Introducing CaRPM. Our new look!

We’re incredibly excited to introduce you to our latest design! A huge thanks to everyone involved for making this possible. We really appreciate your support.

Our aim at CaRPM has been to help you understand your car better and make car ownership easier. With an OBD-II scanner installed, you can help yourself to the data that your car holds. If you have any questions about the scanner, feel free to contact us (call us through the app itself) and we’ll get right to it.

To help you through the new design and the little things here and there, we thought we’d give you a short walk-through. Some features have remained the same while others have been improved upon to give you the best support while you enjoy driving your car.

1. Garage and Car Profile: Find and select your primary car and use the CaRPM app to track when to renew your insurance, when your servicing is due, etc. You can also get a better idea of your car’s health by entering the age of your car.

2. Live data: There’s a LOT more data you can view on your dashboard. You can select what data you want to view on your dashboard while you drive.

3. Driving score: Based on your driving, we analyse your driving pattern and generate your score on a 100 point scale. Not only this, we recommend tips for better driving and increasing your score.

4. Invite your friends: You can invite your friends and compare driving scores and FINALLY answer “Who’s the better driver?”. Compete with your friends and get daily tips and suggestions to improve your car’s health!

Besides these, there are a lot of small features that we’ve added to make your driving experience better and owning a car easier and more affordable. Do try them out!

Of course, your inputs are extremely valuable for us to be able to serve you better. So please let us know what you think about the app and we’ll get back to you on it. Write to us at fix@carpm.in with your feedback and who knows, maybe you’ll get early access to our new features for helping us improve!

Download the CaRPM app here

Share with your friends & family and help them turn their car into a smart car!

Parents key in Teen Driving

Parents play a critical role in influencing teen driving behavior. They are vital role models whose impact makes teens more receptive to learning and gaining useful experience.

It’s more than just good parenting; it’s a matter of life and death. Parents need to talk to their kids about traffic safety early and often – before they reach driving age.

Set the Standards

Talk to your teen about safety issues and the rules you are setting. Explain each rule and the possible consequences of breaking it. It is crucial that teens and parents are on the same page about driving rules and the dangers of the road.

Most importantly, your kids look at you while you drive so make sure you follow the rules as well.

Practice Makes Perfect

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Parents need to make sure that their teens get an ample amount of driving practice in as many situations and conditions as possible. This in turn will help them develop the necessary skills and experience that all young drivers need behind the wheel.

Share your wisdom

Share stories, experiences, and things that have happened to you that will shed some light on certain situations.

Spell out the rules

The Car

1. The car you choose should have a driver’s side airbag and a good safety rating.
2. Good car care: refuelling when needed, oil changes, tire pressure, and regular maintenance. Also, keeping the car free of clutter and trash.

Safety

1. Always obey the speed limit and traffic laws, and always wear seat belts. Make sure passengers are buckled up as well.
2. Let you know where they are coming and going.
3. Never use cell phones while driving.
4. Never engage in drinking or drug use.
5. Have a realistic curfew. Night driving is especially difficult for a new driver.

 

Double Battery, Single Power? :P

No, we aren’t taking a dig at bespectacled people, we are just talking about boring car batteries 😛

One of the worst things to face, when you own a car, is when the battery runs out unexpectedly. Not all cars have an indication when the battery is at low levels and usually, they run out before action can be taken.

So, it becomes important to get your car battery checked every time it goes for servicing right? Here’s the catch though. Most times, battery checks aren’t included in servicing and that means that your battery may give out without warning. There are a few signs that your battery is getting weaker.

1. Problems with ignition
2. Headlights seem dim at idle but get brighter when you rev the engine
3. Inefficient cooling in the cabin

Massive use of the battery for air-conditioners, music systems, headlights, etc. can weaken it. Using these in the idle condition can further deteriorate the battery.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to maintain the health of your car battery:

1. The most important thing is to actually drive the car occasionally. The alternator recharges your battery when it is being driven and this maintains battery charge.
2. Frequent starting cycles with short run times drain the battery below the ideal charged specification. So avoid unnecessarily turning the car off.
3. Periodically inspect the battery for shell cracks, fluid leaks, etc. Check the fluid level of the battery to ensure full fluid level.
4. If charging a battery connected to a vehicle, be sure that the vehicle’s electrical system has protection against overvoltage or be sure that the charger will not have high-charging voltages that may damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
5. Disconnect the connector from the negative terminal of your battery if you know the car will not be driven for two weeks or longer. This will help prevent a gradual loss of charge from powering the vehicle’s clock, and other passive electrical items.

 

However, the best tip for maintaining the battery is ensuring that it is regularly checked, the connections clean and free of rust and dirt and the car driven regularly. Follow these and you probably wouldn’t have any problems starting your car once again.

 

 

 

 

Car modifications to boost its performance

For a lot of enthusiasts, their car may not be exactly how they’d like it to be. Some feel that manufacturers even tune down cars for commercial reasons. And that’s when they start discovering car modifications.

Ordinarily, an engine works this way: A piston moves down, creating a vacuum, allowing air at atmospheric pressure to be drawn into the combustion chamber or cylinder. Combined with fuel, chemical energy is turned into kinetic energy through combustion. This forces the piston up, which in turn rotates the crankshaft and provides the drive for the car.

Though some people view performance modifications as a justification to increase fuel consumption, that isn’t true. Fuel economy is relative to performance. And the basis for better performance is more efficient combustion in the engine. So here are some modifications that may help your car perform a little better:

1. Cold Air Intake  

Difficulty of installation: Easy

The temperature of the air can affect the efficiency of your car. A cold air intake kit is an aftermarket system that brings cool air into the  engine. Normally, a car regulates the temperature of air as it enters the engine. Cold air intake kits, however, can lead to higher performance and engine efficiency, based on the idea that colder air is denser than warm air, which means that it contains more oxygen, necessary for more dynamic combustion in the engine.

2. Cat-Back Exhaust

Difficulty of installation: Medium

If you do an intake upgrade, it’s a good idea to upgrade your exhaust. A cat-back exhaust system entails everything after the catalytic converter but do check the legality of changing one in your location. Cat-back exhaust systems aren’t necessarily loud. With the use of resonators and mufflers, it can still be high-flow and lower-volume. But it’s safe to assume it will be significantly more noticeable than your stock exhaust system.

3. Air Filters

Difficulty of installation: Medium

Aftermarket air filters allow for more airflow into the engine for a more efficient use of the air/fuel combination, while also blocking contaminants and impurities that slowly degrade performance over time. Secondary air filters are generally made up of a thin layer of cotton or other material housed between several layers of impurity-catching thin mesh. High-quality aftermarket air filters drop into the engine’s air box, and that’s about it for installation. And because they’re made of fabric, they’re washable.

4. Spark plugs and wires

Difficulty of installation: Easy

Although not so much a modification as it is a general maintenance tip, spark plugs and wires can affect engine performance in the long run. Spark plugs wear out over time as their conductive elements erode away and force your ignition coils to do more work to produce a “hotter” spark. Wires also make a big difference due to electrical resistance and insulation to causing interference. The cost for this is modest and can be easy to do on your own, therefore it pays to do this once every 80,000 km or so.

 

WARNING: Ensure that you check your manufacturer’s warranty before making any changes to your car. Although most changes can be made without voiding the warranty, it is still safer. Also, don’t make too many changes all of a sudden. Analyse what performance parameters you want to improve and what is the best way to do that. That way, you save money and the trouble.

The checklist before your very own road trip

So you’ve packed your bags, called shotgun and set your sights at the destination.You know that it is going to be a long drive and your car might require some help along the way.

But what exactly must you be sure of besides fuel in the tank? Here’s a short checklist to go through before you leave for an adventure:

1. Car health: Probably the most important aspect is to know your car’s health before you begin. This includes everything from simple maintenance to brakes, suspension and the secrets under the hood.
2. Chart your ideal route: Use a good map to chart the optimal route, preferably one with rest stops and fuel/repair stations along the way. This adds safety as well as takes care of accidental breakdowns on the way.
3. Make sure you’re carrying all you need: This includes jumper wires, a spare tire, car jack, wheel wrench and basic tools. Also, ensure that your spare tire isn’t punctured and has adequate air by measuring pressure.
4. Designated drivers: Unless you’re driving alone, never drive for a long stretch yourself. Change drivers so that you can get some rest and minimize stoppage time. This also allows you to inspect the car after a few intervals and change plans accordingly.

While you’re driving, there are other things to keep in mind as well. Some of these are general, but they should be mentioned anyway:

1. Clean mirrors and glasses regularly: Make sure the windshield and mirrors are clean at all times. A hack here would be to use a newspaper after cloth to clean the window since it leaves no marks.
2. Night driving: Night driving isn’t easy and is only recommended on routes that you know very well. However, the engine heats up less and can give a better performance at night. But still, be careful while considering this point.
3. Keep an eye on engine data: Keep an eye on the engine data, fuel level indicator, etc while you are driving to be able to know what to expect.
4. Don’t over-fuel: Don’t fuel your car more than required since the fuel may spill over or a vacuum may be created which doesn’t allow the pump to suck the fuel.

And there you have it. Your very own travel checklist that ensures a safe and smooth ride. Hope you enjoy the experience that the road brings!! 

Are you losing your money when you fuel your car

Can you say for sure that your petrol pump is NOT ripping you off? Petrol pump scams in India can end up costing you as high as Rs 200 per fueling. That could range from Rs 2400 per year to Rs 5000 per year depending on how frequently you need to refuel.

Luckily, with digitization, almost everything can be tracked. But, it still needs car owners to be vigilant while fuelling. Here are a few common frauds that you might be falling for:

1. Always make sure to check the zero before fuelling: Although most station employees tell you this themselves, it is still your responsibility to check that the previous transaction has been completed and the machine reset.Sometimes, the attendant will place himself in a way that you cannot see the meter. ALWAYS get out of the car when you visit a fuelling station and check the meter.
2. Filling the tank in two turns: Say you need to fill Rs1000 worth of fuel. The attendant points to show you that the meter has been set to zero. After you acknowledge this, he fills the tank with fuel worth Rs250. When you point this out, he apologizes and sets the meter to Rs750 and fills the rest.However, he DOES NOT reset the meter after the first fuelling cycle meaning that you only got fuel worth Rs750 while you paid Rs1000.
3. Manual overriding at automated pumps: Automated pumps are NOT tamper proof. Here’s how attendants scam you with a few litres of fuel. After having shown you the reset meter, the attendant starts pumping fuel into the car. This is done by setting the nozzle trigger lock which automatically pops off when fuel flow stops (with an audible click).However, there is a time lag between the meter stopping and the lock popping off. This is because the meter stops as soon as the machine stops pumping the fuel but the lock only goes off when the residual fuel in the pipe has left. The attendant usually manually overrides this lock as soon as the meter stops. The longer the pipe, the more fuel you were cheated of.

Some of these scams are untraceable and that makes it very difficult to inquire about and for you to be compensated for your loss. Here are some simple practices to keep yourself safe of these scams:

1. ALWAYS get out of the car to visually check that the meter has been reset to zero.
2. If the attendant fills the fuel in two turns, demand that he reset the machine after the first cycle. End the transaction if the machine stops for ANY reason (power out, etc).
3. DO NOT be distracted by any other attendants trying to talk to you for anything. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the meter
4. The attendant is NOT supposed to be holding the nozzle after the machine starts pumping fuel.
5. ALWAYS demand a printed bill copy. It can be used in the future to trace your inquiry.

4 tips to keep you healthy & your car clean!

Airborne contaminants, microbes and other sickly elements abound in both new and pre-owned vehicles. Our germs are traveling with us and everybody that travels in that car carries their germs and leaves them in your car. See these sickly elements found in your car –

1. Bacteria – Study on microbes and cars, showed that the dashboard is the most germ ridden area of an automobile. Bacteria were also found predominantly around the coffee holder and change slot. Tip: Give the whole interior a good vacuum clean.
2. Allergens – Allergens, including dust mites, mold reside in the dashboard and floors of many vehicles. Tip: Regular interior vacuuming and sanitizing.
3. CO – In the summer–on congested roadways, cars can become a repository for carbon monoxide. Tip: During heavy traffic, adjust the air conditioner’s settings to recirculate indoor air.
4. Chemical Toxins – Benzene is a cancer causing toxin or carcinogenic. Preliminary research indicates that vehicle upholstery, car dashboards, and air fresheners emit the chemical. Tip: Open the window for 10-minutes before turning on the AC to release the toxin.

Some ways to keep your car clean –

1. Use disinfectant wipes to clean the interior of your car on a daily basis.
2. Avoid eating in your car.
3. Shampoo your carpets and seats on a regular basis.
4. And last but not least, remember that your car has to be treated like an extension of your home and no one likes a dirty house!

With very little effort, your car’s interior will sparkle and protect you from bugs, coughs and sneezes.

6 things to do for your car before winter sets in!

However difficult it might be to believe, it’s already November! Winter’s Coming! If you haven’t done it already, there is still time to make sure your vehicle is well-equipped for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this year. Here are a few winter specific maintenance tips –

1. Take your car in for a tune-up – A tune-up will help keep your car running longer and may save you money by detecting potential problems early.
   
   
2. Check your battery – This is important because your car’s battery can be severely weakened by the cold. Aside from the battery itself, check the charging system, cables, terminals, fluid and belts.
   
   
3. Check your engine oil – You should also get your car’s oil changed! Because of the cold temperatures, thinner oil is better for your engine. Make sure you check that the transmission, brake and coolants are filled to proper levels.
4. Inspect your tires – Your tires are the last defense mechanism between you and the oak tree. Winter is not the time to get cheap about your tires, so take the time to check the tread depth. Also, be sure to check your tire pressure.
5. Protect your windshield – Inspect your wipers to make sure they are able to completely clear your line of sight. Make sure your washer fluid is full, and keep extra fluid in hand for long trips.
6. Keep an emergency kit in your car – Basic medication, toolkit, torch with extra batteries, jumper cables come handy incase of emergencies.

Although winter seems to be approaching fast, don’t let it catch you off guard! Install the CaRPM app to see how your car performs during this winter.