You would have all asked these questions at some point in time…
When you are in the market for a new car or SUV, there could be a hundred odd questions you’d feel like having answers to- from what car to buy to how to buy! You could be confused about things like road tax, insurance, resale value, etc. Here we try to answer 5 of those frequently asked questions…
How do I choose the right car insurance?
When trying to choose your perfect car insurance, stick to the following guidelines:
- Know Your Needs: Start by knowing your specific requirements. Consider your vehicle’s value, your driving habits and budget. Also, figure out if you are good with basic coverage or need comprehensive protection…
- Compare Quotes: Obtain quotes from different insurers. Use comparison tools to find the best rates between various insurance companies. Remember to look beyond cost—consider customer service, claims processing efficiency, and the insurer’s financial stability. Checking various user reviews or using websites like Trustpilot will help in knowing the insurer’s overall reputation and quality of service.
Some options worth trying out are ICICI Lombard, Tata AIG, and Acko. Acko is a relatively newer player that has been exhibiting high growth rates recently. - Choose The Right Coverage Type: Familiarize yourself with the three main types of car insurance:
- Third Party: Provides minimum legal cover, and protects against damage and others.
- Third Party, Fire, and Theft: Covers theft and fire incidents.
- Comprehensive: Offers the widest coverage, including repairs for your vehicle caused by incidents other than a crash.
- Provide Accurate Details: When requesting a quote, share accurate personal information such and previous no-claims bonuses, if any.
Remember to go through and review the terms and conditions thoroughly before committing, and avoid auto-renewal. Negotiating with your existing insurer could also save you money.
What are the best practices for maintaining a car’s resale value?
The most important thing to do to minimize depreciation is to maintain your car well. Who would ever want to buy a poorly maintained car?
Maintain your car properly. Ensure timely consumable changes, do occasional oil checks and periodic services. Always keep an eye on vehicle health. Buyers prefer cars with up-to-date service records. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper maintenance:
- Maintain Fluid Levels: Regularly check and refill consumables like engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. Proper fluid levels ensure optimum performance and health.
- Do Proper Interior Care: Keep the interior clean and well-maintained. Do occasional deep cleaning, repair any damage, and deodorize occasionally. A well-maintained interior leaves a positive impression on buyers.
- Ensure Exterior Aesthetics: Wash your car properly. Timely car washes can help keep the paint healthy and glowing. Using the right car shampoo and wax is important in maintaining the paint’s life. Check out our previous article for some good cleaning product recommendations. Avoid leaving the car in direct sunlight for long.
What are the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs)?
EVs deliver zero tailpipe emissions and in turn, improved air quality. They also bring about lower fuel and maintenance costs and deliver instant torque. EVs bring about energy independence and help the country reduce its reliance on oil imports. Government incentives are also available.
How can I improve fuel efficiency in my vehicle?
Improved fuel efficiency essentially means more savings on fuel bills. Maintaining proper vehicle health and implementing efficient driving styles can maximize fuel efficiency. Quick tips to reduce fuel consumption:
- Gentle acceleration and braking.
- Cruise at a steady speed.
- Avoid idling.
Engaging cruise control can help in ensuring maximum mileage. Other factors like optimum tyre pressure, fluid levels, aerodynamic efficiency and road conditions also impact fuel efficiency.
What safety features should I look for in a new car?
Safety is of paramount importance in the modern car-buying journey. Automotive models- across segments and price brackets now offer safety tech and features like ABS, EBD, airbags etc. It is now mandatory to have the basic safety tech on all models. Higher up on the ladder, the safety suits include technology like ADAS and crash mitigation.
Which features to look for depends on buyer preferences. In most cases, the more the merrier. However, the basics should include at least driver airbag, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX mounts. If affordable, it would be good to go for cars and SUVs with ADAS. Level 2 ADAS with all the fancy assistance functions could seem to be technologically overwhelming to some. However, in the long run, ADAS is very convenient and practical on most cars.
What’s the difference between all-season and winter tyres?
All-season tyres provide year-round consistency and performance, while winter tyres excel in severe winter conditions. All-season tyres have the following traits:
- Versatile for various conditions.
- Not suitable for extreme winters and harsh/icy surfaces.
- Best of both- optimal performance around the year.
Winter tyres have the following traits:
- Best for colder weather and slippery winter roads.
- Get soft tread compound.
- Best for slush and slippery terrains.
- Delivers short braking distance on slippery roads.
In A Nutshell
How do I choose the right car insurance?
To choose the right car insurance, assess your needs and compare quotes from different insurers. Familiarize yourself with the three main types of car insurance and provide accurate details when requesting a quote.
What are the best practices for maintaining a car's resale value?
EVs deliver zero tailpipe emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs and instant torque.
What’s the difference between all-season and winter tyres?
All season tyres deliver optimum performance round the year. Winter tyres are best for wet, slippery surfaces.
What safety features should I look for in a new car?
Basic safety features include driver airbag, ABS, EBD and ISOFIX mounts. ADAS would be an added advantage.
How can I improve fuel efficiency in my vehicle?
Fuel efficiency can be improved by maintaining vehicle health and practicing efficient driving style.
Affiliate Disclosure: Vroom Head India participates in various affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and other affiliate advertising programs. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on our website. We appreciate your support and want to assure you that we only promote products and services that we believe in and would recommend to others.
