Some space for
those answers we constantly seek - the lubricant for automotive minds.
How do I conduct a proper market survey of the cars available?
This website has been developed to aid you in your selection for the
best car suited to your needs. It includes brief descriptions and major
specifications of different cars made in India. Out of the different
parameters, a careful selection has been done to highlight the main
features. The next step after going through this would be to visit new
car dealer showrooms and check the vehicles personally. Check out
colors, prices, discounts, special offers, finance schemes, etc. If
possible, test-drive the car.
Which color should I choose?
The color most easily maintained is white. Apart from personal
perceptions, you should remember that the lower the cost of the paint
option, the cheaper it is to maintain. Basic gloss finish is the easiest
to maintain, metallic and pearl finish, though look good, cannot be
duplicated. Therefore your car's color should match your taste and be
within your budget.
What should I look for in a warranty?
You will obtain a warranty that lists the terms and conditions only
after having purchased a car. It would be good if you asked for the
manual and analyzed it beforehand. Clarify your doubts in advance
because the warranty weighs heavily on car maintenance costs.
What do I check when I take delivery of my car?
First, read the terms of warranty thoroughly. Understand the enormity
of the contract you are about to sign. Test-drive the car that you are
about to pick up before paying. After it goes for registration, check
all spare parts, the working condition of the car, and see if everything
promised by the dealer is there. The car should be in immaculate
physical condition.
What other essentials should I have while purchasing a car?
The following :
- Registration certificate or
receipt.
- Insurance certificate or cover-note
- Legal registration plates
- Pollution-under-control badge and
sticker
- Invoices
- Receipts
- Tax Deducted source certificates
- Full and final payment-cum-delivery
note
- Gate pass
- Separate sales-tax or other local
tax certificates applicable in some states
What does the color of the
engine oil indicate?
It does not indicate anything.
Can the quality of engine oil be judged by feel?
Yes, if the engine oil has gone bad there will be no slickness left.
What does the engine oil do in an engine?
Engine oil protects the engine from wear and tear, prevents corrosion
and also prevents deposits of foreign materials from forming blocks. It
cools the engine and maximizes performance and protects the engine from
rust.
Is car-wash necessary? Won't ordinary soap do?
No, ordinary soaps tend to remove the wax-finish of the paint. Car-wash
soaps are specially formulated to remove dirt, grime and soils commonly
found on vehicle surfaces without causing the removal of the car paint's
wax.
How often should I wax my car?
There are no exact specifications. When the water beading and the
finish appearance indicate that the wax is gone, re-apply.
What do I look for when buying a used car?
To buy a used car, you need to take lots of precautions. Taking your
mechanic along is a must as he is sure to detect defects that you were
even unaware of.
A few tips:
1. Check the engine number and the chassis number embossed on the
manufacturer's plate and in the car. Compare this with the Registration
Certificate. If it is a stolen car, it would have these reembossed.
2. The general appearance of the car will tell you if it has been
freshly painted, which may have been done to hide the actual situation.
3. If the car has just been repaired, search for shoddy material and
suspect workmanship, as it would have been done to make it seem like new
to bargain for a higher price.
4. Scrutinize carefully the truthfulness of the documents with the
Transport Department to ensure that the vehicle indeed belongs to the
person selling it.
5. Odometer readings are easily faked and cannot be relied upon. If a
regular log is maintained, it improves the value of the car.
A few more points...
- The condition of the under-mat
flooring, paintwork, tyres, wheel-rims and upholstery need to be
checked to gauge the car's condition. The clutch-pedal rubber
cladding, the color of the exhaust pipe outlet, tail-section and
tyres should be thoroughly checked. Check the working condition of
the electrical accessories and examine the condition of the battery.
See if the fuse box is working or not.
- It is imperative to check tyre
pressure and engine oil before you test drive the car. Low tyre
pressure has a good suspension feeling as it suppresses defects and
body rattle, while high tyre pressure gives a false impression of
better engine performance. At times, engine oil is mixed with
thicker oils to give a smoother feeling to the engine. Only an
accomplished mechanic can detect this.
Now you are ready for a test drive!
Mark the following-
1. Does the engine turn smoothly?
2. Does the starter sound clear?
3. Is the take-off smooth?
4. Turn the steering wheel all around, drive in reverse gear for a
while, brake suddenly and watch if the car comes to a sudden halt or if
the engine turns itself off?
5. When the engine warms up, check the exhaust, preferably while
driving behind the car. Blue smoke indicates a weak engine while black
indicates excessive unburnt fuel. Ideally, there should be no smoke. Ask
for the Pollution under Control Certificate.
6. Stop the car and open the bonnet. Remove the oil filler cap with the
engine at idling speed. The presence of smoke is an indication of
serious trouble.
7. It is advisable that documents etc. are handed/ taken over in the
presence of a witness.
Details of Documents:
- Original Registration Certificate
(or duplicated certificate issued by RTO)
- Original Insurance Cover Note
- Original Pollution Under Cover Note
- Original Pollution Under Cover
Certificate
- Clearing from Finance
Companies/Leasing Companies
- Original Sale Note (Check with
local RTO for exact forms required)
- No objection certificate from RTO
for out - of - state registered vehicles.
- Money Receipt · Handing Over
/Taking Over Certificate
- Any other relevant document as the
case warrants.
Always check the
validity and authenticity of the documents before you part with your
money.
As you zoom in on your purchase deal, remember to sideglance into other
cars too.
While you are at it, remember that the tortoise won the race. Never
ever be in a hurry. Be satisfied that this is THE car for you before
finalizing the deal.
We hope these queries will not remain as frequently asked as they were!
Happy Motoring!
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