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The do-it-yourself bike cleaning/polishing guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step1: The first step always begins with a nice clean wash. Just hose the bike down with water and scrub it using any of the car shampoos available in the market. The shampoo helps in removing the dust and grime without applying too much effort without harming the paint. Use a piece of foam or a soft cloth to scrub the bike. Make sure you don’t douse the electricals in too much water and damage them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Once done with the washing, the next procedure is to rid the bike of all the excess water. Use a dry soft cloth to wipe the bike clean. It is extremely important to clean or blow dry areas where water tends to accumulate like the fuel lid as shown in the image above, battery terminals, the spark plug area etc. Not removing the accumulated water also leads to rusting of nuts and bolts which can prove to be a major headache in the future.

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Once the bike is wiped clean, we get to the polishing. There are many popular brands available either in the form of wax polish or the regular polish. Regular polish is however easier to use. Apply the wax or the polish on a piece of foam and apply it on the bike in circular motion as depicted in the picture above. Once evenly applied all over the bike, leave it to a haze for atleast fifteen minutes.

 

 

 

 

Step 4: The last and final part of the session involves wiping off the polish haze with a clean soft piece of cloth. Wiping off the haze can get a little more tedious when wax polish is involved, but regular polish gets wiped off much more easily leaving a squeaky clean glossy surface. A motorcycle gleaming like it is just out of teh showroom is a marvelous thing to behold. Everything looks pristine, the metal has that perfect glint, the tires are free of dirt and road debris, and the seat is practically begging for a ride. Despite the hard work of getting to this state, there is much pleasure in getting this result. 

 

 

 

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Car air-conditioning maintenance tips

 

A car air conditioner’s components include the compressor, evaporator, hoses and belts, all of which are prone to wear and tear. These will need replacement if required to keep the air conditioner running smoothly. The owner's manual provides specific information on how to maintain the car’s air conditioning system.

We suggest you get a qualified technician to inspect your car air conditioner before the onset of summer, that also if at all you're facing any problems as regards the fucntioning. The compressor drive belt needs to be inspected for damage such as hardening, bubbles or cracks and its tension should be adjusted. The level of refrigerant fluid needs to be checked and refilled if needed. If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, have it attended by a technician.
Running the air conditioner once a month for ten minutes will maintain the coolant pressure. This prevents hardening of the hoses and seals failure. Turn the air conditioner to its coolest setting and highest fan speed. Run the ‘defrost’ mode for five to ten minutes to clean out accumulated moisture. This prevents mildew and prevents that dirty wet cloth odour in the system.

 

NOTE: Ideally, air-conditioning system in the car if functioning at optimal levels should not be tampered with irrespective of timeframe. 

Taking care of car battery

 

 

 

It may seem like a hard task but regular checking of and maintaining a battery is imperative because of harsh weather conditions that result in dust and grime in the engine bay that causes corrosion. Here are some common symptoms that you will see because of battery related issues

Symptoms
1.    If your car does not crank, the battery may be weak
2.    If your headlights have gone dim, the battery may be weak
3.    If you find any green/white salt deposits on the battery terminals, visit the battery shop (these salts can be washed off little water but make sure they do not touch the car's paintwork or your clothes or else you'll have a shirt with holes.
The battery can become weak due to several reasons:

1. Ageing, which can start any time after two years
2. Loose alternator belt
3. Alternator itself malfunctioning 

Tips
Here are a few steps in which you can maintain your car battery.
1.    Clean your battery with a damp cloth to see for cracks, crevices or any other issue that has cropped up. These show in a matter of two years for a standard battery if not properly maintained.
2.    After step 1, check if battery terminals are properly connected with the harness and are not loose. They can be fixed with any household spanner of the correct specification. Also check if terminals have corroded over time. Batteries with plastic covers for terminals are best as they reduce the risk of the battery short-circuit.
3.    Any problem with battery/alternator and allied wiring problems should be handled by authorised technicians only. 
It is a good idea to get an annual check-up for battery water/wiring and alternator issues.

 

NOTE: Modern batteries are maintenance free. They seldom require maintenance that can be done on a Sunday morning. Ideally, battery should be checked when your car goes for servicing.

 

Changing car engine oil and coolant fluid

 

 

 

 

The first thing is to maintain a schedule; remember (better write it down) when to change the fluids in your car, since it differs from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. Get the right grade of engine oil or coolant required for your car. Getting a grade higher than the recommended grade of oil can be better but not necessary for the car. Get your tools ready, and an oil pan and a wrench are a must.
Before changing the engine oil, jack up your car securely. The jacks should be on level ground and you should make sure they stay straight. Find the oil pan under the car, place the oil collector under the drain nut of the oil pan, making sure that it will collect all the oil that comes out of the pan. Use a wrench to loosen the drain nut and then remove the nut by hand so that it does not fall into the oil collector, as looking for the bolt in it can get messy. After draining the oil pan, remove the oil filter, which can be removed by hand, and let the oil drain out.
Put the bolt back in its place on the oil pan ensuring that it is not wound too tight. Line the gasket of the oil filter with a bit of oil so that it fits back nicely and there are no oil leaks when you start the engine. Pour the new oil into the engine using a funnel, remove the cap marked ‘oil’ and pour the oil into the hole. Check the oil level using the dipstick attached to the engine cover (a plastic handle with a hole, usually painted in a bright colour). Start the engine, race it a bit to get the oil running inside the engine.
Over a period of time, the oil used in the engine leaves behind a sludge that clogs valves, and the increased friction caused by this sludge can reduce engine efficiency. To ensure that all the old oil is drained off and there is no sludge remaining, add an engine flush before you drain the oil. You should run the engine for about 20 minutes (or as instructed on the label of the flush) before draining the oil. This clears up the engine and makes it more efficient.

 

 

The coolant system as the name suggests prevents the engine from overheating. The fluid used in the system, usually a mix of coolant fluid and water, runs through pipes along the engine, traps heat and then radiates the heat out from the radiator. Over time, the ability of the coolant fluid to dissipate/absorb heat diminishes as contaminants enter the system. It is important to flush and top up your coolant as per your user manual or the mileage of the car.

NOTE: Replacing engine oil and filter is a job for professional workshops, which have special wrenches for removal of filters. Ideally, engine oil should be drained when it is really hot (best done by a workshop). Disposal of drained oil can be harmful to the environment if done callously. 

New or old - what car to buy?

 

 

 

This is probably one of the first questions that worries most car buyers when they decide on buying a car. A new car is always a very enticing option, but financially it may not always be a viable choice. For someone who is new to driving a car, a brand new car means he/she will have to be extra careful as damage and repair for new cars certainly cost much more to fix than for used cars. There are plenty of considerations that go into purchasing a car and every aspect needs to be carefully thought over. Let’s first take a look at the benefits and disadvantages of buying an used car.
Used car - pros
+ Doesn’t empty your bank balance as much as a new car, which means for the same
amount of money, you can consider a model from a higher segment.
+ Value depreciation of used cars is considerably less compared to a brand new model.
+ Lower depreciation translates into better resale value if and when you decide to sell the
car.
+ Used cars also attract lower insurance premiums than new cars.
Used car - cons
- A used car will have less equipment than the latest model, which means lower levels of
creature comforts and less safety features.
- Another major drawback is tracing the history of a used car with regards to its
maintenance and service.
- Maintaining a used car is usually more expensive than a new one, resulting in higher
ownership costs over longer periods.
- Correct and spotless documentation of a used car is also difficult to come by, due to the
lack of clear and clean paperwork as regards accident history and legal matters.
New car - pros
+ Nothing comes close to the pleasure and the pride of ownership of a brand new car.
+ There is no worry as regards legal issues or accident history.
+ It’s the latest model in the market and hence it is feature-rich and loaded with latest
technologies and updated safety equipment.
+ There is a comprehensive warranty with a new car for a considerable period of time or
based on total kilometres, offering good value and peace of mind to the buyer.
New car - cons
- A new car will always be a lot more expensive than a used model.
- A new car will depreciate much higher and quicker than a used car.
- The insurance premium costs of a new car are significantly higher than for used cars.

 

TIP: If you plan to own a car for over 5 years, then it is advisable to buy a new car with extended warranty and use it well so that you get excellent resale value. However, if you plan to keep a car for just 1 or 2 years, then it's better to buy a second hand car from a known source and tested by a reliable mechanic whose integrity is not doubtful. 

Setting a budget for buying a used car

 

 

 

One of the biggest reasons for buying a used car is budget constraints. However, that should not remain the only criteria when looking for a used car. The condition of a car is equally important. Remember, there is no point looking for the cheapest deal in the market if the vehicle is barely fit to be driven. There are a lot of unscrupulous used car dealers who attempt selling a poorly maintained car that’s been fixed temporarily. These seemingly faultless cars work perfectly fine for a few kilometres until chinks start popping up all over again.

 

The prices for good second-hand vehicles vary from place to place in India. For instance, in Assam a well-maintained used 2004 Maruti Suzuki Alto LX for around Rs. 1,10 lakh. However, in Delhi it would be difficult to find an equally road-worthy 2004 Alto. A 2009 model would be a more realistic. A 2009 Alto LX in New Delhi would cost you Rs. 1,90,000 in the used car market.

 

It is also advisable to go for a car under five years old while going in for a used car, unless it has been, truly, sparingly used. It is not very difficult to identify the running period of a vehicle from its age. The first impressions can be obtained by simply looking at the vehicle. If there are no major dents and scrapes and the paint looks even all around the vehicle, if the doors open and close perfectly, if the interior plastics and or fabric/leather are clean and have not faded, if the carpets and seats look acceptable and if the engine bay is clean with all wires in their original shape and form a vehicle is more or less worth scrutinising further.

 

 

 

 

Decide on the budget for purchasing a used vehicle and only then should you go out looking for a vehicle. There is no point in going for a big car that is cheaper than used most hatchbacks on the market as the vehicle will be considerably old and would have clocked serious distances meaning that the vehicle will require a lot of upkeep and/or won’t be satisfying to own as it won’t be perfect, the way a machine is meant to function. 

 

Going for an immaculately maintained used vehicle that is not dirt cheap is the key to buying a used car that will run perfectly. It means the previous owner has sold the vehicle not because it isn’t the same anymore, but because the owner has upgraded to another vehicle. 

 

 

 

 

The most important step while buying a used car, just like making any other purchase, is to decide your budget for buying the car. Once the budget is fixed, analyse the market to see which cars fall within the budget, then select the car of your choice and then go about looking for the best deal you can find on the market. 

 

Opting for a well-maintained used Maruti Alto in New Delhi will set you back by around Rs. 1.90 lakh to Rs. 2.10 lakh. Over the purchase price, insurance will amount to roughly Rs. 5,000. And your annual servicing costs will roughly amount to Rs. 10,000, assuming the car is serviced three times a year. That means an added expense of Rs. 15,000 over the purchase price of the car within a span of one year. So the bigger the car you buy, the higher the insurance and maintenance costs. 

 

The best way to determine the cost of ownership of a vehicle is to talk to people who own the vehicle that you are looking to buy. This helps you get a realistic idea of how much you will have to shell out to run and maintain the vehicle you buy. 

 

Do keep in mind that just because you have not spent much on a used vehicle does not meant it should be manhandled and disposed off. Maintain it like a new car so that when the time comes to sell it, you fetch a good price and recover your initial investment. Be a smart motorist.

 

 

Test drive the car before purchase

 

 

 

While you can get plenty of help in financing and documentation from the banking executive, in the decision-making process of what car to buy there is not much external help one can get and one has to rely on what really works for him, keeping the budgeting and other factors in mind. The best way to choose the right car from the market, which also fits within your stipulated budget is to test drive it before signing the cheque. Shortlist the options available and make list of nearby dealerships. In the present day and age of competition, almost all car companies arrange test drives directly at your doorstep. So decide on a day of just driving cars, (sounds like fun, yes? Tell us about it!) pick up the phone and have the cars come through.

 

Make another quick checklist of what you want from your car and keep it ready every time you are taking a test drive. It might sound too geeky and finicky, but it’s a good method to know which car exactly brings the most value-for-money to your requirements and demands. However, at the end of the day choosing the right car is a very feel based thing and something very personal. So don’t simply go by the numbers and take a feel of the car. Each car will have a unique feel to it and the car which you enjoy driving the most (or being driven around in, in case of a chauffeur-driven buyer) is the one that you should consider the most even if it lacks some critical features in comparison to its rivals.

 

TIP: Though you may find the car good enough for a drive and looks pretty, you must get it checked by a professional mechanic with good integrity (Do not forget to put the car on a ramp and have the underchassis checked for previous disastrous episodes).

Taking care of leather upholstery

 

Leather upholstery trims became popular because of the availability of various designs and their ease of maintenance. Being an animal derived product, it is important that you take care of the leather used in your seats, door and dashboard trims. The smell of a fresh leather seat eventually fades but maintenance at least delays this process.

 

Hydration/conditioning the leather components prevents them from drying and wearing out easily. Vacuuming removes surface dust, and brushes and swabs can be used to clean dirt accumulated in the crevices. A designated leather cleaning product should be used, using detergent-based cleaning fluids can discolour leather products. Using a leather protection fluid applied using a microfiber cloth can ensure that the leather survives the daily assault of contaminants. Letting the fluid dry properly is very important as it takes a while for the leather to absorb it.

 

TIP: The best way to keep the interiors of a car in perfect condition is to always use the air-conditioner and don't let your windows down. This is the best way to keep the traffic film and the pollution out of the car. Also, avoid eatables which are spillable and not to mention the fire stick being handled inside the car.

Where and whom to buy used cars from

 

 

Friend/family circles

Asking around your friend and family circles is a good way to find a used car, and usually you can rest assured that you won’t be taken for a ride. Personal contacts have long been a tried and trusted source to find just the car you need, in a condition acceptable to you and at a price that both parties can find agreeable.

 

Auto garages

Since they get a lot of cars from a lot of people for servicing, local garages have a good handle on who wants to sell theirs and just what condition the car is in. But in this case, it is very critical that the mechanic is someone who is trustworthy and will operate in good faith. If he puts you directly in contact with the seller, nothing like it. Otherwise, if the transaction goes through him, there’s a good chance that he’s getting a decent commission on it, which means that you are not getting the best deal possible in this case.

 

Second hand dealers

In almost every city and town, you’ll find second hand car dealers. While going through a second hand dealer might not fetch the best deal possible, the process is pretty much hassle free and you’ll also get a fair bit of variety to choose from. Manufacturer owned second hand dealerships such as Maruti Suzuki’s True Value and Mahindra’s First Choice are also a good option. With places like these, what you are getting are cars that are in good shape and have been reconditioned by company workshops.

 

Websites

There are many websites popping up every day where people can post about cars they want to sell. Potential buyers can contact the sellers directly and take the process forward. You can also find a city-wise as well as model and manufacturer-wise listing on the ZigWheels website (https://www.zigwheels.com/used-car)

 

Auctions

Banks which have seized cars from loan defaulters usually auction them off at fairly good prices. There are many other private auctions that take place around the country as well and even the armed forces auction off their used vehicles from time to time. But one really needs to have the right contacts to know when and where these auctions take place. While car auctions make it difficult to judge the condition of the car that is on the auction block, one can really get some fantastic low-price deals here.

 

Choosing a used car that fits your needs

 

If you’re looking to buy your first ever car, and haven’t had any experience with car ownership in the past, it is always best to start with something small and easy to maintain. In this department, small hatchbacks from Maruti Suzuki, Tata and Hyundai fit the bill perfectly. These will let you experience just what exactly car ownership is all about, and will prepare you for buying your next, hopefully your dream, car.

 

Apart from that, the factors to consider are the usual ones. If your daily commute is quite a lot – somewhere in the region of 50km, then a diesel engine would prove more economical in the long run. But remember, a diesel engine that has clocked six-figure kilometres is going to be worse for the wear as compared to a petrol engine with the same number of kilometres under its belt.

 

The number of people who will occupy the car for a majority of the time also plays a vital role in deciding what kind of used car you want to buy. If you need to carry four to five people often, then you can look at a large hatchback such as the Skoda Fabia, the Hyundai i20 or the Honda Jazz. Else most sedans should suit you just fine. If it’s more than five people you want carry, then MPVs are something you can look at, like the Toyota Innova or the Mahindra Xylo. These MPVs are also a good choice if you plan on doing a lot of intercity driving with your family.

 

One very good thing about buying used cars is the fact that the car you’ve always dreamed of buying, but which was out of reach thanks to its price, is that much closer to attain. Be it a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW, if you find one in good nick and at a price that fits in your budget, you can make your dream a reality.

 

Finding the right dealer for your new car purchase

 

 

 

Dealerships are present in different shapes and sizes depending on their location and the automobile brand they play host to. But dealerships essentially work under the same guiding principle of not just selling the cars in their glass walled showrooms but earning as high a commission as the consumers pocket allows.

 

 

It’s business no doubt, but quality of service, financing options made available to you, technical support and availability of parts are among the many constituents that should influence your purchase deciision at any dealership, and yes, they do differ vastly from one another, even if located on the same street.

 

 

So in order to secure the best price for your car, it's important you are first well-aversed with the exact market value of your desired vehicle. The next step will be to compare the benefits and after sales services being offered by various city dealers for selling you the same vehicle. Negotiating for better accessories, low cost service packages and extended warranty will help you gain maximum mileage on your car purchase.

 

 

 

Calculating car ownership costs and resale value before buying

 

 

Taking into account ownership cost, after sales service and resale value while buying a car, makes quite a difference while purchasing a new car. Wear and tear calculations should also be considered.  Firstly, what one must consider is how much would be the ownership/running cost. If a daily run is more than 100 kilometres within the city, considering a CNG or diesel option is better than petrol. At the same time, also bear in mind that a diesel will be dearer by another Rs 1 lakh for the petrol version of the same model.

 

Also, check the after sales service cost under regular maintenance. A diesel vehicle is bound to incur a higher maintenance cost than petrol albeit the running cost of a diesel vehicle compared to its petrol counterpart is much lower, provided you travel for long distances daily. So, calculate which type of fuel would suit you better. For cars not having options of a diesel engine, it is best to look into CNG and LPG as alternatives. This will save you a considerable amount.

 

Looking at the resale value of a brand would also fetch you a decent amount. It is a safe practice to go for a reliable brand than to go in with a new one. However, at the same time, one can look at reviews of vehicles and consider buying a car from an upcoming brand. The idea is to get your calculation right, before you buy a car.

 

Overall, what must be considered the first is setting up your budget, researching and then looking at the ownership, after sales and resale costs.