GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Riding a motorbike with smooth-shifting gears gives you a sense of pleasure that no other thing can. The feeling of downshifting into a curve, soaring your RPMs, then switching back into high and rushing down the straightaway is unmatched.

But when the quality of your clutch starts deteriorating, it no longer grips as usual or allows you to smooth down and upshift. If you take too much time to assess a bad clutch, it might leave you stranded during a ride. While the rest of the crew enjoy the journey, you will have to spend extra time repairing or replacing it.

However, knowing the signs of a damaged clutch will help you repair the appropriate pieces before you're left stranded.

In today's post, we'll discuss ways to assess if your clutch is on its way to being damaged. Read along to know how you can avoid costly repairs before it's too late.

1. Slipping of clutch:
The clutch slipping indicates that it has already begun to wear down. You may sense a lag or a slight jerk when your bike starts picking up. The RPM starts to increase faster than it should. If any of these occur, your bike's clutch is worn out, and it's time to get it repaired.

2. Sticking of clutch:
Your bike's clutch will start to stick if there is a malfunction or oil-induced dirt in the springs. It can either stick in or out depending on when the event occurs. The clutch parts will cling together as you change gears resulting in a low-power transmission. A sticky clutch might be mistaken for a general bike problem, so be extra cautious and get it diagnosed.

3. Hard to shift gears:
If your clutch wire is loose or the clutch gap is compressed, the bike will not accelerate because you won't be able to shift gears. When parking your bike, it's best to keep it in neutral, although some people leave it in first gear. So if you ever experience a slack in shifting gears, visit the mechanic.

Tip: To minimise clutch dislocation and overheating, always start your bike in neutral. Overheating the metal components causes them to expand, lowering the spacing distance. However, the clutch relies on friction to transfer power, so oil the parts regularly to avoid overheating.

4. Sharp metallic noise:
If you've recently noticed a strange sound emanating from your bike and it becomes louder as the days pass, it might be your clutch asking for attention.

5. Burning smell:
A burning odour may signal a clutch problem, which you should not neglect. If a mechanical noise accompanies the smell, you should have the clutch pad checked out as soon as possible to avoid any more damage.

These are some ways you can detect a problem with your clutch system. Make sure you always park your bike on neutral. Oil the clutch system periodically, but don't put too much oil. Never use the clutch as the braking alternative unless it's very needful, like in case of brake failures.

While you ensure your clutch pad, insure your bike as well, it will help you in case of mechanic visits for your clutch repairs and avoid additional expenses. Purchase bike insurance online and add value to your two-wheeler with the benefits of comprehensive coverage.

Click HERE to get the best bike insurance online right now.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

As two-wheelers turn old, their performance and the quality of their internal parts start to deteriorate. Significantly, the engine gets severely affected, which leads to more fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Such two-wheelers are then considered not fit to ride.

If you own an old two-wheeler and wish to ride it on Indian roads legally, then you need to have a fitness certificate for it. The Government of India has made the renewal of fitness certificates convenient by introducing the 'Parivahan Sewa portal' that operates entirely online.

Applying online is a hassle-free process as you only need to fill out a form and submit all the required documents to your local Regional Transport Office (RTO) for verification.

In today's post, we will take you through the step-by-step process of renewing your two-wheeler's fitness certificate online:

1. Go to the official VAHAN website. Begin the renewal process by going to 'Online Services' and selecting 'Vehicle Related Services.'

2. After that, choose your state. Next, click on 'Application for Fitness Certificate' and enter your bike's registration number and chassis number.

3. Following that, generate an OTP using your registered phone number. Enter the one-time password (OTP) that you received on your phone to proceed with the process.

4. Go to the 'Payment' option and complete the transaction to start the renewal fee transfer.

5. After completing these procedures, take the appropriate documentation to your local RTO to complete the two-wheeler fitness renewal process. Officials at the RTO will perform a fitness test on your bike and verify your documents to complete the process.

Steps to renew fitness certificate of two-wheeler offline.

Here is how you can acquire a fitness certificate for your bike offline:

1. Visit the local RTO

2. Fill out an application for a fitness certificate renewal

3. After that, attach the required documents to the application

4. To finish the procedure, pay the RTO the renewal fee for your bike fitness certificate

The officers will review your submitted documents and schedule an appointment for your bike's inspection. You must arrive at the designated centre on time. Here, your two-wheeler will be thoroughly investigated, and if it qualifies the desired parameters, you will be issued the fitness certificate for your bike.

Note: Although the renewal process is the same for both two and four-wheelers, the fee differs for both types of vehicles.

Complete list of documents you will require:

• Tax token

• Registration certificate

• Vehicle permit

• Pollution Under Control Certificate or PUCC

• Valid two-wheeler insurance policy papers

• Passport size photo

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, a vehicle's registration is only acceptable if a valid Vehicle Fitness Certificate accompanies it. Commercial and private automobiles are required by law to have a fitness certificate. Failing to submit a fitness certificate carries a punishment of Rs. 100. For consecutive violations, the fine is increased to Rs. 300. If you don't have a valid fitness certificate, you'll be fined between Rs. 2,000 to 5,000.

The law also mandates two wheeler insurance India. Failing to have both these documents can lead to hefty fines. Save yourself from the trouble and get the fitness certificate and insurance today. You can only enjoy riding your two-wheeler if you keep the required documents up-to-date and avoid landing yourself in any unwanted trouble.

Click HERE to buy the best two wheeler insurance India.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

As a bike owner, you know that your vehicle requires routine maintenance, tyre replacements and bike insurance renewal. But how often do you consider your vehicle's suspension? Your suspension system works hard to make your ride comfortable by smoothing out bumps in the road and keeping the wheels on the ground. Bike owners often overlook that part when it comes to repairs. But how can you know if there's a problem with your bike's suspension?

Here are some of the most common signs of suspension issues. Keep in mind that these are extreme instances, and your suspension system may be subtler. It all depends on the bike's handling.

1. Unreasonable bumpiness:
The primary function of suspension is to facilitate a smooth and comfortable ride, even on bumpy roads. If you start to feel every bump in the road, it's a clear sign that your shock absorbers are failing and should be replaced. Conducting a bounce test can help you check the efficiency of the absorbers. Do this by placing your entire weight on the back of your motorcycle. Release the vehicle and count how many times it bounces. If it bounces more than three times, there is an issue with your suspension.

2. Thud or rattle from suspension:
In most cases, your shock absorbers should be almost noiseless when in use. It's a concern if it starts making more noise than usual. The seal separating the damping oil from the pressurised nitrogen charge may be broken, resulting in a noise during compression and rebound. A knocking noise is even more concerning since it indicates that something inside the shock collides with something it shouldn't. If you continue to ride it, the damage will be consequential - and costly to repair.

3. Oil leak:
Oil coming from the air seals or adjusters is the first sign of an oil leak, but it usually leads to a lack of damping soon after. As the oil accumulates dirt, it may create a horrible black sludge accumulating around the end of the shock shaft. If you notice this, it's only a matter of time before your shock is damaged.

4. Lack of damping:
Even the most mechanically uncaring riders should be aware of this, but that isn't often the case. You might find it difficult to control your bike while riding. Check if the rebound and compression damping settings are still working correctly. If they don't seem to be making a difference, it's time to get it checked out.

These are some of the most prevalent suspension issues. Regularly check your suspension system, do some maintenance or replace parts if required. Neglecting your bike's suspension problems can adversely affect its performance and functioning. It can also impact the rider's physical wellbeing due to jerks that gradually result in back pain and other health issues.

Besides regular maintenance, bike insurance is both a legal requirement and a wise investment. It protects you from losses that may occur due to an accident or theft, and it can even cover the expenses involved in your bike's repair and servicing.

Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance that fits your needs.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.

No matter how prepared you are or how well planned your life is, there is always something that catches you by surprise. You could be out on a trek, visiting a wildlife sanctuary, or just simply walking in your garden when you spot a snake, and while your first instinct may be to run, it is said that snakes do not attack unless they feel threatened.

So staying calm and avoiding movement might be the best option you have. However, if you find yourself in a situation involving a snake bite, these are the few things that you could follow to ensure your or the victim's safety.

1. Staying calm:
This might seem like a banal comment during emergencies, but staying calm ensures that your heart is not pumping blood vigorously. Panicking leads to faster circulation, which means it will spread the venom.

2. Restrict movement:
This step is crucial, as the passage of the venom is not directly associated with blood flow. The venom flows through your lymph, which only moves when you do. So any calls that you need to make for the ambulance should be done by somebody else.

3. Pressure immobilization:
Bandage firmly, 'above' the area of the bite. Use a piece of cloth if a bandage is not available. Roll it around the lymph till whatever place it can reach. Now splint the affected area to keep it still. Use any stick, rolled-up layers of paper, etc., to support.

4. Do not wash the wound:
Washing the area gets rid of the venom that the doctors can use to identify the species of snake. Therefore, it is advised to leave the affected area as-is for the benefit of the doctors.

5. Rush to the nearest hospital:
The only remedy to a venomous snake bite is to get an anti-venom as soon as possible. Rush to the nearest medical facility to ensure that timely medication is provided before the patient's condition turns critical.

6. Keep the victim warm:
It is crucial to keep the patient warm and calm to keep their blood pressure under control. However, no caffeine or alcohol should be given. In addition, any food or beverage, including water, should not be provided since it will slow their metabolism.

7. No ice packs and self-medication:
Research shows that using an ice pack on snake bites is harmful and can add to your problems. Avoid the inspection and cleaning of the wound, and avoid using medicines that you might use for regular cuts and wounds. Don't take any action without proper knowledge. The hospital staff are trained to attend to the wound, the venom, and the medication for every circumstance.

Sticking to the steps mentioned above will buy the patient some time before the anti-venom can be injected. As mentioned, a snake bite can create a sense of panic and fear, but maintaining your calm and taking the first aid measures ensures that you have sufficient time before reaching the doctor or medical facility.

Life is full of surprises, some good and some bad. Being prepared always helps, which is why you should invest in good health insurance. With a plethora of options available in the market, you can sit back and not worry about the unnecessary expenses you might face in case of such emergencies.

Click HERE to find out more about health insurance plans that you can invest in.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.