GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Toxic waste should not be thrown in the trash, flushed down the drain, or dumped in the yard. Instead, you must dispose of these liquid wastes to avoid damaging the environment, groundwater contamination and save yourself and others from the polluted surroundings.

In this post, we have provided ways to dispose of automotive fluids and chemicals safely.

1. Used engine oils:
These fluids can contaminate millions of gallons of groundwater and disturb pedogenesis. So, for the appropriate disposal of these oils and recycling them, you must follow these simple methods.

• Store all the used oils: If you change engine oils frequently, you must have a separate container that holds all the used oil. Most retailers sell their oils in a reusable container, making separating and storing the used oil easier. Once you have sorted the oil, you can return it to the dealer after labelling it as "WASTE OIL." Your retailer will then recycle the oil for the petroleum industry or use it in furnaces for burning purposes.

• Recycling the waste: Once you have drained the used oil from your vehicle, you can use it for oiling your cycle chains, motor chains, or you can use it for other minor household purposes.

NOTE: Do not use waste oil in any vehicle. This will damage your engine and lower the performance of the car.

2. Antifreeze or Coolant:
Initially, you have to drain out all the coolant in a clean pan from your radiator without spilling a single drop of it. Once you have done that, store the coolant in a tightly sealed bottle at a place away from children. To recycle used coolant, you can give it to a mechanic or a car utility shop.
Many shops have machines that recycle the used coolants by filtering out the glycol from the previously used coolant. They add specific additive packages and solvents that turn it into a new coolant. After this process, all that is left is a teaspoon of sludge that can be disposed of with the other insoluble particles.
But there is a catch here: you will have to ensure that no other fluid is mixed with the coolant while transferring it. Even a single drop of oil or other substance will make it nearly impossible to conduct the recycling process.

3. Brake fluids:
Disposing brake fluids is easy and does not require much effort. All you need to do is collect all the brake fluid in a container and keep it in the open air. As the brake fluid is alcohol-based, it will evaporate in two days. As a precautionary measure, make sure that you keep the container away from the reach of pets, children or a source of fire or ignition.

The chemical fluid used in cars can be fatal for the environment. Once these chemicals are mixed into the atmosphere, they can disturb many living organisms' and adversely affect the ecosystem. Not just this, if these fluids make their way into any other part of your vehicle, they can cause severe damage. The repairing of the damaged parts can drain your pockets significantly. However, you can avoid this by investing in a car insurance plan that will cover the expenses of the repair work and servicing. Get online car insurance to avail the benefits of policy add-ons for financial freedom.

Learn more about the benefits of online car insurance 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.

Petrol engines do not create much power at low rpm; they must rotate quickly before delivering enough power to the wheel. The clutch is a device used to gradually and smoothly introduce power into the engine.

Motorcycle companies provide two types of clutches in their bikes- a wet-type and a dry-type. Today's blog will give you all the information on both types.

How does a clutch work?
Before we get into the types, let's understand how a typical clutch works. Consider two plates, one attached to the engine and the other to the gearbox. There is no contact between the engine and the gearbox. When they come into contact, the friction allows a transfer of power. When the force is increased, the amount of power transferred increases correspondingly.

Now that you know the functioning let's get into the types.

Dry Clutch:
A dry-type clutch is not immersed in liquid and engages by the principle of friction. The clutch plate is located outside of the engine housing. This implies it is in direct contact with the air and receives no lubrication. Since the plate gets heated due to friction, the dry-type clutch is usually bigger to increase the surface area of the clutch plate for effective cooling via air.

Essential things to know about a dry clutch:

• The torque transmission of Dry Clutch is better due to the absence of oil.

• Dry clutches are typically single-plated.

• The noise in a dry clutch is greater and lasts longer as wear and tear increases.

• Dust particles can gather in the clutch's casing.

• The life cycle of a dry clutch is typically shorter.

• A dry clutch has a high repair demand and expense.

Wet Clutch:
Wet clutches, as opposed to their dry counterpart, are coated with engine oil, allowing the clutch plates to cool. As a result, wet clutches withstand more significant damage. They are quieter at rest, making them ideal for stop-and-go traffic.
The presence of lubricant lowers the torque transmitting capacity due to a lower coefficient of friction between the clutch plates.

Essential things to know about a wet clutch:

• A wet clutch plate(s) is found within the engine housing.

• Wet clutches are employed in high torque circumstances where friction levels are high.

• Wet clutches have substantially less wear and tear.

• The oil filter in the wet clutch casing removes dust particles.

• The life cycle of a wet clutch is often longer.

• A wet clutch has very minimal maintenance needs and costs.

Here is all you need to know about clutches. Most bikers prefer a wet clutch since it is ideal for most on-the-road sports bikes.

However, if you want all the horsepower that you get from an engine, as in the case of an all-out racing bike, you should opt for dry clutches. While you decide on the clutch type, opt for bike insurance online to protect clutches from unforeseen wear and tear in the long run. Reliable bike insurance will cover the expenses required for the repair work of your bike.

Click HERE to buy bike 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.

From Christmas to New Year, winter is welcomed as the joyful season. Despite the temperature falling, this season spreads its charm throughout the world, and the reasons to celebrate don't end. Nonetheless, for all of the delight that the season brings, it also bears bitterly cold weather, as well as a burlap sack full of mist, wind, and snow. Pretty knitwear, beautiful sunsets, countless cups of hot chocolate, and crisp evenings indoors are all things to look forward to.

However, it is no pleasure to have the wind blowing through your house, leaving you with chattering teeth and ice-cold feet. Following is a list of the best ways to keep your house warm during these days of inevitable coldness.

1. Use thermostatic radiator valves:
These valves function by letting you schedule the heating to turn on at predetermined intervals, helping you save energy by only using it when required. In addition, the new smart thermostats let you operate remotely via your smartphone.

2. Make use of curtains:
Sunlight is free, hence take advantage of it. Open your curtains during the daytime for abundant free heat. Close your windows as it becomes darker to provide another insulating layer and preserve the heat in your rooms. You can also opt for heavy curtains to obstruct the cool breezes from getting in.

3. Make the most of your ceiling fan:
Consider placing a fan at the top of your stairway to drive warm air rising through the floors back down to you. If you reverse the flow direction of your fan, warm air will be blown back into the room. Set the fan speed to low for optimum efficiency.

4. Reorganize your furnishings:
Be tactical with your furniture arrangement and check whether the sofa or bed is blocking the radiator and preventing it from heating the entire room. Place frequently used furniture around any heat source to get enough warmth.

5. Use rugs to cover the flooring:
Having rugs and carpets in your home will naturally help in improving insulation. In addition, it is stylish to layer rugs, so you won't have to go for a single enormous pattern to cover a wider area, and your house will seem instantly warmer.

6. Replace your boiler:
If your current boiler is more than a decade old, it's probably time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient type. An old, outdated boiler may consume more power, increasing your electricity bill significantly. However, a brand new one is less likely to have any problems and will consume less energy to generate the same amount of heat.

Winters are challenging, especially if you live in the frigid regions of our country. These are some ideas to keep your home warm and safe during the cold season. However, apart from these tips, insurance is crucial to protect your home throughout the year and add value to it. Purchase the best house insurance India plans that meet your requirements and look for the best deals available to get maximum return on your investment.

To browse through our house insurance India plans, 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.

Dietary supplements can be an easy option to provide your body with enough nutrients. Supplements fulfil your nutritional requirements, but they come along with their pros and cons. For example, many supplements have active ingredients that can adversely affect the body.

Here is a post that guides you about the different food supplements. To understand the merits and demerits, we will categorize the commonly used supplements in the market.

1. Dietary protein food supplements:
Protein is a macronutrient and the fundamental building block required to build muscles, maintain tissue, and boost the immune system. According to scientific research, every human need 0.8 to 2.2 grams of protein per body weight in kilograms.

Merits:

• You can carry these supplements anywhere. They are readily available in shakes, bars, cereals to provide on-the-go energy.

• Moreover, protein food supplements consist of certain micronutrients not often found in our daily food like EAA's, creatine, glutamine, etc.

• These supplements can help you reach your protein goal faster.

Demerits

• The downside of these supplements is that many people depend on them rather than whole food to fulfil their daily body's protein needs.

• Secondly, these supplements are promoted majorly for fitness industries, hence are expensive.

2. Vitamins and minerals food supplements:
Vitamins and minerals are crucial for our body's functioning. According to the body structure, every person has different needs for vitamins and minerals.

Merits:

• These supplements can be helpful if you have difficulties having wholesome food or consuming a calorie deficit diet.

• Suppose that you don't like eating food that is rich in nutrients. In this case, vitamins and mineral food supplements can work best for you.

Demerits:

• Consuming specific vitamins and minerals for a prolonged period can accumulate them in the body and later result in severe toxicity symptoms such as kidney stones and heart rhythm issues.

• Excess amounts of minerals like zinc, magnesium, iron can also have adverse effects on your health.

3. Calorie food supplements:
Calorie food supplements come in handy when suffering from a health condition. They will help you fulfil the daily calorie intake that you cannot take from the whole food.

Merits:

• These supplements are beneficial for individuals dealing with busy schedules, eating disorders, or suffering from any diseases. Here, calorie food supplements play a significant role when the nutritional intake changes.

• Fitness enthusiasts, children, picky eaters are highly benefited from calorie food supplements. Certain supplements like mass gainers provide you approximately 500-600 calories per 45 gm serving. This calorie intake is very accessible if you cannot reach your calorie goal.

Demerits:

• Having this form of food additive may add additional calories to your diet, culminating in the buildup of belly fat.

You might have understood the overview of food supplements. But, as we know, that excess of anything is harmful. Even excessive use of these supplements is not good. Before you start consuming any food supplements, it is always suggested to consult your doctor or physician to get the best possible advice.

Along with this information, it is crucial to safeguard your health against the possibility of any issues. Magma HDI's online health insurance plan is designed to meet your and your family's requirements by providing complete coverage against health-related concerns.

Click HERE to know more about the different types of online health insurance coverage.

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.

A famous saying amongst bikers goes, "A bad day on a bike always beats a good day in the office." Whoever said that was surely familiar with the thrill and adventure of biking through treacherous roads and the satisfaction of conquering them. For bike lovers, nothing beats the anticipation and excitement of exploring new and challenging terrains.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular biking routes in India.

1. Chandigarh-Manali-Leh:
This route is known as one of the most challenging biking routes in the world. The Chandigarh-Manali-Leh route is filled with picturesque views and difficult terrains. The road to Leh makes riders work hard for every kilometre. Extreme altitude and motion sickness will test your endurance and willpower. But the gift of the clear blue skies and the magnificent roads ahead make the struggle totally worth it.

2. Shimla-Spiti Valley:
This beautiful stretch of 430 kms is a mix of rugged tracks and broken roads, making it extremely difficult to travel. The roads are comparatively narrow, making the commute all the more challenging. It is extremely difficult for bikers to manoeuvre uneven terrains filled with rocks and gravel. However, the beautiful apple orchards, impeccable valley views, and peaceful monasteries are just a few of the many rewards you will find on the way.

3. Siliguri-Yuksom:
A relatively smaller commute, this unconventional route is often discussed among travellers for its under-maintained roads and uneven terrains. Adding to that are the many waterfalls that make it all the more difficult for bikers to navigate. What makes this journey remarkable is the unparalleled beauty of the landscape. The view of the mighty Himalayas is sure to give you the much-needed motivation while traversing through these roads.

4. Bomdila to Tawang:
Riding through the lush green hills, flowing rivers, and snow-capped mountains make it difficult to focus on the road. What makes it challenging is the extreme inclination of the hill. And the constant fog leaves the roads moist and can be dangerous to the riders. The upward climb is about 170 kms long and scales an altitude of about 4000 metres above sea level.

5. Guwahati-Khasi Hills:
The road between Guwahati and Khasi promises stunning views of lush green forests and red sand. On the way, you will come across beautiful waterfalls and living root bridges that are sure to be a memory you will cherish. The damp weather makes the road slippery and wet, and manoeuvring the sharp turns is crucial to steer safely through the hills.

These are some of the routes that promise a challenging bike trip with an excellent reward. Before setting out on your next trip to these places, don't forget to get your bike serviced. Riding through challenging roads can put extra load on your vehicle and cause extreme wear and tear. A thorough bike check-up before and after the trip can prove beneficial in the long run. Another tip to follow is to keep a checklist of all things needed for the journey, such as fuel, food, first aid, emergency lights etc.

To ensure the protection of your vehicle, invest in 2 wheeler insurance. Always remember that a 2 wheeler insurance is a safety net for all the expenses you will incur for the aftercare of your bike.

Click HERE to know more about 2 wheeler insurance.

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.

For some, vehicles are simply a method of commuting. But for passionate motor-heads, their vehicle reflects their personality. If you belong to the latter category, you'll always want your vehicle to look shiny. One of the best methods to achieve this is by keeping your vehicle waxed.

Even if you fall in the first category, the benefits of waxing are not something you should oversee. Merits of waxing range from preserving the paint to maintaining the car's value at its maximum potential.

Waxing is not very popular, and most of us are not familiar with the concept. But, keeping its advantages in mind, we have listed all the necessary information about it for your reference.

What is car wax exactly?
Car wax is a specifically designed combination of beeswax, carnauba wax, natural oils, and numerous petroleum refined products. It forms a protective layer atop the vehicle's body when applied.

How does it differ from car polish?
Car polish helps you remove scratches and swirl marks from the vehicles' body. Unlike wax, it does not prevent these scratches and swirls from happening in the first place. If the polish is the cure, then wax is the precaution.

Advantages of waxing.

1. Shields against scratches:
Waxing protects the vehicle's paint from unavoidable attacks such as slamming gravels and even microscopic scratches that are caused due to improper washing methods.

2. Shields from the wrath of the sun:
Ultraviolet rays from the sun interact with oxygen in the atmosphere to disintegrate the vehicle's paint at the molecular level. The wax coating slows down this process by acting as a barrier between the UV rays and the paint.

3. Shields from dust and bird droppings:
The coat of wax makes settling of dust and dirt difficult. It also blocks tree sap, bird droppings, and other impurities from adhering to the vehicle's paint. Bird's dropping may be an excellent fertilizer for farming, but your car's paint doesn't like it at all.

4. Protects your car's paint from rain:
Rainwater collects everything in the atmosphere on its way down. It is full of minerals that may wreak havoc on your car paint. As wax is an oil, it repels water. Rain (or any other type of water droplet) will bounce up and fall off your vehicle, leaving the paint unaffected.

5. Gives the vehicle the shine it deserves:
The oils in auto wax provide an incredible sheen to the paint, making it seem incredibly gorgeous! Furthermore, the wax covers the tiny defects on the clear coat making the vehicle's exterior appear newly painted.

6. Makes cleaning easier:
The protective coating of wax over the paint prevents anything from settling on the body. This smooth layer also helps clean as wiping and washing become more manageable.

7. Get a higher resale value:
Wax can lessen the amount of damage on a vehicle's body and help it look brand new for a prolonged time. You can get a higher resale figure than a vehicle that was not waxed at all.

Now that you're aware of all the advantages of waxing your vehicle, the drawbacks of not doing it should be obvious. If you don't wax your vehicle, you're merely allowing microscopic scratches to accumulate and perhaps compromising the paint to degrade over time. Furthermore, don't you want your car to be a head-turner when you take it out for a drive? We're sure you do.

However, while waxing adds a layer of protection to your vehicle, another excellent layer of protection to add is comprehensive motor insurance, which is not an option but a mandate. Buy your online motor insurance today and get the best benefits for your vehicle.

Click HERE to know more about online motor insurance.

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.

If you are someone with an older adult in your house, you are always concerned about ensuring they live an active and healthy life. Sometimes, being available for them at all times can be difficult. No one wants to put their parents, grandparents, or in-laws in trouble because of their busy work-life, and we understand that.

If you are looking for fun activities for the elderly in your house or for yourself, we have hand-picked the best seven activities that will keep older people active and fit to avoid health complications. With that, let's dive in!

1. Reading:
Reading is a popular hobby among adults. It helps them to spend their time by keeping their brain occupied. Reading magazines, short storybooks, comics, or poetry will improve their memory, sleep disorder, and knowledge. One can also indulge in reading workshops and events that bring plenty of socialization and enjoyment!

2. Gardening:
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, gardening at home is an excellent opportunity for promoting physical and mental stimulation. Keeping the elderly involved in gardening is the perfect opportunity to spend time outside and feel connected to nature. They can even try basic tasks such as watering, seeding, or raking.

3. Yoga and exercise:
Yoga is an excellent practice to keep your body healthy and mind at peace. It is the best exercise to maintain your muscles in good shape, especially for those who face issues with their bones and joints due to ageing.
In addition, exercising will keep the senses refreshed and improve strength and flexibility. Community groups and classes conduct regular yoga clubs or workout sessions to revitalize older adults. So, grab your mat and take a step closer towards a healthy life!

4. Games and puzzles:
Playing games or puzzles is a fun way to improve memory and focus. Playing games with family and friends can refresh the mind and give the elderly an opportunity to bond with their children and grandchildren. In addition, games like snakes and ladders, cards, jigsaw puzzles, etc., can keep the elderly engaged and improve their hand-eye coordination.

5. Creative activities:
Activities like singing, painting, sketching, basic knitting, etc., can help older people lift their mood and cheer their spirit. These activities will save them from boredom and let them discover their favourite pastime activity.

6. Passing time outdoors:
Travel has no age limit. You can go on a trip with your family members or friends to explore new places, cities, or even different countries for a change. Additionally, you can also look out for a travel group of older adults who are passionate about exploring places!

7. Pet therapy:
Older people share a great bond with animals and can get attached quickly. This will keep them involved in the daily chores such as taking pets to the walk, feeding, bathing, or playing around with them. Furthermore, a pet will be their all-time companion even when no one is around and help them reduce boredom and loneliness.

Seeing your parents grow into their old age is one of the most challenging things. But that's a part of life, and there's nothing we can do to reverse their age. Older adults need extra care. As a child, you can involve them in multiple activities that will boost their mood, health and keep their warm smile alive.

Increasing age invites diseases that can take a toll on the happiness of older people. If you do not have a good insurance plan for them, make sure to search for the best health insurance in India for parents. This will keep their health and well-being secured, so they focus just on enjoying their lives. Life is like a drink. Enjoy it one sip at a time!

Click HERE to buy the best health insurance in India for parents.

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.

We all know about the various traffic rules to abide by the motorcycle riders. As essential as following the traffic signals, learning and understanding all the warning signals that your vehicle gives you is equally important.

If you own a two-wheeler, you must be familiar with its parts and how every element contributes to the overall working of your vehicle. However, people often ignore maintaining or paying attention to the motorcycle's needs. Being too occupied with the hustle of daily life, you may neglect your motorcycle's deteriorating condition and continue using it in that state. This negligence can result in unfortunate occurrences.

What are the warning signs in a motorcycle?
Your motorcycle is designed to alert you of its needs and requirements. Every two-wheeler has a dashboard equipped with warning lights that flash as coloured symbols when a problem arises. While every two-wheeler differs, its dashboard typically consists of the speedometer, RPM meter, and fuel gauge. Next to these numbered dials are a bunch of warning lights that flash in various colours.

These warning lights in a motorcycle mostly follow the same system as the traffic lights to display the severity of the warning.

Blue or Green: the motorcycle's system is active and functioning correctly.

Orange: Something is malfunctioning and must be looked into as soon as possible.

Red: A defect has been detected in your motorcycle's system, and you must stop driving as quickly as possible.

Here are the few commonly found warning lights.

1. Engine temperature:
Regular usage of the motorcycle can overheat the engine. In this case, the engine's temperature rises, and the surrounding components are prone to damage. The dashboard will flash a red warning light in the shape of a thermometer to warn the rider about this overheating.
When this warning light is displayed, the best thing to do is stop riding the vehicle. It is essential to rest and let the engine cool down. Riding an overheated two-wheeler can be risky.

2. Oil pressure warning:
Oil is used as a lubricant in every motorcycle to reduce friction between its moving parts and gears. The oil pressure warning light will flash on the dashboard to alert the rider of low oil levels. Low oil pressure can damage your vehicle's engine and severely affect the bike's performance.

3. Engine management warning:
This orange warning sign is responsible for alerting you about a broad set of features that may be malfunctioning either collectively or single handedly. While the signal usually stops flashing after a few seconds of ignition, the vehicle could have issues involving its emissions, air intake, fuel, etc. Although you may have purchased reliable 2 wheeler insurance online, you must remember that riding the motorcycle, despite this warning, can be destructive for the bike and your safety.

4. The indicators:
These are green warning signs on the dashboard that blink when the rider clicks on the indicator while turning.

5. Neutral indication:
A green warning sign simply indicates that the bike's gearbox is in neutral gear.

It is important that you remember these warning lights are installed to protect you. You might have opted for 2 wheeler insurance online to protect your vehicle, but understanding the functioning of your bike and regularly maintaining it is your responsibility.

Click HERE to buy 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.