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| How can I save fuel while driving? |
- Maintain steady speed while driving - unnecessary acceleration and deceleration waste fuel .
- Driving fast is not economical. At 90kmph, a vehicle consumes one and a half times more fuel that at 60kmph.
- Shifting gears properly also saves nearly 20% of the fuel.
- Idle running of engine when the vehicle is stationary wastes fuel at the rate of 2 litres per hour.
- Low tyre pressure and improper alignment increase fuel consumption.
- Take your foot off the clutch pedal while driving - use it only to change gears.
- Hold the car on slopes with the handbrake, and not by using the clutch and accelerator.
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| How do I take care of the car while driving? |
- Monsoon times are trying times for driving, given our road conditions. Follow these tips to drive easy.
- Make sure that all the brake lights and headlights are working properly.
- Patch up all the weak and loose electrical connections in the car.
- Make sure that your car is fitted with high quality, non-streaking type winter blades that wipe the windscreen effectively.
- Haul your car in from time to time, because monsoons affect the braking, suspension and steering systems.
- The optimum revolutions per minute at which you should drive through a flooded area is around 3000.
- When you drive through a water-logged area, control speed with your clutch and keep the accelerator pressed to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe. The engine shuts off when water enters.
- Never change gear in deep water. After crossing the water-logged area, apply brakes frequently to dry the brake drum and shoes, so the braking ability is fully restored.
- Always carry a can of WD - 40 in the vehicle. It has the ability to clean up moisture.
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| How can I take care of the car during monsoons? |
Brake warning lights come on when you apply the brakes. When this happens, you should immediately:
- Check the level of brake fluids.
- Check for leakages on your brake lines or hoses.
- Change your brake shoes or pads if you hear squealing, grinding or clicking sounds.
- If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, or if you have to press the brake pedal too far down on the floor, your brakes need adjustments.
- Stick to the maintenance schedule prescribed for the car.
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| What is the standard maintenance schedule my car should follow? |
If you want your car to be in great shape, round the year, make sure that you stick to a routine check up schedule.
- Regular maintenance checks should be supported by seasonal check ups. Check the cables, engine, coolants, radiator cap, hoses, belts and the batteries.
- Check batteries for battery cable corrosion, frays or cuts. Disconnect and clean them once a year.
- When you start the car, switch off the AC and other electrical loads. This increases battery and engine life.
- Don't increase engine speed immediately after starting. Wait for at least 5 seconds - this increases engine life and also improves lubrication.
- Engine cooling fluid in the radiator contains rust and corrosion inhibitors - check it every year. Get yourself a fluid monitor.
- Dirty fuel harms the engine and affects the injectors. Use original filters and replace them at regular intervals.
- The coolant radiator cap and recovery hose and reservoir helps keep your cooling system full at all times. To inspect these examine the hose and clamp for cracks, dryness or loose connections. Never touch the radiator cap when it is hot.
- Cracks, cuts and glazes on hoses and belts mean replacement time.
- Unfiltered air damages cylinder bores and piston rings. Keep them clean and replace them at regular intervals.
- Smoke from the engine means trouble. If the engine emits smoke or consumes high fuel or if the compression pressure is slow, overhaul the engine.
- Check the tyre pressure regularly and inflate it to recommended pressure when it is cold. This increases driving pleasure and tyre life.
- Improper alignment of the tyre can cause fuel wastage and affect driving.
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| How can I drive safely? |
- Always wear your safety belt.
- Don't use hi-beam while driving in the city.
- Always use indicators well in advance before turning.
- Tailor your driving to unexpected actions of other drivers, unpredictable lights and traffic.
- Brake at a safe distance. At a speed of 50 kmph, it is around 15-20 mts.
- Always indicate your intention to stop.
- Slow down and pull over as close to the left of the road before stopping.
- Avoid tailgating too closely behind other vehicles on the road.
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