This Year, Let Your Beloved Car Be Your Valentine

Posted on: Feb 10, 2023 | | Written by:

This Year, Let Your Beloved Car Be Your Valentine

Published on February 9, 2023. EST READ TIME: 4 minutes

Rohan never believed in love at first sight, but his car proved him wrong. It's been about three months since Rohan set his eyes on the black beauty, and since then, he has never let it out of its sight. Call him a car enthusiast or car crazy. He is surely in love with his car. If you, too, are a car lover, then this Valentine's Day, show your appreciation for your car. And while it would not need any floral bouquets, stuffed teddy bears or chocolates, it may need some thoughtful efforts, including regular maintenance and the right car insurance policy. Take a look at these tips for a happier Valentine's Day 2023 for you as well as your car.

1. A pampered bath:

We all have heard that a little effort goes a long way, so this Valentine’s Day, how about giving your car a nice long wash along with a wax service? This not only makes your car look clean and shiny but also increases the life of your car.

Grit gets into the chassis and moving parts of the car, which accelerates wear and corrosion, while bird droppings can cause paintwork to deteriorate. Take it to a local car wash service or clean it at your own pace with a good quality car shampoo, followed by car polish.

2. Servicing your car:

While it is important to maintain the looks of your car, remember beauty lies within. The car needs regular and timely servicing. Skipping a service that is due may seem like a minor thing, but it can surely develop into a major problem. The car manufacturers clearly mention the service schedule. Ignoring it can be problematic for you as well as your car. If you are caught up at home or at work, you can ask the car company to arrange a pick-up and drop for the servicing.

Also, keep in mind that getting the car service only at an authorised garage is imperative. Taking your car to an unauthorised mechanic can cause faulty repairs. Not just that, an unauthorised repair/ service can cause problems if you need to raise a car insurance policy claim.

3. Make sure the fluid levels are fine:

Keeping your car replenished with required fluids is an important responsibility, failing which can result in alarming consequences. Your engine may continue to suffer damage if you run out of motor oil since it will have to work harder. In addition, brake oil, transmission oil, power steering oil, and coolant all gradually lose their effectiveness over time. Not replacing them on time can result in costly repairs.

Fluids have a major role to play in maintaining the car’s efficiency and economy. Maintaining proper fluid levels will help your car drive better and live longer.

4. Get the tyre checked:

Tyres can be called your car's shoes. Because they are your car's point of contact with the road, they experience the most wear and tear. While worn-out tyres can cause loss of friction on the road, under-inflated tyres can increase fuel consumption. To improve tyre longevity, it is advised that tyre pressure be checked weekly and the tyre rotation process be performed every six months.

Different seasons affect your car tyres differently. Be it extreme winters, summers or monsoons, make sure the tyres are healthy enough to withstand it all.

5. Check the car lights:

Checking the performance of your car bulbs is just as important as other aspects of keeping your car in the best condition. The headlights, tail lights, number plate bulbs and indicator lights work together to make driving on the road safer. Being on the road with a light out can put you as well as other drivers, in a dangerous situation. Also, bear in mind that driving in the dark with a light out is against traffic rules.

Your engine, braking, and power steering lights indicate the most serious problems, which could result in high repair costs or unsafe driving conditions. While issues with the brakes and steering will make it harder for you to control the car, there are various reasons why the engine light might turn on. Thus, it is a crucial safety measure that makes sure your car is visible on the road.

6. Do not skip a battery check:

The battery is the powerhouse of your car. Having even the slightest of problems with the battery lead to serious issues. Thus, conduct a battery check before taking it out anywhere. It will reveal any underlying condition ahead of time and give you the time to take necessary action.

If possible, the best course of action to keep your car battery from going flat is driving it once a week.

7. Regular checks are important:

Routine inspections are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to prolong the life of your car. It helps to detect any minor or major issue before time, thus preventing it from becoming fatal.

Regular check-ups are a great way of expressing your love and care for your car.

8. Don't forget to buy insurance:

A third-party car insurance policy is mandated as per the Motor Vehicle Act 1988. However, it is best recommended that you prefer opting for a comprehensive policy, especially if you use your car regularly. Third party insurance only covers the damages you cause to a third party. The damages suffered by your car would not be covered. On the other hand, a comprehensive car insurance policy covers your own damages and third-party liability while allowing you to include add-ons to increase coverage.

Conclusion

When you finally have your hands on the car that was once in your dreams, you will always go the extra mile to look after it. If you are a car enthusiast, you would know that the little things you do every day go a long way in keeping your car in top form. Just like with your loved ones, do not wait for Valentine’s Day to treat your car right. Drive well and follow traffic rules, and make sure that you have the right comprehensive car insurance. Despite being a cautious driver, you never know when an accident may take place. Your car insurance policy will safeguard you and your car in case of a mishap. Check out the various types of car insurance policies that are offered by HDFC ERGO and pick one that best suits your needs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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