Thursday, September 16, 2010

TYPES OF CARS

Small Cars

Small cars are classified according to the price range which varies from 1 to 3 lakhs. It has the capacity to carry 4 passengers- 2 adults, 2 children. These are basically entry level cars which are preferred by service group and middle income group.

These cars are basically manufactured by - Maruti Udyog and Reva. While companies like Volkswagon and Reva are yet to launch their models in the market.

Mid Size Cars

A mid size car is referred to as an automobile with a size between that of compact and full size cars.

The price range of mid size cars lies between Rs 3 to 8 lakhs. The mid size cars have the capacity to carry 4 passengers- 2 adults and 2 children.

The credit of manufacturing of these cars goes to companies like- Fiat India, Ford, General Motors, Hindustan Motors, Hyundai motors, Maruti Udyog, San Motors and Tata Motors. While the companies like- Ford, Hyundai, General Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are yet to launch their models under this segment. This model basically target executive class.
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Premium Cars

Premium cars falls within the price range of Rs 7 to 15 lakhs. They have the capacity to carry 5 passengers. These cars mainly target higher income group.

Premium cars have been launched by the companies like- Audi India, Ford motors, General Motors, Honda City, Hyundai motors, Skoda Auto, Mitsubishi and Toyota motors. And the companies like- Audi, Ford, General Motors, Honda City and Skoda Auto are yet to launch their models under this segment.

Sport Utility Vehicle

Utility vehicles are rapidly capturing the market due to its multifarious use. Utility vehicles are found in two kinds :- Sport Utility Vehicle or Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and Multi Utility Vehicles (MUV). SUV in India has a large market base, and the demand is growing exponentially with time.

Sports Utility Vehicle

The spacious interior and sturdy exterior of a sport utility vehicle have made this category of utility vehicles one of the fastest selling vehicles in India. SUV is multi use vehicle, used to accommodate many passengers in one vehicle. No wonder, SUVs are preferred over other vehicles while going on a long trip with family members and friends. SUV in India, especially the sport utility van has always remained one of the most favorite family cars of the car owners in the country.

The name sport utility vehicle itself suggests why SUV vehicles have a huge fan following all over the world. Their sporty attributes make them look truly appealing, and for everyone who has a thing for sporty cars in India, SUV cars are the foremost choice. Go through any sport utility review, and it will say the road performance and mileage of a sport utility wagon or a sport utility trailer is surely one the best amongst all vehicle categories.

The domestic market for sport utility vehicle is huge in India. There are many manufacturers of SUVs. To name a few manufacturers of SUV in India- Fiat India, Ford Motors, Force Motors, General Motors, Hyundai Motors, Hindustan Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nissan, Porsche, Tata Motors, Toyota Motors etc. are the most well-known ones.

As per all industry sourced sport utility vehicle reviews, the all time best sport utility vehicles of India are Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Porsche Cayenne, Mitsubishi Pajero, Honda CR-V, and Audi Q7 are few of the versatile new SUV vehicles that are also hugely favored by Indian car lovers.

Recently crossover SUV vehicles are making great waves in the automobile scenario. This page provides all the detailed information about the new sport utility vehicle as well as the used sports utility vehicle. Buy an SUV for the ultimate driving experience.

Hatchback Cars

Hatchback cars are those cars that have an access to the interiors once the rear door is open and also the luggage space is integrated with the passenger cabin and the rear seat can be folded or removed to increase the luggage space. The two row seater small compact cars are categorized as Hatchback cars. Due to its low pricing, better mileage, low maintenance and most importantly perfect for drive in city's heavy-traffic, it has become the most selling car segment.

Hatchbacks occupy less parking space and is suitable for the metros where parking space is a major problem and also convenient for women drivers. Series of face lifted hatchback cars in India been launched and many more are yet to be launched. It seems the car manufacturers are aiming to revamp the entire small car or the hatchback segment. Comparing to last year, the new models of small cars has almost doubled this year. Even the car manufacturer of the luxury segment are now entering the hatchback segment.

Sedan Cars

The main features of a Sedan cars include bigger chassis dimensions, seating space and luggage space included in single body shell. Sedan are the mid size cars having more row seats with passenger capacity of four or more. A sedan model has more than four doors with separate boot or luggage space at the rear. Basically sedan car means the cars with more boot space and entirely different section from the passenger's cabin. In cars sedan is synonymous to luxury. Sedan cars are the blend of comfort, luxury, elegance and stunning interior with high end safety features. There are endless high end luxury cars in the same segment. The demand of sedan cars are increasing rapidly in India which is the main reason many foreign car manufactures target India as a launching pad for these luxury cars. The major players in this particular segment are Honda, Skoda, Volkswagen, Ford and Hyundai.

Car Accessories

Give a stylish look to your car with the broad range of car accessories available in the market. The high quality car accessories will make your driving experience all the more comfortable. Both interior as well as exterior car accessories can truly turn an average-looking car into a flashy vehicle. There are large number of car accessories that one can use to make a car look all the more attractive.
Cars Accessories
It is well said that "A car is incomplete without the car accessories", as it is the different kinds of accessories that further enhance the beauty of a car. Accessories like car seat covers, perfume, mats, stereo, steering cover, TV etc highlight the car interiors while accessories like car lights, central locking etc take care of the external car beauty.

Effective and efficient use of car accessories can turn an old car into a new one. It is just not possible to discuss about car accessories in few words, as every specific accessory has its own value that highlights the beauty of each car part. Be it the car interior or exterior, accessories are available to beautify the looks of a car completely.

Budget is not be an issue, as car accessories can be purchased in the most economical rates. Flip through the pages under this category to know about each car accessory in the best possible way.

Types of Car Accessories
Car accessories are undoubtedly as important as the car itself. These auto parts play a vital role in protection and beautification of your vehicle. There are different types of car accessories available in the market that can be used to brighten up the look and feel of a car that too within a budgeted amount.


Car Lightings
Car lighting is the most powerful accessory that can highlight your car from every aspect. Know more about an endless variety of sparkling car lights that can add a glowing touch to your car. So, don't think much. Flip through the pages of this portal and buy the car light of your choice.


Car TV
Make your car more luxurious by installing a high performance car TV in it. Car TV is completely a new add-on feature that has shown a quick and high acceptance rate worldwide. So, go and get a car TV of your choice and enjoy the drive even in a heavy traffic jam.


Car Stereo
A car stereo system is an important internal car accessory that adds rhythm and excitement to the drive. We all love to listen our favorite music while driving and it is the car stereo that can make us enjoy the drive. So, hurry...buy the best car stereo and enjoy your drive to the fullest.

Car Steering Covers
As the name implies, it is an accessory that is used to protect the original steering wheel from any kind of wear and tear. Steering cover also adds a luxurious look that further enhances the internal beauty of your dream car. Explore the world of car steering covers with us and enjoy a comfortable and safe drive.


Car Covers
Car cover is an exterior car accessory that is specially designed to protect your car from various harmful elements that can damage it. Different car covers are available in the market to suit your taste and requirement. With us, you can easily get in touch with the dealers of car covers and select one for your favorite car.


Car Seat Covers
Get yourself informed about a wide gamut of car seat covers that can simply add to the interior of the car. Car seat cover is a type of interior car accessory that gives a fashionable, classy look to your car.

Car Alarm
A car alarm is basically a safety device comprising of one or more sensors connected to a siren that provides a protection to your car from theft. Check out this category to find the best car alarm for your dream car.


Cheap Car Accessories
Car accessories when added to a car, makes it look all the more stylish and new. A large array of car accessories are available in the market within different price range. If you have a limited budget amount then you can consider buying some cheap car accessories.


Car Exterior Accessories
Car exterior accessories are primarily used to beautify the exterior and keep your car safe. Some of the exterior accessories widely used are wheel caps, mud flaps, rear view mirror, lights and many more. The car exterior accessories even help in catching the attention of the passer by, making the car look attractive.

Car Interior Accessories
Car interior accessories are basically used within the car to increase the comfort level and enhance the car interior as well. You can even do a make over of your old car by simply using the best car interior accessories.


Car Central Locking System
Car central locking system is a security device that helps the car owner to lock or unlock the car doors at the press of a button. Nowadays maximum people have central locking system to prevent their car from theft.


Car Perfumes
Car perfumes are basically used in cars to get rid of unpleasant odour. They are generally placed on the dashboard of the car, close to the car AC/blower. Car perfumes make the journey exhilarating by retaining the original freshness inside the car.

Car Insurance


Car Insurance
What is insured ?
Any light motor vehicle used for social, domestic and pleasure purposes and for the insurer's business.

Insured against what risks?
1(a). Loss or damage by accident, fire, lightning, self ignition, external explosion, burglary, housebreaking or theft, malicious act. 1(b). Riot and strike; terrorism; earthquake; flood, cyclone and inundation 1(c). whilst in transit by rail, road, air, elevator, lift. Perils under 1(b) can be deleted and a discount in premium availed. 2. Liability for third party injury/death, third party property and liability to paid driver. 3. On payment of appropriate additional premium, loss/damage to electrical/electronic accessories, PA cover for drivers, insured or any named person, unnamed passengers can also be taken. 4. Certain discounts in premia are also available.

Who can insure?
Individuals and corporate owners of the private cars and the financier of the car having insurable interest in it.

What will policy pay and how much?
Own Damage
  1. Actual amount spent for repairs/replacement subject to depreciation and sum insured as per survey report.
  2. Garaging and towing charges - up to Rs 1000/-
  3. Damage to tyres (when vehicle is also damaged) - 50 % of cost of replacement
  4. In case of total loss, market value at the time of loss or sum insured whichever is less.
Act Liability
  1. Death or bodily injury to third parties - Unlimited
  2. Death or bodily injury to any person carried in the car provided they are not insured employees and not carried for hire or reward - Unlimited
  3. Liability to paid driver - As per W. C. Act
  4. Third party property damage - up to Rs 6000/-
  5. All costs and expenses incurred with company's written consent
f) In case of death of the Insured/any person entitled to indemnity for a liability incurred under this Policy,his personal representative will be indemnified ,as in the case of insured,if he observes all conditions as the insured himself.


When will policy not pay?
  • Consequential loss; depreciation; wear and tear; mechanical and electrical breakdown; failure or breakage.
  • When vehicle is used outside the geographical area; when used contrary to limitation as to use; driven by a person other than the driver stated in driver's clause

Comprehensive Insurance

About Comprehensive Insurance Cover
This type of insurance covers all the risks covered in the Motor Vehicles Act (as above), plus loss or damage caused to the vehicle due to:
  • Accident
  • Fire, Explosion, self-ignition, lightning
  • Burglary, house-breaking, theft
  • Riots & strikes
  • Earthquakes
  • Flood, typhoon, hurricane, storm, cyclones
  • Malicious acts
  • Terrorism
  • Transit by rail/road. air, waterways
Also included is the towing charge (up to Rs.1, 500/- for private vehicles and Rs.2, 500/- for commercial vehicles) incurred due to accident to the vehicle.

Exclusions to the Comprehensive Insurance Cover

This insurance does not cover loss or damage caused due to:
(a) Driver being under intoxication
(b) Vehicle being driven by a person not holding an effective, valid licence.

It also does not cover:
(a) Damage to tyres (unless the vehicle is also damaged).
(b) Wear & tear, mechanical breakdown.

Calculation in the case of Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
In the case of Comprehensive Insurance Cover, for the purpose of premium, vehicles are categorized as follows:
PRIVATE CAR:
This is used for personal purposes. The premium is computed on the following basis:
  • Geographical area of use and cubic capacity
  • Value of the vehicle. Accessories are to be specified separately under electrical and non-electrical items.
TWO-WHEELER:
This is used for personal purposes only. Premium is calculated on cubic capacity and value of vehicle. Accessories are to be specified. Theft of accessories is not covered, unless the vehicle is stolen at the same time.


COMMERCIAL VEHICLE:
This is a vehicle used for hire and is classified into:
  • Goods-carrying commercial vehicle: In this case premium is calculated on carrying capacity -gross vehicle weight and value of the vehicle. Accessories extra, as specified.
  • Passenger-carrying commercial vehicle: In this case premium is calculated on carrying capacity of the vehicle -Number of passengers and value of the vehicle. Accessories extra, as specified.
Note: all commercial vehicles are subject to compulsory excess in each and every claim for damage. ia Assurance Company
Third Pary insurance

The basic types of auto insurance coverage include:

  • Third Party Insurance
  • Comprehensive Insurance

Filing Your Claim
There is danger at every corner when it comes to Indian roads. Automobile insurance plays an important role in protecting consumers from serious financial losses that result from accidents.
Filing an auto insurance claim
At the scene
a) Stop and get help for the injured.
b) Call the police and notify the nearest medical unit.
c) Provide the Police with the information they require.
d) Take steps to protect your car from further damage. Your Insurance Company will probably want to have someone inspect it and appraise the damage before you order the repair work done.
e) Record the details of the accident.
Filing your claim
1. Phone your insurance agent. Do it as soon as possible even if you are far off from home and even if someone else caused the accident.
2. Ask your agent on how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form, as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report. Supply the information your insurer needs.

3. Keep records of your expenses. Expenses you incur as a result of an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy.
4. Keep copies of your paperwork. You may need to refer to it later.

Cars in India

The Car industry in India has seen a tremendous growth and seems to be the fastest growing sector in the world. Indian cars have gained acceptance all over the world, and the demand for cars made in India shows no signs of decline whatsoever. The Indian car sector has responded with an exponential progress in the number of new models launched in the recent past.
Small Cars Mid Size Cars Premium Cars Luxury Cars
Sport Utility Vehicle Car Statistics Hatchback Cars Sedan Cars


Cars in India

The craze for Indian cars among people is growing day by day. Hence, all the Indian car manufacturers are giving tough competition to each other by opting innovative and unique ideas to capture the Indian car market.

The Indian car industry deals with different types of cars. Major Indian cars comprise big cars, small cars, sports cars, luxurious cars, etc. Most of the Indian car models are swank and designed on cutting-edge technology platforms, and each year there is a slew of latest car launches.

For those, who cannot afford to buy a new car can go for used cars. This Indian car site will provide you a complete database of car dealers who are willing to buy and sell cars. You will get useful car buying tips and used car buying tips along with a complete used car buying guide, apart from the new car buying tips and information on new car buying service. Browse through the extensively researched categories of Indian cars and get the most updated information related to cars in India.

For those who want more information about Indian cars can flip through the pages like car finance, car insurance, car accessories, and the list will go on. This automobile website is one of the most informative online auto & car resources that will provide you with the details of the Indian automobile industry and Indian cars. So, update yourself with the latest happenings in the Indian car industry and know more about your favorite car.
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Birth of Cars

The birth of the car as we know it today occurred over a period of years. It was only in 1885 that the first real car rolled down on to the streets. The earlier attempts, though successful, were steam powered road-vehicles.

Vintage Car
The first self-propelled car was built by Nicolas Cugnot in 1769 which could attain speeds of upto 6 kms/hour. In 1771 he again designed another steam-driven engine which ran so fast that it rammed into a wall, recording the world’s first accident.

In 1807 Francois Isaac de Rivaz designed the first internal combustion engine. This was subsequently used by him to develop the world’s first vehicle to run on such an engine, one that used a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to generate energy.

This spawned the birth of a number of designs based on the internal combustion engine in the early nineteenth century with little or no degree of commercial success. In 1860 thereafter, Jean Joseph Etienne Lenoir built the first successful two-stroke gas driven engine. In 1862 he again built an experimental vehicle driven by his gas-engine, which ran at a speed of 3 kms/hour. These cars became popular and by 1865 could be frequently espied on the roads. The next major leap forward occurred in 1885 when the four stroke engine was devised. Gottileb Damlier and Nicolas Otto worked together on the mission till they fell apart. Daimler created his own engines which he used both for cars and for the first four wheel horseless carriage. In the meanwhile, unknown to them, Karl Benz, was in the process of creating his own advanced tri-cycle which proved to be the first true car. This car first saw the light of the day in 1886.

The season of experiments continued across the seas in the United States where Henry Ford began work on a horseless carriage in 1890. He went several steps forward and in 1896, completed his first car, the Quadricycle in 1896. This was an automobile powered by a two cylinder gasoline engine. The Ford Motor Company was launched in 1903 and in 1908 he catapulted his vehicle, Model T Ford to the pinnacle of fame. Continuing with his innovations, he produced this model on a moving assembly line, thus introducing the modern mass production techniques of the automobile industry.

The modern car, therefore comes from a long list of venerated ancestors, and its lineage will, hopefully grow longer as we progress!

Motor Vehicle Safety

Motor Vehicle Safety

Fasten your seat belts

Seat Belt Car crashes are a leading cause of death. Aside from always following traffic signs and obeying the rules of the road, buckling up your safety belt may be the single most dramatic move you can make to reduce your health risks. The deaths and injuries that occur every year due to car accidents could be reduced by about half if both drivers and passengers used their safety belts. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is strapped in, and that small children are secured in safety seats before you take off. It can save your life, and it's the law!

Never, Ever Drink and Drive

Never, Ever Drink and DriveYoung people in particular are at high risk for auto accidents. Adding alcohol to the situation is sheer insanity. Alcohol is the major cause of fatal car crashes caused by human error. People are killed on the road every day because they or others had alcohol-impaired judgment or reflexes. If death doesn't scare you, how about disability? Drunk driving results in hundreds of thousands of injuries including lifetime disability from brain damage, paralysis, blindness, or amputated or deformed limbs.

New Air Bag Guidelines

To help prevent injuries in the event your car's air bag deploys : Properly restrain all infants and children in safety seats, or lap and shoulder belts, whenever they ride in a motor vehicle. Never use rear-facing child safety seats in the front seat of a vehicle. A rapidly inflating air bag can strike the rear-facing seat, seriously injuring or killing the child. Infants should ride in a rear-facing safety seat - placed in the rear seat of the vehicle - until they are about one year old. Have children ride in the rear seat whenever possible. When a child rides in the front seat, make sure the seat is pushed back as far as possible - away from the air bag. (Kids often sit close to the dashboard so they can see better. This minimum clearance can be a problem if the air bag ever deploys.) Source: CDC

Hot Cars

On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can shoot up in minutes - even if the windows are partially open.. Even if it is not so hot outside, the danger of overheating exists - especially if you have a dark-colored car. Don't leave pets or children unattended.

Anti-theft tips

Anti-theft tips
Lock your vehicle and pocket the keys

The majority of stolen vehicles are left unlocked, often with the keys in the ignition. Whether you leave it for a moment or for several hours, always lock it and take the keys with you. NEVER leave your vehicle with the engine running. This is an open invitation to the "joyrider".

Secure Valuables and Parcels

Never leave unattended in your vehicle, cheque books, credit cards, or other such articles. Lock valuables in the trunk.

Park in Well-Lit and Busy Areas

This is important for both your personal safety and the protection of your automobile and its contents.

Secure Your Registration

Carry your vehicle registration with you.

Identification

Criminals have also found it profitable to steal equipment and accessories. Engraving tools are available to mark equipment and accessories such as batteries, stereos and hubcaps.

Essentials for an emergency

Essentials for an emergency

Carry these items in your vehicle in case of an emergency: Flares.
Portable radio and spare batteries.
Bottled drinking water.
Energy food bars.
Blanket.
Flash Light and spare batteries.
Reflective Triangles.
First Aide Kit. Duct Tape.
Tennis shoes and socks - in case you drive somewhere in high heels.
Clean (void of gas or vapors) or new gas can.
Tire in a Can - for repairing punctured tires.
Spare change.
Cellular phone - if you can afford one.
Spare tire in good condition - check it every time you save your oil changed or tires rotated.
Jack. Rag.
Window scraper for cold climates.
Gallon of water for hot climates.
Insurance company information.
Roadside Assistance Program information (CAA).
Jumper cables.
Tire pressure gauge.
Bailing wire.
Rubber mallet.
Four-way screw driver.
Pre-moistened towlettes.
Paper and a pen or pencil.
Owner's Manual.

Tips for Night Driving

Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day, yet many of us are unaware of night driving's special hazards or don't know effective ways to deal with them.
Saftey Tips
Driving at night is more dangerous than during the day. One of the obvious reasons is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised after sundown.

Fatigue also adds to the danger of night driving. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.

Alcohol is the single most significant factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part in more than half of all motor vehicle-related deaths. That makes weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on Friday and Saturday nights than at any other time in the week.

Effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers can be taken by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive:
  • Prepare your car for night driving.
  • Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows once a week, more often if necessary.
  • Aim your headlights properly.
  • Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.

Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue. Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision. Turn your headlights on if there are any doubts. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.

Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.

Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

Keep your headlights on low beams when following another vehicle so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.

If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.

Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest.

If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up flares or reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light.

Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down. As your eyes are adapting to the constant change in amount of light, twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive.

Do's & Don'ts of driving

Before you drive...

HAVE A CLEAR HEAD
HAVE A CLEAR HEAD Make sure you always have a clear head before deciding to operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs, both illegal and legal, can severely impair your driving skills. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dangerous drowsiness. Get a good night's rest and don't drive for long stretches without a break. If you are tired, don't risk the safety of yourself and others on the highway by trying to drive. Just as with alcohol--designate a driver or choose another means of transportation such as taxi cab or public transportation.

LIMIT DRIVING ALONE WHEN TIRED
Driving with someone else in your vehicle can increase your overall alertness. It is well recognized that when driving alone, especially when sleep deprived and at night, your chances of a crash are dramatically increased.

READ THE LABELS
If you are taking any medications, be sure to read and obey the warning labels. If the label says the medication causes drowsiness or not to drive--heed the warning and don't drive. The warnings are there for a reason. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or to ask about medications for your condition that don't cause drowsiness.

PLAN AHEAD
PLAN AHEAD
Allow yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and allow for emergencies or traffic jams. In today's busy world most of us are in a hurry to get where we are going. By allowing extra time we can be more relaxed when operating our vehicles and thereby cut down on the incidences of road rage, such as excessive speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out between cars.

RESEARCH SAFETY FEATURES
Safety should always be a top priority when shopping for a vehicle. Research the safety performance of any vehicle you are considering buying including how the vehicle performs in crash tests. Both driver and passenger side air bags are now mandatory in all new cars. Look for side impact bags in many new models as well. When buying a used vehicle, look for one with air bags. Research what type of safety systems are in the car and choose the safest to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a collision.

While in the driver's seat :
RELAX
Avoid aggressive driving by relaxing and having patience. By not being in such a rush to reach your destination you will be a calmer person and won't need to speed and run red lights. A yellow light means slow down, not speed up. Always stop at red lights.

BE ALERT TO SIGNS OF FATIGUE
If you start to feel tired when driving pull over in a safe area and let someone else drive. If you are alone, pull into a safe location such as a well lit rest stop and take a short nap or get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes. Stop as often as necessary. When traveling on long trips, eat light. Large, heavy meals can make you drowsy.

PRACTICE COMMON SENSE SAFETY RULES
Always wear your safety belt and make sure all your passengers are buckled properly, even on short trips. If traveling with children, educate yourself on the many kinds of child safety seats and restraints. Choose which system is best for your child and always follow the directions. Make sure children ages 12 and under are always buckled up in the back seat, the safest place to ride.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD
Avoid taking your eyes off the road by eliminating any possible distractions ahead of time. Before setting out on a drive, be sure that important items are within easy reach, i.e. directions and maps, sunglasses, etc. Reduce to a minimum possibly dangerous diversions of your attention from the tasks of safe driving such as changing tapes or compact discs and always pull over to a safe place to use your cellular telephone.

Motor Vehicle Safety

Motor Vehicle Safety

Fasten your seat belts

Seat Belt Car crashes are a leading cause of death. Aside from always following traffic signs and obeying the rules of the road, buckling up your safety belt may be the single most dramatic move you can make to reduce your health risks. The deaths and injuries that occur every year due to car accidents could be reduced by about half if both drivers and passengers used their safety belts. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is strapped in, and that small children are secured in safety seats before you take off. It can save your life, and it's the law!

Never, Ever Drink and Drive

Never, Ever Drink and DriveYoung people in particular are at high risk for auto accidents. Adding alcohol to the situation is sheer insanity. Alcohol is the major cause of fatal car crashes caused by human error. People are killed on the road every day because they or others had alcohol-impaired judgment or reflexes. If death doesn't scare you, how about disability? Drunk driving results in hundreds of thousands of injuries including lifetime disability from brain damage, paralysis, blindness, or amputated or deformed limbs.

New Air Bag Guidelines

To help prevent injuries in the event your car's air bag deploys : Properly restrain all infants and children in safety seats, or lap and shoulder belts, whenever they ride in a motor vehicle. Never use rear-facing child safety seats in the front seat of a vehicle. A rapidly inflating air bag can strike the rear-facing seat, seriously injuring or killing the child. Infants should ride in a rear-facing safety seat - placed in the rear seat of the vehicle - until they are about one year old. Have children ride in the rear seat whenever possible. When a child rides in the front seat, make sure the seat is pushed back as far as possible - away from the air bag. (Kids often sit close to the dashboard so they can see better. This minimum clearance can be a problem if the air bag ever deploys.) Source: CDC

Hot Cars

On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can shoot up in minutes - even if the windows are partially open.. Even if it is not so hot outside, the danger of overheating exists - especially if you have a dark-colored car. Don't leave pets or children unattended.

National Highway Policy

National Highway Policy

North-South & East-West Corridors

National Highway Policy, indian national highwaysThis plan aims to connect the northern most tip, Jammu to the extreme South - Kanyakumari. Two 8-lane, 7000-kms expressways are to be built for the purpose. According to the Chairman of the task force on infrastructure, Mr. Jaswant Singh, 30 points have been identified by the Government for the purpose.

The North-South Expressway goes from Jammu to Kanyakumari through Delhi, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Coimbatore, and the East-West Expressway runs from Silchar to Somnath through Calcutta.

The Golden Quadrilateral

Another ambitious plan on the anvil is the 5000 km Golden Quadrilateral project that aims to connect the four metros (Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Chennai) via National Highways. 77 routes have been identified purpose, which will also connect major cities and ports.The existing National Highways are to be upgraded from 2-lanes lanes to 4-lanes and even at certain places to 6-lanes, depending upon the density of the traffic.

All this, however, requires a massive investment to the tune of Rs. 1,25,000 crores. The Government is in a position to pay Rs. 3000 crores and the cess on petrol and diesel will be able to bring in R. 4000 crores. To make this dream a reality, private companies will have to be brought in. These will then charge road tolls that are not feasible in the Indian context. The best remedy, therefore is to increase the number of lanes of those roads that already exist, and go for a step - by - step procedure.

For the moment therefore, the only possible option before India is to four-lane the two-lane highways and construct bypasses.

National Super Highway System

The Indian government's belated attempt to come up with some sort of a Highway Policy is a welcome step in the right direction, but, will it be implemented, or will it remain another scrap of paper, as countless other policies?

Detect an engine problem

Detect an engine problem

  • Try and detect the problem - is the car not starting, running roughly, conking out, or using too much petrol?
  • After you have detected it, isolate the system most likely to be its cause. If it is conking out, the fuel system may be at fault. If it is not starting, the electrical system may be worth looking at first. If the car is overheating, check the cooling system.Click Here To Purchase Books on Auto
  • After you have isolated the most likely system, locate the weakest link in that system. The fuel pump, for example, is often the most vulnerable part of the fuel system.
  • Check each successive part in the system until the problem is solved.
  • Get the broken part replaced or repaired. Consult your car's manual for other specific problems you might be facing. This will help to speed up diagnosis.