Initial Ownership of Alto

Just saw this review,I must say very well written Jey.Have a great time with your new car.Keep the thread updated.Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Omkar. Will keep this thread live with my experiences

I just have 1 question - When we take a new car delivery , does the dealer does a demo on necessary things like how to change the punctured wheel ? I am going to buy a new Alto .. and I am looking for such things.

Dealers don't do demos but would explain if you enquire (whatever).

But Pankaj, being a first time buyer and don't even know driving, I may not be aware of many many such other things, is there any  standard list of 'must know' things available with anybody for first time owners?

In fact the dealer may not give a demo on how to change the wheel.  He would explain you the procedure etc.  You may ask him to explain other functions of the car.  Besides, read the car manual - it will be quite helpful.

Have a look at Tips & Advices in general on various aspects.

I think a mock drill like excercise is neccessary to develop the imergency handling capability within oneself.

What to do in accedent / tyre puncture / vehicle stuck situation when immidiate help would not be possible from vehicle manufacturer or dealer ,must be known and well practiced.

I remember reading a scenario near Ahmedabad where 20 people burnt alive in a Volvo bus simply because no one was aware where the imergency exit is located.

Or similar incident , in Mumbai floods, occupants were totally unaware what to do when vehicle was submurged and got killed.

Mere explanations by dealer seems insufficient.

In Bangalore, Pratham motors used to arrange free workshops for the maruti car owners to understand about the technical details of the car. They also used to show demo on how to change wheels and all those stuff. My friend had attended that once. Its quite helpful. They arrange it on weekends for atleast once in 2 months.

At the time of delivery, they only show & tell about the features of the car. Also reading Owner's Manual atleast once will help to know what to do if you are stuck up. And if you have learnt driving from a driving school, they must sure have showed you how to change tyres. Infact in my driving school, they had spent some 45mins to explain about the details like changing tyres, checking oil levels, coolant level, what to do in case of electical failure etc.

Yes, free workshops organised by Maruti dealers ( I guess most of them do it) are really good. Here one get a chance to get tips from experts about car maintenance and to do list in case of vehicle failure.

All,

Just an update. I have completed 5000kms exactly on the 4th month completion. I never expected to complete it so soon when i bough the car. But once the car is available you tend to venture out on it and so the KMs are done so fast now .

I have completed 2 Bangalore-Chennai-Bangalore trips + 1 Bangalore-Vellore-Bangalore highway trips.

Mileage - 16+ in City, 20 in Highways both with moderate use of AC.