GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

An often overlooked component in cars is their battery. It impacts the vehicle's longevity and hence should be taken care of. Intense temperature fluctuations have a significant adverse effect on its functionality. Besides this, several other factors lead to minimising battery efficiency.

Please remember that your motor insurance is also an important feature that helps with vehicle protection. With various subtypes, insurance providers offer solutions that protect your vehicle from the risk of obsolescence, depreciation, accidents, etc., as per the case. Motor insurance is one such safeguard for your cars against the financial costs of accidents. Motor insurance may provide a safety net against mishaps but cannot be considered a substitute for proper maintenance.

So, stated below are some tips to help you preserve battery life for long periods:

1. Don't leave your car unused for long periods
Long periods of idle time result in rapid charge loss. You may find the battery drained faster if you are an infrequent driver. For relatively short periods, your battery may give trouble while turning on, but after a prolonged period, it may drain entirely. In such cases, you must jump-start your vehicle or request a local mechanic to charge your battery.

In the long run, excessive idle time increases the risk of breakdowns. While the roadside assistance add-on to your motor insurance may help, it is best to maintain your battery health and avoid such situations altogether.

2. Minimise battery wastage when not in use
In stark contrast to the above point, you must also use your battery sparingly to reduce battery drain. This refers to when your engine is powered off, but other ancillary controls, like the music system, lights, air conditioning, heating, charging functions, etc., are in use. Turn off all supporting functions and accessories before you exit your vehicle.

3. Prioritise battery cleanliness
The battery is located under the bonnet for most models, while some recent designs may have specially allocated locations. Irrespective of its location, the battery usually allows room for accumulating flying dirt and debris. This stimulates corrosion and contamination, impacting the battery's functionality. Since an additional battery cover will affect the car's primary design, it is best not to tamper with it. Instead, regularly check under your bonnet and keep the battery and surroundings clean. Take your car for periodic servicing to ensure professional inspection and maintenance.

4. Factor in temperature changes
India being a tropical country, your car battery experiences extreme weather changes. Excessive heat results in rapid fluid evaporation, leading to lowered battery life. While you cannot eliminate evaporation, you can minimise it by limiting heat exposure and parking under shade whenever possible. During rains, parking in a protected space, regular inspection to identify signs of corrosion, and frequent servicing are ideal practices.

5. Don't overlook replacing schedules
A car is a complex mechanism. Since non-specialists do not know the minute details of its working, one must follow the manufacturer's instructions. Irrespective of how well you maintain your battery, you cannot extend its life beyond a point. Ideally, your battery may last up to 6 years in temperate environments. Usually, batteries in India last up to 3 years, while most battery manufacturers claim a product life of 4 years. Pay attention to signs of deterioration and replace your battery as suggested.

Apart from the above tips, maintaining fluid levels is a good practice to optimise battery life. Also, look out for the dashboard warning sign your car shows to reflect some issue with the battery. These measures help you keep your car's battery in the best shape. Additionally, purchasing motor insurance with a small repair add-on can help when battery replacement is needed.

Click HERE to buy a reliable motor insurance policy.

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.

Are you planning to add more furniture to your house but are confused about how to make the most of the floor space? All you need to do is choose furnishings carefully. Here's something you should know while buying furniture. Also, remember all wooden furniture items, including sofas, beds, dining tables, and other things, are covered by the best home insurance in India.

Here are some of our favourite small apartment space-saving furnishings to create a clutter-free, storage-heavy house.

1. Convertible study table
Every home with a tiny carpet area should include a folding study table as essential space-saving equipment. A range of metal and wooden options are available. In addition to being fashionable, a foldable study table will also be roomy for your flat. It can serve a variety of functions. They are minimalist and slick. Much room space is saved as they may be placed on the wall.

2. Kitchen table with a pull-out bench
Space-saving furniture designs that prevent the room from looking congested are frequently needed in small kitchens. Fortunately, this is simple to accomplish with an extendable kitchen table. You can use this table for multiple reasons, from handy base support while cooking to a lovely setting for a joyous breakfast.

3. Bedside table and under-bed storage
It's time to utilise that area if all under your bed is a collection of dust bunnies. A movable storage container can serve as both a nightstand and valuable storage. Roll it out before night and then back under the bed in the morning to conserve room on the floor. Invest in mobile storage containers that will fit beneath the bed perfectly.

4. Choose stackable chairs
You can look into ways to improve your furniture's functionality and invest in space-saving options. Stacking your kitchen chairs while not in use is an excellent illustration. It will help you effortlessly access extra space for other activities.

5. Storage basin with little space
A space-saving storage basin rack is the ideal organiser for your small apartment bathroom. Cover all your toiletries within the frame to keep them dry and protected from water splashes. This will save much space and ensure a clean environment for your necessities.

6. Convertible sleeping chair
Convertible sleeper chairs serve as excellent TV-viewing chairs during the day. They can spread out to make a bed at night. Consider a sleeper chair if you enjoy daytime naps or require an additional guest bed in a small house.

7. Space-saving desk
Every underused part of your room can be transformed into a specific workspace by adding a broad shelf or a sleek table top. Not all solutions for furniture storage need to be ornate or meticulously crafted.

8. Storage compartment for shoes
An attractive space-saving covered shoe rack will keep your shoes neatly sorted. They save a lot of space and are user-friendly. So that you may sit on it to tie your shoes, you can choose a shoe rack with a lower height. Or, you can turn it into a table and adorn it with your favourite vase or display piece.

Nowadays, people choose tiny homes since they are simpler to maintain and live in. Due to this, many homeowners are searching for practical and multifunctional space-saving furniture ideas and designs. There are countless designs for multipurpose furniture, such as sofas that can be made into beds, stools with storage, etc. Although they are more compact, these multipurpose furniture designs serve multiple functions. When it comes to having your own home, it's not just the appeal that matters but also the safety. Invest in the best home insurance in India and protect your property and belongings from mishaps.

Click HERE to buy the best home insurance 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.

As a beginner rider, the traction control can be a confusing and intimidating topic. However, it's essential to understand the basics of traction control to ride safely and confidently on your motorcycle. This blog will act as a quick guide on traction control for beginners, covering the basics, including what it is, how it works, and how to use it effectively.

1. What is traction control?
Traction control is a safety feature that helps prevent your motorcycle's wheels from losing balance and sliding out of control. It works by monitoring the speed of your wheels and adjusting the engine power output to prevent wheel slip. This is especially important when riding on wet or slippery surfaces, where it can be difficult to maintain traction.

2. How does traction control work?
Traction control works by using sensors to monitor the speed of your wheels. When your motorcycle's computer detects that one or both wheels are spinning too quickly, it reduces the engine power output to bring your wheels back under control. This is done by temporarily cutting off your engine's fuel supply or adjusting the throttle valve.

Some motorcycles have more advanced traction control systems. They can adjust the power output of individual wheels or even activate the brakes on specific wheels to prevent them from slipping. These systems are typically found on high-performance motorcycles and are more complex than basic traction control systems.

3. How to use traction control effectively?
Traction control is designed to help you maintain control of your motorcycle, but it's essential to use it effectively to get the most out of this safety feature. Here are some tips for using traction control effectively:

● Familiarise yourself with your motorcycle's traction control system
Before you hit the road, take some time to familiarise yourself with your motorcycle's traction control system. Read the owner's manual, and experiment with the system in a safe, controlled environment.

● Adjust the traction control settings to suit your riding style
Most motorcycles with traction control have adjustable settings that allow you to customise the system to your riding style. Some systems have multiple modes, such as a rain mode for wet conditions or a sport mode for increased throttle response. Experiment with these settings to find the right balance of traction control for your needs.

● Pay attention to warning lights and alerts
If your motorcycle's traction control system detects a problem, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a low battery, it will typically alert you with a warning light. Pay attention to these alerts and take action as needed to prevent further problems.

● Importance of regular maintenance
Regular servicing of your motorcycle can help keep the system functioning optimally. A qualified mechanic can check for any faults or issues and repair them before they cause damage to the system. Also, proper maintenance can prolong the system's life, saving you money in the long run.

● Proper riding techniques
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking, and maintain a consistent speed when riding. Proper gear shifting can also help improve your motorcycle's handling. Proper riding techniques can minimise the risk of accidents and ensure that your motorcycle's traction control system works effectively.

● Understanding the impact of road conditions
Road conditions can significantly impact the performance of your motorcycle's traction control system. Wet, slippery, or uneven road surfaces can reduce your motorcycle's grip. Your traction control system may need to work harder to maintain traction.

Traction control systems are designed to help improve the handling and performance of your motorcycle. You can ensure it works efficiently by paying attention to warning lights, adjusting settings, using proper riding techniques, and familiarising yourself with the system. Similarly, bike insurance is also essential for any motorcycle rider, and buying bike insurance online can offer a range of benefits. With bike insurance online, you can ensure that you and your motorcycle are protected from an accident or theft. Research different options and choose the policy with attractive premium and benefits.

Click HERE to learn more about purchasing 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.

Indulging in leisurely activities is an overlooked aspect of today's hectic lifestyles. With building pressures of being competent and work stress while handling societal expectations, it is essential to explore and identify areas of interest outside conventional academics, careers, etc. With the early onset of mental struggles with issues like depression and burnout, research has shown that engaging in at least one activity outside your regular schedule that allows you to enjoy your personal space is beneficial.

Learning instruments is one of the most popular activities taken up as a hobby. Learning to play the guitar is the most popular activity on many people's to-do lists. It is a relatively inexpensive hobby that can be learnt without an expert's guidance and does not require years of practice to reach the beginner's level of playing. However, there is always a risk of injury, considering the small fretboard, metal strings and fast wrist movements that need to be mastered.

Multiple factors come into play relating to your posture, wrist placement, plucking, and supporting hand placement that may result in injuries if not done correctly. Here are some tips to prevent injuries while playing the guitar.

1. Long durations of playing the guitar without adequate breaks:
Over practice causes more significant harm than good. While it may seem exciting to display your determination to learn the guitar by playing continuously without taking breaks, it is best not to do so.
There is no fixed duration that you should practise and then take a break after, but it is best to limit a practice session to 30-45 minutes and then take a 10-minute break. It also helps prevent neck or back injuries from sitting in the same position for long durations.

2. No warmup:
It is common to be excited and skip the fundamentals to learn advanced techniques. No matter what level of expertise, it is necessary to warm up before each playing session. This involves regular stretching and practising finger exercises on the fretboard. Multiple online resources can help prevent discomfort and increase your fingers' agility and precision while shifting chords and fingerpicking.

3. Excessive pressure:
Often seen in the case of beginner acoustic guitar players, it may seem challenging to produce sound on metal strings. It is natural to use excessive pressure on the strings in such a case as you try to learn better. However, as you practise, you must find the ideal amount of force, just enough to produce sound.
Excessive pressure applied during regular playing damages the fretboard and may cause discomfort to your fingers. It may even lead to the tearing of the fingertips' skin. Understand that ideal pressure results in the formation of calluses, not injuries.

4. Proper posture:
Getting the basics right is the most important thing to understanding any skill. Sitting upright will allow you to keep your spine, neck, arms and wrist strain-free. If you feel any specific pain repetitively as you practise, it is best to get the guidance of an expert or stand before a mirror to identify and correct the issue.

In case you feel irregular pains in your wrist, it is best to get it checked by a doctor and use supporting devices like a wrist brace upon professional recommendation. Icing the wrist and regularly massaging the area can help significantly reduce inflammation and pain. Since one cannot eliminate injuries, taking preventive care and buying comprehensive personal accident insurance India is necessary to cover the financial burden.

Click HERE to buy reliable personal accident 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.