Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Five changes that will transform your vehicle

1. Synthetic oil- Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds which are artificially made (synthesized) from compounds other than crude oil (petroleum). Why this makes sense for Indian consumers is because Synthetic oil has a tendency to perform better than Mineral oil (regular oil) under extreme temperatures in India. Additionally while the low quality fuel and dust are hard on the engine, synthetic oil increases engine life through less wear and tear while reducing sludge problems at the same time. Cars with high mileage on their odometer might make more engine noise than usual due to high wear and tear. It is absolutely normal. Additionally while mineral oil lasts 10,000 kms on an engine, synthetic oil can last upto 20,000 kilometers. Other benifits include better mileage under certain conditions, improved cold starts and smooth power delivery and drive.


Ps: Many garage mechanics dont use flush before switching the car from mineral to synthetic oil. It is heaviliy recommended (not compulsary) to use flush.

2. Tubeless tyres and alloy wheels:  Tubeless tyres are tyres that does away with the need for the inner butyle tube. Most new cars and motorcycles now come with tubeless tyres. Tubeless tyres are safer as they dont burst upon puncture under most sever conditions. Additionally they lose air slowly so one can drive to a repair station quickly. Benifits are also noted in higher fuel efficiency, better handling and lesser road noise.

Alloy wheels first and foremost impart a beatiful look to the car if the right set of designs are used. They are lightweight and durable and heatup less than the standard steel wheels making them the choice of many. Merits include better handling and higher fuel efficiency.


Ps: Tubeless tyre self repair kits are an easy DYI for even the most unskilled people. Next time you see someone on the road with a flat tyre, you not its not you.

3. All weather light bulbs: Everyone prefers better illumination at night but one should remember that if your car has 8 fog lamps and 4 halogens, you would just look like a fool. All weather light bulbs are a great replacement for regular halogen lamps since most cars dont come equipped with Bi-xenon lights.

Ps: Keep away from the Cheap white light bulbs. They are bad for the eyes and roads too and cost a bomb.

4. Tint: Most new cars come with a lightly tinted glasses. But those are not enough to withstand the current heat levels. A nice and branded tint will go a long way in keeping the car cool while looking great at the same time. While total black tints are illegal, some shades will help to a certain extent in ensuring privacy.

Ps: It is possible to check how the tint will look on the car. Ask the retailer to show you a small sample before going ahead. Also make sure it is a government approved tint film.

5. Leather steering and gearbox covers: Getting burnt palm at 1pm in burning noon is the last thing we want. A decent leather steering and gearbox cover will go a long way in making sure your hands are not burnt. While leather does heat it, its much better to hold in the worst of seasons if its not polished. Also at the same time it imparts a nice look to the cars interiors. And many will also agree that its hood to hold and grips well providing confidence in the handling of the vehicle. some branded motorcycle grips are also available and from personal use I will totally recommend them.

Ps: Make sure its not faux leather and that the leather is not polished. Faux leather tears and wears pretty fast and doesnt make a good sight. At the same time polished leather wont give you any good heat conduction and you may still end up with burnt hands.

PS: Stereo will get a separate new link soon if all goes well

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