GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Have you ever been in a situation where the mechanic asks you to change or repair something, and you have no idea what they are talking about? Don't worry; we got you covered. In this article, we will talk about one less discussed car part known as the differential. This article will walk you through car differential's key points and functionalities.

What is a car differential?
A set of gears that transmits power to the wheels is known as the differential. The differential helps apply torque (rotational force) on the wheels to make turns and operate at different speeds.
The differential is a critical player in the movement of the driving wheels despite their positioning. We all are aware of the fact that while making a turn, the wheel on the outside turns faster than the wheel on the inside. Differentials keep such movements intact, smooth, and crisp.
Differential gets its name from the root word "difference." The name is related to the part where the differential helps turn the wheels at various speeds. Hence, the term is justified.

Working of a differential.
The differential is made up of several parts, of which the main components are considered to be the ring and the pinion gears. The carrier assembly is the part where the ring gets attached. A set of gears called spider gears are placed inside the carrier. These spider gears are again made up of a group of pinions and the side gears, which mainly function to create the differential action/activity.
After this is set in motion, the flow of power inside the differential forces the pinion gear to drive the ring gear, which ultimately rotates the carrier. This carrier then sets the pinion gears in motion and pushes the side gears. There are driver axles that help transmit the torque attached to the side gears, which ultimately drive your car's wheels.

Where is the differential found?
The differential is usually placed in the front axle assembly or the rear axle assembly of your car in modern cars and trucks. You will notice a centre differential that helps drive the front and the rear axle assemblies in AWD-all-wheel drive applications.

Types of differentials.
Vehicles use different types of differentials which accomplish their functions differently when attached to other technological systems in the car.
Open differentials have a relatively simple and efficient design. They have open designs, which include a pinion gear that drives the ring gear and sends power to both the front and the rear axles for further operation.
Limited slip differentials follow a similar pattern as the open differentials except where they can power both the axles even if one wheel loses traction. Limited slip differentials also contain a few extra parts called the clutch packs, which help in locking the left and the right side of axles together in case a wheel loses its traction.
Other types of differentials include locking differential and torque vectoring differential.

How would you know if there is an issue with your differential?
Your car's differential can wear out eventually due to various reasons. It would be best if you watched out for these signs to get an idea about the condition of the differential, such as annoying noise and vibrations, clunking noises, weird sounds while making turns, oil leakage, etc.
We hope this information helped you gain a better insight into the functions of different parts of your car. And while we are talking about understanding your vehicle's mechanical systems, it is equally essential to ensure the safety of your car. Explore all available options from the comfort of your home and Buy Car Insurance Policy Online that would optimally cater to your needs.

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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.

Mastering the clutch can be challenging for somebody who has just started learning to drive a car. When to press the clutch, when to let go, and what to do on a slope are only some of the many clutch-related questions we face every day as a beginner. But as somebody rightfully said, practice makes it perfect.

The more you practice, the better you handle the accelerator and learn to sync with the vehicle's clutch. However, you can do a few things to improve your driving experience and better understand your car's clutch system.

This article will look at all the simple tips and tricks you can follow to master the clutch and become an expert driver in no time.

1. Adjust your driving environment:
When practising your driving skills, it is essential to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Choose an empty field or road to practice your driving manoeuvres. Ensure that nobody is around you and your car for a considerable distance.
Wear your seat belt tightly and adjust your seat to get a comfortable driving posture. Your seat adjustment is key to good driving. If you have to strain your legs to reach the pedals or if you have to cramp your legs into position, then it will affect your driving adversely.

2. When you start the engine:
One of the main issues faced by new learners is starting the car. It is natural for the car to sputter or jerk when starting as a beginner. Talk to an instructor and learn how to manoeuvre the clutch and the accelerator. Once you turn on the ignition, depress the clutch fully and put your car in the first gear.
Now, slowly release the clutch and accelerate the pedals. A rule of thumb is that the accelerator and clutch are complimentary pedals. The more stress you put on the clutch, the lesser power you give to the accelerator. Repeat this step for few times to get a command over bite point of clutch.

3. Manoeuvring the slopes and hills:
One of the new drivers' biggest fears is taking the car up a hill. While it might seem like an intimidating task, with practice, you can master conquering any hill. While climbing a steep slope ridden with traffic, you must keep two things in mind. First, your car needs maximum energy to climb the hill.
Second, you cannot accelerate the car because you always risk crashing into another vehicle. In a situation like this, you must constantly alternate between controlling the clutch and handling the speed. Dip the clutch constantly to keep the car moving slowly, but if you feel like your vehicle is going to stop and recede, raise the pedal to give it some speed.

4. Conquer the fear:
While this is seemingly obvious, most people quit driving because of fear. Improper clutch handling brings the fear of accidents due to wrong coordination. It may also result in quicker wear and tear and might need replacement before time. But if you are covered by good car insurance, you can rest assured that all the expenses will be taken care of by your insurance provider.
Give yourself and your car as much time as needed to understand the vehicle's functionalities better. Most importantly, do not compare your learning speed with others because what matters is that you are keeping yourself and others on the road safe.

These are a list of a few things that you need to remember when handling clutch. As mentioned above, insure cars with affordable yet efficient insurance companies. With the new car insurance rates in the market, there are many options to choose from.

Click HERE to know new car insurance rates in 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.

If racing fantasies you and if you consider yourself a biking enthusiast, we’ve got you. We all have been fascinated by high-speed car and bike chases and races in our lives. Be it watching Formula One racing or watching movies about speed, they blow our minds with all the stunts, the cinematography, the angles, the acting, sound effects, visuals, and most importantly, “the adrenaline rush” these sequences provide us.

But does India support such racing events? Are there any such riding competitions held in our country? Do you have such questions and require more information on this subject? Well, this blog will have answers which will pique your interest in this topic. Here is the list of the top race tracks for biking enthusiasts.

1. Buddh International Circuit:
Constructed in Greater Noida, Buddh International Circuit made it to the national and international headlines as India’s official Formula One circuit. India is one of the few countries with a racetrack for large-scale international events. The Buddh International Circuit also hosted the Indian Grand Prix for a couple of years, making India one of the few countries to pull it off.
And not just Formula One, this circuit has hosted several competitions such as the National Racing Series, the F1600, the T1 Truck Racing Series, and the National Motorcycle one-make series, to name a few.

2. Madras Motor Racetrack:
This racing track is situated in Irungattukottai, Chennai, India’s first official circuit. It was constructed around the 1980s and was finally set in motion for its purpose in 1990. It has seven turns in its short club track, while the track consists of twelve turns altogether. The short club track has a length of 2.1 km, and the entire circuit is designed in a clockwise pattern.
The racetrack acquired its grade two licence to host multiple bike and car races in several categories, including GT and touring car racing. It staged several other races except for Formula One. The Madras Motor Race Track has also hosted National Touring Cars, the National Motorcycle, and the one-make Motorcycle Championship, to name a few other races. The racetrack is considered to be fit for off-road Supercross competitions too.
The other purpose this racetrack serves is for bike, and car manufacturers, as several of them test their vehicles on this track to check the quality and other features and whether their product requires rework or is fit to be rolled out to the public.
Various automobile-related newspapers, magazines, and websites use these tracks to understand different vehicles better before publishing content about them for their enthusiastic audiences.

3. Kari Motor Speedway:
The racetrack called Kari Motor Speedway is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This track was opened in 2013 and has been named after racer and designer Late Mr. Sundaram Karivardhan.
In the past, this track acted as a runway for power gliders and was a part of the Karivardhan-owned aviation company. The Kari Motor Speedway has hosted events like National Touring cars, one-make series, and the National Motorcycle Championship, to name a few.

Some other race tracks in India are Chicane Circuit, Hyderabad, Meco Kartopia in Bangalore, etc., which host various karting competitions.

We hope this helped you gain insights into how our country promotes such racing events and has avenues for the same. And in hindsight, while we cater to the biking fanatic in you, we would also like to draw your attention to the safety of your vehicle. To combat the unexpected situations and focus on getting your two-wheeler fixed, you need to purchase 2 wheeler insurance. Explore all the options provided by various insurance companies and buy the best 2 wheeler insurance which would serve your needs optimally.

Click HERE to know more about the benefits of 2 wheeler insurance.

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.

Ever felt discomfort in your gut followed by a burning sensation in your chest? This could be because of acidity. Very often, people neglect the symptoms of acidity and gulp down antacids for instant relief. But, what is essential to know is that acidity can lead to severe health issues. If you wonder how acidity has more significant health implications, this article is just for you. We will examine acidity, its symptoms, cure, and other side effects.

What is acidity?
The entrance of your stomach valve, or the lower esophagus, closes itself as soon as food passes through it. However, if, due to some reason, the valve remains open, the stomach acids can move up and cause a burning sensation or discomfort. This phenomenon is known as acidity.

What is acid reflux?
If you experience symptoms of acidity frequently or more than twice a week, then chances are that you might suffer from a gastric condition known as acid reflux. Burning pains and discomfort after eating a meal are symptoms of acid reflux.

Let's understand the common causes of acid reflux?
1. Eating heavy portions of food
2. Sleeping after consuming food
3. Overweight or obesity
4. Eating foods such as tomato, garlic, and onion in abundance
5. Eating too much spicy food
6. Eating fried food regularly
7. Habitual drinking of alcohol, caffeine, etc.
8. Smoking
9. Side effects of certain medications

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
1. Heartburn: A burning sensation moving up your chest via the stomach
2. Regurgitation: Bitterness or foul taste in the mouth
3. Bloating
4. Blood in stool
5. Hiccups
6. Nausea

What are the long-term implications of acid reflux?

1. Esophageal stricture:
The tightening or narrowing of the esophagus is known as an esophageal stricture. Since the esophagus has restricted space, it becomes difficult for the food to pass down the esophageal tube.
These situations can aggravate quickly and result in cancerous and non-cancerous growths. People suffering from esophageal stricture experience severe pain in their throats and face difficulty when swallowing food.

2. Esophageal ulcer:
During acid reflux, the acids in the stomach traverse upward through the esophagus. The constant contact of the acid can burn the stomach's inner lining. It wears away the tissues and forms a sore. This can cause bleeding and pain while swallowing food or other drinks. People experiencing this are advised to have fibre-rich foods such as oats, legumes, nuts, fruits, etc.

3. Barrett's esophagus:
The swallowing tube connecting the mouth and the stomach experiences damage due to acid reflux and causes the lining to become red and thick. Barrett's esophagus increases the risk of esophageal cancer, which can sometimes be fatal.
Patients experience chest pain and irritation under these circumstances. There are chances of vomiting blood or passing bloody stool. Weight loss is another common side effect of Barrett's esophagus.

These are some of the bigger complications of acid reflux. Healthy eating and proper exercise are critical to a healthy future. Acid reflux is more commonly found among elders. This is because, as you grow older, your muscles become weaker. This puts the elderly members of your family at greater risk of acid reflux. A few ways to ensure a lower risk of acid reflux are by opting for healthier diets and eating habits, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and drinking.

If the problem persists, you should talk to your doctor and get an expert opinion. Medications can heal acid reflux to some extent. Ensure to go through regular health checkups to avoid problems in the future. Do not forget to invest in health insurance in India for parents to safeguard their health during the tough time of their age.

Click HERE to find out more about health insurance in India for parents.

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.

Ayurveda is not just about natural herbs and spices and consuming them raw. It is more about how you can boost your immune system and increase the efficiency of your organs to energise your bodily functions. Unlike the traditional methods of human living, Ayurveda emphasises ramping up your everyday lifestyle by prioritising your mental and physical health remain in check. It helps you in achieving the true meaning of “health is wealth” without distinguishing between the value of the mind and the body.

Are you looking for more information on how Ayurveda would help you change your lifestyle for the better? This blog will help you gain a positive outlook on this old Hindu system incorporated into the Atharva Vedas, the last of the four main Vedas in history. So, let’s get started.

1. Early to rise:
We all have read “early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”. The same has been repeatedly told to us by our parents and every adult you might have encountered. Well, Ayurveda reaffirms the truth in this statement. It states that the morning is the freshest and the purest time slot of the entire day, which can be super productive if appropriately utilised.
Waking up around 4:30 AM-5:00 AM daily will help you achieve positivity and a more robust and healthier outlook on life. It will also regulate your bodily functions and give you a headstart to the day compared to others who groggily wake up late.

2. Pay attention to your eating habits:
Ayurveda instructs that you practice a healthy habit of eating and calls it “ayurvedic eating,” which involves the importance of consuming natural and green vegetables and fruits.
It mentions the negative impacts of junk food and how essential it is to avoid such oily items loaded with unwanted carbohydrates and fats, which are difficult to break down and get deposited in your body. This leads to several major diseases which can potentially endanger your health in the long run.

3. A morning refreshing drink goes a long way:
We all have heard that consuming water with a few drops of honey in the morning helps rejuvenate your body as you begin your day. Add a teaspoon of quality honey in half to one glass of water and consume it as you wake up. This helps eliminate all the toxins in your body, and this mixture also helps kill several types of harmful bacteria.

4. Pay attention to your sleep:
After an entire day of work and other activities, your body and brain get exhausted. And to re-energise and detoxify all the tiredness, you need to sleep a good eight hours. Sleeping properly boosts your health and strengthens your immune system. It also helps in proper blood circulation, thus providing you with sufficient energy to function throughout the next day and take on the challenges the day presents you with.

Other Ayurvedic practices include walking. It is considered one of the best exercises one can do at their own pace without exhausting themselves for hours at the gym and taking additional supplements. Creating a routine and sticking to it has been given a lot of importance in Ayurveda. Your body functions better as it slowly gets habituated, thus providing a structure to your day instead of just letting you wonder how to go about processing and working on multiple things.

We are all aware of how unpredictable life can be as we face the pandemic and extreme situations. To battle the uncertainties of life, we must have some assurance that does not land us in financial stress. It would be best to get general insurance to combat health issues and not lose money on your assets. Explore the options provided by the best General Insurance companies in India, and buy a reliable health insurance plan. This will give you the confidence to lead a healthy life where health expenses don’t feel a burden!

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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.

How often have we dreamt of going on a perfect road trip with friends? Most people prefer to take cars or SUVs for road trips, but many biker gangs tell us about the fantastic opportunities you can come across while touring the country on a bike.

On a motorcycle trip, you interact with the local community more closely, navigate treacherous roads more efficiently, and skip traffic jams. But all said and done, not everybody has access to fancy bikes that are meant for long trips. The question remains, do you need to compromise on the thrills of life just because you do not have a certain kind of bike? Not at all!

In this article, we will examine why commuter bikes can also be used on long road trips and the few things you need to remember before taking your bike out.

1. Riding:
The time and the distance covered plays an important role in long road trips. It is easier to maintain a high speed in higher capacity bikes, whereas in lower capacity bikes, the engine starts to sputter beyond a speeding limit.
If you intend to take a commuter bike on a trip, it is best to stick to a speed that does not force your engine and the body to shake vigorously. Remember to increase the acceleration and use breaks smoothly whenever required.

2. Braking:
It is challenging to maintain a standard speed when you have open and empty roads ahead of you. But it is important to remember that standard bikes have different braking efficiency than superior motorbikes. Maintaining a tunnel vision and keeping track of everything ahead will help you in these conditions to use brakes efficiently.
Also, maintain a significant distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. So, in situations where you are required to brake suddenly, you have ample time to avoid crashing.

3. Clothing:
Irrespective of the bike you ride, it is best to wear appropriate clothing to avoid injuries and bruises in case of accidents or crashes. A good quality helmet with a clear visor, riding boots, and gloves are essential parts of your bike accessories. Throw in a pair of knee guards and armour jackets for added protection.

4. Maintenance:
Before taking that much-awaited road trip, it is important to keep yourself and your bike in healthy condition. Do not forget to take your bike to an expert to get it checked for any defects and faults. Remember to check your bike's braking system, spark plugs, and engine efficiency before taking it out on a ride. Also, carry essential medicines and lots of water to avoid fatigue and lethargy.

These are a list of a few things that you need to remember while taking your commuter bike on a road trip. With regular maintenance and caution, remember that your commuter bike is a trustworthy option if you want to travel and explore more.

Even though they might have a low-power engine, with the right handling and proper planning, you can surely enjoy a memorable long trip with your commuter bike. To add more value to your bikes, do not forget to invest in Bike Insurance Online to safeguard yourself against any expenses you might incur in repairs or accidents.

Click HERE to buy bike insurance online.

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.

Hitchhiking is not as common in India as in other western countries. Thanks to the rising safety issues and the constant reminders from our mothers on why we should not talk to strangers, hitchhiking or offering a ride to strangers is an alien concept. However, over the years, we have seen a hitchhiking trend among young travellers to save some money. But how safe is it to offer a ride to strangers? What are the things to look out for when hitchhiking someone? If these are some of the questions you have when you think of hitchhiking, then this article might be able to help you with those.

Here, we will look at some safety measures to ensure your safety in situations like these.

1. IDs and bags:
If someone has asked you for a ride and you want to help them, then the first thing to do is to check their IDs. Crack open the window slightly and take a picture of their ID on your phone. If they have bags or carry-ons, ask them to place them in the boot space with their ID in the bag. Ensuring they are empty-handed while sitting inside the car makes you less susceptible to attacks and robbery.

2. Show pockets:
Ask the hitchhiker to empty the pockets before entering the car. This way, you can ensure that the person is not carrying knives, scissors, or other equipment that can be used to attack or steal from you.

3. Keep them in your range of vision:
Never let them take the back seat. You must keep them seated where you have a clear vision of their actions. This is a crucial point to remember to ensure your safety.

4. Do not take food from them:
If they offer you food or drinks on the way, do not eat them. These can be quickly spiked using drugs that do not alter the taste of the food. Narcotics and sedatives can be used to make you unconscious. This is the leading cause of car theft in this country.

5. Do not hitchhike a group:
If you are driving alone, it is best to hitchhike solo hitchhikers. That way, even in an attack, you will need to worry about handling a single person.

6. Always be alert:
This is a no-brainer. If you want to help out a stranger, you have to be prepared for the dangers you might face. Always keep pepper spray and other tools that, when used, give you ample time to escape.

7. Do not hitchhike in new locations:
It is best to avoid getting strangers on board if you are a tourist. This is a common way of scamming people for money and other belongings. If you are new to a place, you might not be able to get immediate help and can also be unaware of escape routes.

If you want to hitchhike someone in your car, you need to keep these things in mind. Remember that not everybody is a thief or a fraud. Hitchhiking is an efficient way to cut costs while travelling, and youngsters depend heavily on hitchhiking to commute between places. Sometimes people need genuine help. If possible, provide food and water to roadside hitchhikers and call for help if you can.

On that note, take essential steps to safeguard yourself and your car against theft and vandalism and invest in a Car Insurance policy. If you do not have these essential add-ons, consider getting them during your next car insurance renewal.

Click HERE for car insurance renewal.

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.

Personalisation is a key to reaching the customers' hearts in the current times. Every brand has been trying to create its products with options to add a personalised touch for the consumers to feel like their own. The entire marketing world has been trying to come up with ways in which they can win this race and convert more customers to purchase their products and keep coming back for more. Personalisation, as a critical factor in today's customers' buying patterns, has a considerable influence and can change the game in the market.

We can comprehend personalised touch in small products like clothing, accessories, soft toys, sports kits, skincare items, and much more. But, can you add this unique touch to your car? Are such options available in the market? Are these choices limited? Are you someone who is looking for the answers to these questions and perhaps some more information on the same?

This blog answers all these questions about personalising your car and whether it is a good idea. Let's get started.

1. Number plates: yay or nay?
Customers pay extra money selecting a unique number to add that personalised touch to the vehicle. And this personal number will help you fetch a good deal as it amps up your car's resale value when you want to switch to another vehicle and close an agreement on the car you currently own.
On the plus side, a personalised number will make you part of the cool collector's club in the world of cars. It creates a "connoisseur of cars" persona for you as well.

2. Increases the level of safety while driving.
Adding a personal touch to your car requires a massive investment of money. The amount of money you spend depends on the features of your vehicle you want to modify and the accessibility of the tools, among other factors involved here.
But since you spend quite a large amount of money, you try to protect your car against any damages. This leads to you making mindful choices on the road, including taking extra safety measures while driving, ensuring that you obey the traffic rules even in urgent times, and avoiding any "road rage" type of scenario.
You can customise your mirrors to lessen the chances of blind spots in your vehicle while driving. You can get a complete view of your car's positioning and the vehicles near you if you decide to get a 180-degree mirror.

3. Upgrade the entire look.
You can get High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps for your car, which would help you upgrade the look of your vehicle and come in very handy by improving the visibility when you are out on the road during the nighttime.
These HID headlamps work with a light temperature and emit subtle blue light, which elevates the look of your car. The blue light not only looks attractive and complements the car's exterior but has been proven easy on the eyes and does not blind the driver coming from the opposite direction.

Speaking of investing money into upgrading the look of your vehicle with the help of personalisation, you also need to ensure that you protect your car against damages. Not all accidents come with a warning and are your fault. But you must ensure that you wouldn't want to get involved in such chaotic situations.

You must have car insurance to stay stress-free financially and focus on resolving the situation if you end up in one. Explore all your options, check in with your current insurance provider, and Buy New Car Insurance which caters to your needs in the best ways possible.

Click HERE to learn more about how you can buy new car insurance.

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.