Author: Gova

Car insurance is mandatory for all French car owners. This is required by law and failure to comply with this obligation may result in penalties. So, if you’ve just bought a new car, you’ll need to get one from a reputable company. However, since there are too many and extremely varied offers in this area, you will have to use certain methods to find the best one. The following development tells you all about it.

Which car insurance should I choose?

Before you look for the best deal, you need to decide what type of car insurance is right for you. Here, the best thing would be to base it on your own needs. Only by identifying them accurately can you determine which car insurance is right for you. There are four main types of packages to choose from depending on your needs:

• Compulsory car insurance: this is thethird party insurance, which is imposed by law and covers all the bodily and material damages that you could cause to third parties in case of an accident.
• Minimum car insurance : this includes, in addition to the compulsory insurance, assistance and compensation for the driver in case of an accident.
• Intermediate car insurance : also known as “theft insurance” or “theft and fire insurance”. It covers risks related to damage, destruction (not related to an accident) or theft of the vehicle.
• All risk insurance : Finally, as its name clearly indicates, this type of car insurance covers all the risks that a vehicle can run without a driver. Offers can be different from one company to another and that is why it is important to check carefully before choosing.

Compare offers to find the best one

When it comes to car insurance, the best offer can be defined as the one that provides you with the coverage you need while offering the lowest price. To find it, you will of course need some tools and the best one is the online insurance comparator. Thanks to this tool, it will be easy for you to quickly consult all the offers proposed on the market and to find the one that best suits your needs and your budget.

Did you finally get your driver’s license ? This is great news! You can now drive freely without anyone having to assist you. However, there is another small concern, that of choosing your first car. Although you’ve probably thought about it before, now it’s time to make it happen and buy the car you’re going to drive to get your hands on. If you don’t have a design in mind yet, here are some tips to help you decide.

Choose a car with a low budget

This is the first criterion to be taken into account! Choose a car that fits your budget and your young driver’s license. At this time, there is no need to buy your dream car. In addition to being costly, it can also raise your car insurance premium to its highest level. The best option would be to opt for a used car on a budget. Not only will it lower your insurance premium, but it will also help you get the hang of it. And by the time you get used to it, you can gain experience and be better prepared when it comes to buying the car you really want.

Choose a reliable and economical car

Used cars are second-hand cars. It is therefore possible that they already have many defects. That’s why it’s important to do some checks before buying a used car. Do not hesitate to do complete tests in order to judge the reliability of the vehicle and to buy it afterwards. On the other hand, since there are also powerful second-hand cars, avoid choosing them and instead choose a more economical model. It may not give you the performance of German cars, but it is the best model for a first car.

The fight against climate change and the protection of the environment are nowadays at the center of the preoccupations of governments all over the world. Indeed, efforts to reduce CO2 emissions have been enormous in recent times and as usual, China is at the top of the list of the most committed countries. Today, it confirms this by setting a goal of having 40% of electric cars on its streets by the year 2030.

A response to the requirements of the COP21

China was among the countries that attended the COP21 climate conference held in Paris last year. In its content, this conference highlights various important points concerning the protection of the environment. On this occasion, many countries among the participants submitted their climate action plans to the United Nations before the conference. For the particular case of China, he highlighted three main points in its programs, namely reaching a peak of CO2 emissions in 2030, reducing CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65% and promoting the use of non-fossil fuels.

With this in mind, the Chinese government has decided to focus much more on the industrial sector and more particularly on the automotive sector. Indeed, the Chinese Ministry of Industry has just released a note saying that at least 20% of vehicles on the road from 2025 will have to be electric. This rate should then be increased to 40% by 2030. The Chinese automotive industry should therefore take note of this new injunction, and it would be best to do so now so as not to be late.

15.2 million green cars sold in 2030

As one of the countries most affected by climate change, China is also among the most committed to fighting it. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned target, Chinese authorities also plan to sell up to 15.2 million clean (or green) cars by 2030. In fact, the country is already on the right track at the moment, having already sold about 330,000 new energy vehicles last year.

Google has a huge interest in the automotive sector and this is no longer a secret for everyone. Indeed, we have already seen it through its multiple projects, the most important of which remains today the Google Car, a connected car that has the incredible ability to drive itself. However, following the example of Apple with its Car Play, the Mountain View company has also recently become interested in the service dedicated to the car and has developed its own platform called Android Auto. While it was only available on cars since its launch, this service is now offered as a smartphone application.

An easier way to enjoy the Android car service

With the new application developed by Google, everyone can now enjoy the features offered by the Android Auto service. This is a very simple way to use the platform. You don’t need a vehicle with Android Auto options and the original system to take advantage of them. You will simply need to have an Android smartphone, download the application and install it on your device. The interface that used to be displayed on the vehicle’s on-board screen will now be displayed on the smartphone. Users will be able to access all the features they need directly from this screen. It is worth mentioning here that the functions offered remain the same, namely voice command, SMS reader, music playback, etc.

Free application compatible with all types of Android smartphones

The new Android Auto app is completely free. Anyone who wants to take advantage of its features can freely download it. All you need is a compatible Android smartphone (Android 5.0 Lollipop or later). For the moment, this new update is not yet released. However, its arrival should not be long (probably in the coming days) and it should be offered very soon on the application download platform of the giant of Silicon Valley: Goog Play Store.

China is nowadays the country where everything sells best. Whether it’s smartphones, computers or even cars, this country is now one of the biggest consumers in the world and this is very noticeable. In the particular case of the automobile market, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) has just announced that new car sales have increased by up to 20% this year compared to last year.

Strong growth among local car manufacturers

If the Chinese car market has reached such a level of growth, it is above all thanks to the multiple efforts made by local manufacturers in recent years. Indeed, according to the latest figures presented by the CPCA, Guangzhou Automobile Group has experienced a huge 107.6% growth in net profits in the first three quarters of this year. The same case is observed at BYD, which was able to achieve net profits of 3.66 billion yuan (about $539.8 million) during the same period. This is equivalent to an increase of 86.82% over last year. Finally, SAIC Motor also enjoyed a good growth as its net profits amounted to 23.09 billion yuan from the beginning of this year to September. In short, all of this is helping to boost China’s automotive market, resulting in a total growth of 15.2% compared to the same period in 2015.

Production also on the rise

While sales are growing, production has also been boosted at most Chinese carmakers. According to figures recently presented by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), there has been a 14.1% growth (19.4 million units) in automobile production since January to September 2016. In detail, this rate is divided with an increase of 14.7% for passenger cars and 4.8% for commercial cars.

Winter is fast approaching and it’s time for us to prepare our vehicle. Indeed, the driving conditions will not be the same as today. The roads will be slippery and the temperature will drop. In order to drive safely in these conditions, it is therefore important to prepare your car and make some adjustments. And that is precisely what we are going to talk about in this section. Here are some tips and tricks to help you prepare your vehicle for the toughest winter conditions.

Preparation of the exterior of the vehicle

The exterior part of your vehicle will be the most exposed to all kinds of aggressions. You will need to make sure that it is well prepared before winter arrives. Here are the different points to check for this:

• The first thing to do is to replace the wiper blades and washer fluid. This will allow for better visibility in winter when snow and wind often obstruct the view.
• You should also think about fitting winter tires to your vehicle. These tires are specially designed to perform during cold seasons and will therefore provide you with better comfort and safety.
• To protect your car from snow and salt spray, don’t forget to apply a coat of wax. This will make it more resistant and preserve its original property.
• Finally, don’t forget to check the condition of your headlights. Because it gets dark early in the winter, having your headlights in excellent working order can help you avoid accidents.

Checking the motor part

After preparing the exterior of your vehicle, it is also important to check the engine. Indeed, as the temperature will be at its lowest, the preparation of the engine seems quite essential. Here’s what you’ll need to do to do that:

• First of all, it is advisable to change the oil in your engine and choose a more fluid oil. It is even better to opt for a “special winter” oil in case the conditions become more difficult.
• Then, you will have to check your belts and hoses, elements that are very sensitive to freezing and that could generate an engine malfunction.
• The preparation should also include the replacement of the coolant. In this case, it is best to use antifreeze and prefer the one recommended by the manufacturer. This will prevent the motor from overheating.
• Finally, it is important to check the battery regularly and make sure it is always in perfect working order.

Before winter arrives, all these preparations must be made. This way, winter will no longer be a problem for you. You will be able to drive comfortably and with peace of mind.

The smartphone nowadays goes beyond its simple status of cell phone. Over time, its role has expanded and it is now found in almost all economic sectors, including the automotive industry. Indeed, many car manufacturers have recently invested in new mobility solutions and the smartphone plays a considerable role in this. If we only cite the case of Toyota, which remains the world’s leading car manufacturer today, it is currently developing a technology that allows you to turn your smartphone into a car key. This will certainly please the various customers of the brand.

A smartphone to open and start your car

The possibilities that smartphones offer us nowadays are very numerous. In addition to the traditional tasks they are associated with (calling, music, web browsing, etc.), they can also be used to do other things. For example, we have all seen a smartphone used as a remote control in order to remotely control our motorized gate, our garage door, our light bulbs, and globally all the connected objects in our home.

And it is precisely this kind of technology that car manufacturers now want to integrate into their cars. As mentioned above, Toyota is now one of a long list of manufacturers looking to implement this technology on their vehicles. Thanks to its application called Smart Key Box, the firm wants to allow users of its cars to open and start it by simply using their smartphone. For the moment, this system is under development, but its arrival should not be long.

A solution to develop car-sharing

Car-sharing is attracting more and more people these days and car manufacturers have understood this. For the specific case of Toyota, its Smart Key Box application will be an excellent tool to develop it. In fact, the car giant is planning to partner with the ride-sharing service Getaround next year to put its new technology into practice in San Francisco. Thanks to the sharing options offered by this application, each motorist will have the possibility to share his car with the people he wants by offering them a virtual key.

We are now only about a month away from the beginning ofwinter. Indeed, this season normally starts from next Wednesday, December 21, to end only on Sunday, March 19, 2017. As you already know, it’s going to snow and the roads are going to get slippery. That’s why it’s important to prepare your vehicle now and equip it with quality tires to ensure a safe and comfortable ride. In this section, we present you with some tips on how to find the best winter tire for driving in comfort and safety.

The winter tire

As the name clearly implies, a winter tire is specially designed to adapt to and cope with winter driving conditions. It has all the necessary characteristics and technologies to offer optimal grip on snow and ice. Whether it’s the tread compound or the tread pattern, this type of tire is optimized for winter use. To recognize it, we can consider the physical characteristics associated with it. However, this is sometimes misleading and the best thing to do is to always make sure it has the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) logo in addition to the M+S (mud+snow) designation that is also found on some all-season tires.

How to choose your winter tire?

The choice of a winter tire depends above all on the type of vehicle you have and the size of the tires it needs. Indeed, tires intended to be mounted on a 4×4 or an SUV should not be the same as those to be installed on a classic sedan or a small utility vehicle. Each model has its own category of tires, so you will have to find the one that best suits your car. Moreover, the choice must also depend on the type of use of the vehicle. A car that is going to be used on a snowy road often needs studded winter tires or tires with more studs, whereas for a vehicle that is going to be used mainly in the center of France or in places with little snow, this would be useless and simple snow tires will do very well.

Chains and snow socks

Snow chains and socks are an excellent alternative to winter tires, especially when it snows too much or when you go to the mountains. For the former, they are strongly recommended for intensive and regular use in the mountains. They provide excellent grip and are also very durable. There are different types of chains to choose from, such as manual tensioning chains, automatic tensioning chains, textile chains, spider chains, etc.

Snow socks, on the other hand, are mainly intended for occasional or emergency use. They offer the advantage of being easy to mount and also of not damaging the rims or disturbing the electronic safety systems. However, it is good to know that with chains and snow socks, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h.

After long waits, Volkswagen has finally decided to lift the veil on its new SUV named Atlas. Presenting itself as a big brother to the Touareg, this one is distinguished above all by its massive style with a cabin large enough to accommodate up to seven people.

A classic design, but with a massive style

With the Atlas, the Wolfsburg company does not want to break away from the visual identity of its other models and therefore offers a rather classic design. Indeed, this new vehicle is largely inspired by the Cross Blue concept unveiled by the German brand in 2013. It has the same body lines and massive styling with dimensions (5.03 × 1.97 × 1.76 meters) that are slightly larger than those of the Touareg. As for the interior, it will also have the same design as the other Volkswagen models, especially the Passat, with which the Atlas will share the Chattanooga plant in the United States.

A largely satisfactory power

Volkswagen is known for the exceptional power of its vehicles and this is confirmed again with the Atlas. For the engine, the German firm gives users the choice between a 2L TSI four-cylinder with 238 hp and a 3.6L VR6 with 280 hp, both associated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, both engines are gasoline-powered and there is no plug-in hybrid architecture as was the case last year. A decision that could be linked to the scandal of rigged diesels that have marked the automotive news recently.

An SUV for the American market

The official announcement of the new Volkswagen Atlas was made in Santa Monica, California. A way for the manufacturer to tell us that it will be reserved for the American market. Indeed, it is very unlikely that this new model will land in Europe, except of course for Russia which will welcome it on its soil for the end of 2017. The Atlas will also arrive in Asia at the same time, however its U.S. launch is scheduled for Spring 2017. For the moment, we are still waiting for its presentation at the Los Angeles Auto Show next November.

Are your tires not performing as well as they used to? This may be a sign that they now need to be changed! However, as you probably already know, this should not be done in any way. In order to enjoy a comfortable and safe ride, it is important to choose your car tires properly. In this section, we tell you everything you need to know and do for this.

Choosing tires according to the vehicle

This is the first criterion to remember when choosing car tires! They must always be well adapted to the vehicle with which they are used. The first thing to do when choosing is to check the dimensions and make sure they are the same as the original ones. To do this, simply read the indications on the sidewalls of your old tires. The first thing you will find is the width of the tire (in millimeters), the height (as a percentage of the width), the rim diameter (in inches), the load capacity and the speed rating, which is the maximum speed the tire can support. Once you have all this information, all you have to do is go find the models that match it.

Choosing tires according to weather conditions

There are different types of tires depending on the climatic conditions in which they are to be used:

• 
  Summer tires
  Summer tires: as the name clearly implies, these tires are intended for use in the summer (although they can be used all year round in all weather conditions). In fact, they are best optimized when it comes to driving at temperatures above 7°C. Generally, these are the tires that are fitted as standard on all new vehicles.
• 
  Winter tires
  Winter tires are the ideal tires to face the most difficult winter driving conditions. They should be fitted to your vehicle as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C or when the road is snowy or icy. This will be the best way for you to ensure maximum safety and driving comfort.
• 
  All-season tires
  These models are a compromise between winter and summer tires. They are therefore usable all year round and allow you to avoid changing tires every new season. However, if you choose one, it would be best to opt for those with the 3PMSF and M+S markings, which are a guarantee of safety in winter.

Choosing tires according to the conditions of use

The third criterion of choice relates to the conditions of use of your vehicle. If you use it intensively, you should choose more robust and durable models. The same is true if you drive a sports car, there are tires specially designed for this type of vehicle and it would be best to opt for. Finally, for regular city driving, you should choose tires with very short braking distance and high wear resistance.

These are all the things you need to know to choose your car tires and drive safely.

As always, SUVs are all the rage at the Paris Motor Show and this year 2016 is no exception. Thus, manufacturers have unveiled their new creations, the most surprising: only one urban model among the novelties of this year!

Skoda Kodiaq

Czech firm Skoda has revealed the world premiere of its very first large crossover, the Kodiaq. With its 4.70 m length, this model can carry up to 7 passengers. It features a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The brand also intends to enter the American market with this new product.

Peugeot 5008

Unlike the Kodiaq, the all-new Peugeot 5008 does not have an automatic transmission or all-wheel drive. On the other hand, it is equipped with independent and sliding seats in the second row and two pull-out trunk seats. It gains a few liters of volume and a fairly low loading threshold.

Seat Ateca Xperience

Already unveiled during the Geneva Motor Show in March, the Seat Ateca Xperience with its adventurous look offers distinctive body elements.

LIV-2 from Ssangyong

The Ssangyong brand is back on track with this new concept car named LIV-2.

CH-R from Toyota

The CH-R is Toyota’s new hybrid SUV with a dynamic profile similar to a BMW X4. It is 4.36 m long and has a base price of 22,900 euros.

Renault Koleos

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line model, Renault presents Koleos. Measuring only 4.67 m, this model has only 5 seats.

Audi Q5

This second generation Audi Q5 was inspired by the Q2 and Q7 for its look. However, it incorporates premium technological gear.

BMW X2

BMW’s X2 comes in the form of a show car that reveals a significant roof drop. It follows the trend of SUV coupes by having the silhouette of an X1 but in a truncated mode.

Mercedes GLC

Still riding the wave of SUV coupes, the Mercedes GLC has the same profile. However, its 43 AMG engine will give it a most exceptional power.

Land Rover Discovery

The new Land Rover Discovery looks more like a 4×4 than an SUV. Its lines are comparable to those of the recent Discovery Sport with the stepped roof. However, it is less rustic and square than the latter.

Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is the only urban SUV model at the Paris Motor Show. This novelty is provided with a rather discreet facelift.

SUVs are among the most successful vehicles on the market today. This situation can be explained by the multiple advantages that this type of vehicle has in terms of comfort and performance, but also by the many improvements that manufacturers have made in recent years. In the specific case of the French automotive market, SUVs are currently taking center stage. To the great pleasure of the amateurs, many models and marks are presented there at the moment and one can only have the embarrassment of the choice. However, in order not to be mistaken, it is important to know how to differentiate an SUV from another type of vehicle.

What exactly is an SUV?

The SUV is first of all the acronym for “Sport Utility Vehicle”. It is often confused with 4×4’s, but in reality, they only share the look. Indeed, while it may have some off-road features and capabilities, an SUV is primarily a recreational vehicle. More precisely, it is the result of a sort of cross between a 4×4 and an MPV. It has a fairly large interior and provides a certain comfort to its users. In terms of driveability, some SUV models have 4-wheel drive, but most have only 2. This is one of the main differences with the 4×4.

The best SUVs currently available on the French market

As we mentioned in the first paragraph of this article, there is a large number of SUVs on the French market today. If you are interested in buying, here is a small selection of models that will certainly arouse your interest:

• The BMW X5: when we talk about the BMW, we always expect something luxurious and powerful. And this is the case here! In addition to its elegant and exceptional design, the BMW X5 is also distinguished by its powerful and durable engine. Indeed, with the launch of the new generation in 2013, this SUV has seen its power revised upwards and the comfort is still there.
• The Citroën DS5: with its unique design and high performance, the DS5 from Citroën is becoming more and more attractive to buyers. For your information, this SUV is now one of the few vehicles to offer a diesel-hybrid engine. In addition to being economical (3.9 liters per 100 km), it is also powerful and comfort has been improved to better satisfy the most demanding customers.
• The Kia Sportage : This luxurious SUV is a favorite of many car enthusiasts, not only because of its high power, but also because of its slim and elegant design. With a 135 horsepower gasoline engine (available in diesel versions), it can compete with today’s off-road vehicles while ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride.

Did you know that it is the tires of the vehicles that keep them on the road? These tires are as much about motorization as they are about safety. Their quality should not be neglected at any cost. So how do you find wheels that are reliable from all points of view?

Continue reading Tips and tricks for finding quality tires

The Taxi moto Paris is a very practical and fast mode of transport for your displacements in Paris and region Île-de-France. Discover Paris differently on board a motorcycle cab with experienced cab drivers! Get around Paris quickly with a motorcycle cab!

Paris, a dream destination to discover without delay

Continue reading What is the best way to get around Paris?

The job of a chauffeur in a vehicle with a driver (VTC) consists of transporting passengers in a high quality car for a fee. This profession is currently undergoing significant development, but is subject to very specific regulations that are important to know. Here are some of its features!

The conditions

A VTC driver must have held a driving license for at least 3 years and have a physical fitness certificate provided by the prefecture. He or she must also have a criminal record with no offence punishable by more than 6 months imprisonment. In order to carry out his duties, the VTC driver must have a vehicle with specific characteristics; it must contain at least 4 doors, 4 to 9 seats, including the driver’s seat, and be at least 4.5 meters long. The car must not be older than 6 years and must have an engine with a power of at least 120 HP.

Training and examination

The individual who meets all of the above criteria has the opportunity to undertake a 7-hour continuing education course to become a VTC driver. This training must be taken at least once every 5 years. At the end of the test, the candidate will have to take a 30-minute exam on different subjects, with a total of 110 questions in the form of 6 tests, each with 20 multiple-choice questions. This exam takes place in an accredited institution and requires an overall average of at least 12/20 to obtain the certificate.

Exam preparation tips

Formerly at a cost of 2000 euros, the training to become a VTC driver is now entirely free. However, in order to better prepare for the exam and to complete the knowledge acquired through mandatory continuing education, it is possible to register for courses at a center that will allow you to better understand the profession. The subjects that will be taught are road safety, transportation law, business administration, French and English language skills and customer relations. For those with a small budget, there are also many books specifically designed to help you prepare for this exam.

Safety at the heart of our concerns

Having a four-wheeled vehicle requires special maintenance in order to ensure the proper functioning of your car and to avoid any breakdown that could handicap or delay your trips.

Current regulations require owners of cars over 4 years old to have their vehicles undergo a renewable technical inspectionto have a certification of good functioning. The absence of technical control is punishable by a fine for the owner.

This measure can be seen as a constraint, but in reality it allows to check the good functioning of a vehicle in order to highlight possible breakdowns or failures that could harm the owner and become a danger for others.

Numerous audit points

The technical inspection is mandatory in the eyes of the law, but the operation is carried out by private professionals who nevertheless follow a set of specifications established by the authorities. It is based on more than 100 checkpoints that affect the entire vehicle, from the bodywork and the verification of the vehicle identification, to the braking and steering as well as the visibility and the equipment. One of the important factors in recent years tends to check the degree of pollution of the vehicle and its noise level, to ensure that it does not present a great danger to the environment.

Have you recently experienced flooding and your car was also affected? This situation, very painful, occurs every year for many French people. We may tell ourselves that it only happens to others, but when we are “victims”, we don’t immediately know how to react.

What to do if your car is flooded?

The first thing to do is to review your insurance policy to see if it covers flooding. You can also contact your insurer directly. You will know if your car can be compensated according to the circumstances of the event.

Flooded car: how to get reimbursed by your insurance?

To be compensated, you must have subscribed to at least one of the two guarantees that cover the risk offlooding of cars: the natural disaster guarantee or the climatic event guarantee (storm, flood, etc.). All compensation procedures related to these two guarantees are then strictly regulated by law; it is also impossible to resell your car until the compensation is made

Your vehicle is covered by natural disasters:

Article L125-1 of the insurance code deals with the natural disaster guarantee. The latter covers “uninsurable direct material damage caused by the abnormal intensity of a natural agent”. This is the case with floods.

Be careful, however, because in order to benefit from this guarantee, the flooding must be qualified as a natural disaster by interministerial order. As soon as it is published in the JO, you have 10 days to inform your insurer and start the procedure.

The principle of natural disaster is now automatically included in the insurance policies that cover you against fire, theft and other damages.

Your car is also covered by the weather event warranty:

If your car is covered by weather coverage, flood damage will be compensated even if a natural disaster has not been declared.

But there are exceptions. In fact, if you tried to surf with your car to make it look like Top Gear and it didn’t hold up, you can’t be compensated.

The expertise of a car after a flood is mandatory

In any case, you will have to prove during a compulsory expertise of your car, that the flood was unforeseeable and that you did not show negligence. You will not be compensated if you have parked your car on the riverbank during a red flood warning. And this will also be the case if you have tried to cross a road already flooded, which is not advised in the highway code…

Has your car ever suffered flood damage? Were you compensated? Bring your testimony!

In each country, the road traffic law has its specificities, its particularities. As for us, we motorists or motorcyclists, we frequently cross borders, whether to discover new places or for professional reasons. For administrative reasons, we have better time to drive especially carefully when we are in a foreign country. But who knows what bad surprises the road may hold? Bad luck, bad weather, another road user’s mistake, and then something happens to us, one of those accidents that we thought could only happen to others

Know how to behave in an emergency

Continue reading The Highway Code in France, Switzerland and elsewhere…