GENERAL INSURANCE BLOG

Imagine you are on a road trip, and suddenly you encounter a “flat tyre” situation. While you may think you should let a mechanic handle it, sometimes giving it a try on your own can be a much easier job to do. Changing the tyre is not challenging, nor does it need you to be “strong.” Just a few tips, and you are sorted to fix the issue all by yourself. In this blog, we have broken down the steps to learn how to change your tyre quickly!

Before you learn how to change the tyre, here’s something you should note:

Remember to keep a spare tyre in your car for emergencies. Moreover, pull over to a safe place and avoid parking on a slope or a dangerous road.

Furthermore, whenever you park, keep your parking lights on. This is crucial when it is dark so that the passing vehicles on the road will be aware of your car which reduces the chances of accident.

What are the tools you will need?

Before we begin with the steps, these are the tools you will need to change your vehicle’s tyre on your own.

● A spare tyre

● Carjack

● Lug wrench

● Wheel nut key

● Reflective jacket

● Car owner’s manual/handbook

Additional things you may need:

● Torch

● Gloves

● Warning triangle

● Wheel wedges

● Short plank of wood (optional)

Step-By-Step Guide to change your vehicle’s tyre on your own:

If you learn how to change your vehicle’s tyre once, you can easily do it whenever you need it next time.

Step 1: Pull over to a safe place and prepare for your tyre change. Pull the hand brakes and keep your vehicle in the first gear. Now, take out all the essential tools mentioned above. If you have an automatic car, put it in the “park” mode.

Note: If you have people sitting in your car, ask everyone to stand in a safe place. Avoid people sitting in your car until the tyre has been changed.

Step 2: Now, loosen all the nuts from the wheel by rotating them anti-clockwise. Note that you only need to loosen the nuts to a point where they are rotatable with your hand and NOT remove them altogether.

Step 3: If you are unaware of your car’s jack point, check out your car’s manual. Now, use your jack to uplift the vehicle. You can use the small wood of plank to keep the vehicle stable; this is crucial when the road is uneven. Raise the car 10-15 cms above the ground.

Step 4: Next step is to remove the loosened wheel nuts and remove the tyre using a cross-wrench.

Step 5: You can remove the dirt or rust in the vehicle hub and start placing your new tyre.

Step 6: Fit all the nuts into the tyre and tighten them with your hands.

Step 7: Use the jack to lower your car to the ground level again.

Step 8: Now, tighten the screws fully with the cross-wrench. Give a final check to the tightness and if needed, go to the nearby gas station to get the pressure level checked.

Take your punctured tyre for repair and later replace it with the spare one.

Since you know how to change the tyre of your vehicle, next time, you won't have to wait on a street for a mechanic or a passerby to come for your help. Besides learning the essential maintenance tips, it is also important to invest in the vehicle’s safety against heavy damages caused due to uninvited accidents. Buy motor insurance online and get useful coverage add-ons for your vehicle’s servicing and repair works.

Click HERE to buy motor 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.

The Indian government has recently stated that installing FASTag is mandatory for every vehicle. Various toll plazas in the country have already adopted it for toll collection. This initiative helps to make the cashless tax collection and reduce waiting time at the toll plazas.

FASTag comes in the form of a sticker or a tag that you need to stick on your car’s windscreen. You can recharge FASTag as per your requirement. When your car passes through a toll plaza, it automatically deducts a certain amount from your bank account or a prepaid wallet. FASTags are a step forward in making India digital. Following are some interesting facts and benefits of FASTag if you are still sceptical about installing it.

Interesting facts to know about FASTag.

1. Without FASTag, you pay double:
Although the authorities have made the use of FASTags compulsory for all vehicles, they are more than just mandatory. If a vehicle does not have it installed, they have to pay double what is paid through FASTag. This rule has been imposed to promote the use of the electronic chip and reduce waiting time and fuel consumption at the tolls.

2. RFID technology:
FASTag uses the RFID or Radio Frequency Identification technology for making payments directly when the vehicle is still in motion. The FASTag sticker is affixed on the vehicle’s windscreen and lets you make direct payments from your bank account or wallet.

3. FASTags are bank-neutral:
FASTags are available in most of the certified banks. They are also available at various toll plazas, digital wallets, and unified payment networks. Vehicle owners can simply visit any of these locations or visit these apps with the required documents to open their FASTag account and recharge it.

4. FASTags have validity:
FASTags have a validity of five years from the day of issuance. This means you will have to renew your FASTag account every 5 years. However, there is no expiry date on your recharge money, and you can use it as per your requirements. To check the validity of your FASTag, you can log in to the bank’s FASTag portal or mobile app.

5. Recharge as per your requirements:
There are two ways you can pay tolls using FASTag- by linking FASTag to your bank account where the money is directly deducted or by recharging your online wallet. If you choose to recharge, the minimum amount is Rs. 100. The recharge can only be done through online mode.

6. FASTags send you SMS alerts:
When you open your FASTag account and link your mobile number to it, you will be notified via SMS whenever there is a deduction from your account. You will also receive details regarding available balance, recharge confirmations, and alerts if you have a low balance.

Technological advancements have been shaping the future of India in various dimensions, and road transport has been receiving the optimum results. Severe commutation issues like long traffic jams, chaos at the toll plazas, and road accidents, have been brought under control with the wise use of technology.

FASTag has been a significant contributor to this movement, and it will show a massive positive impact in the coming years. Be a responsible driver and install FASTag in your vehicle to play your role in the initiative. Use these technology initiatives in your favour to have a comfortable and safe driving standard. And when safety is concerned, think of car insurance. Reduce dependencies on additional unwanted expenses and cover your car under the benefits of a comprehensive car insurance policy. Always look after your car insurance renewal to enjoy uninterrupted services for a long time.

Click HERE to know more about the best car insurance renewal options.

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.

Surviving the heat of the hectic work schedules throughout the week and managing the balance between work and personal life is challenging. Mumbai’s fast-paced lifestyle can turn overwhelming as the weekend arrives. But there is a cure for this; Planning a weekend getaway to someplace away from the city chaos. This time think something different for the weekend besides the long drive trips to Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar or jetty rides to Alibaugh. We suggest a full-fledged camping experience to surrender in the arms of nature.

Don't miss out on the escape to the perfect experience of reviving your connection with nature. This article presents a cumulated list of camping sites in a radius of about 200 km from Mumbai.

1. Bhandardara, Ahmednagar:
Known for its patent Fireflies festival, Bhandardara is one of the top places for camping, especially for Mumbaikars. Located 165 kilometres from Mumbai, the destination allows you to have a comfortable long drive on NH3. This camping site also offers you amazing activities such as stargazing, constellation watching, and boating in the lake. Spend some peaceful time in serenity and flush out all the stress of the week during your stay at this beautiful campsite.

2. Malshej Ghat, Kalyan–Ahmednagar Road:
Tucked in the Western Ghats and home to a diverse range of biota is another lush spot for night camping named Malshej ghat. This could be your go-to place if you’re seeking a camping experience all by yourself. The mild air can soothe even the most restless hearts, and the mist and rain create the perfect environment for solitude.

3. Karnala, Mumbai-Goa highway:
Mumbaikars are no strangers to the name Karnala. The fort and sanctuary located here are famous all around the Raigad district. What makes it one of the most extraordinary monsoon retreats is its blanketed hillocks with verdant forests, grass, and foliage throughout the season.

4. Uttan, Mumbai:
Despite being located in Mumbai, this place is cuddled in a beautiful natural setting, far from the usual concrete jungle that we see. Situated at the city’s northern fringes, this is a laid-back fishers town. Visit it to live underneath the stars, eat fresh and delicious seafood, watch live music, and participate in thrilling adventure sports. What makes it even more exciting is that you don’t have to travel more than 50 km to reach the destination.

5. Kolad, Roha:
Residing on the banks of the river Kundalika, Kolad is one of the most serene camping spots around Mumbai. It is also known for being the favourite river rafting destination for Mumbaikars. It is left untouched by wannabe tourists, and hence the only thing that breaks the peaceful stillness is the chirps of birds and babbles of the river.

6. Pawna Lake, Pune:
This lake is an ideal weekend getaway for people who want to absorb the wonderful natural environs. As it rests in the woods, it provides the campers with a great deal of peace and contentment. This site has views that satisfy your exact image of lakeside camping.

Having tons to offer in connection with adventure, nature, relaxation, and breathtaking vistas, these camping sites will undoubtedly provide you with lifelong memories. However, the true essence of any trip can be experienced when it is crafted with security assured at all stages. You won’t like to carry the stress of the safety of your belongings and valuables when you’re out to enjoy your holidays. So, protect your travel with Magma HDI’s online general insurance plan that will ensure your assets’ security throughout your trip.

To look for online general insurance, click HERE .

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.

There is no question that motorcyclists are crazy about their bikes and want to keep them glowing all the time. Most of the time, even seasonal changes won’t derail their desire to have a shining bike. Seasonal changes like wet and humid weather harm the two-wheelers most, mainly the rusting. Rust is an awful deal to handle when the bike has seen mud, water, ice, and road salt.

But there are DIY hacks that help you combat rust and preserve the life of your two-wheeled companion. In today’s article, we’ll discuss some clever, useful hacks that will help you handle rust efficiently.

1. Lemon Juice to remove rust:

The acidic nature of lemon helps eliminate rust in its early stages before it affects the inside metal. Here’s how to use it:

• Collect ample lemon juice in a cup.

• Apply the juice thoroughly onto a ball of steel wool with the help of a spoon, or simply dip the steel wool in the cup.

• Rub the rusted areas gently with steel wool.

• Wipe away the extra lemon juice and rust particles using tissue paper, done!

*keep the juice away from your eyes and any open wounds as it may cause burns due to its acidic nature. Wear gloves and glasses for precaution.

2. Get rid of rust using potatoes and salt:

When it comes to organic cleaning, this small technique is fantastic to have on hand. Here’s how you can use this duo to get rid of that adamant rust;

• Cut a potato in half.

• Rub the sliced portion of the potato on salt, thoroughly coating it.

• Rub the salted potato over the rusted parts vigorously. Slice the salted end of the potato off and dip it in extra salt as needed.

• Thoroughly rinse afterwards.

The oxalic acid present in potatoes naturally helps dissolve rust, while the salt works as an abrasive.

3. Sandpaper to scrape off the rust:
Use sandpaper to get rid of rust from parts such as engine and transmission, as these parts require precise attention. A slight deviation can throw everything off if not done correctly.

4. Baking soda to remove rust:
Make a thick mixture of water and baking soda and rub it all over the rusted surface. Let the paste settle on the bike's surface for about an hour. Rub the surface with steel wool. Rinse thoroughly with water & dry it using a paper towel.

5. Scrubbing – the good old way:
Simply scrubbing using a wire brush is also effective in getting rid of rust from larger bike parts. This technique, however, is not suggested for chrome parts of your bike since you may wind up scratching them.

Although these organic rust removing techniques are excellent, most of them are acid-based, and they have the potential to damage your bike, particularly in areas with mixed materials such as steel + rubber or steel + plastic.

It's best to hand over your motorcycle to experts for rust removals if it is heavily covered in rust. They make sure you get the best results while assuring the perseverance of your bike. A good 2 wheeler insurance provides the security covers with these aspects as well, including rust remover. So if you have 2 wheeler insurance, you can claim the rust repairs under it. Be a responsible owner and make investments that can yield you considerable profits. After all, your two-wheeler is a prized possession, and maintaining it in good shape should be your priority.

Click HERE to know more about 2 wheeler insurance.to know more about 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.