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In a Flood Zone? Check Your Vehicle for Flood Damage

With the Indian Meteorological Department predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall in most parts of the country in the coming weeks, it is essential to check your vehicle for flood damage. If your car gets stuck in heavily flooded areas, then there are specific ways of checking and confirming it for potential costs. You can carry out the below car examination to determine the extent of the loss.

The Sensory Test: The sense of touch and smell can help you in analysing if the car has been in a flood zone. When you sit in the car, close the doors and roll-up the windows for at least 5 minutes. After that open the door and if you can smell mould and mildew, it means the vehicle is water impacted. Likewise, by touching the carpet and pressing them with paper towels, you can have an idea if the surface is wet. You should take a paper towel to carry out this test. There are many insulated carpets and detecting with a regular cloth, or bare hands will be difficult.

Inspect the Interiors: Check under the seats for corrosion and rusting. This part of the car has unpainted metal and rusting is a clear sign of dampness. You should also look for mud or debris in the corners and car surface. The other areas that are prone to corrosion are nuts and bolts in the bonnet, door handles, boot hinges and door. You should open the boot and check the carpet carefully and the side slots for storage.

Foggy Windows & Lights: If you notice fogging on the car windows and lights, then don’t start the car after sitting inside. It is yet another clear indication of a flood-damaged vehicle. The problem of fogging was common in old cars as the built-in drainage system would get blocked with debris. However, the new generation vehicles get designed to be watertight. For fogging to take place, there needs to be a substantial amount of water trapped in a car. Likewise, water caught in headlight and taillight leads to fogging.

Check the Working of Electrical Systems: It is another easy way of detecting water damage. You should check the charging ports, indicators and roof lights for malfunctioning. Besides, test the audio and door speakers too for a cracking sound. Check all the buttons and be assured. You should also check the air conditioning system, and if it emits a musty smell, then it is also a sign of moisture-induced damage.

Call a Professional: If you notice any of the above signs, then immediately seek professional assistance. It is also being advised again not to start your car in a flooded or damp state. Call an expert who will further examine the underbody as there are many exposed metal components in it. Like fuel tank, chassis, exhaust network and more. If the vehicle experienced waterlogging for long, then most of these parts will show signs of corrosion and rust. Along with the underbody, a technician will also check the oil to understand if the engine got impacted too.

For such and more unforeseen circumstances, it is always better to take precautionary measures. There are 24*7 roadside assistance services available these days. It is ideal to take one such package and save your car from further damage. If you are looking for a reliable car service and maintenance provider, then visit Mahindra First Choice Services. We offer 24*7 roadside assistance 365 days across the country. There is also a towing service available. For any vehicle breakdown, you can contact us, and we will take care of your car. Know more about the roadside assistance service, and we will be there to assist you always.

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MFCSL Empowering Women to Drive & Be Independent

Are you reluctant to take your car to the service centre? Do you avoid driving alone at night? Well, taking care of such women woes and empowering them is the Mahindra First Choice Services Limited (MFCSL). We encourage women to drive and be independent. There are nearly 2-million-women car drivers in key Indian cities, and we urge more to join the league. Driving your car gives you the freedom to travel anywhere, anytime.

This Raksha Bandhan we request woman drivers to come forward and get their car servicing done in safe and conducive MFCSL service centres. Our technicians are equipped to service every car, and we provide you with the warmth and comfort to come independently. You can talk to our technicians, and they will explain to you the car requirements. We offer periodic maintenance services, car wash, wheel alignment, AC servicing, denting and painting, running repairs, body repairs and complete car care. Our technicians are approachable; you can sit and discuss the car concerns with them and get a smooth driving experience. There is also free pick up and drop service from your home or workplace to the service station to make your experience hassle-free. Schedule your car servicing during the office hours and drive home in the evening conveniently.    

Not just servicing, we are here to make the car driving experience an enjoyable one for you. Work or party late night and if you get stranded on the road, rely on our 24*7 roadside assistance. We care and endeavour to provide you with the best in class service anytime, anywhere. Offering nationwide assistance, you can drive outstation too as you have a robust and reliable support system with you. The many other benefits of our roadside assistance services include guidance over the phone, towing to MFCS service centre, minor repair work on-site, flat tyre support, battery jumpstart and fuel delivery.

Let’s make your car driving experience a hassle-free and happy one. We are for complete car care every time, everywhere. You have the power, and we are there to assist. Come and experience the warmth, safety, and comfort of our service centres and our technicians. Know about our different car servicing and care packages, and we pledge your security behind the wheels and on the road.

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Five Tips to Help CNG Cars Last Longer

Are you planning to buy a CNG car or get CNG installed in your vehicle? The compressed natural gas (CNG) is getting used instead of petrol and diesel and is increasingly popular due to its low cost. However, most vehicles are designed to run on fossil fuels, and when you run them on CNG, you are subjecting them to high wear and tear. This does not mean that driving the car on CNG is not the right decision. You can benefit and make CNG cars last longer with the below tips.

Start by Driving on Petrol: When you start the car, you should not switch to CNG immediately. Run it on petrol for up to 1 km and then make the switch. Even if the kit allows you to start on CNG, you should avoid doing it. This will lubricate the engine and reduce the wear and tear significantly.

Prepone the Servicing: In your petrol or diesel run cars, you need to adhere to the servicing schedule. However, when it comes to CNG car, you should prepone it. Some of the delicate parts like air filters get impacted when you run the vehicle on CNG. So, getting frequent servicing done is vital. If you have been advised to get the servicing done at 15000 km, after installing CNG, you should get it done at 12000 km. If you follow this as a servicing schedule, you will not have to worry about the lack of engine oil or breakdown of any parts.

Consult CNG Specialist: When you get the CNG tuning done, you should always reach out to a CNG specialist. If the car has company fitted CNG kit, then you must always go to an authorised service centre.

Change the Spark Plugs: In a CNG car, you need to change the spark plugs more frequently as they tend to wear fast. You should preferably get special CNG spark plugs.

Don’t let the Tank run on Empty: Driving a CNG car requires you to monitor the fuel gauge closely, and you should never let it run on empty. The CNG cylinder pressure tends to fall when the tank gets empty, and the valve can explode.

With the right care and periodic maintenance, you can take care of your CNG car and enjoy a smooth drive.

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Hit a Pothole? Look for These Warning Signs

With the onset of monsoon, the condition of roads deteriorates. Potholes on the road become a common sight during and after the rainy season. When your car hits a pothole, it can have a damaging effect on the tyres, wheel alignment, suspension and steering.

Read on to know about some of the warning signs that you must check to know if your car is damaged after knocking on a pothole.

Steering & Suspension: The steering and suspension of your vehicle relate to your safety and influence your ride and car handling. If the steering and suspension get damaged, then you will experience loss of control on your car, it may even sway on turnings or it will tend to bounce more.

Wheel Alignment: When the wheel alignment of your car gets affected, it will tend to pull the car in one direction, instead of driving on a straight path. If the wheel alignment is unimpacted, then the pothole could have worn out the car tyre. Both of these situations pose a risk to the car and driver. Besides, if the wheel alignment of the vehicle gets impacted and goes unchecked, it can damage the car tyres too.

Tyres: After hitting a pothole, if you notice frequent low pressure in the car tyres, bulges on the sidewalls or dents in the wheel rim, then it is a matter of concern. The car tyres are the connection between the vehicle and road, and are critical.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, then you should immediately take your car to a trusted workshop. All these signs mentioned above impact the safety of the vehicle, driver and fellow riders. You cannot possibly ignore them.

Are you looking for expert help this monsoon season? Then, connect with the Mahindra First Choice Services team. We offer complete car care, including running, body and wheel care. Irrespective of the concern, car make and type, you can approach our skilled team of technicians and get quality service. There are also special monsoon offers for your car, and you can know more about it from here. Let’s keep your vehicle in a new condition this monsoon with regular suspension, wheel and tyre check-ups. Book an appointment today and bring your car for a healthy makeover.

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Tips to Achieve Higher Bike Fuel Economy

Do you love going for long bike rides? Does the mileage issue act as a deterrent? Alternatively, are you pushing your plan of buying a bike due to mileage concerns? Well, if such is the case, then you can go ahead with your long drive and bike buying plans as there are effective ways of getting more mileage from your bike. You can get even more than the claimed figures by using the below tips. It is the way you drive and how you maintain the bike that makes much difference.

Here are some ways of maximizing the fuel economy of your bike.

#Tip1: The Right (Tyre) Air Pressure: If the (Tyre) air pressure  of your bike is low, then there are chances of decreased mileage. This is because the rolling resistance increases due to wider tyre contact with the surface area. In such a scenario, the bike engine must work way harder to cover a distance consuming more fuel. While if the pressure is optimum in both the tyres, then the contact patch will reduce, and the traction will also decrease, giving you more mileage. Get the Tyre air pressure checked at regular intervals and have the tyres inflated according to the manufacturer recommendations.

#Tip2: A Steady & Stable Ride: To get more mileage from your bike, start riding it at a constant and controlled speed. When you maintain an average driving speed and use the braking system less, the bike will start giving you more mileage. Whereas, rash and sudden acceleration, require frequent braking and consumes a lot more fuel affecting the mileage.

#Tip3: Oil  Lubricate the Bike Internals: It is essential to lubricate the moving components of your bike as friction is one of the main enemies of bike engine and mileage. A jammed set up stresses the engine, reduces the momentum and increases the wear and tear. This makes it a must that you get the engine oil changed at regular intervals and keep the bike internals oiled and clean. Even the air intake filter should be cleaned for a good flow of air into the engine.

#Tip4: Switch Off the Bike When Idle: To get more mileage from your bike, you should turn it off when waiting on a long signal. Even in an idle state, the engine consumes fuel, and it can affect the mileage. So, if you are standing at a railway crossing or traffic signal for more than a minute, then you should switch off the bike, give some rest to the engine and save the fuel. It will also enhance the shelf life of the battery.

#Tip5: Periodic Maintenance, A Must: You should regularly take the bike for servicing and get the worn-out parts replaced. Every element has its impact on the bike engine and mileage. Like a worn-out clutch makes the engine spin much higher. Similarly, during the rainy season, you should hose it down to wash away the mud. If the mud hardens, it will impact the momentum.

#Tip6: Stick to Two Riders: A bike is designed for two riders. So, overloading it will require more power and fuel. For safety and more mileage, it is best that you ride the bike with only one companion.

You can go biking and get more mileage with the way you drive and maintain your bike. If you are looking for multi-brand bike servicing, then you should visit Mahindra First Choice Services. You can get your bike for periodic maintenance, running and body repairs. Whether it is your car or bike servicing, you can visit https://www.mahindrafirstchoiceservices.com/ and get the most competitive packages and quality service.

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Is In-Car Navigation Making Us Dumber?

Technology is changing the way we work; it is also changing the way we drive through the city traffic and meander on high altitudes and plains. You sit in the car; type the location or voice search, and you get an exact idea in how much time you will reach the destination and the fastest route you should take. It comes as a blessing in the chaotic city traffic. You can plan and leave for work as you already have a time estimate. However, do you feel that this in-car navigation is making you a dumb driver? You are no longer using your brain to remember the route. Even if you are travelling to the same destination everyday, you rely on GPS navigation. Read on to know how the in-car navigation system is making us dumber. Effect on Cognitive Skills: When you drive using the maps all the time, it can lead to brain drain. According to the MIT Technology Review and Case Study of the London Taxi Drivers, it affects the analytical areas of the brain and memory. There is a famous case study of the London Taxi Drivers as their job requires them to memorise all the roads of the city. It is also known as “the Knowledge”. A study was conducted on the brains of the London drivers by Professor Eleanor Maguire from the Welcome Trust for Neuroimaging at the University of London. The study revealed that there was a higher capacity of the grey volume in the hippocampus as against the non-drivers. This hippocampus is central to all kinds of memory, and it is essential to keep it healthy for different types of cognition. All this science necessarily implies that the increasing dependence on smartphone apps and navigation systems is affecting the brain as we are using it less.  

Lack of Learning: With this autopilot by your side all the time, you don’t try to remember the routes. The challenge is when the GPS signal is lost, the internet doesn’t work, or your smartphone runs out of battery. So, when this electronic guide is not there by your side, commuting becomes difficult. Even if you have travelled on the same stretch many times, you will not be able to recall the route because it is difficult for your brain to remember the navigation system’s step-by-step instructions. It prevents the brain from learning the geography of a city. The Issue with Directions: Doesn’t it often happen that you get confused when the navigation starts and asks you to head north or east? When you are about to start driving, you cannot first analyse in which direction you are standing. Such direction challenges often leave you feeling dumber. Imagine you have a colleague or acquaintance in your car, and despite the navigation, you drive in the wrong direction. It is embarrassing! Isn’t it?

Although research indicates that there are specific challenges with the GPS navigation system, it comes as an advantage. People are hoping cities for work, travelling to a new town now and then, planning road trips far in the mountains – it is during such times that the navigation system comes super useful. You can voice search or type the destination and navigate comfortably. It helps you in travelling confidently even in a new city. Besides, there is the option of downloading the map and analysing the different routes before you embark on a journey. If you are looking for a reliable mechanism, then get a GPS navigation system installed in your car. However, if you go by the research analyses and wish to explore and learn the city geography, then drive without such a navigation system. Make paper maps, seek local assistance and learn the different routes.

If, however, you are concerned about locating your car, then you can get the O’Buddy from Mahindra First Choice Services. It converts your vehicle into a smart car and helps you stay connected. It is a powerful onboard diagnostics and GPS solution that enables you to track your vehicle in real time. You can also know about your car health and fuel details. So, drive safe and secure with this plug-in O’Buddy device in the OBD-II port of your car and use the O’Buddy mobile app to get all the details anytime, anywhere. Know more about this device  and keep your vehicle safe and healthy.

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Habits which May Be Damaging your Car Unknowingly

When it comes to your car, normal wear and tear are natural. However, sometimes, it can be more than usual and have a damaging effect on your vehicle. There are certain practices, which become our habit over time. It is applicable in our driving skills too. While some practices are healthy and should continue, it is essential to know about the damaging ones, which you may be committing unintentionally. Below are some of the everyday habits with respect to your car that you should stop on an immediate basis.

Skipping the Car Service: Taking the car for regular servicing is a must. It is essential to do so if you want to maintain the vehicle in good condition. When you take the car for servicing, the filters and fluids get checked and changed, which help in running the car smoothly. Besides, the car gets thoroughly cleaned, and if any part is not functioning correctly, then you will get to know about it too. If you have been skipping car servicing, then it is vital to take cognizance of this habit now and change it immediately. Pro Tip: Put reminders in your smartphone and schedule the appointment well in advance. Neglecting the Car Tires: Once every month, you should get the air pressure checked. The last thing you want is to have a flat tire on a super busy day. You should also get the alignment & balancing checked. It is essential from a safety point of view. Along with this primary tire care, you must also get the tires changed after every 3 to 4 years or after driving the car for 20000 to 25000 km / depend on tire condition. Besides, you can look for the DOT number on the sidewall. Pro Tip: You can schedule wheel care appointment and get the wheel checked for pressure, alignment, balancing and get an idea when you will need to change it.

Driving the Car with Low Fuel: Do you tend to forget getting the car refuelled or keep driving even with the low fuel warning light? Well, this habit can land you in a fix if you end up running out of fuel in the middle of the road and have a damaging effect on the fuel tank. When you run the car with low fuel, the dust, grime and rust settled at the bottom of the tank can get sucked into the system. Besides, it also acts as a coolant for the fuel pump and lubricant. So, when you drive with low fuel, it can have a damaging effect on the fuel pump.

Pro Tip: Get the car fuel refilled from time to time instead of waiting for the low fuel level warning light.

Resting the Hand on Gear Shifter & Foot on Pedal Clutch: Do you have the habit of keeping your hand on the gear shifter and foot on the pedal clutch? Well, change this habit immediately. It may appear as a harmless gesture; however, resting your hand on the gear shifter can have a detrimental impact on the car transmission. The gear stick is attached to a control rod in the gearbox, which has selector forks. These should come into contact with the whirring gears only for a short duration. Otherwise, it will affect the transmission. Likewise, keeping the foot on the pedal clutch while driving can cause the clutch disc to heat up and wear ultimately. Pro Tip: Changing your posture on an immediate basis is a must for the good health of your car. Warm the Engine, Before Driving: When you start the car and drive immediately, it is like waking from a deep slumber and directly running around to finish the chores. Instead, you should leave the engine running for 10 seconds before you start driving.

Pro Tip: When you start the engine, the oil pump will push the oil around and circulate fully. This process takes some time, so don’t start the car immediately.

If you have been behind the wheel for a long time, then driving must be your second nature. You will not be thinking much about your driving skills and car maintenance. However, if certain habits are leading to wear and tear of your vehicle, then it is essential to change now. Even when it comes to car maintenance, make it a habit. Take your car for servicing, wheel care and periodic maintenance. These will go a long way in keeping your vehicle in mint condition. For car servicing and complete car care, rely on Mahindra First Choice Services.

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How to Make the Most of your Test Drive?

Buying a car is fun and exciting! After accomplishing the online research and narrowing down on a couple of vehicles, you need to achieve the next important milestone, i.e. test drive. It is a crucial part of buying a car as it is during the test drive that you will have a real-time feel of your new ride. You will get to know about the abilities and limits of a vehicle when you sit behind the wheel. However, before you head out for the test drive read on the below tips to make the most of the test drive and settle on nothing but the best.

Plan the Test Drive: Once you decide the vehicles you want to test drive, plan not more than three in a day. Otherwise, it will get overwhelming and confusing. Space out the schedule in a manner that you have ample time to test drive the cars. If possible, keep the three top choices for the same day. It will help in making a better comparison and a better decision. Further, you should try to book appointments with dealers in proximity and during a weekday to avoid the rush and remember to take your driving license along.

Prioritise the Features & Test: Before you head out, make a list of features that are a must in your new drive. It can be maximum storage, enough leg room in the back seat, the feel of the steering, or easy accessibility of car controls and interfaces. So, depending upon your requirement, you should make a complete list and check everything that matters. If someone is accompanying you for the test drive, then you can ask the person to sit on the rear seats and have a feel of it too.

Drive the Model you will buy: Most car dealers offer a test drive of the top model. However, this will not give you the real feel of the car. There is much difference between the different car models in terms of suspension, tires, cabin and even engine in specific brands. So, you should insist on taking the test drive in the model which you will be buying.

Test the High-Tech & New Features: If you are buying a car that comes with many new features, then it is essential that you test these features thoroughly and understand the utility. These may include driver aids, auto climate control and ABS among others. Along with these features, you must also scrutinise the brakes.

Test Drive on your Preferred Route: Most salespeople have a set route for a test drive, which can be short and as per their convenience. However, when you test drive a car, you should do it on a route that is like your daily driving route. If the road leading to your office has bumps, then you should test drive on a similar stretch. You will get a better sense of the car suspension and brakes when you drive on such bumps. After completing the test drive, you should not take a decision immediately. Instead, test drive all the cars that you would like to compare and then decide. If you have any doubts, you can talk to an expert at Mahindra First Choice Services. They will be happy to help. Besides, after buying your new drive, you can seek wheel care, 24*7 roadside maintenance and service maintenance package for its regular maintenance. It is the way you drive and take care of your car that will make much difference. So, learn about various car care schemes and let your vehicle stay new and high performing for long.  

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Road Tripping This Summer? Do These Eight Things First

It is summer time! The ideal season to pack up and head out for a road trip. Discover new places and travel as you desire for this is the perfect season when you don’t have to worry about rain or fog. Moreover, with most educational institutions already closing for summer break, it is the right time to treat yourself with a break and spend some time with your kids. However, one thing that can spoil your plans is a breakdown in the middle of a highway. So, along with the hotel bookings and planning a detailed itinerary, it is essential to send your car to a reliable workshop for a complete check-up. Your trip and plans depend much on the health of your vehicle. Here are a few things, which you need to get checked at a trusted auto workshop.

Get the Oil Checked: Oil is the lifeline of your engine. You need to get it changed after every 3000 to 5000 miles. So, talk to the expert at the auto workshop and share the details of how far you are planning to drive and accordingly get the oiling part done. During the summer months, you should get heavier oil due to rising temperatures. Along with the engine oil, you should also get the radiator fluid checked that keeps the engine cool. You ideally need to get it changed after every 50,000 miles. Besides, get the windshield washer, brake, power steering and transmission fluid checked.  

Check the Battery Condition & Expiry Date: A car battery usually has a lifespan of 5 years. If the batteries are about to expire, then it is ideal for changing them. However, if they are fine, still check for corrosion on terminals and the leads on both the ends that should be tight. You can get this entire set-up checked at an auto repair shop.

The Belt Condition: You can locate the belts under the car hood and have an idea if they are loose or worn out. There may be a couple of belts or a single belt depending upon the car age and model. These belts run through the water pump and accessories. So, check their condition and accordingly seek expert help.

Check the Tyres: The car tyres are central to your vehicle. They constantly connect the car with the road, and it is vital to check them when planning to drive for hours at a stretch. You should review the tread depth, which will give you an idea about the condition of the tyres and even scrutinize the surface of the tyre for damages and bubbles. If the tread is not good, you are more likely to have blowouts. Besides, you must also check the pressure in all the tyres, including the spare one. If anyone tyre has low pressure, it may be indicative of a leak, and you will need to get it fixed. So, check the pressure and tread and keep the spare tyres inflated. In the event of a blowout, the last thing you want is the spare tyre going flat too.   Vehicle Health Check: Along with the specific checks, you should get a full vehicle health check-up done too. When you are planning a long road trip, it is essential to know about your vehicle health. This will also give you an idea about the consumable spares that you should carry. Keep Consumable Spares: There are some consumable spares, which you must always carry when going on a road trip. Like first aid kit, jack, jack handle, wheel spanner, spare fuses, spare headlamp bulb, warning triangle and drinking water. These are some of the essential tools and consumables that should be there in your car before you step out for a long journey to take care of tricky situations on your own.   Get Roadside Assistance: Even after getting the service and all parts checked, a fool-proof way of securing your road trip is to get 24*7 roadside assistance. In case there is a car breakdown, you can get support while on the move. There are a range of services that you can get anytime, anywhere like the battery jumpstart, minor on-site repair, towing, flat tyre support and more.

Get the Fuel Tank Full: Finally, before you touch the highway, ensure that the fuel tank is full. It is vital to keep a tap on the fuel gauge reading all the time and try to get it refilled timely. When driving on the highway, there can be long stretches without a fuel pump. So, it is always better to stay prepared.

For car servicing before travel, spares and 24*7 roadside assistance, you can connect with Mahindra First Choice Services. A reliable and complete auto workshop, it supports every car, everywhere. Offering nationwide assistance, you can rely for any mechanical or electrical failure or traffic accident. Know more about this service and other maintenance packages and plan your road trip carefree with MFCS team by your side.  

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How to Increase Car Mileage – Myths  & Tips

 Fuel is the driving force behind a vehicle and the ever-rising fuel prices are becoming a concern for every vehicle owner. The petrol and diesel prices are pushing people and automobile companies to explore alternative means of fuels. However, until these alternatives become as effective as the existing mainstream fuel options looking for means to increase the car mileage can be a wise decision. It will be good for your car and your pocket. But there are several myths and facts revolving around this hot topic of achieving more mileage. Before we share the tips and tricks to increase the mileage, let us uncover some myths around it, so that you use only the proven and effective means of improving your car’s mileage.

The Myths Uncovered Some of the common myths revolving around car mileage include,

#Myth1: Refuel your Car Every Morning: Have you been advised to refill the car tank every morning for more mileage? The theory around it is that petrol tends to expand with heat. While this theory is right, but the truth is that the fuel gets stored in tanks below ground where the everyday temperature cannot play any role in the petrol density.

#Myth 2: Less Fuel is Bad for Engine & Mileage: If you run the car with less fuel in it, then the car engine starts ingesting littered fuel from the bottom of the tank. This affects the engine and the pickup. However, the truth is that the fuel tank is designed in a manner that it can always pick fuel from the bottom of the tank. So, whether the tank is full or running low on fuel, it will not have any impact on the engine and mileage.

#Myth 3: Premium Fuel for Better Run: There are different categories of petrol like power, premium and more. There are claims that using such petrol variants can give you better mileage. However, the truth is that these categories of petrol can benefit the engine’s performance as they are less combustible.

#Myth 4: The Range Readings are Incorrect: These are often evaluated based on long term driving patterns. Whereas, the fuel gauge is a simple indicator of how much fuel is left in the car. So, the range readings cannot be a parameter for analysing the car mileage.

The Tips for Better Car Mileage Now that you know about the myths learn about the beneficial tips and tricks for better fuel efficiency and car mileage.

#Tip 1: The Engine Health: It is important that you get regular car servicing and emission tests done to keep the engine in good health. It is a great way of ensuring mileage at its peak. Besides, you should also ensure that the correct grade engine oil is used at the time of service. If you use any other engine oil, then it can affect fuel efficiency by 20%.

#Tip 2: Avoid Over Use of Clutch & Accelerator: When driving the car avoid keeping your foot on the clutch. Engage it only when needed to save fuel. Likewise, accelerating up and down frequently will drop the mileage significantly. Instead, try to maintain a constant speed for fuel conservation.

#Tip 3:  Maintain Tyre Pressure: The tyres play an important role in providing you with better mileage. So, maintain the tyre pressure not only for long-lasting tyres but for fuel efficiency as well. Always follow the manufacturer recommended air pressure levels in the tyre.

#Tip 4: Keep Windows Rolled-Up & Drive Light: When you drive with the windows rolled-up you will burn less fuel as against driving without AC. This is because when the windows are rolled down the car will face more air-drag with cross ventilation. So, roll up the windows and benefit with more mileage. Besides, drive light and burn less fuel.

Follow the above tips to enjoy better mileage from your car. Ensure you get timely servicing and repairs done to maintain the car health and benefit with fuel efficiency. Looking for efficient and effective servicing solutions, then contact Mahindra First Choice Services today and drive smart every day.

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What is Wheel Alignment, Balancing and Rotation? How Often Should It be Done?

Want to make the best of your brand-new tyre? Then, it is important to know about wheel alignment, wheel balancing and tyre rotation. These are the three essentials if you want to get the best from your car tyres. These methods can reduce the wear and tear of your car tyres and keep them in a good shape for a long time. They are three different terminologies and techniques and each of them is significant in ensuring you have a smooth and safe drive, always.  

Let us understand each of these techniques, their importance and how frequently you need to bring them to use to maintain your car tyres and to keep your car in a good condition.

Tyre Rotation: It refers to the timely shifting of car’s wheels and the position of tyres for facilitating uniform wear and tear of all the tyres. In almost every car, there is more burden on the front wheels due to the front wheel drive configuration. Besides, adding to the pressure is the engine and gearbox weight. Even when it comes to the all-wheel drive, there is relatively more pressure on the front tyres, and they tend to wear faster. Further, it is the front tyres in the car that do most steering and braking exerting more weight.

To reduce the excess wear and tear of the front tyres, periodically rotating them is essential. The rotation should be done as recommended by the car manufacturer. There are mainly two types of tyre rotation, four and five wheels. The four wheels one is done among the running wheels only. The five-wheel method is a little complicated, but it can ensure equal wear and tear of all the five tyres. You can follow either of the methods but do timely tyre rotation for the best performance of your car tyres.

Wheel Alignment: Do you notice your car drifting in one direction or another? It implies there is a problem with the wheel alignment. When all the four wheels are not pointing in a straight direction, you will face issues in driving the car. It will be difficult for you to keep the car in a straight line even while driving at average speed as the vehicle will keep pulling in one direction and there will be vibrations in the steering wheel. If you ignore this alignment issue, the tyres will start wearing off fast and this can also impact the suspensions.

You should get the wheel alignment check done according to the recommendation by the manufacturer or after every 5000 km. As a precautionary measure, you can also ask the service centre to check the wheel alignment on every third service.

Wheel Balancing:This is also known as tyre balancing and is the process of equally distributing the weight of the tyre and wheel assembly ensuring it spins smoothly even at high speed. It is the car tyre which is in constant contact with the road and it is vital to keep its balance to avoid irregular wear and tear. Moreover, this wheel and tyre assembly will also wobble due to this imbalance and cause vibration in the steering wheel. This vibration is known as “shimmy”, which can affect the suspension ball joints.

So, ideally, you should get the wheel balancing done whenever you get an uncomfortable response from the steering wheel or find uneven wear and tear of a tyre.

All these three techniques can help increase the shelf life of the car tyres and ensure smooth performance of your car for a long time. Wheel care should be a part of your regular car maintenance. Taking regular care of the wheels is a must as it can affect the driving experience and has an impact on the overall safety. For wheel alignment and balancing services, trust Mahindra First Choice Services. We are for car servicing and complete car care.

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Aftermarket Brakes, The Danger of Using Cheap Vehicle Replacement Components

The brakes of your vehicle are an essential safety mechanism. If the brakes of your car are compromised, you are risking your life and of those who are riding with you. The importance of a galvanised and original braking system cannot be stressed enough. But the brake pad system has its shelf life. It gets impacted and is subject to wear and tear as you use your brakes more and more while driving. Surveys indicate, “an average brake pad lasts between 12000 to 15000 miles”.

Once you need to change your existing brake pads, there is usually the option of going for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or the aftermarket ones. Below is a detailed insight and analysis that can help you decide, which one is appropriate for your car.

OEM Brake Pads The OEM parts of automobiles are the ones which come fitted from the company. Made by reputed and trusted brands, you can drive your car with a level of confidence as these brands cater to all the safety norms. When you buy a car, it has all the original components that are made by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle. They undergo rigorous testing and it is for this reason that they come with “under-warranty” tag.

In the course of driving the vehicle, some parts subject to wear and tear and you will need to change certain components. If you opt for the OEM ones, sorting and making a choice will be easy as there are limited options. In fact, there are chances that you will have only a single replacement part with no options. This way finding the appropriate replacement part will be easy. Such is never the case in the aftermarket. You will get many options and you can get overwhelmed.

Moreover, when you want to buy an OEM component, you will have to go to the authorised dealer or workshop. They may even ask you to wait for a couple of days as the original parts are not always readily available. The workshop will have to place an order for the required part and then do the exact fittings. Otherwise, you will not be able to get the authentic part. This usually never happens in aftermarket. The car parts are easily available, and your car can get fixed in a short turn around time. The components which the OEMs design are for a specific vehicle with certain features ensuring seamless integration. Like some manufacturers make the braking system to limit noise and dust and promote better stopping ability, while there are others who vouch for extensive lifetime use. Aftermarket Brake Pads According to a report by Technavio, “The global automotive brake aftermarket is projected to grow by more than 6% from 2017-2021”. Despite the advantages of going for OEM components, the aftermarket continues to expand and grow. Its growth gets attributed to the wide availability of these automotive parts and variety from which you can choose. The aftermarket is a gigantic one and many different players are manufacturing the same car component. It is for this reason that you get such a huge variety of every part. Moreover, the primary reason for people choosing these components is also the monetary factor. There is a glaring difference between an original and aftermarket component prices.

However, if you are looking for quality and warranty, then go for OEM replacement or trusted replacement parts. The smart trusted replacement parts are relatively cheaper as compared with the OEM ones and come with quality assurance. One such brand providing quality spare parts is MFCS. Known for delivering the best quality spare parts at the right price, you can connect with them if you are looking for ideal spare part solutions for your car.

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What's Really Left in the Tank When the Gauge Reads "E"?

Have you ever played the miles until empty game? It refers to the one when the needle hits E and the ‘low fuel’ sign illuminates on the digital instrument cluster. It makes you panic, thinking if it is possible to make-up to the next fuel station. Driving the car with the ‘low fuel’ light on is a risky affair. It gets you stressed as getting stranded in the middle of the road is the last thing you will ever want. However, does the “E” signal indicate that there is no fuel left in the car or is it indicative of the fact that you need to go and refuel the car at the next fuel junction?

What does “E” Indicate? The “E” indicator on the gauge is usually a gentle reminder that you need to take your car to the fuel station and get the tank refilled. It is a helpful reminder and useful feature that comes with every modern vehicle. It doesn’t imply that you are out of fuel. Instead, it is a way of informing you that you are now using the car’s fuel reserve and have a short driving range left.

How many KM Can You Go? The next important aspect on which you will need clarity is about how many kilometres (KM) you can drive once the E indicator lights-up. There is no exact and precise way of measuring this as every car manufacturer gets it programmed differently. But usually, it implies you can keep going for upto 30 to 50 miles. This is the industry standard and thumb rule, which most manufacturers follow. However, consider the above figures only as indicative and try to get the refueling done as soon as the needle hits E.

Why Not to Make it a Habit? The practice of not having optimum fuel is not good for the car health. When you run the car with low fuel in the tank, it implies that the pump is not lubricated enough and can get overheated leading to pump failure. Being an expensive part of the car, it’s replacement will invite a huge expense. Moreover, a failing fuel pump will impact the performance of the car.

Over a period, deposits get build-up in the tank. This is often due to refilling of low-quality fuel and corrosion due to moisture. These deposits are there at the bottom of the tank and can get stuck in the fuel pump if you regularly run the car with E indicator. This can impact the performance, efficiency of the engine and shelf life of your car. Besides, sometimes due to low fuel level, the fuel pump can also trap air making your ride a bumpy and jerky one.

The Best Practices & Recommendations To maintain the car health and to avoid damages to the fuel tank, it is recommended to regularly fill the fuel tank and keep it above an eighth of the tank. This will not only make the ride smooth but enhance the life of your vehicle. Along with refueling the tank timely, it is essential to get the car servicing done regularly. If you are looking for periodic car servicing and repair service of vehicle parts, then you can rely on Mahindra First Choice Services Limited. Catering to over 500 types of car services and repairs you can look up to their trusted service to keep your car in a new state for long. For a car health check or servicing, book an appointment today.

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Why You Should Prefer To Buy SUV As Your First Vehicle?

Buying your first car is an important milestone in your life. Sitting in your car for the first time is a special and memorable moment. So, you should take an informed and well-researched decision. There should only be good memories associated with it. If you wish to make this moment extra special, then think of buying an SUV. Yes, let a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) be your first buy. By SUVs we mean the car based monocoque like XUV 300, Brezza, Nexon etc.

 Here are some reasons why investing in an SUV can be an epic decision.

 1. Perfect View; Great Driving Experience: If you feel that an SUV is a bulky car and driving it will be difficult, then think again. Of course, it is a big and sturdy car, but the height effect offers you a great driving experience. Sitting on the driver seat, you can easily spot those cracks and potholes and have a bird’s view of the road ahead.

2. Ideal for Every Terrain: Whether you are buying a car to travel to work every day or to make those trips to the mountains or dunes easy, an SUV drive will be truly enjoyable. It is ideal for every terrain. Whether it is a busy city road or snowy mountainous terrain, an SUV will offer a smooth driving experience. Moreover, most of them offer the models that have power in all the four wheels making driving in tough terrains a breeze.

3. Travel with Loved Ones: When you buy an SUV, you can accommodate more people in your car and enjoy your new possession with those who matter. It can effortlessly accommodate 7-8 people, and you can enjoy driving in the company of your family and friends.

4. Spacious & Roomy: Along with more people, an SUV can accommodate more stuff too. There is a big and roomy boot that you get, and you can easily carry all the things you require. Some SUV’s also give you the option of folding the rear seat and making it easy for you to take along your cyclathon or mountaineering gears.

5. Fuel Efficient: Gone are the days when poor fuel efficiency made you drop the idea of buying an SUV. These days SUV’s come with a powerful engine configuration, but it does not hamper its fuel efficiency. Planning those long trips in your SUV is also easy, thanks to more mileage these machines offer.

6. Loaded with Features: Along with performance and space, you also get features in a well-designed SUV. Electric sunroof, GPS navigation, rain-sensing wipers, touch-screen infotainment, smartwatch connectivity and much more advanced features come in an SUV these days.

Isn’t an SUV a great first car? If you are looking for a spacious, sturdy car loaded with features, then take the most sought after SUV home. There are SUVs designed for the Indian roads and you can explore even the compact SUV range and choose the best ride. Besides, for the aftercare of your new car, you can rely on Mahindra First Choice Services. It is a multi-brand car workshop and has over 335 workshops in 24 states and over 267 towns. So, leave the care of your new baby, irrespective of which brand it belongs to with MFCS. You can locate a service centre near you, from here.

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Harmful Accessories for your Car

A car has comfort and luxury quotient attached to it. In order to flaunt it, not only do the auto enthusiasts accentuate their car with accessories but also most of the car owners like to do so. It is a great and easy way of personalising and customising the car and enhancing its looks. However, when it comes to accessorising the vehicle, you need to think of the safety first. Every accessory that you add should accentuate the car looks, but it should not pose problems in the car or threaten the safety of the passengers. Read on to know about such car accessories, which can be harmful 

The Not So Bold Bull Bars: Often put on cars as a style statement or to protect the car bumper, this particular car accessory is banned by the Delhi High Court. Still, it is the trendy accessory, for which many car owners opt. However, it disturbs the very aerodynamics of a car. In fact, in the event of an accident, it is due to this bull bar that the passengers will feel a far greater jerk. Moreover, it can be life-threatening for cyclists and pedestrians in the case of a collision.

The Not So Safe Suspension Lift: An accessory designed for mountainous paths, it also comes useful in putting a bigger tyre on your car. But, this suspension and car lift accessory is an absolute no for driving in the city. You are not only playing with the original suspensions of your car but posing a risk of turnover as well.

The Not So Dynamic Lamp Blackout Kits: Many car owners opt for the lamp blackout kits to give their car a dynamic look. However, this harmful black tape disrupts the light emitting from the headlamp and tail lamp, and you will have problems while driving as it will be difficult to keep your eyes on the road constantly. Besides, even the fellow drivers will not be able to spot you easily posing a risk to you and others.

The Not So Cool Colourful Lamps: Have you noticed the yellow transparent sheet on the headlamps of cars? Many consider it useful for those foggy days. However, this can reduce the visibility, lead to distraction and impact the headlamp beam. So, think before you opt for these colourful sheets to cover the lamps as they will only potentially harm and not benefit.

The Not So Entertaining Video Players: There are many people who like installing roof-mounted video players. However, these can be potentially distracting and block the inside view of the rear-view mirror. Though this accessory comes company fitted too, its programming gets done in a manner that the playback starts when the car is not moving. You will not get this safety feature when you get this accessory installed later from the aftermarket. 

The Not So Smooth Steering Cover: This is one accessory, you will commonly find in every car. Often added for a smooth steering experience, the cheap variants can be quite dangerous. Though most cars come with ergonomically designed steering, if you wish to install one, go for a company fitted or branded one. The cheaper variants may slip from the surface of the steering and this could make it worse if you are in tough situations, like the one when you are taking a U-turn in a congested market area.

The Not So Fine FloorMats: In the aftermarket, you will find floor mats of different shapes and sizes. However, a wrong design or size of the floor mat can interfere with your driving experience. It can obstruct the pedal shift mechanism of your car as well.

Among the car accessories mentioned above, floor mats and steering covers enhance the comfort and help in keeping the car clean. However, even these should be from a brand. Look for car accessories from a name you can trust. One such name that has carved a niche for itself is Mahindra First Choice Services (MFCS). With a select range of accessories, you can get something that will enhance the appeal of your car, make your driving experience comfortable and help you in maintaining it. To know more about the accessories range, click here and choose the best, safest and most beautiful ones for your car.

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Car Servicing Made Easier with MFCS APP

Your car can take you places. You plan several holidays and road trips, thanks to your awesome car. It makes the beach and hill holiday a breeze. After all, travelling in your car comes with its own set of comforts. But before every long trip, don’t you think of sending your car for servicing? There is a lot that is happening under the hood. The components come under different strains making periodic car servicing and maintenance, a must. However, the car service often gets postponed or delayed, as you forget about the servicing schedule or to call and book the service. To make this task easier for you is the Mahindra First Choice Services APP. Click & Book Car Servicing The application is available on the Google Play Store  by the name of “First Choice”. You can now click and book a car service from your smartphone while on-the-go. Once you install and register on this application, you can book a car service and repair, schedule the pick-up according to your convenience and even monitor the service progress right from the app. Moreover, you can register all your vehicles and manage their care with ease from this app. Complete Car Care Once you register your vehicles for servicing and repair on the First Choice app, you will start getting alerts and reminders on the next car service date. Besides, it will also remind you of insurance, PUC and driving license renewal. It is not limited to car servicing rather it is about complete car care. At the First Choice service station, the scratch/dent removal, wheel alignment, wheel balancing, engine oil change, AC issues and repair, suspension, clutch overhaul, car wash, engine diagnosis, steering and more is taken care of easily.

The Service Maintenance Contract Along with the above, there is also the option of availing Service Maintenance Contract Package from a Mahindra First Choice Service Centre. By opting for this package, you benefit with vehicle maintenance tips, ask the expert, service estimator, view past servicing record, book a service, locate the nearest service centre and 24*7 roadside assistance.

Download the First Choice App & Take Care of your Car With the First Choice app on your smartphone, taking care of your car will be easier than ever before. Send it for serving not only before that long trip but with easy reminder service on your phone you can send it periodically. The better you take care of your car, the longer it will take care of you. A well-maintained vehicle will not only travel more miles but will also give you a better return when you plan to part from it for your new drive. When it comes to your car, you can trust the care it will get at an MFCS service station. MFCS is a leading multi-brand car service network with over 355 workshops in more than 267 towns and 24 states.

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How to Avoid Car Theft?

With at least five car thefts getting reported every hour in the national capital alone (according to news reports), car thieves are increasingly becoming organised. It is a growing crime not only in the national capital but across the country. Whether it is lack of parking space or little callousness on the part of the vehicle owner, the incidents of car theft are common and on the rise. However, taking some preventive measures is essential to avoid being a victim of car theft.

Lock the Vehicle; Roll-Up the Windows: These may seem the obvious measures. However, sometimes we     often leave the car unlocked, and windows rolled down when stepping down     for quick work. Even leaving your vehicle unattended for a few minutes     outside your house can invite car thieves. So, whether it is at the     traffic signal or fuel station, keep the engine turned off and lock the     vehicle before stepping out of the car. Along with the car doors, it is     also important to keep the windows rolled up at all times.        

Park the Car in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever  you are looking for a parking space in a mall or complex, ensure that you park it in well-lit areas. Avoid parking it in desolate areas or dark alleyways. In fact, for security reasons, it is always best to park the  car closer to the building entrance or near the CCTV cameras.        

Keep Track of the Extra Pair of Keys: While it may seem easy to keep that extra pair of car keys     hidden in some corner inside the car or right on the key holder at the     home entrance, but these are the first lookout points for the thief. So,     it is ideal to keep that extra pair of keys at home in some place out of     the reach of anyone. Secure it in your locker or some wardrobe that is not     easily accessible.        

Stash Valuables in Trunk or Glove-Box: You like driving with windows rolled down? Well, then keep your     laptop in the trunk even if your travel time to work is only a few     minutes. Your car often becomes the victim due to these valuables. Even     keep the smartphone and wallet inside the glove box.        

Tech-Based Tools, A Must:

Along with taking the above measures, it will be helpful to opt for a tech-based smart tool that offers car tracking and other car safety features. If you are looking for such an intelligent tool, then rely on the plug-in O’Buddy device by Mahindra First Choice Services (MFCS). The mighty Onboard Diagnostics (OB) device converts your car into a smart car and works as a GPS solution too. With this device in your car, you benefit with real-time car tracking and an anti-theft alarm. The other benefits include car health report, safe drive monitoring, location notification, save fuel and access from mobile app and web.

Your car is your valuable asset and if your new drive is your passion, then take care of it with the O’Buddy device by MFCS. It is easy to use and provides all the insights about your car right on your smartphone. Stay connected with your car whether you are near it or far. To know more about this cool device and avert the risk of car theft, click here. Alternatively, you can buy it online or connect with the MFCS team and have this O’Buddy device installed in your car today.