The new car smell, the fresh interiors, the silky-smooth ride, everything feels exciting when you buy a new vehicle. However, with great comfort comes a need for greater responsibility, especially when driving conditions change with the seasons. From understanding your vehicle better to ensuring you have the right car insurance policy, this blog walks you through everything you need to know before taking your new car out on the road this season.
Why seasonal driving awareness is important?
Each season can drastically affect road conditions, visibility and vehicle performance. Summer heat can overheat engines and tyres, monsoon rains reduce road grip and visibility and winter brings fog, slippery roads and battery issues.
Being mindful of these changes helps you:
- Avoid unexpected breakdowns
- Drive more confidently and securely
- Extend the life of your car
- Stay compliant with your comprehensive car insurance coverage, which often reuires routine maintenance
Understanding your new car’s features
Modern cars come packed with features that enhance both safety and performance. They become effective only if you know how to use them. As a new vehicle owner, take time to explore:
- Traction control systems
- Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
Knowing what your car is capable of and how it responds in different weather conditions will make you a more confident and efficient driver.
Essential pre-drive checklist for new car owners
Get the best deal on your car purchase by keeping these things in mind:
The festive season calls for new beginnings, new clothes, new account books and much more. It is the time of the year when discounts and car sales break new records. If you are planning to buy a car this season, there are a lot of variables you must understand to help you cut down costs and get the value for your money, such as:
Research the dealers
Opt for dealers who are known to be cooperative and fair. This will save you money and to-and-fro in the long run. Make sure to understand all the terms and conditions clearly to avoid incomplete coverage later on.
Plan for a Diwali purchase
Diwali is a festival that brings happiness, joy and a lot of discounts on various purchases. Car dealers provide attractive discounts to boost sales, making it an ideal time for you to plan your purchase.
In some cases, they offer a discount on add-ons and additional perks such as free accessories and extended warranties.
Put safety first
Make sure you carefully inspect and inuire about the safety features of the car. Always opt for airbags; although the initial cost may seem high, they prove worthy in the long run.
Choose parking assist sensors and a camera so that you can easily fit your car in a tight parking space if needed. In addition, make sure the seating and luggage capacity is ample. Another important factor to consider is the driving comfort; ensure the seat height is comfortable and your legs reach the pedals effortlessly.
Consider the features
Rear parking sensors and cameras are a welcome convenience that save accidental damage. While Bluetooth lets you play music and attend calls wirelessly, thereby adding to your convenience. Rain-sensing wipers are another innovation that comes at an extravagant cost, but are very helpful as they reduce the wear and tear of your wiper blades and protect the windshield from scratches.
Check warranty
Manufacturing defects and malfunctioning parts can be a costly affair to replace. Get an extended warranty and after-sales service to get your car fixed under budget.
Get insured
With a steep rise in the number of accidents in recent years, it is a wise decision to opt for comprehensive vehicle insurance with tailor-made add-ons. Although getting insured from the dealership seems hassle-free, it is advisable to avoid the middlemen. You can save up to 40% on purchase costs if you buy your car policy online.
ICICI Lombard car insurance offers the best protection for your car, against natural calamities and accidental damage. Apart from the mandatory third-party liability, it gives you comprehensive protection with various add-ons such as zero depreciation cover and no claim bonus benefits that are must-haves for new cars. It comes with Roadside Assistance (RSA) which will help you in the event of:
- Battery jump start
- Towing
- Arrangement of the rental vehicle
- Arrangement of fuel
- Arrangement of accommodation
- Breakdown
- Flat tire
- Minor repairs
- Arrangement of keys
Season-specific driving tips
There are a few things to keep in mind while driving in these seasons:
Summer:
- Avoid overloading your car, as high temperatures can stress your tyres.
- Park in shaded areas or use sunshades to protect interiors.
- Stay hydrated and avoid driving long distances in extreme heat without breaks.
Monsoon:
- Drive slower and maintain a longer braking distance.
- Avoid waterlogged roads where the depth is uncertain.
- Use defoggers and air conditioning to prevent windshield fogging.
Winter:
- Warm up your engine for a few minutes before moving.
- Keep headlights and fog lamps clean for better visibility.
- Use low-beam lights in foggy conditions and avoid sudden braking.
New car maintenance tips for every season
Here are a few car maintenance tips that will come in handy in every season:
- Summer: Check battery fluids, cooling system and AC performance.
- Monsoon: Get an anti-rust treatment and inspect rubber seals to avoid leaks.
- Winter: Check the heater, battery health and tyre grip.
Regular servicing also helps meet the conditions in your comprehensive car insurance, which may not cover damage due to negligence or poor upkeep.
Seasonal accessories you might need
Enhance safety and comfort with accessories designed for seasonal needs:
- Sunshades and seat cover for summer
- Rubber mats, mud flaps and waterproof covers for the rainy season
- Anti-fog films, car blankets and snow brushes (in colder regions) for winter
Sometimes car insurance policy even offers add-ons for accessories, so check if your plan covers these extra items.
Conclusion
Driving a new car is thrilling, but being a responsible owner means preparing for seasonal changes. Whether it's understanding your car better, staying on top of maintenance, or having the right car insurance policy, a little awareness goes a long way. Make seasonal care a part of your driving routine, and you’ll enjoy a smooth and safe ride, no matter the weather.
So, gear up, stay covered with a comprehensive car insurance plan, and hit the road with confidence this season!
FAQs
1 Do I need to change my car insurance policy every season?
No, but it is good to review your car insurance plan annually and check for seasonal add-ons or breakdown assistance.
2 Is comprehensive car insurance enough for seasonal damage?
It generally covers seasonal issues like flood damage or accidents in poor visibility. Always read the policy documents to understand the exclusions and inclusions of the plan.
3 What if my car breaks down during a seasonal drive?
If you have roadside assistance (often available with comprehensive policies), you can call for help. Always keep your insurer’s helpline handy.
4 Are accessories covered under car insurance?
They are covered only if you have declared them in your policy or opted for additional cover. Always inform your insurer about high-value accessories.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or conseuences resulting from the use of this outdated information.