GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Have you ever noticed thick black smoke being emitted from your car when you accelerate? This happens due to an engine blockage, more commonly encountered in diesel cars. Diesel engines have a bad record when it comes to pollutants and cleanliness. Most car owners ignore the smoke, assuming that it will go away on its own. It is true that when you start your car, there may be a brief blast of smoke that quickly dissipates. But, if it persists, smoke tailpipes suggest that your vehicle is unhealthy and needs repair. Let's have a detailed look at the causes for black smoke emission from the exhaust.

1. Clogged air filter:
A typical engine consumes all of its fuel and emits water and CO2. The presence of black smoke suggests that something is causing the fuel to burn only partially, resulting in an improper air/fuel mixture. Because diesel fuel is only one component of the combustion process, we must also consider air. If there isn't enough air going through to the engine, the blend will be overly rich, i.e. the ratio will favour the fuel. Estimation says that dirty or clogged air filters can increase particulate emissions (PM) by 40 to 50%.

2. Defective Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor:
As previously stated, all fuel consumed requires a proper air/fuel ratio. Not only must you ensure that the air filter is allowing adequate air in, but you must also ensure that the car's system is accurately measuring the amount of air entering the vehicle.
The MAF sensor is responsible for forming the engine's proper fuel and air mixture. If something is wrong, it will detect more airflow entering the system, resulting in fuel overload. Eventually, there will be unburned fuel that may result in dense black smoke from the exhaust.

3. Broken piston rings:
Piston rings aim to prevent engine oil from entering the combustion chamber. However, as the piston rings deteriorate with age and use, engine oil flows further into the combustion chamber. This oil reacts with the fuel, forming an undesirable mixture, and the combustion of this mixture produces black smoke.
A comprehensive private car insurance India plan addresses all engine repairs or replacement issues of your vehicle. So, always purchase the engine protection cover add-on plan, as it will cover any damage or loss to your car's engine under your car insurance policy.

4. Excessive oil consumption:
Black smoke by excessive oil consumption is caused by worn valves and valve stem seals, stuck/sluggish rings deposits, and worn cylinder liners. The incorrect oil, extended drain intervals, dirty oil, and failure to maintain proper oil levels can lead to engine wear and deposits.

Getting to the bottom of reasons for excessive smoke emission ensures you're not overlooking a bigger, more expensive problem. Maintaining your vehicle can save you money while keeping you safe on the road.

If you're worried about engine problems, a good idea is an engine protection cover with your private car insurance India plan for your four-wheeler. This add-on provides comprehensive coverage for your vehicle's engine in exchange for a slight increase in your insurance rate. So upgrade for an enhanced quality of your vehicle and ensure maximum safety.

Click HERE to know more about private 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.

The feeling of riding a motorcycle in the morning is otherworldly. But it's not only the early morning atmosphere that gives this ethereal feeling to the rider. It's also the smooth functioning of the engine and the swift and excellent acceleration of the motorbike in the morning. Many people experience this but do not pay much heed to why this happens.

This blog aims to make this phenomenon more understandable for curious bike fanatics.

1. Reduced friction:

The smooth ride that the engine provides in the morning and the minimum noise directly result from the engine's internal temperature. However, other parts of the engine maintain their temperature even when kept at rest throughout the night. Due to the thermal expansion of metals, there needs to be a proper gap between various working parts of the engine.
For example, to permit the expansion of the piston, there is a gap within the block of the engine. There is less friction, resulting in less noise in the morning due to this gap between the piston and the cylinder wall in the morning. This occurrence applies to almost every moving part of the engine.

2. Viscosity:

Another reason the engine feels smooth in the morning is the oil's viscosity. Viscosity is inversely proportional to temperature. In the early morning, the engine oil is cold, making it denser in volume. This higher viscosity accounts for maximum lubrication in the engine, which results in the smooth running of the bike.

3. Fuel management systems:

As far as better crisp acceleration in the morning is concerned, the fuel management system of the bike is the most responsible. The bike's fueling is divided into two- either fuel and air can be mixed proportionally by a carburettor, or the fuel is atomised at high pressure, mixed with clean air, eventually entering the engine's combustion chamber.
Carburettors give you a crisper throttle response due to the richer mixture between fuel and air. But nowadays, these are slowly being phased out due to the increasing pollution by carburettors.

So, do you really need to warm the bike up before starting it? This is another question that greatly puzzles bike enthusiasts.

There's no real need to warm up an engine for more than a minute before starting it. For a long time, all bikes used a carburettor for combustion. This type of engine tends to run poorly until appropriately warmed.

So, there is still a misconception that you must let the engine warm up before you start riding it. But it would be best if you were careful about hammering the throttle before the engine has gotten all nice and warm.

Riding a motorcycle gently for the first few miles is a good idea because putting the engine under extreme pressure while still cold increases the chances of damage and breakdown.

This damage is dangerous and can result in the maintenance fees burning a hole in your pocket. The best solution to counter this is investing in a good bike insurance that pays great dividends.

Click HERE to know more about bike insurance plans.

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.

Taking care of one’s body is often neglected. We overlook the hints, wait for the symptoms to worsen, and only take action when the situation gets out of control. Being negligent of one’s health can have various long-term complications and cause the condition to become untreatable.

A routine lifestyle, ample exercise, and regular health checkups are mandatory to ensure good health. One thing to remember is that your body gives you constant signs about its health in the form of frequent pains, dizziness, lethargy, etc.

Understanding the severity and taking immediate action can help you ensure better health. As mentioned above, pain is an indicator of various problems in your body, and while most of them can be soothed by home remedies, it is best to pursue professional help if the pain persists.

Today we will look at a few indicators that signal your next chiropractor visit.

1. Headaches:
The tension in the neck muscles and inflammation of the joints can cause severely painful headaches. A chiropractor can reduce the tension by manipulating your spine and significantly reducing headaches.

2. Joint pain:
If you are someone who suffers from constant pains in the joints and muscles, it is not advisable to take over-the-counter medications. Severe joint pains can arise due to problems in musculoskeletal alignment. A chiropractor’s work ensures optimal body functioning and relieves joints and muscles from unnecessary pain and discomfort.

3. Backache:
Many people experience severe back pain due to various factors such as poor ergonomics, working habits, body postures, and continuously sitting at a desk. A chiropractor can help you fix these problems without using medicines or expensive surgeries.

4. Limited movement:
Reduced flexibility leading to restricting movement requires a visit to a chiropractor. Realigning the bones and joints and relieving knots and tension areas can increase the body’s range to work at optimal potential.

5. Shooting pains:
Having sharp and shooting sensations, feeling tingles and weakness can signify pinched nerves or slip discs. A chiropractor is trained to diagnose the exact cause of this pain and perform a spinal adjustment to remove any unwanted pressure on the nerve to reduce the pain.

6. Lifestyle:
People who are often subjected to excessive strain and pressure in sports and gymming can be at greater risk of injuries. Prolonged activities can lead to pinched nerves, slip discs etc. Consult your chiropractor regularly to ensure correct postural alignment and fix other issues related to the same.

7. Injury:
Any recent injury can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and misalignment. You should visit the chiropractor only after your wounds and other injuries have healed.

Consider the above comprehensive list of all things if you are thinking of visiting your chiropractor. Remember that you should not wait for the pain to worsen and affect your daily activities. If it persists, see your chiropractor immediately. If you are a desk worker or someone who indulges in rigorous physical activity such as dancing, sports etc., fixing an appointment with a chiropractor will ensure good postural alignment and reduced tension in your muscles.

Older people are susceptible to joint and muscular pains, so regular checkups and visits to the chiropractor can help. Consider investing in health insurance options for your parents. Doing some research online can help you find the best health insurance in India for your parents. So, you can rest assured about yourself and your parents’ health.

Click HERE to know more about the best 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.

Menstrual hygiene has been a hot topic amongst people for the last few years. Earlier it was behind closed doors, but today it’s out in the open. Women have come a long way from using leaves to clothes to pads to tampons. With the times changing constantly, people have discovered newer, cheaper and more environment-friendly alternatives. The latest in the market is a menstrual cup.

What is a menstrual cup?

A menstrual cup is an instrument woman can use during her menstrual cycles to avoid leakage and staining. After insertion, this device collects the menstrual fluid inside the vagina. Menstrual cups are typically made of flexible medical-grade silicone or latex.

Why is it a competent alternative to pads and tampons?

● Sanitary pads are made out of plastics that can cause irritation, pad rashes and chaffing. Sometimes, additional chemicals and fragrances are added to these pads, which can cause allergic reactions in women.

● If the pads are worn for long hours, it can cause bacterial infections. Changing the pad every three to four hours can be a cumbersome task for a woman who is always on the go. Limited access to public toilets makes the process all the more challenging.

● Pads tend to dislocate easily from their position, so undertaking active sports or other activities can be challenging as there is always a chance of leakage and staining.

● Tampons are invasive menstrual hygiene devices made out of cotton. This means that the tampons can sometimes leave fibres or other materials inside the body leading to health complications.

● With tampons, there is a great risk of toxic shock syndrome, which can sometimes be fatal.

● Depending on the brand, a tampon or pad can cost between 10 to 15 rupees. A woman spends about four hundred rupees a month on menstrual hygiene. This accounts for around five thousand rupees a year, which is costly.

A menstrual cup is a solution to all the problems mentioned above. The menstrual cup is a reusable device that can last up to 10 years and cost anywhere between two hundred and six hundred rupees. Since it is made of medical-grade material, there is no apprehension regarding its insertion into the human body. A menstrual cup can be worn for about 12 hours and can be reused after a single wash for the same cycle. Since it is made out of silicone, it can absorb any bacteria and not cause an imbalance in the ph balance.

How is it helping the environment?

A significant part of the sanitary napkin is made of plastics that can take up to eight hundred years to decompose. And even after that, they break into microplastics which pollute soil, water and air. Many women burn the menstrual pads after use, releasing highly toxic fumes into the environment. In India, about one lakh tonnes of menstrual waste is produced yearly. Switching the menstrual cups can bring about a considerable change for the environment.

Bringing this change can bring about a significant difference to your menstrual hygiene routine. It is cost-effective, environment friendly and most importantly, the most fuss-free tool. Starting with a menstrual cup can be a little tricky and intimidating, but there are several instructional videos on the internet to make this process easier for you.

Menstrual hygiene should never be compromised and should be taken seriously. Regular visits to your gynaecologist can help you better understand your body and its needs. Before taking a trip to your doctor, do not forget to renew your health insurance. Updating your insurance has become as easy as just a few clicks. You can renew health insurance online and save time and even get additional benefits.

Click HERE to renew health 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.