All the four provinces of Pakistan have launched and are successfully running their websites to process and list the required motor vehicle charges. Registered owners of commercial and private vehicles can easily find out what motor vehicle taxes and other related charges like title transfer and initial registration need to be paid. The online payment processing is active for Sind, Punjab, and Islamabad Capital territory, while those for KPK and Balochistan are still under process.

Links for the details of the provincial revenue authority websites are as follows:

1.    Punjab

Managed by the Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department, Government of Punjab.

Web page: https://excise.punjab.gov.pk/motorvehicle_tax

2.    Sind

Managed by the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, Government of Sind.

Web page:  https://excise.gos.pk/taxes/motor-vehicle-tax/

3.    Balochistan

Managed by the Balochistan Revenue Authority, Government of Balochistan.

Web page:  https://bra.gob.pk/HowtopayTaxes.aspx

4.    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Managed by the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Web page: http://www.kpexcise.gov.pk/app/motor-vehicle-taxes/

Sind, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have actively running websites with support and clear links out of the four websites listed. The Balochistan Revenue Authority is also aiming to digitize all its relevant revenue departments, with a particular focus on the online payment of taxes. It will facilitate ease of doing business in Baluchistan. However, all four sites had clear guides on how to go about paying vehicles taxes online.

A summary of the process is given below, there may be some differences, but the general process is the same for all provinces.

How to Pay Vehicles Token Online?

The links of the provinces’ motor vehicle tax pages open on a schedule of charges for vehicles. Suppose you want to transfer ownership, pay annual taxes, or register a new vehicle. In that case, tables are listed specifying the costs according to vehicle category and its engine capacity (its listed cc).

Make sure you have the details like your car’s last paid tax, registration year, and other relevant information. The tax calculator will help you calculate how much you need to pay.

The payment processing can be done directly, while some provinces require that you download their revenue processing applications from Play Store (Android) or App Store (Apple). Make an ID and profile and create an account to pay whatever official dues you need to pay.

To pay motor vehicle taxes Online in Punjab, you need to:

Download the Punjab ePay App. The Punjab IT Board develops this app under the instructions of the Finance Department of Punjab to facilitate people in paying vehicle tax online as well as multiple ranges of services.

How to pay vehicle token tax online in Punjab?

• Install the e-Pay Punjab application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Create an account to get started.
• Select Token Tax under the Excise and Taxation Department tab.
• Enter vehicle registration number (e.g. LEA-123 or LEA-20-123).
• After confirming details, generate a challan.
• Note down the PISD number provided to pay token tax online

To pay motor vehicle taxes in Sind, you need to:

1: Open the relevant provincial excise department’s website and click on “Online Tax Payment.”

2: After clicking on Online Tax Payment,” a tab will open where you should select “Quick Pay.”

3: Enter your mobile number and car registration number on the Quick Pay tab.

4: Click on the calculate tax button to see how much tax you owe.

5: Now select ‘Generate PSID’ and copy down the PSID generated.

This PSID is used to process and track your payment through the option you decide.

Payment Options

These are the same for all provinces, once the PSID has been generated

1. Through an ATM

Visit your nearest ATM along with your ATM Card.

– After PIN verification, select the option of ‘Tax Payment’ under the choice of bill payment and select Excise and Taxation from the main menu.

– Enter the numbers of the PSID you were issued and Press OK.

– the amount due against the PSID number should be automatically fetched and displayed on the ATM Screen.

2. Net banking

Log in to your internet or mobile banking app and select the option of ‘Tax Payment.’ This should be under the option of ‘Bill Payment’ and select ‘Excise & Taxation’ from the main menu.

Enter the digits of your PSID and Press OK. Again, the payable amount against the PSID number you generated should automatically be fetched and displayed on your screen. Transfer funds and you will get a message about the transaction being successful on the screen. (take a screenshot for safekeeping)

3. Bank branches

You can also visit the nearest 1Link Member bank branches with a printout of the PSID number and ask the cashier to make the payment of due taxes against the PSID.

Payment of Online Vehicle Tax in Islamabad Capital Territory

People in Islamabad can now avail themselves of the option of paying vehicle tax online through using the Islamabad City App without needing to visit the Excise and Taxation Department physically.

The Islamabad City App is a project of the National IT Board. Apart from providing the facility to pay vehicle taxes online, citizens of the capital territory have a range of other options available for their convenience.

Some of the facilities offered by the Islamabad City App are

• Domicile Certificate
• International Driving Permit
• Token Tax Payment
• Vehicle Registration

Apart from these services, citizens can also verify all issued certificates and registrations already done.

How to pay Vehicle Tax Online using Islamabad City App?

1. Install the app from Google Play Store through the link: play.google.com/store/apps/IslamabadCityApp
2. Register using your CNIC and your email ID.
3. Click Token Tax Tab.
4. Enter your vehicle number.
5. Pay your token Tax Online.

Sadia Zaheer

Sadia Zaheer holds a Masters in Business Administration from IBA, Karachi. After working in several financial institutions in Client Management, Corporate Lending, Islamic Banking and Product Management she jumped careers to pursue a career in writing.
She is a Finance, Business and HR Development writer with four years of experience. She reads a lot and takes care of her multiple cats to remain calm.

The post The easiest way to pay vehicle tax in Pakistan appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Summer brings sunshine and higher temperatures, but it can also bring summertime car problems. Here are some common car problems in the summer and hot weather car tips to keep your car running in top condition no matter what the weather may be.

Summer is the perfect time for road trips and new adventures. We look forward to summers for planning trips and vacations where few days of relaxation and different from routine. Sadly, it’s also one of the hottest time the time when car breakdowns can occur because the extreme heat and weather can affect several car components such as the engine, tires, brakes, battery, and fluids.
Below mentioned are Summer Weather Car Problems and How to avoid them and save a lot of money!

Tire Bursts

One of the most common car complications experienced during the summer season and is tire bursts. Due to the rise and fall in temperature (very hot days and cooler nights), the air pressure in the tires can be seriously affected making it easier for them to get damaged leading them to become worn. During the summer season assure that your tires are inflated properly to avoid this problem. Also, one should not forget to check the tire wear patterns and remember, it’s vital for an individual to remember that one should not drive their winter tires throughout the summer.
Problem 2: Weak Battery
During extreme hot weather conditions, the car battery must works a lot harder almost double to keep the car cool in hot conditions. You need to assure that the battery is in top contour and that nothing is hindering the flow of air over the battery. If you find and notice a slow engine crank start, this could mean it’s that’s part of the year where it’s time for a new battery.

Overheating

We definitely can’t blame the sun for this one! A defective cooling system can lead the engine to become overheated. To prevent this from happening, keep an eye and check on fluid levels. If fluids from the car engine are being drained faster than usual, there could be a leak in the system. Also, if you ever notice that steam is coming out from the hood of your car, without wasting a minute pull over immediately and call a repair shop for assistance.

Worn Wiper Blades

Small things which can have a great impact, are the wiper blades can easily become worn from overuse leaving them damaged and making it difficult to remove water without streaking. Replace your wipers when they have become worn to make sure your visibility is not affected.
You’ll get quite a bit of use out of your wiper blades during the spring/summer rains. This will likely leave them worn and damaged making it difficult to remove water from your windshield without streaking.
This could cause a build-up of debris under those nicks or warps on the edge of the blade which may cause scratches on your windshield. That would be the cue for you to replace them.
Summer thunderstorms can get intense and it can be a sudden pour as well. One minute you’re enjoying the sunshine, poolside or at your home balcony or garden with a nice cold beverage in hand. The next, you’re getting pelted with heavy, messy drops of rain. If you’re driving, worn wipers can quickly lead to an unsafe driving state of affairs. It can be extremely dangerous if you get caught in one of these thunderstorms.
Pay attention that the edges of your wiper edges are crisp, straight, and intact. Thuds, nicks, or warped edges allow for water and debris to get underneath and cause streaking and even scratching. Manufacturers recommend replacing your wipers every six months. If your windshield looks like a toddler’s finger painting when it rains, it’s time for an upgrade.

Broken Air Conditioning

Summer is the worst time to not have air conditioning in a hot car. Ensure that the electrical components that power the AC are working well. One suggestion to keep your ac healthy and working are that you may want to consider driving every once in a while with your windows down when the weather isn’t that hot to reduce the strain on your AC.
We understand that there’s nothing quite as satisfying and comforting as a cool car on a hot summer’s day thanks to your trusted AC. If the AC breaks down, the temperature inside the car can rise to dangerous levels which could be detrimental to the health of the passengers of the car.
So, check to see that the vehicle’s fluids are at prime levels and that all the electrical components that power the AC are working fine. To reduce the strain on the AC, try driving the car during the cooler times of day like in the mornings and evenings.

Worn Shock Absorbers

You might notice sometimes the car feels uneven and a little wobbly after hitting a pothole or after driving on gravel. Have the shocks checked before they can cause further damage to the car?
Those off-road summer adventures might sound all great and but they are recipe for disaster for the shocks. If after driving on the gravel or hitting a pothole you notice that your car feels a little uneven while driving, sluggish when making a turn or excessively bouncy the most likely culprit are the shocks. It’s a good idea to have them checked.

Dead Battery

One common summertime problem is a dead car battery. High temperatures can cause the evaporation of battery fluid, which makes the battery work harder, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. To avoid a dead battery, make sure you:
Things to remember…
1. Have the battery changed every three to five years
2. Keep the battery clean
3. Check your electrical system to make sure it’s charging at the proper rate
4. Engine Overheating
Another common problem in the summer months is an overheated engine. The engine naturally produces a lot of friction and heat, so when temperatures get high and we’re dealing with a heatwave, it’s easy for the engine to become overheated. That’s why it’s important to check your engine in hot weather to monitor its temperature. It’s also a good idea to make sure the engine has the right amount of coolant to help regulate its temperature.

Tire Damage

Tire damage can occur during the summer months for several reasons. Foremost, asphalt heats very quickly, and driving on hot asphalt can cause the tires to lose adhesive friction and pressure. Heat also logically causes tires to lose pressure, as air indentures and expands with changes in temperatures. This change can lead to over-or under-inflated tires, which will reduce the vehicle’s manoeuvrability, increase wear on tires and affect your gas mileage.
To avoid excessive tire damage, be sure to check the tire pressure frequently, especially before, during and after any long car trip.

Fluid Leaks

Heat and sun can vaporize essential fluids in the vehicle, from brake fluid to coolant and more, which can cause abundant issues. For example, low brake fluid will affect the car’s capacity to stop and complicates the engine oil that can cause the engine to fail.
Summer heat also causes petrol to turn into gas, which will increase the pressure in the gas tank. This pressure is relieved through a system of hosepipes, but the hotter it is outdoor, the more the pressure will build. If the hose is fractured at all, the evaporated petrol will leak out of the tank, which will lower the fuel efficiency. The main thing, nevertheless, that we see in hot weather are blown head seals. The extreme high temperature will take what is generally a moderate head seal issue and push it into an added serious problem.

Funky Smell

Scorching heat might mean or may lead to more beach days, but the heat also encourages the growth of microorganisms and mildew. The best way to keep your car smelling fresh and clean is to quickly remove any wet or soggy things, such as bathing suits and towels, and allow the internal of the car to air dry completely (with doors and windows wide open) when it does get wet.
Is there a mildew smell already there in the making the passengers crinkle their noses? Don’t agonize. You can treat mildew damaged fabric or carpeting with a variation of all-natural solutions, like baking soda and coffee grounds. The Mold Blogger suggests in one of its blogs states that sprinkling the seats and floor with baking soda, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it up. Still, if there is an odour problem? Try freshly grounded coffee beans. No, it’s not a period to bring out your French press while driving. Merely place a small open dish filled with ground beans and wait. The grounds will absorb any persistent smell or odour.

Emergency Kit

It is recommended to always keep an emergency kit in the car irrespective of the weather or climatic conditions. It is a good idea to keep checking the kit before a change in the season and modifying its content accordingly. For instance, a person can always remove the extra hoodie and swap it with a light cotton sweatshirt or some clothing as the season changes from winter to summer.
Blood pressure medicine, water bottle, and basic first aid apparatuses are an essential part of an emergency kit that need to keep in car 24/7. All this certainly becomes more essential if an individual is driving outside city confines or going on a long road trip.

Children

Now and then, parents tend to keep their kids unattended in the car’s back seat while they step out of the vehicle for a quick shopping trip or a teeny tiny smoke break. This can be dangerous or even fatal in the summers.
Whether the car’s engine is switched on or off, children should not be left unsubstantiated, especially the younger ones. The temperature inside a static car that is uncovered to the sun can shoot up in an instant this can be a tough state of affairs for children. The same reasoning applies to pets as well.

Fuel

Driving during the summer period means the car’s air conditioning is working almost all the time. Dependent on other factors, this can make bad the car’s fuel economy. Therefore, be extra aware of the fuel meter in your car in the summer. You don’t want to be stranded in blistering heat, do you?

Windscreen

Try to clean the windscreen frequently and get rid of any scratches, dents, and cracks. When sunlight falls on such distractions at a certain angle, it can cause a glare, leading to a loss of focus. A few seconds of unfocused driving can be a cause for lethal accidents. Therefore, be proactive and avoid such situations.

Plan the Journey

Driving for long hours in the summer heat can take its toll on you. Driving three hours in winter is different from driving for three hours in high temperatures. You might want to wash your face to be refreshed, change a sweat-soaked shirt, or have a snack thanks to the constant heat. Be aware of the route, the pit stops, and try to plan your journey in a manner that avoid the peak heat timings, for example, cover most of the distance before the sun starts operating at full power.

Sun Glare

Keep those fashionable sunglasses handy during the summer season. Consider keeping an extra pair in the car if you do not want to carry them with you every time. For those who wear prescription eyeglasses, you can get special glasses made that will help you to avoid sun glare while driving.

Servicing

Different weather conditions pose various challenges to a car’s health. Thus, it is valuable to take satisfactory cautionary measures just before the start of every season in case someone lives in a locality that is exposed to marginal to extreme weather conditions or if there is a harsh change in weather situations.
While one might not want to undergo the full tuning, servicing and repairing treatment just before there is a change in the season, one might want to get the vehicle checked and go for specific required treatments that can prevent issues in the car before they flare up or aggravate.

Dehydration

Just in case you are someone who needs to be reminded to meet daily water-drinking requirements, then one needs to set an alarm or use a similar app that will help individuals to stay hydrated. Avoid sipping caffeinated or soda-based drinks, rely on water or fresh juices instead especially during the summer season. An important thing is that those who sweat a lot need to pay exceptional attention to their water intake, especially during the summer.

Vaporized Fuel Leaks

It’s time for a small chemistry lesson. Don’t worry, we’ll keep it short.
Heat in general causes the liquid fuel in your tank to vaporize. The trapped vapour causes the pressure in the fuel tank to rise. Cars are designed to allow this excess pressure to escape through a system of hoses where it is held until your car engine needs to use it. This system is particularly important in the summertime to prevent engine breakdowns and extend the life of the car when temperatures are abnormally high. If there’s a cracked hose in the system, the vaporized fuel leaks resulting in low gas mileage.
That’s the cue for the check engine light to come on. This is quite a communal problem in second-hand cars. If God forbid that happens, the local auto repair shop can sort that out the issue in an instant to have the car up and running in no time at all.

Summer Driving Safety Tips

1. Apart from the above-mentioned general tips, here are some specific summer driving safety tips to keep the car healthy while driving in hot weather/season
2. Avoid sun glare by replacing old wipers and keep the windshield clean.
3. Take breaks as per your body needs. For example, if you have a bad back, you might need to take more breaks while on a long trip as compared to somebody who doesn’t have such issues.
4. Prevent sudden changes in the temperature by increasing the air conditioning bit by bit before venturing out of the car and by reducing it slowly after you enter the vehicle after spending some time in the sun. Recurrent and unexpected fluctuations in the temperature can be harmful.
5. Try to park the car in the shade whenever possible.
6. Sidestep from driving if you are feeling weak and seek suitable medical help.

FAQS – Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Here are some frequently asked questions about driving your car in the summer season.

What kind of an effect does the hot weather have on a car’s performance?
Different weather conditions affect the vehicles differently. Hot weather, combined with other factors, can harm the vehicle. As mentioned in the above sections, a car’s tyres, battery, fluids, and mileage are affected because of intense heat.

Q2: Which kind of clothing will be helpful while driving in the summer?
Wear light-coloured comfortable clothes made of natural fibre fabrics. Cotton or linen are good choices.

Q3: Will my insurance company help me out in case my car breaks down due to overheating?
Insurance companies offer a Roadside Assistance Add-on that helps in such tricky situations. It can be purchased with a Comprehensive car insurance policy. Some insurers might offer it as a feature of the policy as well. If you have the appropriate plan, the insurance company will send a mechanic to repair your vehicle or arrange for a towing vehicle to take the car to a garage for repairs.

The Bottom Line

As much as these car problems may be common during the summer, don’t let them put a cramp in your style. If you can avoid them altogether, the better your summer will be.
The last thing you want is to get stuck by the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to rescue you from the hot summer sun. Get proactive and start preparing today.
Do you want to get the most out of your car? Be careful and up to date on effective ways you can use to keep your car in top condition. Last but not least you can avoid them and ensure your safety by checking your car before every drive, especially before a long-distance trip.

One Essential Step

Every tip and trick of taking care and maintenance is extremely important and needs to be remembered and taken off at regular intervals. There is also a need to address the risk which is not apparent and cannot be assessed completely or even be prevented 100%. These risks can be covered by buying a car insurance policy. The car insurance provides comprehensive coverage to the vehicle covering all the known unknown risks, the insurance policy covers the risks that are beyond maintenance and ignorance of the vehicle but mostly due to environmental factors not under human control. So one should always try to secure all fronts to avoid any kind of financial catastrophe.

Khurram Zahid

The post Common Summer Car Problems and Tips You Must Know About appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

In fact, we believe and understand that being properly covered is comforting and reassuring. Insurance providers are happy to help whenever they can; it’s their opportunity to prove their services and the worthiness of having them. The scary part of the responsible part is how you can harm or detriment your own insurance policy when you are careless on the road.

These 3 insurance facts are reason enough to be more responsible behind the wheel.

1. Tickets, violations, and accidents can affect your car insurance premium and coverage.

Insurance providers are taking a huge risk when they insure and cover their clients. If the way you drive and if your driving history shows that you’re careless on the road, statistics suggest and recommend that you’re more likely to get into an accident which would lead to damage to the vehicle. In this case, your premium could increase to protect your insurance company.

Don’t agonize over one minor traffic challan or fender bender shouldn’t hurt too much to your driver’s history or insurance premiums. After all, nobody is perfect and the whole point of insurance is to protect you in case of a loss. But if your insurance company is on the edge of their seat which means over the covered period if they have been keeping track of every damage, incident or challan because you keep causing trouble on the road, you may be considered a riskier and perilous client.

2. You can not get a Renewal.

There might come a point where the insurance provider may refuse to renew your insurance, this means they have decided to put an end to your insurance policy when the time for renewal approaches. This generally means that your insurance provider has decided that you are a great risk to be insured or they no longer have a desire for your business. If you consistently get traffic challans or are repeatedly get into accidents, your insurance provider can decide they don’t want to provide insurance to you anymore.

3. Insurance providers can struggle to find a market for you.

When an insurance provider offers you an insurance quote, their job is to offer you an insurance policy that considers your needs requirements and details of your specific insurance needs, but also your level of risk. But if they estimate (per your driving history) that you are out of their comfort zone or rather the client per risk level, they might refuse to offer you a policy.

To put it more elaborately and explicitly, they may feel that they can’t afford to insure you.
Keep in mind, lying about your history won’t get you far with your insurance company. If they are going to provide you with insurance, they’ll need access to that information.

Nobody is perfect. That’s why insurance exists.

As an insurance provider platform, we understand that, nobody can assure and we can try to requote 100% perfection in your driving record what we can offer you at Smartchoice is that you can find another company to pair with should your insurance skyrocket or be non-renewed with the previous provider.
You can compare and decide on the best insurance provider as per your need and requirement and get the best car insurance policy quote for your vehicle.

Search-Compare and Buy Today!

But hopefully, you’ve noticed the theme.

Carelessness on the road can translate to a difficult time finding an affordable auto policy with adequate coverage.

For your own sake, be a responsible driver, even when you are insured.

Khurram Zahid

The post These Insurance Facts will Help You be a Responsible Driver appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

SUMMARY

This article is a basic handbook, not just for maintaining the car but it is a guide to as how to take care of your car at the most vulnerable seasons in the year, the rainy season where there is an active chance of damaging your vehicle which can lead to other costs.
The article highlights some amazing pro-tips and nitty-gritty’s of the monsoon car maintenance plan not only the maintenance plan but also the plans as to how to get rid of the wetness and mildew in the car and how to keep the car corrosion-free during the torrential rains.
This article also answers some basic FAQs that many people have relating to the car and rain, it also observes some basic blind spots that we leave unknowingly which can cause big expenses to the owner.
So this handy-book is the one-stop-solution for your rainy day’s problems.

Handy Car Maintenance Tips that you should be aware of

Monsoon is here in Pakistan, rains start from mid to end of June and stay till Mid of August and sometimes now even it rains hard in October and November as there is a climate change all over the world and sadly in Pakistan even though it rains every year.

here, sometimes the rain is torrential and causes so much damage to the vehicles and properties in the due course of time there has been no significant update in the infrastructure, the roads are flooded and there is always an active chance of urban flooding in the city.
Keeping in view the situation of the city and by large the country, we need to understand that the assets need to be protected at our own will and efforts. So we here at smartchoice.pk have compiled multiple lists of tips, tricks and methods to take care of your important asset.

As we all know that buying a car is an expensive affair but if you don’t ensure that your car is insured maintaining the car can prove to be even more expensive. Before you are done paying for the instalments on your car loan (if car bought from any lending agencies), you may find yourself shelling out a lot of cash for repairs if your car is not well maintained.

Car maintenance not only improves a car performance but also supports an individual to save money on repairs and enables you to obtain a good deal when you decide to sell off your car for another one. Yes, it is extremely important to preserve your car, and you shouldn’t ignore sending it to the maintenance and service facility as per the schedule provided by your car merchant.

Mentioned below are few important car maintenance tips to keep your car up and running smoothly during all seasons and weathers.

Check your car fluids regularly

It takes only about ten minutes to examine the car fluids and should be done at least one time a week. All you have to do is open your car engine when it is not hot or you have not just parked it and then detach the oil dipstick. The dipstick should be thoroughly washed before you put it into the engine. Pull the dipstick out from the engine and check the amount of oil sticking to it.
This is an indicator that helps you gauge when the engine oil needs to be changed. If you have a power steering you must also check the power steering fluid levels along with belts and hoses for signs of wear and tear of the steering. The transmission fluid can also be checked similarly, but you need to warm up your car for doing it. Checking for car fluids is one of the most basic car maintenance tips.

Inspect your car tyres regularly

Another part of the car that requires regular check-ups is your car’s tires. You need to check the pressure regularly, it shouldn’t be more than the average required nor less than of what is required and this can be done with the help of a simple gauge. You must ensure, however, the pressure for all tyres is correct and up to the requirement at all time. To reduce the wear and tear of tires, and to ensure that you don’t have to replace tires often you should conduct this check at least twice a month.

Inspect the air filter

Faulty air filters result in a lot of wear and tear which is why it is essential to change the air filters once a year or after every 15,000 kilometres completed, whichever comes first. If you ignore this car maintenance tip, you could face problems with the air conditioning of your car and end up inhaling unhealthy air. It is better to take the car to the vehicle showroom to get the filters changed instead of doing it on yourself.

Check the car’s batteries

You would not like a scenario when your car batteries will run out when you find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, or a situation when you are driving in the late night and you have no help nearby or anything available at that hour.
It is therefore indispensable to pay attention to the low battery sign and get your batteries checked regularly. Another must is to check for inert build up or leakage around the batteries and clean it at regular intervals with the help of a battery cleaning brush, buy a battery cleaning brush and place it in your car only.

Inspect the brakes

Inspecting breaks are among the many easy yet one of the most essential car maintenance tips that can help increase your cars long life, while also ensuring that your car is safe while it is being used by you. It is very simple to get the brakes of your car checked as well as replaced if need be.
All that is required is to check your brake liquids and if it is even a little bit dark, you may need to change it. The blackness or the darkness of the oil indicates that it is filled with rubber and it is time to change the brake fluid as soon as possible. To increase the sturdiness of the brakes, they should be religiously replaced every two years and the rubber brake lines should also be changed for cars seven years and above, to attain a smooth driving experience.

Replace the spark plugs

Damaged and impaired spark plugs can affect the working of your car’s engine and its efficiency and proficiency. If you pay no attention to checking and replacing these plugs on time, they may wear out easily. Spark plugs usually last for up to 45,000 kilometres.

The owner’s manual when you purchase the vehicle comes with car maintenance tips and can give you an accurate idea as to when you should ideally change the spark plugs.
One thing that always needs attention first and foremost is as much as your vehicles spare parts require attention, your four-wheeler could face huge damage and loss owing to natural calamity or an accident.

All car owners know that it is difficult to maintain vehicles in the rainy season. Rains have a very bad effect on the vehicle body in contrast to intense sunlight. Though many people are aware of the safety rules for car driving in the monsoon weather.

So once you are taking the regular care of your car, your car is good to go, but in the south Asian region we face Monsoon starting from June to August are the months in which there is an additional risk to the car considering the flooded roads, compromised infrastructure and other issues. So few important things need to be kept in mind during these months, to avoid the extra hassle that may arise due to weather conditions and at the same time may lead to added expenses.

This includes driving the car at slow speed, turning on lights even during the day, and driving at a safe distance from the next vehicle on the road. But many people don’t know the essential tips for taking care of automobiles in the monsoon weather. It is important to protect your vehicle in rainy conditions to avoid premature ageing and unexpected damage, which shall lead to a huge financial dent in your pocket.

Here we’ve accumulated a list of effective tips for keeping automobiles in a good shape during the monsoon season.

Clear your vehicle windows, headlights and windshields

When driving a vehicle in rainy conditions it is important to ensure clear visibility. So, make certain to keep your vehicles windshields, headlights, tail lights, blinkers and windows clean. It is also crucial for the safety of drivers and passengers in the vehicle to keep them clear at all times.

Make sure your tyres have good tread

It is important to have tyres in perfect conditions if you want to enjoy safe rides on the road. Make sure that your wheels have good stride. If the tyres have shallow depths, it won’t be safe to drive it in the monsoon rainy conditions. Also, make sure to maintain just the right tyre pressure. If your tyres have low pressure, it won’t be able to squash the water out of your way while in motion.

Make sure to replace the windshield wipers

The idea of driving a car without a windshield wiper is a terrible decision during monsoon rains. Change them if you notice that they are dry, cracked or brittle rubber blades of the wipers, it will not give clear visibility in heavy rainfall. So be very particular if you live in a region which receives frequent rains, it is best to change the auto wipers once a year without fail.

Be sure of your car’s battery life

If you live in an area which receives rainfall now and then, it is bound to decrease the life of your car battery. Normally, it will decrease the life it to 1 to 2 years. So make sure that you take good care of your vehicle battery. If necessary, replace it with the new battery because batteries tend to get impaired under wet conditions.

Make sure that your vehicle brakes are working well

Roads become slippery and unmanageable during the rainfall. You need to be very careful while driving on the roads in that case scenario it is always important to have good working brakes in an automobile. Because no matter the way you drive but if you have very wet brakes it will create problems in bringing the vehicle to a halt effectively. It’s because the stones and grease can decrease the brake effectiveness when they splash on the car’s undercarriage. Thus, ensure that your vehicle’s brakes have sufficient friction material.

Wash and wax your vehicle properly

During the monsoon weather. While there are constant torrential rains it is very difficult to remove dirt marks and water spots from your automobile body. However, a good car wash and wax will aid in removing the gathered dirt easily from the car surface. It will also increase driving visibility. You can also use water-repellent products to clean the windows and windshield.

Always keep an emergency car kit

Normally, if you live in Karachi or any area of Sindh during monsoon it recommended staying indoors. However, sometimes you may need to leave the home during the monsoon weather. In such situations, it is the best way forward or to prepare yourself for any known unknown risk is to have an emergency car kit in the automobile.
Look for water leaks
The rubber seals are important as they prevent the water from getting into your vehicle. So, always check all the rubber seals of your vehicle. It is also a great way to prevent car corrosion. Before the rain starts look out for drain holes in the trunk and hood of your car and check and make sure that they are not clogged.

Use your car’s air conditioning system

It’s like a top rule in every driving book which every car owner knows that clear visibility is highly important while driving an automobile. Therefore, when it rains use your car’s air conditioning to prevent your windows and windshield from misting and condensation which might lead to impaired visibility.

Be cautious and drive slowly during the Rain

Being a good and seasoned driver even if are already following all of the aforementioned tips, make sure to drive slowly and very carefully during the monsoon season. This way you can avoid aquaplaning. Always remember don’t hit your brakes suddenly and also double your driving distance during wet conditions. This will help you prevent the vehicle from skidding. Try driving the vehicle in the middle lanes as the water most stagnant and stays on the sides of the roads.

Another a concerned individual for his car is about how to ensure that the rain doesn’t harm the body of the body and not only the vehicle body, the water doesn’t touch the engine area of the car as well. Few things which can be undertaken as during the monsoon season there is lots of rainy weather. Water can wreak havoc on your car if it gets in the wrong places, impacting your vehicle’s running condition and jeopardize its smooth running. You can’t prevent your car from getting wet with rain, but you can take clear and concise steps to waterproof your vehicle as much as possible. We have assembled some tips and tricks you can use to waterproof your car, ultimately helping it last longer.

Continue reading to check out how to waterproof your car.

Protect Your Exterior Paint

It may sound weird, but rain doesn’t exactly get along with your car’s exterior paint. Even though initially the exterior paint is protected against water and pollutants with a coat of clear paint, it usually erodes over time. To make the paint long-lasting, it’s important to treat it. After the car is exposed in rain, give your car awash with clean water and then wax it.

Wax is a great way to maintain the veracity of your paint job intact. You can also add a paint protection film to your car, which can be installed when your car is completely new. This will provide the definitive protection to your car original factory paint, and will it to protect it from scratches as well. Plus, it can be easily removed if and when needed.

Make Sure Your Car is Properly Sealed

That little rubber strip placed between your car and the outside helps maintain the elements out. That don’t belong inside the car. Make sure these strips aren’t spoiled. Another way to waterproof your vehicle is to apply a sealant. Your car’s exterior can quickly worsen if you take very long breaks between washes because rain and salt together can corrode the car surface and its body. The best way to prevent the damage and corrosion is to apply a sealant every car wash. This can be anything from wax or car polish.

Because of the artificial materials in sealants, it can protect your car from water damage. It is evenly rubbed onto the clean paint, then rubbed with a microfiber cloth. This protective coat can last up to six months, making it a great and intelligent way to protect your car.

Keep Your Car Sheltered When Possible

Garages and carports are made to protect your car from the elements that can harm the car. If possible, make sure you shelter your car whenever you can, since water can seep in between your bodywork and other components. Water can easily make its way into areas and small nooks and corners where it takes longer to evaporate, which in turn accelerates the rate of corrosion of the vehicle body. By keeping your car sheltered, you can minimize the rate in which corrosion happens.
If you don’t have a garage facility, think of a portable garage to shelter your car. They are sometimes more effective in sheltering cars because they also allow for airflow under the cover. This means that your car dries out quicker, minimizing corrosion. Another option is using a protective cover for the car when your car is parked outside. These waterproof covers protect your car when they are parked outside, especially for a long period. They can provide on-the-go protection when you need it the most.

You wouldn’t think this next point is important, but it is. Keep reading to find out why is it so.

Clean the Underside of Your Vehicle

Regular washing underneath your car is as important as the exterior. This practice will protect your car from corrosion caused by water. Water can be specifically damaging to your undercarriage, so regular checking the underneath is an important part of waterproofing your car especially when the rain spell is over.
Try to go to your local car wash facility at least once a month or do it yourself if you want to save. Just make sure you get in all the spots where water may corrode your vehicle. Make sure to wash inside the wheels as well, as it will help blast away salt and mineral deposits before they cause rust and corrosion.

Use a Rain Repellent

A what? Yes, many products help keep rainwater off your windshield and do not let water stay there or removes it quickly without obstructing your vision. These products can also help your defroster by minimizing condensation and helping your wiper do its job properly. Rain repellent is available from multiple companies and is available in liquid form and can be a lifesaver during the rainy season. Be sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations mentioned on the box, before using it and make sure the rain repellent is of high quality.

Few things to keep in mind when using rain repellent

• Although it is easy to apply, you should always know how to apply it properly. Before using, make sure your windshield is clean. Use an ammonia-based glass cleaner to make sure it’s spotless.
• Make sure the cleaner is wiper away and evaporated before applying the repellent. Use a microfiber cloth to help with this.
• Apply as directed. Instructions usually ask to use circular motions or vertical and/or horizontal movements to have even coverage.
• Allow drying according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Buff with a microfiber towel.
• After letting sit for several hours, rinse your windshield with water and dry with a microfiber towel.

After using the tips to avoid corrosion to car body another important thing that needs to be ensured is to when the car gets wet during the monsoon conditions is to dry it properly and with proper care as driving through high flood waters or leaving a car door open while it rains can cause the interior of your car to get wet, especially the carpet and floors.

To keep mould and mildew from growing on and underneath it, lift the carpet, use towels and a shop vacuum to remove the excess water, and run some fans in your car to help evaporate all the moisture out. Afterwards, you may need to use some moisture reducing products to get any remaining water out of your car.

Getting Rid of Excess Moisture

Bring your car into a garage or covered area to let it dry. Leave your car windows or doors open in a walled space to help moisture evaporate. If the weather’s cleared up and there’s enough sunshine, you can also dry your car out in the sun.
Pro-Tip: Be sure you’re drying your car in a secure location so no one can steal anything (or the car itself) while you leave it open to dry.
Alternatively, if you can’t dry your car somewhere safe, keeping the windows and doors shut while running the Air Conditioner will help to suck moisture out of the car.

Dry Car Carpet Step

Soak up pooling water with a microfiber towel. Microfiber is a synthetic material that certain towels are made of that absorbs larger amounts of water than natural fibre towels. Use one of those, pat down the area where the water is, firmly press down your hand to soak it up as much as liquid possible. Unfold and refold it to use the other side of the towel, and ring it out when it’s completely soaked before continuing to pat dry.
If there is a need to move your car and your seat has gotten wet, place towels on it to avoid getting yourself wet when you’re sitting down.

Vacuuming the car

Vacuum in your car with a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck up additional moisture. Use a special type of vacuum which can be used to clean up liquid spills. Turn the dial on it to “wet” before you begin to suck anything up. Reprobate the vacuum’s hose over the seat, carpet, and any surfaces that have gotten wet. Pay special attention to dry out the electronics and buttons around the interior of the car, especially the ones on the door such as the window control buttons, or the car door speaker.

Evaporating the Rest of the Moisture

Put a fan in your car to generate airflow and evaporate moisture. Place a window unit or standup model fan in the car either in the open car door or right beside it. Allow it to run continuously for at least 2 days without any pause, or until the water in your carpet has evaporated. Check it frequently to see the progress of it drying, and move the fan around to have it hit other damp spots after one area has dried considerably.

A dehumidifier will also work well in the place of a fan to dry the moisture of the interior, or speed up the process if used in conjunction with one.
Lift the carpet from its sill by the door to help dry the foam underneath. When car carpet gets wet, the water seeps down underneath it to the foam backing, which can grow mildew on it if it stays wet. Use a tool such as a screwdriver to create force under the sill to prop it up. Use something firm, like a brick or wooden plank to hold it open and create an air pocket. Absorb the excess water underneath the carpet through the towel, and then run a fan or dehumidifier next to it to remove all the remaining moisture. It can take multiple days of running the fan under the carpet to completely dry out the foam.

There may be a plate along the bottom edge of the car door you have to try off before you can get to the actual carpet sill. You may need to remove the seats to lift the sill of the carpet to dry the foam.

Hang Damp Rid bags

Hang the damp rid bags inside your car to remove any remaining moisture. These bags suck up the moisture in the areas they’re placed, so hang down some from the handles above the car doors, your rearview mirror, or the headrest of the seats. If you can’t find Damp Rid bags, place some open boxes of baking soda around your car to achieve the same effect. Pour the baking soda in a separate container to prevent spilling it.
Hack-tip: You can also place socks filled with cat litter or uncooked rice on top of the carpet to help suck up some moisture.

Deodorizing and Preventing Mildew Growth

One of the tested and tried method to do away with the smell is usage of vinegar and water solution to clean mildew out of your carpet. Spray the solution and let it rest for 20 minutes. Once it’s done soaking, brush it and then dry it up with a towel. Repeat the processing time and again until the mildew smell begins to lessen in your car.
Another mixture which can be used is regular dishwashing liquid soap instead of vinegar, or even a tea tree oil and water mixture. Use 10-20 drops of tea tree oil in a spray bottle with water for a solution. Do a patch test on your carpet before cleaning with it to make sure it won’t stain.
One thing more which can be done is to sprinkle some borax powder on any remaining mildew spots in the car carpet. Lay down the borax directly on a mildew stain and let it be for around 10 minutes. Vacuum up the borax, and repeat laying down more if the stain remains. Borax is a safe solution to use on any external of your car. Just make sure you vacuum up any you sprinkle around to clean at the time of cleaning.

Ensure it is all is dried…

Make sure everything is dry before putting the sill down or the seats back to its place. Check every surface in the car that was damp to make sure it’s adequately dry before you begin reassembling your car. The foam backing under the carpet needs to be 100% dry, or mildew can still easily grow there, which cannot only create unpleasant smell but also damage the whole seat. If you’re still smelling decay and fungus, check to see if there isn’t a damp spot you missed.

Some of the FAQS asked by multiple individuals

Is it OK to leave the car in the rain?
Not true. Rainwater can cause even more damage than it helps the car as the rainwater eventually evaporates, leaving a thin layer of contaminants that can damage your car’s finish and lustre. The longer you leave the impurities and contamination on your vehicle’s finish, the more damage it will inflict on your cars paint finish.

Why does my car carpet get wet when it rains?
It’s usually caused by an HVAC system component in the dashboard that leaks into onto the floor on the passenger’s side. As it works to keep your car cool, the air conditioning system creates a lot of condensation. This condensation normally drips down the evaporator drain hose and onto the ground harmlessly as you drive.

What happens if your car engine gets wet?
When the engine gets wet, the air enters the engine through the air intake, and aside from an air filter to catch dust, dirt, and light moisture, air goes straight into the engine’s cylinders (in a non-turbocharged engine). … So when water enters the engine and the compression stroke comes along the water simply has no place to go. Hence causing damage to the engine and halting the movement of the vehicle.

Conclusion

Sometimes being human we overlook the importance and need for car maintenance if you know that such human error is possible, one important step that you can take is to be responsible enough to get your car insured, rather than just contemplating about getting the car insured, the best thing would be to buy the insurance and very smartly shift the risk to the insurance providers. At the same time, insurance covers your risk of all the things that can go wrong during a natural calamity or such monsoon torrential rains, so as we say at Smartchoice “Insurance Karao, Tension Bhagao”

Create your financial cushion against your car-related expenses and drive freely with your peace of mind.

Khurram Zahid

The post Handy Car Maintaining Tips During Monsoon… appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

The article highlights the risk your vehicle may be at due to being left unused for an extended time period. It also talks about various tips and ways that should be used while leaving the car unattended and idle and at the same time what measures should be put in practice before getting the vehicle back on the roads for usage and the strategic move that should be taken by any vehicle owner which is procuring of car insurance.

The Carrying out of the maintenance of the car is a chore that often goes without saying with owning a vehicle. But looking at the present scenario, where the world has come to standstill, people are trying to limit their mobilization and many organizations are letting their employs to work from home to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
It may seem like that the car that isn’t being used as frequently as before and that may make you a little relaxed of the expenses being cut because of “no/very less usage of the car” and you wouldn’t be requiring upkeep of your vehicle like you did every day.

But….

That isn’t the case cause if you plan to keep your vehicle safely for a month or more, keeping in perspective to keep your car secure you may want to follow and keep an eye on these car maintenance tips

We all know that and it’s happened to many of us and maybe far too many times. For instance, you plan for an extended vacation or travel even out of the city for some reason you leave your car unused for a long or if you are moving and can’t take the car with you immediately, and when you get back it becomes necessary to have the car serviced just to get it to function normally.

It is very much possible to avoid this to a greater extent if you follow the below-mentioned information and take the correct steps. Here are some expert’s tips on how to properly store your cars so that you will not have to spend on services when you want to drive it again.

1. Do not employ the handbrake when you leave

Employing the handbrake over a long period can result in destroying your brake pads getting them stuck to the brake discs or drums. Pointless to say, if this happens to your car brakes, you’ll be in trouble the next time you use the car. An intelligent thing would be to apply wheel chucks, let’s say a piece of wood or even a block, to keep the car from rolling and leave the car in the first gear.

2. Park indoors and use cars cover if need be…

Try and try to make it possible, put your car indoors before you leave your car. The vehicle would be safer and cleaner. If this is not a possibility, invest in a quality cover for your beloved motor vehicle. Make sure that you buy that is specifically designed and made for your car model or type. Also, avoid using the car cover indoors as it will ensure no moisture is left inside and the left moisture will evaporate faster, especially in dry and humid weather conditions.

3. Spur plug care

If you are planning to leave your car idle for a long period because you are practising quarantine and social distancing religiously, it’s very much advisable to remove the spark plugs of the car and spray a little oil into plug sockets before fixing the plugs back to its place. This will help you to avoid the insides of the cylinder-head rusting and keep the moisture away. You can also use petrol additives that provide a protective covering to the insides of your car engine. Of course, you should do this only if you’re comfortable handling the technicalities of the car.

4. Clean the interiors before you park the car

This might be like stating the obvious, but we’re going to tell you anyway. People are usually inhabited to leave the wrappers and other trash in cars which may include things like chocolate or wafer wrappers (with crumbs inside), old newspapers, and water thermoses and so on. All of this could decay and rot or, worse, attract rodents that can lead to loss of floor mats, seat covers and even the car’s engine wiring. So, clean the interior of the vehicle thoroughly also remember to spray a little freshener. But don’t go overboard in using it as if used too much it will stink in the closed confines of the car if it remains unused over a long time.

5. Fill up the fuel tank to the brim

One of the major complications of leaving a car unused and idle for an extended period is the active chance of rusting on the inside of the petrol tank. The best method to avoid this is to fill the car petrol tank up to the brim with quality petrol, by doing this it will keep away the moisture from entering the fuel tank and prevent eroding of the tank. Last but not the least; be sure that the tank is sealed as it should be.

6. Battery maintenance

It is suggested to remove the battery from the vehicle if you’re not going to use the car for a long time. Also, apply petroleum jelly or lubricant on the terminals and the wire ends of the nodes to prevent rusting. Make sure that the battery is fully charged before you pack-off your car also top up the water/battery acid level. Store the car battery in a cool and dry place which is well away from direct sun rays.

7. Paint job protection

A car’s paint can be damaged and chipped if the vehicle is left outdoor for a long time, even with the cover. What you need to make sure is that the like the interior the exterior is all free from the grime and dust, its completely clean and after making sure that the job’s well done which is that the car is spick and span apply a thin or proper coat of polish and wax, apply this would ensure that your car stays spotless and there is no moisture than can cause pain erosion after which using the car cover will make sense and it would complete protection of your car.

8. Hoist up the car

It has been seen that cars that have been motionless for a long time develop flat spots on tires. To avoid this situation which may lead to expenses like buying new tires for the vehicle using four jacks (or blocks of wood) so that the car wheels does not rest on the floor. One thing that also needs to ensure is that maintenance may differ from car to car, for instance, a sports cars with low contour tires can be easily left without any support for as much as two months without the fear of any damage to the tires.

9. Change oil and filters

“Maintaining the oil and filters is the key to a healthier car engine and smooth drive”
Change of oil and filters will help as used oil contains moisture, metal filings, sludge and other caustic elements. Its best way forward is to put in fresh engine oil and new filters before leaving your car in the garage or at the parking spot. However, one thing that is recommended is that to drive the car for a few kilometres before you store the car reason being that the fresh oil is well circulated in the engine.

10. Keep the tires appropriately inflated

Check the tire pressure and be certain that the pressure in the tires is correct. Suitable inflation of the tire help in prevents cracking of the sidewalls and flat spots. You must check the valves and valve caps for leaks and make sure the valves are a fit.

We have just spoken about the ways we can store our car and that too in a way that does not affect the functionality and efficiency of the car when we re-use it properly after we see the end of COVID-19.

InshAllah….

These things need to be kept in mind and used as tips which would save our money and time both, at the same time, when the pandemic end’s there need to be certain measures taken while making the vehicle ready for use, few things also need to checked and done as pre-requisites.

One thing to think of and remember is to undo all of the storage and putting-away prep you did originally to secure the engine and car mechanics (specifically, the prep involving the battery, steel wool, etc.).

It is recommended to use a simple checklist while you’re prepping the vehicle for storage and leave it pinned somewhere visible, so it’s easy to refer to the list when you’re ready to take out the car, back out onto the road.

Some of the recommended things to remember before getting out on the roads

1. Check for chewed belts, hosepipes, wires or nests, which can be done by the rodent, while your car I parked.
2. Remove the steel wool which you may have placed in the exhaust pipe.
3. Examine and inspect the windshield wipers to see if the rubber is cracked or brittle.
   Check the tire pressure and reflate to the recommended pressure, if the air pressure is low in tires.
4. Check fluids and add-more as needed.
5. You need to reconnect the battery and check that the battery terminals are clean.
   Wash the vehicle to freshen and remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated on the car.
6. Checked that your valves and cylinder walls which might get corroded due to lack of any lubricant or movement inside.
7. Brakes are an essential thing that has to be checked, this has happened that when not used for a prolonged time the brakes lose their grip.
8. Some other things that may happen and can happen while you keep your car in storage are that your wheels might get jammed especially if you are residing near a coastal area like Karachi, the negative would be it would be prone to faster erosion.
9. Electrical glitches also occur Sometimes when you get the car out, sometimes interior electrical be likely to develop a fault such as the power windows get jammed, electric seats being stuck and not being able to move.
10. Check for Air-Conditioner Gas leak, as happens at home in air-conditioner that when used after a long time we face ineffective cooling from the Air Conditioner and will need to be recharged like gas same practice needs to be remembered/ensured for the car air-conditioner as well.

Since in Pakistan may people use vehicles that are converted to CNG so if your car is converted to this fuel system you need to check if the hoses are fine and have not developed a leakage during the idle period.
We would also advise using petrol if it’s going to be discontinuous usage since the CNG does not lubricate/oil the engine component such as valves as much as petrol being a superior grease; using CNG will not directly cause any serious harm but it’s better to use petrol for a few miles initially and then switch to LPG or CNG.

At the same time, one strategic thing that needs to be done is to purchase car insurance and renew it timely, this insurance would act as continuous cover for your car and this coverage protects your car against multiple known-unknown risks.

For instance, according to you and your judgment, the car is parked at a good and secure spot, but something is stolen like your car side-mirror so instead of it being a burden on your pocket it shall be covered under your car insurance policy terms and conditions applied. So we at Smartchoice.pk recommend that get your car insured, you can compare quotes and coverage by just filling out your details and our car insurance adviser will get in touch to walk you through the process. Just login into www.smartchoice.pk today!

When it comes to your car, a vehicle is designed to be run like a horse metaphorically, you cannot get a horse and make it stand idle all day, you don’t buy a horse just to pet it, they are meant to be ridden and taken for a ride or else they will develop problems (or whatever horses technically become if not ridden).

Khurram Zahid

The post How to maintain your car when not driving much during Lock-down?? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

This means that a certain cost is incurred, for each mile driven. Want to know in advance what kind of outlay to expect? Before you purchase a new vehicle, run your options the out-of-pocket costs like fuel, maintenance, financing ( if bought from a bank or other loan providing agency)and insurance and depreciation of a car for the first five years you own it, allowing you to compare vehicles beyond the initially paid price of the car.

Once the car is parked at your home, however, there are a variety of strategies that can help you save thousands of rupees per month and hundreds of thousands over its life. The tips which help in saving money mainly falls into three main areas: fuel costs, insurance, and repairs/maintenance.

Some of the Pro-Tips are mentioned below

1. Stop idling the car, when not moving

If you’re parked or idling which means if you are stuck in the traffic as it happens normally during rush/peak hours rather than waiting with your engine running turn the engine off. Keeping the car start can cause a loss of one-fourth or half a tank of petrol. While if we compare that by restarting our vehicle when it is time to move would take only 10seconds of fuel in contrast. As per the research done by Argonne National Laboratory, in winters or early morning you don’t need to keep your car start for a very long time to make it warm most of the car manufacturers recommend that rather than idling the car driving slowly for the first few seconds after starting it, the car will get warmer sooner than just idling it.

2.Embrace the heat

Try setting the air conditioning for a higher temperature or, if you’re courageous, go without it. Running the air conditioning can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%, according to America’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, When you drive with open windows for the time being before your switch on AC to let the hot humid air out of the car by putting the window down when driving at low speeds and use A/C at high speeds, leads to saving of a lot of fuel which ultimately results in saving money.

3. Get the right motor oil

Using something lower quality other than the motor oil will lower your car mileage by about 1%-2% because of increased friction in the engine. Certain motor oils prevent engine degradation more mileage and also saves on the fuel and its consumption. Check your oil level regularly because the potential damage to an engine, if you are too low on oil, can be expensive possibly even terminal.

4. Keep your tires inflated

Always make sure you’ve got proper pressure in your tires it can improve your car/fuel mileage. Please do not go by the maximum pressure level of the car. It is recommended that buy a tire gauge and check your pressure about once a month, as tires lose an average of about two pounds of pressure per month.

5. Spend smarter

To save even more when you’re at the pump and getting your car fuel, make sure when you start your job sign up for a credit card that offers cashback on fuel purchases. Alfalah Ultra-cash back card is one such card that offers you 7% cashback every time you pay at the fuel station with a fee of around 3500 per-anum which is reversible with a certain amount spent. Savings: If you fuel worth rupees 5000 Rupees a month you get to save Rupees 350, which is a good way to save, through this card you can also save at grocery marts and other places as preferred.

6. Save on Insurance

You can save on insurance by properly shopping/browsing which means searching the market, shopping around can yield big savings, a study has found out. When you buy a car new or used or you need to renew your car insurance, get annual quotes from at least four companies that have low complaint ratios or good reviews and at the same time check their ratings as if it’s a, A+, A++, this would help you in making your decision easier and give you more clarity as to which provider to opt for. Smartchoice.pk offers one such platform to compare all the provider services and to check their coverage and premiums by just adding a few details into the portal and you would get a quick response to your query.

7.DIY (Do It Yourself!)

We all know very well that time is money and sometimes even more precious than money. The hands-on do-it-yourself maintenance may not be your forte and something that you might not want to do. However, if it’s something simple that can help you save money, there are multiple resources available online one of them is youtube.com, with straightforward guides that you can use time and time again? So a little bit of using your skill and working with your hands even though it means you need to get them dirty can help you save a lot of money as these small things that are needed to ensure your car maintenance can be expensive and also can be a constant expense

8. Take some preventative measures

Rubber mats and seat covers can protect the fabric inside the vehicle particularly if you travel with children and pets. Sometimes it less fashionable to have car seat covers as it may affect the overall look and style of the car, but putting car seat covers would definitely keep your car resale value intact.

9.Fluids

Another very important thing to remember is to check water and fluid levels to ensure that if the weather is hot the coolants or the fluids are there where they need to be, if not kept tab on it may lead to engine damage .s if left unchecked can cause bigger loss, for instance, your engine may cease etc. so before embarking on any long journey or any road trip make a point to check on your fluid levels.

10.Wiper Blades

These are often overlooked but are quite important for your safety. You don’t appreciate them until you need them. As you know sometimes weather can be unpredictable, being prepared with basic utilities in your car can help you easily manage the unexpected.

11. Check your brakes and Belts

Some simple steps effectively ensure that you don’t have any issues with your engine and it’s performing to its optimum level and there are no issues with the engine, this is important for safety issues of your car and engine. A simple cracked belt that breaks while you’re on the highway can delay your holiday for hours.

Car Maintenance Tips and Myths Explained

They are easy to check but at the same time from the safety perspective important to be checked. And to top off the car maintenance guide, we wanted to bust a couple of car maintenance myths before you hit the ground running. Sometimes vehicle maintenance is made out to be much worse than it is. Let us clear a couple of things up for you before you go:

Mechanics just want to rip you off, Correction. BAD mechanics just want to rip you off. They’re out there, and some will try to squeeze a little extra cash out of you, but there are also some great, extremely helpful professionals out there.

These mechanics’ number one obligation is to keep you safe and that you are obeying and following the law. If they find something that seems off with your car, they inform you and make it their responsibility that you don’t drive the car that may impact your safety, for instance, if you have a flat tire, that doesn’t necessarily mean to purchase a new tire, rather it can be fixed(patched) and used again if the leak isn’t too big and repairable, but if the hole is too large or the rubber of the tire ifs unevenly split throughout the action forward would be to replace it to avoid any safety issues that may arise.

To avoid any unforeseen mishaps or troubles that may occur due to the health of the car. Here’s a hot tip: if you feel that your tire is leaking air, do not drive on it. At that point, a simple patch might be the answer, but by driving on a flat tire, you risk damaging the rim. That’s when you’ll have to switch it out.

All four tires should be replaced at the same time. As long as you purchase a tire that is the same model and size as the rest, you’re in the clear. Don’t waste your money buying four new tires when one gets a little dinged up, also if you don’t want to or don’t have the budget to get all four’s replaced at the same time at least get a pair replaced at the same time to avoid unbalanced and uneven car suspensions.

Independent repair shops are cheaper than dealerships. While this can be true in some situations, it’s certainly not a fact. Any repair shops can be expensive and any repair shop can be cheap. You’ll find that if you shop around, everyone will give you a different price. Some repair shops more than a dealership, some less than them. Working with the dealerships, you rest assured that you are working with professionals who understand the ins-and-outs of your vehicle.

They often work on similar cars and are likely to understand its needs faster and more accurately than someone who isn’t as familiar, also they can be held accountable for their repairs and replacement if things don’t turn up as they are promised or committed. Plus, if you are going to the showroom you purchased your vehicle from, you may have a warranty to take advantage of.

 Premium fuel/ HI-Octane fuel is better than regular petrol, it’s simply not true The premium or the Hi-octane title is simply the fuels octane rating, which checks and measures the level of knocking around that takes place in your engine while combustion. Some vehicles, typically high-end luxury cars, require higher octane fuel/petrol to offset the how much the engine moves around. Check out your owner’s manual or ask the expert. If it says you don’t need to use high octane petrol, there isn’t much benefit to purchasing premium fuel that is comparatively more expensive than regular fuel and may affect your monthly budget greatly. Keeping this maintenance guide in your pocket

You’re All Set

We sincerely hope that the guidelines provide in the guide would have helped you in putting a few things in perspective. We all know vehicle maintenance is all work and no play but at the same time, constant costs and unexpected expenditures can be frustrating too. But if you follow some of the tips and keep tabs on the important maintenance you just learned about in our guide, you should have a solid handle on it. Your vehicle’s in good hands. So to sum up, shop around, do your research and make any repairs as soon as possible, remember that for younger cars, manufacturer-approved services and repairs can help hold more value in the vehicle.

Khurram Zahid

The post 11 ways to lower car maintenance cost…. appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

Car…..

In the present world is a milestone in the life of every middle-class or an individual who works and aim to save by them to be able to afford a car themselves. In the present world as difficult as it is to buy a car there are multiple ways to buy a car and afford it with your monthly income. The banks and other loan providing/instalment agencies have made this task easier to own a car and maintain your lifestyle the way, but yet again there are also some technicalities involved to own a car this way. You need to be good at managing your budget and follow it to full stop with zero per cent deviation to be able to manage your car loan if used any of the loaning agencies aforementioned. You need to roll car costs into your budget, set up automatic savings, reduce spending and consider getting a side gig (a side job to support your additional expense).

Calculate your down payment

Choose a target amount to spend, and then compare a few makes and models to find out if it’s realistic. Once you figure the car you desire/want to buy what you need to do next is calculate the down payment. There is a certain amount of difference when you are buying a new car or an old car in the down payment which you make to the bank The more money you can come up with on your own, the better the deal you’re ultimately going to get, Making a higher down payment helps you qualify for loan quicker and makes you eligible for a loan on lower interest rates and affordable monthly instalments.

Moody suggests shopping for financing as you would for a car because pricing and terms vary among lenders. Apply to an online provider first, and then see if the dealer can offer a lower rate. Also before you jumpstart on the journey of car purchase remember that there is not only the cost of purchasing a car but its sales tax and registration that you need to pay at the time you drive your dream vehicle home.

Budget for car-related expenses

It is recommended following the 50/30/20 budget, which allocates 50% of your monthly income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt repayment. One thing that you need to consciously decide is that the vehicle your aim to purchase fulfils your “Need” or “Wants” category. A second-hand ( used car) or a brand-new one with upgraded features will both get you to work, but the latter is more of a “want” which one do you feel that you “want to buy”.

Keep in mind that your car payment and other ongoing costs, such as insurance, will become a part of your budget. It is pointed out and emphasized by many experts that the expenses related to your car e.g.: maintenance and taxes or anything else should not exceed more than 20% of your take-home pay.

Get quotes from multiple insurers and consider comparing insurance premiums with multiple providers on Smartchoice.pk, whereby just entering some of your car details u can get complete information regarding the car premiums against the benefits provided and it’s an easy way to save money along with some first-class free customer services and complete information regarding the policy of your preference.

Limit unnecessary spending

When saving up for an asset like your car, cut down on expenses elsewhere, Consider cutting down on “wants” spending temporarily and find ways to reduce your current expenses, such as off-handed, more than usual outings and some major gadgets expenses. Readdress the money you save towards your goal, to save for your car-fund. Keep a proper track of your spending, credit score, and even find fresh ways to save.

Set up a savings account

When you start saving its important to find a “safe” marked destination for your money. An account that shall be not be used regardless of how much you need funds, (if it’s not a health or life emergency, which can also be curtailed by acquiring the right health insurance for yourself and family) open a completely separate account so you don’t dip into your car funds.

If you have a few years to save up say you’re a university student and buying a car is a long-term goal, put your money in a high-interest savings account or certificate of deposit so it can grow and the amount can be multiplied. Leave these reserves untouched until it’s time to pull the trigger on a set of wheels.

Automate your saving Alarms

Once you have a place to store your savings, make regular contributions. You can do this with minimal effort by setting up an alarm/reminder that automatically every month reminds you to schedule transfer on your given date.

Pick up a side hustle-the more the hustle, the more money

To help close any savings gaps, think about finding ways to earn more money. A side job can accelerate your progress, but make sure it’s legitimate and worth your time before you commit. Saving hundreds of thousands of rupees can appear to be a daunting task, especially if you are looking to purchase your first car.

How in the world can you ever save that much money when you’re earning a minimum wage that barely suffices for your survival? Not to worry there are multiple platforms where you can work freelance like Upwork or Trello etc. plus you can always take up part-time work that compliments your skill set. Follow these few simple guidelines and you’ll be well on your way to saving for your first set of wheels.

Set A Goal

First, figure out what your goal is. Do you want to buy a new car? You’ll need to save a whole lot. Most financing requires at least 20% down. So if you are buying an average car at around Rs. 800,000, you’ll need to come up with at least Rs. 260,000. That’s also just based on a normally assumed price.

Don’t forget when buying a new car you’ll also need to come up with bank/dealer/facilitating agency fees which can rapidly approach another some tens of thousands. If you aren’t careful, as well as taxes and delivery fees and several other fees, so while making a decision and be prepared to face any such expenses that may come your way.

Buying a Used Car?

What about a new car? You can purchase a used car for a lot less. Typically brand new cars lose about 19-25% of their worth the moment you drive them off the car showroom. Say you are looking at an Rs. 800,000 car that means that the second you drive it out of the showroom, you lose Rs. 200,000 value of that car. That is a whole lot of cash whether you are just starting or making a ton of money.

That seems like a bad way to invest your hard-earned cash, doesn’t it? There’s no question that you can save money by buying a used car the question is how much. It’s kind of a mushy science.   It all comes down to few solid details, the year, the make and the model you are in search of, also understand and analyze how desperate the seller is, one thing of prime importance is which mode is procuring, whether you are buying from a dealer or are you buying privately from an individual?

One point that needs to be kept under your due observation is that buying a used car means no company warranty of guarantee. It can be an issue and it’s certainly something to take into consideration. If you buy from a dealer you’ll still need to pay taxes and title fees, documentation fees, transfer of title fee and there is a lot. If you buy from a private party you’ll still have to take care of the government fees (taxes and title) but you won’t have to worry about other fees.

Determine Your Budget

Once you feel like you have the basics covered, figure out your budget. Can you afford monthly payments? If yes, how much can you afford? And yes, you can finance a used car, too be sure to add in some wiggle room for things like maintenance, fuel and insurance costs.

Research Financing Options

Search and Research your available options for financing. We have a few blog posts to help you out. You should know that all of these financing options are available whether you’re thinking about buying a new or used car. Car Dealers also offer to finance but be wary of them as they are often instruments for big dealerships to sneak additional fees into the cost of your car. If you do decide to finance at a dealership know exactly what you are getting into and read all the fine print, read each line before you sign the contract and be sure that you don’t miss out on any clauses or details, how unimportant it may seem, pay attention to it.

Determine your savings plan

After visiting several car dealers, online direct sellers, newspaper ad sellers in your city, you’ve figured out the car you want and how much it costs. To achieve your goal let’s say within 12 months, you need a definite savings plan. You can start by saving 30 % of your monthly income and device your own savings plan, saving a certain percentage of your salary every month is a good and sure-shot plan for a guaranteed path to own a car.

Reach out to your Parents/Guardians

A strong indicator of self-independence and responsibility is that you want to own your car without constantly borrowing from your parents. Keep it up. Your parent or guardian wants you to succeed in life. This reason alone should inspire enough confidence within you to approach them for a little financing for your car savings project. No parent can say “No” if their child offers to save up 50% of the car’s price and pay for their auto insurance.

Ditch your credit cards

One of the most common behaviours, when we start earning, is to get a credit card immediately, it is also one of the major reasons the millennial is in debt all the time, be it peers or banks. Since you have already decided to build an asset one way of increasing your net income is by reducing or eliminating expenses.

If you take a hard look at your current and previous monthly expenses, you’ll notice some unnecessary expenditures, especially those that you have used your credit cards for. As to own a vehicle of your own you need funds and one way to achieve that can be through avoiding credit spending, don’t spend money that you don’t have. Just keep your debit card with you, owing a debit card will motivate you to save money every month because debit card means the money in hand and that would be the all you have to spend

Save up for petrol and car insurance in advance

Once you finally meet your savings goal and succeed in buying your dream, it opens another chapter of your car expenses that you are only solely responsible for according to the law of Pakistan, car owners must have at least third party car insurance. Since insurance premiums aren’t included in the car’s buying price, you need to save up early.

Saving up fuel money in advance is a good idea because you never know, keeping the Pakistan situation in mind if prices will shoot up right after you purchase your car. Your savings will provide a decent cushion because you won’t spend a huge portion of your net income fueling your car now and then.

Now you know how to Plan for Your First Car!

Do you earn a low income? Saving up for a new/used car is better than purchasing a car on credit or keeps it as your last resort to get a car. Buying a car is a very important milestone in the life of an individual and it makes a person confident in his or her capacity and gives a sense of independence to the person.

So Gear your car tool kit along with your savings account and get your 1st car today. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date with the latest restaurants, events, and wellness and travel tips. We are Pakistan’s premier financial product supermarket, enabling you to compare and make an informed decision.

Khurram Zahid

The post How to save money for your first car? appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.

There has been a steady growth in the percentage of the cars being bought every year in Pakistan a positive trend of 10 to 15% in the number each year increases of people buying a car new and used cars both.

Many of the reports and data suggest that Pakistanis love to buy used cars being cost-effective and even getting an imported car model with an advanced system in the price of a new Honda or Toyota, although these two ranks among the topmost favorites when It comes to buying a sedan.

Owing a vehicle is major milestone in an individual life, it’s an asset that requires sweat and blood to be owned, so when you buy a car you see all features it has to offer plus the cost you have incurred to maintain that vehicle, some cars in the markets may not be very expensive but the cost of repair and maintenance acts as a deterrence to procure such car as it has a tendency to convert itself from an asset to a liability, if the situation arises.

The topmost brands which majority of the consumers prefer are Toyota, Honda, Suzuki and the imported cars which include environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient cars like Mira, Days, Passo, MOCO etc. these are stylish, comfortable and equipped with features and have a 660CC engine that is pocket friendly but with a sour point of being that’s its spare parts are usually difficult to find and very expensive to replace when need be.

The most favorite cars of Pakistanis are:

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla was launched in Japan in 1967 and in 1993 Toyota Indus Motors launched Corolla for Pakistani Consumers.

It’s the most popular sedan of all time, with thousands of unit sold of each variant, depending on the liking and need of the consumer. The existing Corolla is available in several variants like Xli, GLi, Altis and Altis Grande.

The Toyota Corolla is a sturdy, reliable and easy to maintain the car as compared to other cars in its league, hence being one of the top choices of car owners who like style and comfort in one.

Check out Toyota Car Insurance Plans

Honda Civic

The first Honda Civic was introduced in Japan in 1972. In Pakistan, this car was introduced in 1994 by Honda Atlas Cars. The tenth-generation of Honda Civic is considered as the most highly featured in its league.

Currently, In Pakistan, there are 2 versions w1.8 Litre and 1.8-Liter VTI Oriel. However, globally, there are EX-L, EX-T, EX, and LX variants.

Honda Civic offers one of the smoothest drives a driver can dream off, being the sedan it offers its consumers a luxurious feel along with great fuel mileage and excellent road grip. Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla Altis Grande are among the competitors of Honda Civic 1300 cc 2019.

Every year it sells thousands of units, a little lesser than Toyota Corolla due to its unit cost price and the expense required to maintain it.

Honda City

Honda city was launched in Japan in 1981. Honda Atlas Pakistan launched this car in 2000 for the Pakistani market. Honda City is currently available in three variants: 1.3, 1.5 and Aspire 1.5.

Honda city being a sedan is great for a family who loves sedan, a little less in cost than Honda Civic, it’s a go-to car for Honda lovers, who love a great combination of class and comfort.

Check out Honda Car Insurance Plans

Suzuki Mehran/Alto

Despite all the hate that Mehran receives, it still manages to retain its annual sales and comes in as the second most popular car. Since long

In 1984, Suzuki Japan introduced the second-generation Alto (Mehran). Pak Suzuki Mehran has a three-decade-old design and still comes with nearly the same look and features as the original one, which was introduced in 1989. Mehran was available in two variants: VX and VXR.

Recently the decades-old Mehran, also claimed on the lighter tone “Pakistan’s National car” has been replaced with Alto. New design and features, Alto has an engine of 660CC with advance features and look. It’s yet to be seen how this variant of Mehran performs in comparison to its decade’s old Successor.

Suzuki Wagon R

The Suzuki Wagon R is a Kei car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki since 1993. Pak-Suzuki launched the new Wagon R in 2014. It comes in two variants: VXR and VXL.

Suzuki WAGON R has a feel of a proper family WAGON which has comfy seats, good interior and elegant design.

Check out Suzuki Car Insurance Plans

Suzuki Cultus

The Suzuki Cultus is a supermini car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki in 1983. Currently, it is available in three models: VXR, VXL, and Auto Gear Shift.

Cultus has been recently launched with a new shape and model which has a more luxurious and classy feel to it, Cultus has always been a very popular car with its low maintenance cost and good average fuel is a car for all roads and seasons.

Buying a car and maintaining it are two different chapters, so when you buy a car always remember the first thing to do is to get it insured comprehensively, don’t think that it’s an additional cost but remember it is a cover for your risk. If getting comprehensive insurance is a big load for your pocket at the moment than at least get your three imminent risks covered, which is third party liability, theft and total loss.

These are the few favourite cars, we know the Pakistani love, which is your go-to-vehicle, let us know in the comments below:

Khurram Zahid

The post Top 5 Most Cars Loved by Pakistanis! appeared first on Smartchoice.pk.