial. Consider challenging situations and prepare your moves. Promise yourself not to smoke and stick to this until the cravings pass.

2. Observe when you require a smoke:
Identify the times when your cravings are at peak and avoid those situations. Instead, engage yourself during this time to keep you from giving in.

3. Get going:
Exercising is a known way to reduce addiction. For example, a simple 5-minute walk or stretch helps your brain to release anti-craving hormones that further reduces cravings.

4. Maintaining proper hydration:
It's an excellent idea to keep track of what you drink, just as you do with what you eat. While it is necessary to drink enough water, certain beverages are not suggested since they encourage smoking.

5. Apply relaxing methods:
Relaxation methods, such as deep breathing exercises, muscular relaxation, yoga, massage, listening to calming music, or visualisation, may help take the edge off.

6. Keep your mouth engaged:
Whenever you feel the urge to smoke a cigarette, munch on some snacks. And remember, you don't always have to snack on junk food; snacks can be healthy too. You can even eat chewing gum to keep your mouth engaged and avoid cravings.

7. Think about your diet:
Some meals, especially meat, make cigarettes more enjoyable. Others, such as cheese, fruit, and vegetables, make the smoke less desirable. So rather than your typical steak or burger, try having veggies instead.

8. Get some help in quitting:
If you have people around you who wish to quit smoking, offer them to stop together. Your local ‘quit smoking club’ may also assist you. With professional guidance and advice, you're four times more likely to succeed in quitting.

9. Keep a positive attitude:
You may have tried and failed to stop smoking in the past, but don't let that discourage you. Instead, consider what your history has taught you and how you want to do things differently this time.

10. Reassure yourself of the advantages:
Remember the benefits of quitting, such as better health and relations, healthy resistance mechanisms, etc. Also, keep in mind that every time you fight a cigarette urge, you're one step closer to becoming smoke-free.

It's never too late to undo something. So, let this World Cancer Day motivate you to quit smoking and walk towards healthy living. Smoking might give you pleasure for a couple of minutes, but it takes away more than you realise. Not to mention the severe illness and ailments that come with it. So, make the wise decision to just give it up.

Besides quitting smoking, buying health insurance can be crucial to living a healthy and long life. Take account and responsibility for your health, and don't hide any information from your insurance company regarding your smoking or drinking habits. Be true to yourself and give all accurate details to get the best benefits of your health insurance at the time of need.

To buy health insurance, click HERE.

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.

Diesel engines are commonly used in the automobile sector. Cars, trucks and other vehicles rely heavily on them. On the other hand, diesel-powered bikes are rarely seen. Have you ever wondered why? It's not like the industry hasn't seen diesel-powered motorcycles before. In India, only one diesel-powered bike has been introduced. But that is all.

If bikes can run on gas and petrol, why not diesel? With the petrol prices touching new highs every month, it only makes sense to have bikes with a diesel engine, right?

Although the idea is not bizarre, it isn't easy to execute. Keep reading to know why manufacturers do not use diesel engines in bikes. We have mentioned five reasons that will help you understand better.

1. Compression ratio:
The compression ratio of a diesel engine is 24:1, which is higher than a petrol engine's compression ratio of 11:1. The diesel engine must be bigger and heavier to accommodate such a high compression ratio. As a result, it is heavier than a gasoline engine, making it unsuitable for a small vehicle such as a motorbike.
The diesel-powered engine creates greater vibration and noise than the petrol-powered engine due to the higher compression ratio. A bike will not be able to sustain such high vibrations and noise levels.

2. Heating issues:
As compared to petrol engines, diesel-powered engines generate more heat. When diesel burns, it creates a lot of heat, harming the cylinder walls and other engine components like pistons and valves.
To lower the heat, manufacturers will need a larger surface area and a more effective cooling system which is inconvenient. On the other hand, petrol engines produce less energy per gallon. As a result, they stay significantly cooler and are less prone to harm the engine.

3. Price and Size:
The addition of a turbo compressor to push extra air into the cylinder increases the expense and size of a diesel engine. Moreover, injector technology is utilised to pump fuel into the combustion chamber, which is more costly than petrol engine spark plug technology.
A diesel engine is much larger than a petrol engine, and it requires a lot of force to start, making it unsuitable for motorcycles.

4. Greater torque but low speed:
Diesel engines generate greater torque. However, they have lower revolutions per minute (RPM) when compared to a petrol engine. Diesel isn't regarded as an ideal fuel since bikers' high-performance bikes demand greater RPMs.

5. Not so eco-friendly:
The amount of carbon dioxide produced by a diesel engine is around 13% more per gallon than a petrol-powered engine. Its usage is harmful to the environment, observing the average number of motorcycles used nationwide. This figure can be a significant threat to India's climate.

There you have it, all the key reasons why manufacturers won't produce diesel-powered bikes. Even if we look from a biker's perspective, no biker would want a bulky bike with more cons than pros. Although if the technology evolves in the future, we might have a diesel engine revolution. Until then, stick to your petrol-powered bike and insure it with the best two wheeler insurance in India. You can browse multiple options and choose one with the best premium and benefits.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler insurance in 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.

While bikes are the most commonly preferred mode of personal transport used in all-terrain conditions, easy to manoeuvre, and convenient, their safety is often ignored. The government's strict move to mandate bike insurance makes it evident that the safety and protection of the rider are essential and can’t be compromised.

Besides bike insurance, you can also ensure safety through regular maintenance and preventive measures to avoid mishaps. Punctures are one such risk that you may encounter at any time. They can be frustrating but are unavoidable. Here are some factors riders should be aware of that could lead to a tyre puncture.

1. Old tyres:
As consumables, tyres must be replaced every 5 years or 30,000 to 40,000 kms, based on the riding style and road terrain. If you notice little surface rips, a large tear that may expose the tube, cracks, or other symptoms of wear down, the tyre has to be changed. Since they are your primary point of contact with the road, having new tyres will reduce the probability of having a puncture and improve the overall feel of your vehicle.

2. Sidewall cracks:
The lack of use of the vehicle, the environment, or parking the two-wheeler in direct sunlight can all cause tyre sidewall cracks. They might seem insignificant, but they can cause catastrophic air leaks over time.

3. Pinch flats:
Pinch flats can occur because the tube is forced against the wheel rim and either tear or explode on pumping. The incident occurs due to the hasty insertion of the tube and carelessness. Always partially inflate the tube before fitting it to prevent this from happening.

4. Increased tread wear:
Tyres include grooves known as treads for better traction and grip on the ground. The impression deteriorates due to use, making it difficult to manoeuvre the bike by decreasing traction and lengthening the time taken to brake. A tyre wear indicator is typically an arrow sign that shows the extent of wear and the point at which you should change your bike's tyres.

5. Ignoring tyre inspection:
Small, sharp objects pierce the rubber of the inner tube to cause a puncture. If the item remains lodged in the tyre unnoticed for a long period, it can cause the new inner tube to be punctured. Have a proper tyre inspection before replacing your tube to avoid such issues.

6. Wheel damage or bending:
The alloy wheel or steel wheel may break or bend from the area around the tyre bead if you ride over a large, deep pothole, collide with another vehicle, or have an accident. This may result in an air leak due to a puncture.

7. Improper tyre pressure:
Under-inflated tyres will bend in response to the slightest bump or obstruction, making them vulnerable to pinch flats when the tube can become wedged between the rim and the tyre. You risk hitting a pothole or other impediments with more force if you have too much pressure in your tyre, making it challenging to bend against any object and keep it rigid. Your weight, the breadth of your tyres, and the weather will all affect the proper tyre pressure.

8. Unusual deterioration pattern:
The tyre may show signs of wear and tear. It can be on the shoulder or in the middle of the tyre. Mechanical problems, such as worn-out shock absorbers or a problem with wheel alignment, are to blame. It's essential to replace the tyre if it shows evidence of abnormal wear and tear.

9. Valve stem damage:
The valve stem, located on the inner circle of both tube-type and tubeless tyres, is where you fill the tyres with air. The ability of the tyre to retain air decreases if that valve stem is damaged, whether by corrosion, blockage, or breaking.

Punctures are a constant worry, especially considering bikes' lack of sophisticated safety features. While you cannot prevent punctures, you can keep a look for signs of a possible puncture. We also recommend riders consider purchasing comprehensive bike insurance. This will shield you, your bike, and others from finances worries if your bike suffers severe damage.

Click HERE to purchase the best bike insurance to secure your assets and finances.

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.

No matter how much we stress about the rising fuel prices, there isn't much we can do about them. Then how do we ensure we use our vehicle efficiently and stay stress-free about the condition of our car? Moreover, how do we compensate for the fuel prices we pay?

Do you know regular maintenance of your vehicle can save you up to thirty per cent of fuel consumption? And yet, a lot of car owners slack off on taking care of their vehicles. Some don't go for regular servicing, and others use cheap spare parts and end up damaging their car.

This blog is your guide on improving the fuel efficiency of your car. We will discuss various ways to attain maximum efficiency without widening the hole in your pocket created by the increasing petrol and diesel prices.

1. Avoid leaving the vehicle idle:
Leaving your vehicle in an idle state at traffic signals consumes almost a gallon of fuel and increases your carbon footprint by releasing unnecessary carbon dioxide into the air. Instead of leaving your car in an idle state, restart as per your necessity. This saves a lot of fuel and minimises carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

2. Warm-up:
Slowly and effectively heating your car's engine is a better choice than revving it. Unnecessary pressure will decrease the efficiency of your engine, and it will consume more fuel for power generation. After starting your vehicle, wait for thirty seconds to allow the engine to warm up properly at its own pace.

3. Say no to heavy braking:
Reduce the use of throttle and avoid applying unnecessary heavy brakes. This saves your vehicle from the possibility of wear and tear and decreases fuel wastage by almost thirty per cent, thus improving your car's fuel efficiency.

4. Don't rev your car:
Revving your engine causes wastage of fuel. It flushes down all the oil from the cylinder walls. The absence of oil could worsen the next time you start up your car. This will put pressure on the engine and result in excessive fuel consumption.

5. Multiple errands:
Planning your trip according to your errands can efficiently help you utilise the fuel. You can combine and run multiple errands and reduce the number of trips.

6. Alignment:
Check the alignment of the chassis parts and suspension. If the wheels are bent, or if there are broken springs, the drivetrain drag of your car will increase, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Defective parts and misalignment can also put your safety in danger and amplify the risks of accidents.

That's a wrap on how to improve your car's fuel efficiency. Using these tips, you can ensure maximum and optimum utilisation of the petrol and diesel you put in your vehicle. While fuel efficiency is an essential aspect of owning a car, ensuring your car's security is equally important. Invest in car insurance and protect your vehicle from any unfortunate incidents. To purchase insurance, explore the market, and browse through multiple deals to ensure that you get the best car insurance price in India.

Click HERE to know more about how you can get the best car insurance price in 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.