How Often you Need to Book a Servicing Session of Your Car?

These days with time and technological advancements in the automobile industry cars pop up with a message for the service reminders. But what if you have an older version car? How will you judge that your car needs a service?

The easiest way to find out about the service requirements for your vehicle is to check the owner’s manual thoroughly. If you are unable to get through the logbook you need to be particular about a few things since a well kept car serves you better. The basic rule is get your vehicle serviced at every 10000 km or every 6 months, whichever comes first.

And even if you are not selling your used car, it is still important to get it serviced. This is because most fluids in your car are susceptible to moisture and need to be changed at some intervals.

Servicing span may differ from vehicle to vehicle:

Apart from the above mentioned standard span for servicing of cars, there are different situations when a car requires services prior to the standardized timings. These are called as ‘Adverse Operating Conditions’. Vehicles with continuous start stop driving, heavy load towing vehicles, high speed driving vehicles etc. fall under this category.

These vehicles require more periodic maintenance to keep them running efficiently. Thus, increasing service operations to every 5000 km or every 3 months, whichever comes first, is important for protection of the major components of the car.

Things you should consider when getting your car serviced:

• Check engine oil and oil filters.
• Check all fluids namely coolant, power steering, brakes etc.
• Balancing, alignment and wheel rotation. Also, check tire condition.
• Check and adjust belts that are damaged or worn out.
• Check hose pipes and replace if needed.
• Check wiper blades and washer nozzles.
• All the lights to be checked
• Battery service

If you do not get your car serviced:

There are many issues that can occur if you do not get your vehicle serviced regularly. Reduced fuel economy, poor driving feel and may be major mechanical failure - are some of the consequences you may have to face.

Failing to change engine oil at desired intervals may deteriorate the cleaning agent present in it resulting in increased wear on the internal components of the engine. Checking on the brake fluid is another important thing, failing which may result in reduced performance of the braking system.

It is important to understand that saving money on your car servicing can cost you a lot more when a real problem occurs due to lack of servicing. Thus, stop saving money on servicing of your car and choose a reliable option for it.

We at OLX Cash My Car give you a free inspection when you decide to sell your old car that not only tells you about the actual position of your car. But it also help in giving you the best valuation of it depending upon the condition and also servicing of your car.

Thus, it is really important to get your car serviced not only for a carefree present but also for the best price for used car in the future. 

10 Maintenance Tips that will Increase the Life of your Tyres

Most of us feel that a car is well maintained as we relate the word maintenance with services like oil change, functioning of brakes, fuel efficiency, engine service etc. But what we ignore most are the tyres of the car. We at OLX Cash My Car know the importance of the tyres of a vehicle and believe that it is easy to forget them but it is most important to check them as they are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. Thus, it is essentially important that you focus on the preservation of the quality and performance of your tyres to ensure your safety.

Following are few of the recommendations that are advised by OLX Cash My Car to increase the life of your tyres:

• Be smooth while you drive

Rough driving takes your car tyres for a toll which results in premature wear for them. It is important that whenever you spot any hazard on the road, control your speed before it is too late. An emergency brake may help you control your speed at any point but the rough braking directly hit the tyres. Hence, it is advised that you drive at a neutral speed which will prevent you from applying brakes frequently. 

• Tyre Inflation Pressure

Every vehicle has a recommended tyre inflation pressure which is found in vehicle placard or in owner’s manual. Maintaining this level is the best anyone can do for the durability of the tyres.  Under inflation may result in severe cracks. While over inflation increases stiffness and may lead to uncomfortable driving. Therefore, it is important to maintain the inflation pressure for best tyre performance.

• Aquaplaning or hydroplaning

Rainwater makes tyres more vulnerable to wear and tear. Anticipatory driving and good treads can reduce the risk of damage that can come with deep ruts. Best weapon against hydroplaning is new tyres. Also tread pattern that channels water out from between the tyre and the road is the most effective in this case.

• Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is a must after every 5000 kilometers or whenever there is lopsided wear on the tyre. It is an essential aspect of regular maintenance wherein the angles of the wheels are adjusted as stated by the vehicle manufacturer.

• Tyre Rotation

Tyre rotation is recommended after every 5000 kilometers so that all the tyres get equal chances of road exposure. Regular rotation ensures even wear for all the tyres.

• Handling and Storage

To store a tyre it is important to first clean the tyre and chose a position- lying or standing. Make sure that there is no sunlight or heat in the storage area. Also the place chosen for the storage should be cool and dry. Water is another enemy of tyres, thus make sure there is no water collected inside tyres. Also substances like grease and petroleum products should not be there in the storage area. All these factors are really important while you store your tyre.

• Do not spin your tyres excessively

Excessive spinning may cause over-heating and irrepairable damage. If any time your vehicle is stuck in snow, ice, mud or sand use a gentle forward and backward motion to free your vehicle and avoid excessive tyre spinning.

• Check for wear and damage

Experts suggest that the right time to discard a tyre is between 6-10 years, where 10 years is the extreme limit. The wear and tear depends on various factors such as driving style, kilometers for which the car is driven, weather conditions of the city it is in etc. The anti-oxidizing chemical fed in the tyres during their manufacturing deteriorates with time and leads to tyre malfunction. The tyre tread wear indicator for a four wheeler is placed within the 1.6 mm height. Beyond this limit they may prove dangerous. 

• Proper Repair

Whenever a tyre needs repairing it is important that it is done by a specialist in accordance with established Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) procedures. This is important because while mounting the tyre with wheel internal damage may take place. But a professional will always be cautious and do everything properly.

• Do not overload your vehicle

Overloading your vehicle may put stress on your tyres. This may result in poor handling, increased fuel consumption and may further cause tyre damage. Thus, it is important to check the load a tyre can handle in the company’s placard.

Tyre in a car is like limbs in a human being. Thus, it is really important to take care of your car tyres so that it can ensure your safety. 

Check Out these Best Resale Value Cars in India

It is a fact that selling used car in India is booming at a rapid pace. In fact buying a used car has its own perks. Compared to a new car, a used car is free from various expenditures and taxes.  Also there is low insurance premium due to low IDV (Insured Declare Value) that the second hand car owner has to bear with.

Every car has some resale value to it. This value depends on various factors such as market condition, automobile condition and personal reasons. A different brand depreciates at different level which affects the resale value of the cars of that brand.

Here is the list of best resale value cars under different segments in India:

• Entry level Hatchback Segment:

1. Maruti Alto 800
   Be it new or old, this car is always in demand. Maruti Alto 800 is rated among the best resale value vehicles in India. Even after 3 years of continuous usage it can retain upto 78% of its real value.
   
2. Hyundai Eon
   Hyundai Eon is one major rival of Maruti Alto. The car appears modern as compared to its competitors. This car provides with 60-70% of its real value to the owner even after 3 years of use.

• Hatchback Segment:

1. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
   This model is perfect combination of comfort and durability. Wagon R can retain about 70-80% of its original value after 3 years.
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
   The fun to drive hatch attracts great demand and boasts high resale value. The car not only offers appealing features but also has spacious cabins. It holds approx 85% of its original value after 3 years.
   
3. Hyundai Grand i10
   Grand i10 is Hyundai Motors’ answer to Swift. The car offers fantastic city driving dynamics and holds 70-75% of its real cost after 3 years.

• Sedan Segment:

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
   Swift Dzire is loved by the buyers for its extra space and high mileage figure. A 3 year old model of Swift Dzire can get around 80% of the real value of the vehicle.
2. Honda City
   People find a sense of pride in owing a Honda City. This Japanese car offers a feature filled roomy cabin along with an efficient engine. This sedan preserves a good 75% of its original value even after 3 years of use.
   
3. Honda Amaze
   Being a reasonably priced diesel sedan car, Honda Amaze invites high attention in second-hand car market. This car commands a resale value of 65-75% of its original value even after 3 years.

• MPV Segment:

1. Toyota Innova
   This car is known for the optimum comfort, spacious cabin and plethora of features. The car being low on maintenance is like icing on the cake. It is one of the most favourite choices among families. These are the reasons that Innova retains 90% of its real value even after 3 years.
   
2. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
   Although this car is much smaller than Innova but it is more affordable and is as good with holding on to its real value. The car holds 88% of its original value even after 3 years.

• SUV Segment:

1. Mahindra Scorpio
   Scorpio is loved by all, irrespective of urban or rural buyers. The car holds a strong position for over a decade now. It retains 65-70% of its original value after 3 years.
2. Renault Duster
   The sporty styling, practicality and robust suspension unit sets it apart from other city SUVs. Duster retains around 76% of its real market value even after 3 years.
3. Toyota Fortuner
   This suave SUV from the Japanese car maker has been dominating the premium SUV segment for more than 7 years now. Fortuner offers peace of mind for its low running cost and holds nearly 85% of its real value even after 3 years.
4. Ford Eco Sport
   This car is the choice of many compact SUV buyers. Being compact it is liked for the features it offers. The car retains 87% of its original cost even after 3 years.

Sell your used car at OLX Cash My Car by following 3 easy & quick steps along with exploring the fairest price in India. All the paper work  will be taken care by OLX Cash My Car, book an inspection session now to know the true vale for your car.

Top 5 Second Hand Sedans that you can Buy Under 5 Lakhs

With the more new cars being added every month to Indian automobile market, the second-hand car market grows in tandem. There may be various reasons that you avoid buying a new car like budget, depreciating value of a new car that you want to avoid or something else.

Many people feel that if they want to change their hatchback then why not to a sedan. That is some kind of an up gradation for them. But budget can be a great set back in case of a new sedan. Thus, we at OLX Cash My Car bring you the top 5 second hand sedan cars that you can buy in less than rupees 5 lakhs.

Here is the list of top 5 sedan cars:

• Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

The Swift Dezire is one of the most affordable sedan cars launched by Maruti Suzuki. Also, the car is well known for its mileage. The reviews of this car are best among top used sedans under 5 lakhs. It is available with both- petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine has a peak power of 84.3 PS 6000 rpm and peak torque of 115 Nm at 4000 rpm. While the diesel engine has peak power of 75 PS at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm. A second hand Dezire is priced between rupees 2.21 to 3.1 lakhs depending on the year of make and kilometers it has run for.

• Honda City

Since Honda is a reliable brand, buyers do not mind opting for a used model considering the build quality as well as the after sale services from Honda. City’s engine has a peak power of 118 PS at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 146 Nm at 4600 rpm.  In fact a Honda City can reach up to the speed of 0-100 kmph in just 11 seconds and has a massive speed of 185 kmph. Also, the fuel efficiency is around 16.7 kmpl. The City is a blend of corporate styling and sports car, an added feature that raises the demand of the car.  A good condition Honda can be bought between rupees 2.5 to 4.8 lakhs.

• Honda Civic

A Civic is a compelling buy in the used cars market. The car is in fact great in looks, space and built quality. One can buy 6-7 years old Civic with 50000 to 60000 kms run for less than rupees 4.5 lakhs.  There are also 7 to 8 years old examples in the market sold for as low as rupees 3 lakhs.

• Hyundai Verna

Hyundai has great brand image. Car by Hyundai is always in demand and has its own market value. Verna is well known for its stunning features list and attractive looks. The diesel version availability of Verna makes it a preferred choice amongst second hand car buyers. A good deal for 6 to 7 years old Verna can range between rupees 4.5 to 5 lakhs.

• Honda Amaze

Although, Honda has launched its all-new Amaze at the Auto Expo 2018, we are talking about the old Amaze. The car was mediocre in looks and had a peppy engine. Not only this, diesel model under Honda banner was enough to attract buyers to give them value for their money. A good deal for Amaze comes between rupees 4.5 to 5 lakhs.

Explore exciting price for selling second hand cars online with OLX Cash My Car by following 3 quick & easy steps and also get the true vale for your used cars.

5 Rules that You Must Know for A Safe Long Drive on Indian Highways.

Everyone likes going on a long drive especially on highways but not everyone knows how to drive. Therefore, it's important to make those long drives safe and memorable. It is irrespective of first hand car or you are driving a second-hand car, one needs to be really cautious about highways and its rules.

Here are some basic rules to keep yourself habituated with a healthy drive on the highway:

Rule #1 Before Drive Checkups

Your car would require a thorough end to end check-up of each element which plays a vital role in the running the car. For example, proper lubrication of the engine is a must to make sure all parts have got the right amount of friction for a smooth run. When it comes to driving on highways, use of brakes can be surprising, therefore, remember oiling is the key. And, no matter how small some of the parts are they need to be tightened to avoid inefficiency and also, unnecessary sound.

Tyres are vital to be checked before the drive, especially of used cars as they might have been torn already.

And yes, another one is to tank up your car. Indian Highways might not have frequent petrol pumps on some of the routes.

Rule #2 :Night Driving vs Day Driving

Night driving is generally convenient with fewer vehicles, but you need to make sure, you are not driving with a fatigued body. One needs to take rest before you hit the roads and as the experts advise keeping a watch at trucks and their light signals too. Though not everyone is comfortable with night driving, therefore, do not try the long routes until you have been on the highway for multiple times.

Considering the condition of Indian highways, most of the drivers choose day driving. You have a better vision during daylight and easy road assistance is available if at all an emergency occurs. Still one needs to keep their eyes fixed on the fellow drivers on the road.

Rule #3 :Always on the Right side of the lane

The highways are divided or marked in a way that the left most lane is occupied by heavier vehicles whereas the middle ones by the lighter vehicles. Therefore, the urge to take over heavier vehicles to drive fast on left lanes can make you greedy but might prove to be hazardous. Keep reminding yourself about a stable speed while on choosing the lanes.

Rule #4 : Overtakes are dangerous

Indian Highways can have as many blind spots or blind turns where you need to be extra cautious. Do not ever overtake any vehicle at such turns because they might prove to be fatal for you as well as the other vehicles around you. Generally, highways get narrower at blind turns which doesn’t provide much space to accommodate two cars in parallel so turning along the lanes behind a rally of cars is always a wise decision.

When overtaking a car make honking is required to alert the driver or in the night, use light to give signals. It's important to know the night signals too because horns are a no-no during that time of the day.

Rule #5 : Listen to your Car- Speed, Tyres, Mirrors
 

When on highway maintaining the stability of speed is the best thing. For example, you would be required to do a research of speed limits of the route that you are going take. Mostly, highways drive can oscillate between 90 kmph to 150 kmph but only after your acquaintance with the route is above average.

Speed and tyre pressure can prove to be the best combination for your car if you know what level the pressure has to be maintained. Each and every car will have different pressure ranges for the tyres, so it's required to be checked by a mechanic. In no case, tyres can be over inflated because they can make situation critical. 

Readiness is the key to a good and safe driving on Indian highways!

How to Know Vehicle Registration Details Online?

All vehicles brought in India come with an individual registration or license number. This registration number or vehicle number is issued by the district level Registration Transport Office (RTO) of respective states. These plates are placed both front and back of the vehicle. By the law there is particular way in which it should be made. It is required to be strictly in modern Hindu-Arabic numerals with Latin letters. There are other restrictions too like the fonts that can be used and the plate to be lit up at night for the visibility.

There are different formats available for vehicle registration number. These are:

• For private cars: It has to be white background with black letters.
• For commercial vehicles: It is yellow background with black text.
• Commercial vehicles available for self-drive: Black background and yellow text.
• For foreign consulates: Light blue background and white lettering.
• Electric vehicles: green background and white text.
• For President of India and other state governors: No license plates for security reasons. Instead they have the Emblem of India in gold on a red plate.

There is particular format followed for the registration. The current format consists of four parts which are as follows:

• First two letters indicate the state or union territory to which vehicles belong or where it is being registered.
• Next two are the digit numbers. These are the sequential numbers of the district which are given to RTO offices for registration.
• Third part is one, two or three letters. This shows the ongoing series of vehicle registered with the RTO.
• Fourth part is the four digit unique number given to each vehicle.

To check the vehicle registration details online there are various sites available, namely:

• www.vahan.nic.in
• www.vehiclehistory.in
• www.vehicleinfo.online
• www.parivahan.gov.in
• www.drivespark.com

All you need to do is open any of the above links, put the exact vehicle registration number and press enter to find details.

Information you can expect to retrieve from these sites include the following: 

• Vehicle Registration information like location, RTO Code, District and State.
• Address of RTO where vehicle is insured.
• Name of the owner of the vehicle.
• Vehicle engine number, chassis number and fuel type i.e. petrol / diesel.
• Validity of insurance.

A revolution is about to take place in the field of registration of vehicle in the form of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP). This is a step taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to curb vehicle theft and enable easier tracking of lost and stolen vehicles. This new amendment will be mandatory for all vehicles sold on or after April 1, 2019. Existing vehicles can also opt for HSRP after surrendering and destroying old plates.

In all the action itself shows the importance for the registration number of a vehicle. So before you sell or buy your next car do look out for the registration details of the vehicle you intend to buy. This will answer many of your questions and will give you more confidence to make the deal.