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Training to ride a bicycle can be complex.  It is different from other sports, such as running, where you only need your legs, a watch, and shoes. The complexity of this sport intimidates most beginners; however, experienced cyclists can guide you and save you from embarrassment, time, and money. It would be humbling to ride along with these gurus who know the intricate of the road. Though most of the things you will hear are based on the rules, experienced cyclists have gained their reputation through hard work and intuition, and by engaging them in a conversation, you will unearth essential tips to get you through your first few years. This article presents 25 best tips from experienced cyclists to keep on the truck to successful cycling.

1. Wear Padded Cycling Shorts

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Several cycling attires have been designed to ensure you look good and are comfortable. The best attire is padded cyclists shorts which come in different fabrics and colors. These shorts protect your back from hurting as you ride on. With a decent saddle fitted on your bike, you can comfortably ride wearing padded shorts.

2. Wear a Cycling Helmet

The helmet doesn’t have to be fancy as long as it is affordable, light, comfy, and meets the same safety standards. Ramming the road with your bare head in case of an accident can cause serious head injuries, hence the need for a helmet. You can also install airbags for your bike’s safety. If you get one with additional light, it will protect you when joining the road from the sides because they can see the light on top of your head.

3. Wear Cycling Sunglasses

As you cycle, weather conditions may differ, but sunglasses will protect your eyes from the rain, sun, stones, and even bugs minimizing distractions as you ride on. Some sunglasses have interchangeable lenses, with dull ones worn on wet days and bright ones on sunny days.

 4. Check your Tyre Pressure

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The sidewall of the tyres helps one know the recommended levels of your tyre pressure. Keeping a track pump handy is a good investment since it contains a pressure gauge, and it requires less effort to get the tyre to the recommended pressure.

5. Clean your Bike Regularly

You do not need expensive cleaning equipment to clean your bike. You can scrub your bike with hot soapy water and a sponge, and it will shine as new. Some stains may require a deep clean, in which case, you could utilize some cleaning sprays in the market. Additionally, you can use a specialist degreaser to clean the chain, cassette, and crankset. After the clean, you can spray the bike with silicone aerosol to keep mud from sticking on the bike’s surface on the next ride. Regular cleaning will also help you stop creaks, thus making your gears durable.

6. Regularly clean and oil the chain

Your bike’s chain needs extra attention, especially if you are ridding during lousy weather. You can use Dawn liquid dish cleaning soap to have a clean wash of your greasy chains. A clean chain will help your bike to run quietly, perform better, and last longer. It will also eliminate the dreaded creaks hated by many cyclists. Furthermore, you will keep in good condition some of the expensive parts like chainrings.

7. Learn to Fix a Puncture

Though you can have your bike puncture mended at a bike shop, you can learn this trick at home before it happens to you away from the shop. Fixing a puncture can be troubling for inexperienced cyclists, limiting them from taking many routes or even putting some riders off. However, with a bit of practice and you will learn how to fix your inner tube quickly. The only challenging part is getting the tye off and on the rim, but practicing before the puncture can help you have the needed experience.

8. Fit the defenders and mudguards in the wet conditions

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During the rainy season, cycling can be fun and messy at the same time. Some cycling clubs mandate that cyclists fit mudguards on their bikes to avoid soaking fellow ridders in wet conditions. Fitting a mudguard will save your back and your washing machine from the task of removing the mud spay on your jersey. Furthermore, mudguards help you stay dry and improve your performance as you focus on training with added comfort. The mudguard will also enhance the bike’s longevity when riding in the rain as it reduces the amount of dirt getting into the bearing and moving parts.

What to take when cycling

It is a common rule for regular cyclists to carry a little energizer to avoid the dreaded bonk. The internet is flooded with complex nutrition for cyclists; however, you do not have to follow through with such complexity. Take a dig at your home and use anything portable that can carry your drink and ride with it.

9. Stay hydrated

Every time you are heading out for a ride, ensure you have a hydration pack or a water bottle to keep you hydrated. The bottle will help you refill along the way if you run out of water. Most coffee shops will do a free refill for you; otherwise, you will feel exhausted faster as you sweat and lose energy during your journey.

10. Have some calorie provision

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This will help you avoid the dreaded ‘bonk’- your body running out of fuel and coming to a painful halt. Your body can only carry glycogen worth 90 mins of intense cycling before it needs urgent replenishing, lest it turns to fat burning for fuel. However, power from fat burning will not provide the energy required for the same level of intensity. This means that you need to consume between 100 to 250calories every 30 mins. You could carry a banana, cereal bar, or energy gel to give the necessary calories.

11. Use formulated sports drink

Most beginners experience cramping because they are ridding harder and for more extended periods than the body is used to. Therefore, you must replace the lost electrolyte on sweat by drinking formulated sports drinks. Fortunately, you can make yours by adding water, salt, and sugar to your fruit juice. This drink will ease any cramps you may experience as a beginner.

12. Use recovery drinks

After a long, hard ride, your muscles are probably sore, and a recovery drink coupled with some rest will do the trick in bringing your body to normalcy. You want to include more protein in the recovery drink to help with the healing of muscles. Most of these drinks you can buy at the market or have some fun making yours. You could blend a combination of milk, banana, some honey, and one tablespoon of peanut butter. You will love this smoothie and the energy it will produce.

13. Visit a coffee shop along your ride

In the middle of your ride, you can stop at a coffee shop to reenergize. Research has found that caffeine can enhance a cyclist’s endurance on the bike, meaning that this stop at the coffee shop is worth it.

Safety Tips for New Cyclists.

Safety is the utmost for all cyclists. You will have to learn the secondary and primary riding techniques and positions. Having the right mix of caution and confidence will enable you to rule the rural roads and city streets. As you gain experience riding with gurus, you will learn how to correctly and quickly assess a situation.

14. Learn and obey traffic rules

This knowledge is essential for city riders. Without knowing the rules, you may lose your confidence on the road and hamper your decision-making in the middle of traffic. Be assertive, stay away from the sewer line, and remember that you too have a right to use the road like anybody else.

15. Be visible

At all times, you want to use the bike’s lighting and reflective clothing for enhanced visibility. If you are ridding during winter or low-light fall, keep your lights on even during the daytime. Other motorists or bikers need to see you to avoid unnecessary accidents. Bright clothes and proper lighting will help other road users recognize your presence and allow you space.

16. Learn to use your brakes effectively

The front brakes are more efficient when you want to stop than the rare ones. Therefore, it is recommended you achieve a 30/70 or a 40/60 power distribution between the rear and the front brakes. However, since modern brakes are often powerful, you want to take care not to lock up; otherwise, you could go over the handlebars and topple on the road.

17. Learn riding in a group

When riding with a group, learn to keep a level head as you ride close to fellow cyclists. Avoid sudden movements or brakes that could cause unnecessary accidents. Learn to use your hand signals and if you see any obstacle on the road, warn fellow cyclists, and they will reciprocate the same.

18. Cycling Techniques

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Though many beginners focus on pedaling techniques to improve their efficiency, other methods, such as positioning and shifting at the right time, are also as important. Whether your objective is to gain free speed or keep pace with that fast-training partner, these techniques will help you be efficient.

19. Adjust your saddle for comfortability

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To achieve better pedaling efficiency and comfort, you will need to set your saddle at the right height and angle. Your saddle’s nose should either be pointed upward or flat so that you do not slide forward. A correct saddle setting also helps take the weight off sensitive areas, including hands, shoulder, and neck.

20. Relax the upper body

Some beginners keep a tight grip on the bike while tightening the upper body to prevent falling. However, this is not advisable since this creates tension, leading to aches and pains. Learn to stay on the bike as you relax your hands and shoulders. A soft grip on the bike will give you more control and improve your speed. You will not perform over-corrections while taking sharp corners or dodging obstacles.

21. Shift to a lighter gear before you need it

Knowing the time to change gears while cycling is an art that takes time to master. Most beginners wait for a long time before shifting to easier gear when they are about to climb. If you shift the gears when you are climbing, the chain will come under load. The chain would begin to grind, pop off, or refuse to shift. An early gear shift will help solve this problem so that you can keep the momentum.

22. To go long, go slow

If you want to go long distances and faster, you will need to go at slower speeds. This will improve your endurance and take off stress from your tendons and muscles. Training slower builds your resilience and enables your lungs to build strength for races.

23. Experiment with different cadences

An average cycling cadence falls under 80-100 revolutions per minute. Your riding cadence should be what seems natural for you and also what is efficient. Experimenting with different cadences will help improve your climb and long ride speeds. Changing the rhythm can be fun and help you build a higher power output and performance.

24. Ride with the pack

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If you want to take your cycling to a whole new level, join other cyclists whenever possible. Cycle behind them as this would improve your energy by 30-40% than going it solo. Sitting behind fellow cyclists as a beginner will enable you to ride for longer distances and faster.

Cycling is fun and can provide several health benefits and keep you fit. Many countries like Singapore promote riding to work as this will reduce the carbon footprint within the Island. Here at Shariot, we encourage cycling as means of keeping fit and promoting environmental health. We are with you all step of the way as you train to become a cycling pro.

 

 

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Many people dread negotiating with a car dealer when they are trying a buy a car. Some people would rather face a dentist than deal with the anxiety of negotiating with a car dealership. You can take heart in the fact that the car market is flooded with used cars sold and purchased by private parties each year. Used vehicles are often in high demand, meaning if you have a well-maintained latest model car that you are considering trading, it will be easier to sell it to a private party. This could save you thousands of dollars. Several tips can help you sell your car smoothly without the pressure and tricks by car dealerships to rip you off the profit. Here are a few suggestions that might help.

1. Knowledge is power

Consumers are today enlightened about cars and the buying process than ever before. The internet is rich in information about car features, prices, and financing. You can learn this information through your mobile devices to help you understand all obscure questions you could have about the car buying process.

If you are looking for financing options, you do not need to visit a bank to learn this; you can apply for financing from several financial institutions and credit unions online without walking to the bank. Additionally, you need to understand your credit score before starting a car leasing or buying process; otherwise, you could be ambushed in the negotiation process if you learn about your credit condition at the dealer’s office. Credit Bureau Singapore or Singapore Commercial Credit Bureau can help you know your credit score before initiating a car buying deal.

As a used car shopper, you need to separate cars worth your consideration and the ones you should pass. You can learn about the car’s history through websites like OTOFACTS Singapore and Oneshift.com to help you know any problem with the car you are considering. This way, you do not waste time searching through the hay of all used cars for a perfect one. You do well also to consider the insurance cost of the used car before committing; otherwise, you could meet with a sticker shock of overwhelming insurance cost.

2. Remember, it is a business transaction.

Car salespeople could make you form an emotional bond with the car you want to buy and cloud your judgment. The car buying process is often loaded with anxiety and emotions since the negation process is sometimes marred with arguments.  Therefore, you should remember that buying a car is a business transaction, and uncontrolled emotions can usurp your negotiation power. The salesperson is not your best friend; they simply want the car off the yard and your money in their pockets.

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Do not go into the negotiation process with arrogance trying to bully your way to a great deal. This could intimidate the salesperson, but the manager and the salesperson often find a way to stick to an obnoxious customer. If they don’t like you, you may end up with a lousy deal.

On the other hand, some salespersons could intimidate you or confuse you into taking an unfavorable deal for your wallet. It is advisable to carry a friend along who can help you see things clearly. Remember that you can always walk away if a deal does not make sense to you.

The car buying process requires that you be polite and level-headed. You do well to keep the business transaction before you rather than get distracted by mundane things along the way. Furthermore, when heading for a test drive, take the opportunity to be familiar with the car and not demonstrate your driving prowess.

3. Do not focus on the payment.

Most buyers often ignore this critical piece in the car buying process. While it is essential to get a car that fits into your planned monthly payment, putting it as a sole motivator is a recipe for a horrible deal. Most car dealers know that if they keep you focused on the monthly payment, they can manipulate transaction numbers to arrive at their desired profit. If you focus on the monthly payments, you will fall for a lousy deal and pay more in the long run.

Therefore, instead of focusing on monthly payments, consider the car’s total cost. Some dealers can trick you with extending your loan period by several years, which reduces your monthly payment but inflates the payable interest. Furthermore, you could face high repair costs as your car ages while still paying for the car.

4. Understand the Deals

Sometimes automakers want to get rid of the old stock to create room for a new model, and they could offer money-saving discounts. As a buyer, you could get favorable financing deals like reduced or elimination of interest costs.

However, a salesperson may not divulge this information to you, and you could end up paying more than intended. Therefore, you should conduct research and be acquainted with the available offers. The best place to start could be sgcarmart.com or CARRO.sg to compare automakers’ prices and car deals. Remember that most car deals are available for buyers with an excellent credit score, though the value may vary depending on the dealership.

5. Consider Financing Early on

If you allow the car dealerships to arrange for financing, you will gain an advantage at the negotiation. Though it may look like a favor from the car dealer, they will be selling you one of their profitable products- car financing. Adding financing in the negotiation process gives the dealers something to adjust to recover any ground they may have lost in the car price negotiation.

Lenders often authorize dealerships to sell loans and put a markup on the interest rate. They will not tell you they have hiked the interest rates as they are interested in the deals that make them more money. Do not agree to pre-approved financing; negotiate this with a financial institution, state, or credit union before you head for negotiation with a car dealership.

Ensure you understand the loan terms, including interest rate, loan length, prepayment penalties, and the accompanying fees. An early search will help you know if there are any hick-ups with your credit score record so that you can correct them. Any dings on your credit could complicate the purchase process or even make it more expensive.

6. Separate Your Trade-ins

Most salespeople would want to maximize the trade-ins into the stew of car dealers to put you in a fix. This could add more confusion to the negotiation process. If you are not careful, the trade-ins could be used to push the car price higher.

An experienced salesperson can point out a fantastic trade-in as the reason for your car overpricing and add years into your financing. If you have a trade-in, you do well to force the car dealership to structure the deal without considering the trade-in. After seeing the deal without a trade-in, then you can bring it up in the end.

Another way could be to sell your car to a private party or another car dealership. If the car is still in good shape and is of the latest model, you could sell it as a certified used car, increasing its demand. You can use the money you have acquired to buy another desired car from a dealer.

7. First, Negotiate the Price.

As a buyer, your main objective is to get a better deal with the lowest possible price. On the other hand, the salesperson aims at getting the most profit from the dealership. Good negotiation skills are necessary to help both parties get the middle figure. You need to have complete knowledge and keep some components separate to avoid confusion resulting in a costlier deal.

Ensure your car price includes all taxes, fees, and add-ons because you do not want these additional costs to come up after negotiating a good deal.

Keep in mind the common negotiation rule: the first person to speak loses. Though this is an oversimplification, it is advisable not to say how much you are willing to pay because you cannot move any lower. Ensure you have done your research to back up why you are not willing to go any higher, thus forcing the seller to back up their reason for not going any lower. Learn the art of talking when necessary. Do not fill in the gaps from the salesperson, but wait for a question.

You should also know what type of car you are negotiating. The hottest cars in the market will be hard to negotiate than slow-selling cars or mainstream models. It is also wise to know what is negotiable and non-negotiable. Some costs such as destination charges, taxes, and registration costs are non-negotiable, though you could inquire of any additional charges. However, you can negotiate some junk fees, and if the dealer has included some expenses you are uncomfortable with, you should request the removal of these.

8. Timing will Help You Save

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Knocking at the dealership door when they are about to close the day’s business will likely give you a bad deal. A late inquiry and trying to force a deal may annoy the dealership, and they could quote a higher price to send you away. The best way is to look at the calendar and time at the end of the month, quarter, or year when the salespeople are concerned about improving their bonuses and commissions. These periods will help you get on better odds of winning a more incredible deal. However, this can only work to your advantage if the dealership has not hit its goals.

9. Remember, there is more than one dealer.

Though moving from one car dealership to another is a huge hassle, it could go a long way in avoiding one of the worst mistakes in car shopping- getting car prices from a single dealership. Having multiple prices from different dealerships will help you compare different prices and make a conclusion.

With the internet, it is easy to make comparisons from the comfort of your house. You only need to visit various dealers’ websites and request offers from sales managers. The corona pandemic has made many dealerships improve their online sales feature, which you can to inquire about prices. Compare multiple prices to help you make a better decision on the car type and their configurations.

10. Say no to Costly Extras.

After you come to an agreed price with the dealership, they could usher you into the financing office. If you do not take care, this place could create unnecessary holes in your pocket. You could also be forced to buy add-ons which salespersons may convince you that you need.

The truth is, these things you can get from third-party companies at a lower price. If you must buy them from a dealership, you do well to do that later after the deal is complete. It is essential to investigate the product you want to purchase and the company behind the product.

11. Thoroughly Go Through the Paperwork

Buying a car can be an involving and time-consuming process. After the deal is done, you will have lots of paperwork to go through and sign. Take time to read and understand the documents you are signing, even if you are tired or anxious to get on the road. Ensure you check if the car price, loan terms, and trade-in values are what you bargained for. Be on the lookout for any unexplained fees that could appear on the contract at the last minute. If the form has inaccuracies or is incomplete, do not sign it. You also want to be certain that the dealership is okay with your financing before leaving with the car; otherwise, you could fall victim to yo-yo financing. If you fall victim to this type of scam, seek funding from another financial institution or credit union. However, if you cannot find alternative financing, you can drop the car at the dealers and walk away.

Be Ready to Walk Away

Though the car dealership may dictate the negotiation and the purchase process, remember it is up to you to make the final decision. You have the key to unlocking the deal and the greatest strength because you can choose to walk away from an unfavorable deal. Choose to exercise this power without any regret.

Unfortunately, some buyers choose to stick to a lousy deal because they like the salesperson or feel embarrassed. If you want to be a good negotiator, you should never forget that buying a car is a business transaction. Some also fear walking away from an unfavorable deal, reasoning that they have to spend a lot of time in the process. However, keep in mind that spending money on a terrible deal with a higher interest rate and the more extended loan period is more painful than your time negotiating the deal. Remember that any other signature apart from the one in the final deal is not binding, so no one should tie you down with offer signatures.

From the above discussion, we have seen that the process of negotiating for the best car price as a buyer does not need to feel overwhelming. You can get the best deal from a car dealership and begin enjoying your ride with the correct information. On the other hand, you can take advantage of several alternatives to car ownership, such as car-sharing services. At Shariot, we offer you the most affordable and comfortable car-sharing platform. Our cars are modern, offering you the greatest convenience of a car-owner. With Chariot, you will forget the hassles of the car buying process.

 

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You have purchased your dream car, you are excited, and you can’t wait for this new machine to start rolling on the road. You are looking forward to showcasing it to your family and workmate when you arrive home. You realize that you could create an even bigger impression and make the car more useful with some accessories. Though they are not necessary, they often make your vehicle more comfortable and suit your everyday needs. It can be a dizzying process to find the best accessories to complement your car. These accessories range from installing child-friendly to better cars’ security features, and knowing where to find these features can save you time for research. Based on your budget and liking, you have endless accessories that you can furnish your can with for comfort. We bring you the best ten locations with their automotive accessories in Singapore to help you make an informed decision.

Car Accessories Shop and Installers

Do you want to make your car look unique through customization and installation of practical accessories? You do not have to worry; we present highly recommended workshops on the Island that you can trust. These shops sell authentic products that will take your car to the next level of beauty.

Autobacs Singapore

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Autobacs from Japan was used as a car parts retailer, but it has spread its wings globally. Currently, they have over 530 outlets across the globe, providing extensive and fashionable accessories and aftermarket products for car owners. Autobacs is a renowned international brand name in this industry, providing quality car accessories and installations. They have a range of accessories, including an umbrella holder, quality wipes dashboard, Vinyl mat, carmate blang airsick, neck cushions, and much more.

Furthermore, Autobacs does excellent installations of various features in your cars, such as alarm system, batteries, car audio system, car exterior accessories, mobile video system, navigation systems, tyres and rims fixing, and shocks and struts. Even during weekends, you can benefit from their services even during weekends, meaning you do not need to leave work for car accessories. Autobacs guarantee you quality accessories and professional installation.

ACE1 Auto Accessories Pte Ltd

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ACE 1 Auto Accessories offers car owners a one-stop shop for all their automotive accessories. If you need a functional upgrade on your car or cosmetic accessories, think ACE 1 Auto Accessories. Their website displays an array of accessories for all types of vehicles that can give your machine a whole new look as you desire it. On the website, you will also find a range of installation services. Popular accessories include auto-folding side mirrors, enhanced audio systems, LED lighting accessories, car curtains, carbon fibre, high-quality thinkware dash camera, head lambs, monitor DVD player, and much more.

ACE 1 Auto Accessories has professional staff and technicians to ensure you get the best service for your money. If you want to give your car a new look with quality accessories, visit ACE 1 Auto Accessories, and you will have a wide range to choose from. They operate all days except for Sundays and public holidays.

Mods Ministry

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Mods Ministry specializes in car accessories, including interior car entertainment upgrades and Custom LED lighting. With Mods Ministry, you can give your car any lighting system you want and install a suitable sound system. Additionally, they also install quality dash cameras for those interested in these accessories at affordable pricing. Other accessories you can acquire with Mods Ministry include DVD player conversion, turbo muffler delete, upsized aluminium one-stop-shop intercooler, and batteries.

What is more, they operate on weekends, offering you the convenience of buying accessories any time. It doesn’t matter your car model; Mods Ministry got you covered with their customized accessories.

Han Revolution

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The quality of services at Han Revolution is seen in several customers. They have several awards for their sound handiwork, providing you with myriads of sound-related accessories. Han revolution stays true to the Singaporean culture; no wonder the long queues witnessed in their shops. They also modify cars to make them look what you want. With over 20 years of experience, you can be confident of better services and quality accessories. In 2019, Han Revolution emerged at the Emma Singapore Championship 2019 Heat 1 for unique audio solutions.

Apart from audio solutions, Han Revolution also provides a wide range of automotive accessories and spray-painting services. Other quality services include air conditioning, accessory retails, stickers and number plates, solar films and tinting, handling and safety, and repairs. Though they started as a freelancing company, now they guarantee you all sorts of accessories and car care at an affordable price to enable you to save on costs.

MCS Garage

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MyCarShop is an expert in car servicing and LED lighting. They pride themselves as a one-stop shop for all your car needs. MCS Garage is your preferred shop if you want car services ranging from Aesthetic modification to car maintenance to accident repair. Apart from car servicing, they also sell car accessories, gauges, car alarms, LED lighting, sticker wrap, quality audio system, sport seat, and air intake. Their skilled professional staff is qualified to handle Korean, Japanese, and Continental cars.

With MCS Garage, you can have performance modifications to boost your car’s power to what suits your needs, window tinting, vinyl wrap, spray-painting, and installation of audio systems for your entertainment. They are open all day, including Sunday, from 12 p.m- 6 p.m, thus giving potential customers to utilize the weekend pimping their cars.

Concorde Auto Accessories Pte Ltd

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Concorde Auto Accessories has 30 years of experience in car accessories, providing support to known household brands, such as Selfix, NTUC, Mustafa, Giant, and other accessories shops. They are considered one of the best wholesalers dealing with aftermarket car accessories in Singapore. At this shop, you will get accessories, such as glass care, disinfectants, the ultimate care kit, trunk mat, premium air filters, and much more. Whatever your car accessory need is, walk into this supermarket and buy at a reasonable price.

Custom Pte Ltd

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Carstorm’s user-friendly website speaks for itself, showing the quality of its products and services. The website allows you to shop online for your desired car accessories stress-free and deliver your purchases to your doorstep. The website sells accessories, such as car alarm and remote starters, dash cameras, in-car entertainment, LED lights for interior and exterior, and parking assistants. Additionally, you can buy quality car mats of different sizes and fashionable key holders. You can also shop for premium car plates, install sound systems, wipers, phone holders and car care series. The clear pictures of these accessories help buyers in making an informed decision of what they need.

ST Audio Master Pte Ltd

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ST Audio Master, like its name suggests, specializes in customization and audio tuning. If you are fascinated by sounds and music in your car as your drive around town or for a trip, ST Audio Master is your sure bet. If you are looking to amplify your car’s speaker bass so that you do not hear the vulgarities of road bullies, this is the place to visit. Apart from the excellent audio system, they install accessories for you, including reverse cameras, wipers, security systems, LED lights, and many other services.

ST Audio Master believes that your car’s best sound system is not the most expensive audio product but a perfect integration of speaker placement, audio components, and sound tuning. They have technicians with vast experience to modify your existing sound system or build a customized one from scratch. They have gathered this extensive experience in car accessories through various audio competitions. ST Audio Master are indeed masters in this industry, and their results and reviews speak for them.

SingTrade Marketing

SingTrade Marketing has been operational for over 15 years, specializing in automotive audio systems. Their qualified personnel has a wealth of experience in alarm system installation, car audio installation, lighting, air-conditioning maintenance, body kits, lighting, and repair services for any vehicle model.

Edwin Garage

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When you take a glance at its customer review, you will realize that SgGarage Edwin is a master at diagnosing and correcting any air conditioning issues with your car. Moreover, it provides other services, including solar film, sticker, decal, alarm system, car servicing, LED styling, audio systems, and in-car camera.

If you like your car to have a side step LED that looks fashionable, SgGarage Edwin is worth considering. The staff here are dedicated, professional, meticulous, and efficient in carrying their duties. Whenever you come in with your car looking for some great accessories, you are sure to go out with a head-turning look.

Car Accessories in Your Preferred Car-sharing Service

Shariot is one of the leading players in Singapore’s car-sharing services. Our cars are well built with a modern look and are installed with beautiful accessories to make your trip cosy and a delight. With our vehicles, you can listen to cool music as you drive and keep your phone and other stuff within the car using its accessories. If you are in Singapore and are looking for a car-sharing service with vehicles loaded with necessary accessories, look no further than Shariot.

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Some people make fun of Punggol residents since they live in the ulu land, but here is where joy is, with exciting places to visit. For example, Punggol offers you a walk along its waterfront and beautiful sunsets, providing a feeling of a scene from a movie. Punggol city is located in the Northeast region of the Island. It was recently revitalized, with its residential town famous for scenic nature views, Instagram-worthy spots, picturesque landscape, avant-garde flats, and charming local market.

Though it was recently refurbished, Punggol is a sleeping beauty needing exploration by local and foreign tourists. This city has taken to social media lately, with many people talking about its breathtaking sceneries. The view of its sunset and sunrise is something many long to experience.

In Punggol, you can stay in well-furnished flats, private homes, or a kayak. You could also decide to take a canoe along the waterways, jog in the morning or evening along the river, or enjoy a mouth-watering dinner at its exquisite restaurants. There are several activities you will find exciting at different places in this area. We advise you to keep these activities on your to-do list if it is your first time in Punggol Singapore.

We want to take you on a journey of Punggol to help you realize that the notion that this is a small place with nothing to offer is mistaken and pointless. If you are planning to visit this place and have doubts, then this article will put those doubts to rest. Let’s get into these exciting activities and places to visit in Punggol Singapore without any further ado.

1. Take your Instagram picture on beautiful bridges

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If you are a sucker at taking good pictures, Punggol is a land with worthy places that will make your photographs look professional. The first place you want to visit the first time in Punggol is its famous five bridges. You can enjoy a fantastic sunset at jewel bridge. This bridge has a jewel-like structure, providing a picturesque view that looks like a floating ball crowned with a mesmerizing sunset in the background.

If you are an adrenaline junkie, the adventure bridge will be a place worth visiting. This bridge is suspended and stable, so you do not worry whether it will crumble with you. The Kelong Bridge, Sunrise, and Wave Bridge are also worth visiting since they beautifully complement the waterway near the park. As you walk along these bridges, you will see beautiful scenes worthy of your pictures to rock your social media account within minutes.

2. Enjoy the green land at Punggol Ranch.

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The Punggol Ranch is a place you do not want to miss on your tour of this beautiful place. It presents the authentic vibes of Singapore. When you touch down on this ranch, you will experience the lush greenery everywhere and the rustically colored surroundings. As you walk down the road, you will be filled with awe for the authentic Singaporean culture and atmosphere away from the city.

This ranch is characterized by peace and tranquility for those looking for a quiet environment for meditation. You can use Chariot car-sharing services to drive to this peaceful place and then take a walk throughout the ranch. Alternatively, you could travel on bus number 84, bringing you directly to the area. We advise visiting the ranch in the afternoon for a breathtaking sunset and calmness when the sun is less hot.

3. Birdwatch at Coney Island Park

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The Coney Park is located on Punggol Island and was recently opened, attracting many visitors within a short period. It has over 80 different bird and animals species, including Oriental Magpie-robin and the male Baya Weavers. Bird lovers can come to this park for birdwatching as they explore the wonders of this gem. You will see these birds construct their nests on the gigantic acacia trees or as they chip through the forest’s canopies.

Since its reopening, Coney Island Park has gained its fame due to its Insta-worthy picture that has flooded social media platforms. As you walk through the park, you will see eye-catching picture-worthy spots for a perfect Instagram picture. You would choose to use a bicycle and hike as you explore what excites you in the park.

4. Play hide-and-seek in the Lalang Field

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Punggol is endowed with many breathtaking sceneries, and the Lalang field is one of them. This field has exceptional fresh air for your lungs and provides you with insanely perfect locations for beautiful pictures. It is known for weddings, blogs, and Instagram photoshoots. When you find yourself here in the evening, you will experience paradisaic sunset and the calmness associated with it.  The fields also allow you and your family to play games like hide-and-seek in the evening as you bond.

5. Experience the beauty of artificial water canals at Punggol Waterway

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The Punggol waterway is one of the popular spots on this Island. You will experience a fulfilling adventure of Punggol once you arrive at the trenches. This place guarantees you and your family lots of adventure and fun as you explore its 4.2 km long artificial water canal. It is the longest water canal in Singapore, passing at the heart of Punggol city. You will experience a fulfilling adventure of Punggol once you arrive at the trenches.

You will notice that the water is crystal clear as the mangroves along the canal clean it. At the sides of the river, you will see beautiful furniture made using recycled materials to help protect the environment. Its grand prize in Environmental sustainability exhibits the seriousness of environmental protection in this area.

6. Take a picture with the Instagram Tree.

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The Instagram tree is one of the most popular sites in Punggol, known globally on social media. This tree is located near Punggol waterway park and has been photographed by many visitors here. This solitary tree has an awe-striking view and has ruled social media in the recent past. Social media gurus would want to visit this tree and take that once-in-a-lifetime picture to boost your social media accounts. Newlyweds can also take their shoots here for memories in years to come.

7. Increase your heart rate with an outdoor gym

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Punggol has Singapore’s first outdoor gym, which is well facilitated and equipped. This gym has some advanced equipment you will never see in indoor gyms. At Punggol outdoor gym, you could do a full cardio workout using their runners and X-trainers.

The gym also allows you to train with an excellent picturesque view in front of you. If you do not want to touch the equipment, you can go uphill hiking for the ultimate workout. Furthermore, the prices are pocket-friendly to enable you to train for an hour.

8. Experience a late-night Prawning

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Prawning provides the ultimate new fishing experience, allowing you to bond with your family and friends in a less strenuous exercise. What is more! You do not need to bring heavy fishing tools since you will be given fishing rods and baits.

The fishing experience will offer a perfect opportunity for chatting with friends. After a successful catch, you can spend the evening with friends as you barbecue the prawns on a charcoal fire for a delicious meal coupled with a few drinks. These are nights you will not forget, and the friendship forged over prawns may last a lifetime.

9. Try hand fishing at Punggol Jetty

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The Punggol Jetty offers you a different fishing experience from the prawns. In the afternoons, you can head over to the Punggol Jetty with your hat, water, and sunblock to help whether the sizzling heat as you hope to catch a hungry fish. The experience is exciting as you try hand-catching a trapped fish.

10. Ride a Pony at gallop stables

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If you thought that horse riding was just for the royals and cowboys, think again. The gallop stables provide you with an opportunity to ride a horse without paying membership fees. The stables will prepare everything you need, considering all safety precautions to ensure your ride is enjoyable.

At the gallop stables, you can choose to ride a pony or a horse or even a carriage ride for an exclusive experience. You will have the Cinderella experience only seen in the movies as the horse carries you off. There is lots of fun in feeding the horses and the ponies.

11. Visit the Punggol settlement.

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All seafood lovers will make a huge mistake not visiting the Punggol settlement. This is a dream destination and a hub for several exquisite restaurants. These restaurants have mastered the art of preparing delicious seafood rarely found anywhere else. Apart from the seafood, they also serve western and local cuisines featuring Japanese, Thai and French dishes.

You will enjoy these delicacies from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 11 pm- when the restaurants open. The seafood here will suit even the pickiest of eaters; therefore, visit this place for some fantastic taste.

12. Wait for Sembawang white beehon for your breakfast.

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The Sembawang white beehon is a famous breakfast delicacy that people would travel to have a taste of. The Punggol settlement has opened a new second air-conditioned Sembawang white beehon outlet, meaning you do not have to travel to Sembawang for a taste of this famous dish. Though the prices can be slightly higher at Punggol settlement, the standard and taste are the same. You will know what we are saying when you see the queue, so come early.

13. Do your jogging along the promenade.

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The Punggol Promenade provides visitors with a perfect ground for late afternoons or early morning jogging. The place is free from crowds you see in the city, and the waterway park has trees that will shelter you from the scorching sun. If you want a complete workout, you can benefit from the uphill and the downhills near the park.

14. Experience a unique staycation

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Apart from horse riding at Punggol ranch, a night in the wagons at prairie will give you the ultimate cowboy adventure. The Punggol ranch has over 30 wagons, enough for you and your friends. Furthermore, you will be near the barns, meaning you can enjoy taking a walk to the horse stable in the middle of the night to add to your experience.

15. Revisit the Punggol beach history

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The unique boulders lining the Punggol beach at the shore are a marvel to behold. You will also love the pristine sands, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful beach experience. This spot has a blood history where the Sook Ching massacre happened during World War II. The massacre claimed close to 400 civilians. Some people have tumbled over human remains here, but worry, even Sentosa and Changi Beach were also killing grounds and are today breaming with visitors. The National Heritage Board has reserved this place as a historical site.

16. Visit the Soccer Golf and test your accuracy.

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Soccer golf allows one to experience both worlds of soccer and golf. Instead of using the golf ball, you will use a football and your legs as a golf stick. This game is fun as it tests your accuracy and precision. Participants must navigate ditches, obstacles, and mounts as they attempt to kick the ball to one of the holes with the least moves. You will no doubt bond with your family and friends as you sweat playing this fun game in the evening.

17. Admire the Graffiti

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You cannot overlook this place when visiting Punggol. Locals and tourists alike admire this mural, allowing you to take one of those colorful pictures for your social media feeds. The beauty depicted by this natural graffiti will remind you of the poem by Gilbert Koh entitled Accident by Sonny Liew. The government has several boards on this graffiti intended to engage the audience with its literary works.

Visit Punggol with Shariot

Here at Shariot, we champion our tourist economy. If you want to visit any place in Punggol, we take you there with ease through our car-sharing and rental services. Within minutes of request, you will have your car ready for a comfortable, smooth ride to your preferred destination. Tour Punggol Singapore and explore this untapped gem.

 

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Congratulations! You have attained your long-term dream of owning a brand-new Vespa motorcycle or Honda car. It’s about time you forget about the hassles of public transportation. With your new automotive, you can travel wherever and whenever you want once you have fueled your car. However, before you start enjoying your ride as a new driver, you face one major obstacle- a driving license. You’re probably wondering about the process of acquiring a driving license. This article takes you through applying for and renewing a driving license for natives and foreigners in Singapore. We will also answer some of the frequently asked questions (FQA) to provide you will all need-to-know points before using Singaporean roads.

The License Renewal Process

Singapore citizens do not need a renewal of their driving license until they are 65 years of old. Once they reach this age, they will need to renew their driving license after every three years. Foreigners should renew their driving license after every five years at the Traffic Police Department, a month before the license expiry date. If you have a valid work permit from the Ministry of Manpower or a long-term visit pass from ICA and your driving license expires in one month, or less you are required to apply for a renewal using their Singpass account. You will not submit the digital photo because the existing one in the system is sufficient. The Traffic Police Department is open from 08:30-17:30 on weekdays and 08:30-13:00 every Saturday.

Requirements

The following documents are needed when renewing a driving license in Singapore:

• Work permit/student pass/employment pass/dependant pass/ or any other relevant documents showing a foreigner’s extended stay in the country
• Passport
• Matt/semi-matt passport-size colored photograph with a white background
• Processing fee (NET and cashcard only)

License Application for a New Driver

If you are a permanent Singaporean resident and a citizen and plan to buy a car, you must pass a practical driving test. After passing the test, you will apply and pay for Qualified Driving License (QDL) online via your Singpass account. The amount you will part with is S$500 made online using a credit card or Enets. Before you begin the application process on e-service, you should take a digital photograph where you will do your driving test, preferably at the driving centre. This picture will appear on your photocard driving license.

The driving centre often recommends taking your photograph before booking for the test to be uploaded into the system. This will enable you to immediately apply for the QDL online when you pass the driving test. After application and successful payment of the QDL, you will receive your photocard driving license through a registered mailbox in seven working days. If you fail to apply and successfully pay for your QDL online, you will not ride or drive even if you passed the practical driving test. Riding or driving without a driving license is considered a serious offense under traffic laws, and one will be prosecuted in court.

Suppose you already have a valid Singapore driving license. In that case, you will not take another digital photograph or apply for another QDL online when you pass another driving license class. The driving examiner at the Traffic Police Test Center will provide you with an endorsement sticker showing the new QDL class you have passed. This endorsement is pasted at the back of your valid Singaporean photocard driving license. In that case, you will not take another digital photograph or apply for another QDL online when you pass another driving license class. You will also not pay for the approval.

Foreigners

Suppose you are not a Singaporean citizen or a permanent resident and would like to drive in Singapore. In that case, you must first have a valid work pass from the Ministry of Manpower or have a Long-term visit/Student pass from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority. Second, you must pass the practical test from the Traffic Police Test Center and apply online for your QDL through your Singpass account. However, if you do not have a Singpass, you can apply for a QDL online using the date of birth, FIN number, and card serial number on the e-service login.

Replacement of a Qualified Driving License

Permanent residents and Singaporean citizens would want to replace a lost or a defaced existing driving license. You should apply online for a replacement using your Singpass account via the Traffic Police e-service. You will be charged a fee of S$25, which you will pay using your credit card or eNETS. There’s no need to submit a new one since the authorities will use the existing photograph in the system to print your photocard driving license. The law also dictates that you return the original driving license to the traffic Police within seven days upon replacing the existing one.

Similarly, foreigners who have lost their driving license or have defaced one can apply online for a replacement using their Singpass account. They will not be required to submit another photograph since the system already has their photo. They will then use this to print a new one. If they do not have a Singpass, they can apply for a new QDL by providing details, such as date of birth, FIN number, and card serial number on e-service log in.

Frequently Asked Questions

When am I required to apply for a driving license in Singapore?

You must be 18years and above before applying for any driving course in Singapore. It means you are not eligible to make a booking before you hit 18 years. Additionally, senior citizens above age 65 and pregnant women will require a doctor’s clearance before applying for a license or driving lessons. A person who is physically challenged will undergo a medical examination before they are deemed fit for driving.

What are QDL and BBT in Licensing?

When applying for a driving license in Singapore, you will first apply for Basic Theory Test (BTT) and pass. This is done in any of the three Singapore’s driving schools. The school requires that students take a theoretical exam, which, if they pass, allows them to have a provisional driving license before taking practical driving lessons on Singapore’s roads. Only after passing the practical exams will you qualify to receive a Qualified Driving License (QDL), which is Singapore’s valid driving license.

How much does it cost to apply for a QDL?

The driving license cost in Singapore is part of the lesson package at a driving school. If you apply for it separately, you will be charged S$50 fee that you will pay online. The digital service photo taken at the driving centre will cost you S$6, and the BTT fee will also be S$6. This means you may end up paying S$62 besides the driving lesson fee.

How many driving licenses classes does Singapore have?

You cannot drive a bus with a motorcycle or truck license. Singapore has a total of 11 driving license classes. Class 1 belongs to those with physical challenges, classes 2, 2A, and 2B belong to motorcyclists. Car owners attend classes 3, 3A, C, and CA, while 4A is for bus drivers. Heavy automotive-like vans and trucks belong to classes 4 and 5.

Must I apply for a new QDL if I intend to upgrade my license class?

You do not need to. If you have an existing QDL, say of class 2B for motorcycles, and you want to upgrade to 2A, you can do so without applying for a new QDL. After completing an upgrade class, you will only receive an endorsement sticker at the back of your license photo card.

Final Thought

If you own a car, you also know that a driving license is necessary before you can hit the road. Having a driving license is also required to utilize the thriving car-sharing industry. You can request Shariot cars for a comfortable ride to your destination if you have a valid driving license before returning it. We hope this article has shed some light on what you need to do if you are 18 years and above to experience Singaporean roads.

 

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People sell cars for various reasons, including buying a new one or having more than one and wanting to dispose of others. Selling a car can be easy or not, depending on where one lives and the restrictions available. What if you’re a Singaporean or someone living in the country? Are you eager to sell off your car or planning to do so in the future? How can you go about it successfully? Especially if you’re a first-timer, it might be complex and confusing. But, don’t worry because you can get the needed assistance. This discussion will outline everything you need to know and do to sell a car in Singapore successfully. Read on to find out more below!

Know Who to Sell Your Car To

You will probably have to know and consider where or who to sell your car to. It’s significant to be better acquainted with people, companies, or agencies that could give you back the value of your car. Below are some of the ideas of where a Singaporean can sell their car:

1. Sell Via Online Platforms

You can post the car to an online portal for ease of sale. There are some reliable online platforms where you can list your car for sale. They include; – STCars, Carousell Motors, sgCarMart, Motorist.sg, and the DBS Car Marketplace. Each platform has varying requirements, features, and advantages; thus, it would be best to research each to choose the most appropriate for you.

2. Sell the Car to Dealers

Selling used cars to dealers is the most popular way of making a sale in Singapore. Several dealers are available that someone can choose from, and most of them don’t discriminate which type of car you have. The process is also quite simple; the dealers usually handle everything from the paperwork and sometimes the sale facilitation. However, a significant challenge with this option is the pricing issue. Dealers offer low prices since they’re like intermediaries who will later sell the car to the next owner at a profit margin.

Also, sometimes, there’s a possibility of getting scammed if you don’t know the car well. Furthermore, you might need to hassle moving from one dealer to the next, trying to find the best quote. But, a company like CARRO can assist you to avoid that time-consuming process. It has a smooth process where you can get a vast network of verified dealers under one site. Visit their site to ensure your dealer search process is efficient and convenient.

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3. Sell the Car Directly to Another Buyer

Unlike long ago when this method was a bit hectic, today the internet has simplified its process. You don’t have to post a car in the Classifieds section of newspapers and wait for a long time to sell anymore. All you need to do is post the car online on any of your networking platforms and wait for a prospective buyer to reach out. It’s also the method that can reap you the most significant returns.

However, selling to a direct client also has its odds. It requires more effort and time as you’ll be the one making all the decisions and doing the paperwork. And that’s why it’s not a highly recommended technique for a first-timer in the car selling market, especially if you don’t have patience and the time to handle everything by yourself.

4. Sell the Car Through Consignment

What is a consignment? It permits a car agent to sell your car on your behalf, but you retain all the legal ownership until it’s sold. The agent will assist you with the marketing in used car listings or on their platforms. Selling a car through consignment will likely fetch a higher price than doing so to a dealer since you set the ideal price.

While most consignment agents operate in similar ways, each can have his style of operation. For instance, some will insist on having your car kept in their showroom recommendation to walk-in customers, while others will allow you to keep the car. The experienced agent will help you throughout the finish, and that will give you a greater sense of security. However, keep in mind that all that work they do isn’t charity. You’ll have to pay for the services, with most charging a flat fee of 1% on the final selling price.

Gather The Necessary Information

Once you understand where to sell your car, the next step is to have all the required information at hand. The buyers will undoubtedly want to know more about what you’re selling to them, which calls for preparedness. You will need the following information available:

• The license plate number. This will be required to enable a buyer to know your original registration date, Certificate of Entitlement (COE) category, Open Market Value, COE expiry, Additional Registration Fee, and Quota Premium paid.
• Car model
• COE Registration date and expiry date
• Mileage
• Clear photos of the car taken at various angles
• Any special modifications or features
• Condition: Provide information on how frequently the car is serviced and the date for the last servicing and include service receipts and records if possible.
• Selling price

Preparing and processing the above information will require that you understand your car correctly and know its problems and strong selling points. The desired sale price will also be highly dependent on most of the other information; hence, the need to be keen on getting the most accurate and reliable details about the car. You can use the OneMonitoring website to check your car’s components.

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Set Your Selling Price

Deciding on the right price is key to making a sale and is also tricky. A high price might bar you from getting interested buyers, and a shallow one can result in profound loss. Research your car’s model and compare prices from other people who have successfully sold the same or those who are also selling at that time. Try to gauge an acceptable price range depending on age, condition, and years left on the COE.

Even for cars of similar models or makes, the price might vary depending on factors like age, condition, mileage, and modifications. Thus, while researching, do well to keenly check each aspect, even for similar car models that others are selling online. It would be best only to compare prices for cars that exactly match the specifications of yours. You need to know what your car is worth before getting a good deal for it. Setting the desired selling price might be challenging, but you can successfully pass with it if you put in more effort.

Clear Your Outstanding Car Loans and Insurance

Before you can transfer the car’s ownership to someone else, you’ll have to pay any pending loan you have. In Singapore, the transfer will only be approved by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) if you meet certain conditions too. The car must have a valid road tax, and the new owner’s insurance policy must have been activated. So, do all the necessary to settle any outstanding loans and insurance. If you can’t pay the loan because of a lack of cash, try getting a refinance loan to pay it off and transfer the new loan to your credit card.

List The Car for Sale, Arrange for Viewings, and Set-Up Test Drives

Now that you’ve accomplished some of the significant steps to completing a successful sale, what remains? After gathering all the necessary details, you’ve set the selling price and cleared off pending loans; you can now freely list the car for sale. With the methods listed above, you can choose to do so – dealers, online platforms, consignment, or direct buyers. Once the car and all the required data are set and listed, you will receive requests from prospective buyers.

Interested buyers will start to send in their queries in a few days or weeks. The next thing will be to invite them down to your home or another suitable venue to come for viewing and car inspection. You can also offer test drives along quieter and safer routes with fewer cars. Remember, a car purchase is a big thing, so put the buyer (s) at ease by agreeing to a pre-purchase car inspection service at an approved service station. Try to have an objective professional opinion of the car’s condition to prevent any misunderstandings. It’s also wise to get the buyers to sign an indemnity form before a test drive so that you’re not responsible for any damage that occurs during that time.

Obtain a Deposit and Sign a Sales and Purchase Agreement Form

After you find an agreeable buyer to sell to and have reached a consensus with both parties satisfied, it’s time to get the deal done. Lock the buyer with a sales agreement contract that is not just verbally mentioned but one that’s signed. Wrap up the deal with a deposit of any acceptable amount between the two of you. You can also provide a receipt for the deposit. A signed contract form prevents any disagreements that might occur later and ensures a buyer has confirmed that they will pay all the LTA’s transfer fees and levies.

Transfer The Car Ownership to The Buyer

Finally, make the car the buyer’s by handing over its ownership. You can initiate and complete the process online via the OneMonitoring website. The steps involved in doing so are very easy and should not take you very long; only input your details and the buyer’s, and once everything is complete, they will pay a $25 fee and receive an SMS confirming the transfer. However, if the buyer is non-Singaporean and does not have a Singpass, you’ll have to transfer the ownership at the LTA Customer Service Center. Once this step is done, the buyer will pay you the balance of the purchase price. The process is complete, and you’ve sold the car! Hand over the keys!

Final Thought

The process of selling a car in Singapore is simple and efficient.  You could decide to sell your car to simplify your life or to upgrade to a new car. After the sale, you could also choose to use public transportation or use Shariot’s car-sharing and rental services. We guarantee you comfort and efficiency with our modern car models distributed across the Island. Car-sharing is the way to go, helping the planet heal from excessive pollution and saving you money. Whether you’re a Singaporean or not, following the above guideline can help you out with your car sale.

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Eco-friendly products are generally non-toxic products derived from natural and organic ingredients that are biodegradable, with no negative environmental impact. The covid-19 pandemic has made most people spend more time at home, becoming more cautious about the household products they use. Due to global climate change, some prefer to use eco-friendly products since they are manufactured using sustainable techniques and improve the wellbeing of the environment and their family health. This article will help you learn about eco-friendly products that you can purchase to help you replace eco-enemy items that continue to ruin our beautiful planet.

What makes Household Products Eco-Friendly?

• Being made from plants and plastic-free
• Not containing toxic chemicals
• Recyclable packaging and refillable
• Contains biodegradable ingredients
• Not creating waste
• Being vegan and cruelty-free

Best Household Eco-Friendly Products

1. Bamboo Rags for Daily Cleaning

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These rags are eco-friendly products because they are made from the fast-growing bamboo plant. They are durable and can be safely cleaned after use. Conventionally used cleaning towels are mostly made from microfiber cloths which are non-recyclable; you can replace them with bamboo rags for efficiency.

2. Reusable Cotton Swabs

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Most cotton swabs are thrown after use, which is wasteful and damaging to the environment. The reusable cotton swabs can be washed with water and kept to be used whenever needed, saving you money and protecting the environment.

3. A Countertop Compost Bin

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When plant-based wasted food is disposed of in the landfill, it produces methane gas in the environment. A compost bin is an eco-friendly product because once the scraps are put inside, they are broken down, providing nutrients to the soil.

4. Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

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Many toilet papers are produced by cutting down trees, thus depleting our forest and negatively impacting the environment.  However, Eco-friendly toilet paper is made from fast-growing sugarcane and bamboo, which are pesticide-free. Additionally, the paper is soft and durable and rarely causes blockages in the septic.

5. Biodegradable Bamboo Charcoal Dental Floss

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These are plastic-free vegan dental flosses made from plant-based biodegradable bamboo fiber. They are packaged in a recyclable glass jar, meaning you can make future purchases and use the same glass. Moreover, they tear down easier than the plastic floss type.

6. Solar Powered Phone Charger

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This charger is eco-friendly made from silicone rubber, which can be replaced with a regular rechargeable battery pack. It is portable, which can enable you to charge it on the go, especially while traveling. The charger is also shock-proof and water-resistance, ensuring that you are safe while using it.

7. Reusable Grocery Bags

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Several governments have placed regulations to limit the use of plastic shopping bags as they create more waste. Reusable grocery bags ensure you shop and reuse them because they are washable, thus maintaining a clean environment. Most are lightweight, enabling you to carry them whenever you go shopping. The reusable shopping bags are also durable, meaning you can use them to have loads of groceries for a long duration. Embracing these bags will reduce the demand for plastic bags, save you a great deal of money, and protect our planet.

8. Eco-Friendly Bar Shampoo

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Most hair cleaning products are made from chemicals and contain lots of carbon. The eco-friendly bar shampoo has been shown to clean just like regular shampoo. It helps eliminate plastic components found in many gel shampoos, leaving no wasteful trace because it is bio-degradable.

9. Reusable Sponge-Towel

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Sponge towel is used every day in most homes, and they quickly wear out and are disposed of. These eco-friendly reusable sponge towels are durable, and they do not stain up quickly like the regular ones as long as they are thoroughly rinsed after every wash. They can also dry the dishes because they don’t leave plastic or wool traces on your dishes.

10. Durable Compostable Sponges

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Most regular kitchen sponges have a weeklong duration. These durable sponges are made from plant-based cellulose material and are lightweight. They are also safe to use with your dishes because they are dye-free and absorb water easily.

11. Bite Toothpaste Bits

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Our regular toothpaste is stored in recyclable toothpaste tubes; however, most people throw them in the trash without thinking twice. The tubes will then pollute land through landfills and water bodies. Bite toothpaste bits solve this problem. They provide you with a 4-month supply of minty tablets that you chew and moisten with toothbrush water. Furthermore, the bites do not have preservatives, and their clean feeling lasts longer than the regular toothpaste. The Bites are packaged in a compostable and recyclable plastic-free material. Switching to Bite toothpaste will promote the environment and good health for your family.

12. Repurposed Billboard Vinyl Wallet

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Most vinyl wallets produced in numbers are non-recyclable, finding themselves into people’s hands and landfills. These products could have ended up in landfills, thus distorting the ecosystem and creating more environmental problems. However, RAREFORM had enough of this and came to the environment’s rescue, coming up with unique wallets and many eco-friendly household products, such as iPhone cases and bike bags. RAREFORM has repurposed over 1360 tonnes of these durable vinyl products in the last seven years, transforming them into durable bags.

13. Eco-friendly Phone Casing

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The mobile phones population has overtaken humans on the earth. Most phone accessories are made of plastic, meaning humans continue to consume a lot of plastic phone accessories at an alarming rate. Pela has devised a plan to reduce phone carbon footprint through 100% compostable and sustainable bioplastic Android and iPhone cases.

14. World wildlife Fund Umbrella

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This umbrella is handy, stylish, and eco-friendly. The materials used in making the WWF folding umbrellas are ethical, coming from 100% recycled water bottles. The fabulous umbrellas are soft and durable, meaning you will save money and the planet from degradation. World Wildlife Fund is cleaning the planet of plastic, thus saving the ocean and forest life and providing shade through its iconic panda design umbrellas.

15. Upcycled Eco-Friendly Handbags

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These eye-catching, eco-friendly handbags are a product of Mother Earth. The company promotes women empowerment and eco-conscious fashion by reusing plastics from factories headed for landfills to produce beautiful eco-friendly products. These bags and accessories are hand-woven using rejected plastic laminated foil. Instead of allowing these rejects to reach the earth’s waterways or landfills, Mother Earth intercepts them and repurposes them for new and unique colorful handbags, clutches, and more.

16. Certified Dog Waste Disposal Bags

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Many people have dogs at home, meaning they buy some waste bags monthly for keeping their waste while taking them for walks. When your pet is giving out waste, as its owner, you do not need to exacerbate the situation through wrong waste bags.  Onya produces 100% GMO-free reusable dog waste disposal bags. The bag comes in a set of 30 and a carrying pouch and can be used at home and industrial compostable. Since they are natural, they have a minimal environmental impact.

17. Ballpoint Pens from Recycled Water Bottles

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Water bottles are the number one plastic pollution contributor and rank top of the world’s general pollutants. They have been blamed for landfills and the damage to marine life. You can play a part in discouraging their use by using products that recycle them. The pilot utilizes used water bottles to manufacture ballpoints pens, thus protecting the earth from the effects of the landfill. Furthermore, they are retractable and refillable, producing additional pollution, thus adding to sustainability.

18. Misfits Market Mischief Box

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This may not be a household product per se but a subscription service that limits food wastage. Apart from eliminating plastic consumption, reducing food wastage also help shrink our carbon footprint. Misfit works with approved-organic farms, reselling excess products that are not fit for supermarket shelves.

Therefore, food like vegetables and farm products that do not meet the USDA’s cosmetic and sizing requirements can be sold under Misfit instead of waste. The company believes that you can save 40% of your grocery budget by choosing their subscriptions.

19. Guppy-friend Washing Bag

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Microplastic fibers particles have been blamed for polluting the water body ecosystem. You can use eco-friendly swap products, such as the Guppy-friend washing bag, to be part of the solution. These bags are made of non-biodegradable fibers and recycled polyamide fabric, woven to sieve synthetic that is often swept down the drain using the washing machine.

20. Hydro Stainless Steel Double Wall Water Bottle

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The hydro stainless steel water bottle intends to replace plastic water bottles that often end up in water bodies and landfills after a few weeks of usage. This bottle is classy, durable, and non-disposable, providing 32-ounce of water carriage every day. They are insulated, keeping your drink how you want it all day long.

21. The European Dish Cloths

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Sometimes you use many paper towels weekly to clean and wipe your dishes, which can be costly. Grove collaborative has an eco-friendly option that comes in a set of two, with complimentary cute designs.

You could use one for the floor and another for surfaces to keep things in your house cleaner. They are easy to clean using a dishwasher or microwave for subsequent use. Do not think they easily stain since you can thoroughly wash them, and they will be looking fresh.

22. Stainless Steel Straw with Silicone Tips

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Most drinking straws are made of plastic that does not support environmental stainability. The stainless-steel straws, consisting of 16 pieces tipped with silicone, provide you with a comfier drinking experience. They also come with four cleaning brushes to help you clean them for future use. You can bid bye to plastic straws that are often thrown in the trash can headed for landfills and the oceans.

Final Thought

It takes collective responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint. Household purchases go a long way in ensuring fewer plastics and more eco-friendly consumption. At Shariot, we believe in supporting environmental sustainability goals by reducing pollution and proper waste disposal. You can join us in the race to save the planet by examining your household products and choosing eco-friendly products for a healthier Singapore and the world.

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Several governments impose a carbon tax on industries and businesses for the carbon dioxide they release into the air through their operations. The carbon tax aims to discourage companies from spewing greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, thus protecting the environment. It has gained popularity with many countries that want to correct climate change and its effects on the planet.

Currently, there is no universal definition of what carbon tax or environmental tax entails. However, many people associate carbon tax with any tax linked to environmental good even though some of these levies have no environmental motivation. There are ongoing liberations whether to distinguish environmental taxes aimed at saving the environment and those aimed at collecting revenue. Carbon or environmental taxes include taxes on pollution, energy, resource extraction, and transport.

Understanding Carbon Tax

Carbon dioxide is the major component of greenhouse gases that have contributed to global warming. Several operations involving hydrocarbon fuel, such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal, produce carbon dioxide in large quantity when they are burned. These gases form a blanket-like cover in the atmosphere, thus trapping heat within the earth’s domain, contributing to climate change and global warming with dire consequences to humanity. A carbon tax is designed to remove or reduce the adverse effects of carbon emission; therefore, it acts as a Pigouvian tax.

Carbon taxes can also be considered excise taxes that the government imposes on the production process or the product emitting carbon into the environment. The taxes can be levied at the production stage, importation, or during purchases. The exercise duty is the most popular form of a carbon tax because they are simple to understand and easier to administer. Some tax authorities levy this tax as a percentage of the product’s final price, like the tax on petrol that car and machine owners pay whenever they buy fuel.

Additionally, it can also be levied based on the weight of the polluting substance or price per volume, a criterion that many states and governments are adopting to levy a carbon tax. The governments intend to influence people’s behavior and discourage them from consuming polluting substances as the taxed products go up. Carbon taxes are also imposed on companies extracting, importing, and using gas, crude oil, or coal based on the carbon content of their source of fuel. The prices of fuels and energy from fossil sources will rise due to these taxes. Theoretically, this is meant to discourage the consumption of fossil fuels, encourage migration to cleaner sources of energy and promote energy efficiency. Many states also hope that carbon taxes will encourage companies to consume natural gases and diesel alternatives, thus reducing pollution.

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Types of Carbon Pricing

There are two types of carbon pricing: carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETS).

ETS

The ETS objective is to promote the reduction of emissions by keeping major emitters within the pre-allocated carbon budget. It is sometimes called a cap-and-trade system that caps the total level of GHG emissions, allowing industries emitting few poisonous gases to sell their allowances to industries emitting large quantities of GHG. This way, the ETS is creating demand and supply for emission allowance and a market price for GHG emissions.

Carbon Tax

As already discussed, carbon tax sets the carbon price as a tax rate on GHG emissions or as a percentage of the carbon content of a company’s fuel source. The carbon tax does not pre-define its reduction outcome, but it dictates the carbon price based on the type of fossil fuel used.

The type of instrument the state or government will adopt is often dependent on economic and national circumstances. Some tax authorities also indirectly impose carbon tax through fuel taxes, regulations dictating carbon’s social costs, and the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies. Additionally, a carbon tax can also be imposed through buying emission reductions, where governments and private entities buy emission reductions to cover their excess GHG emissions. This money is often used to support pollution mitigation programs through result-based finance. Over 40 nations and 20 states, cities, and provinces have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, with more others planning to embrace the tax.

Other Policies Approaches Intended to Reduce Carbon

Though carbon tax is the most renowned taxation mechanism targeting CO2 emissions, several other ideas have dominated international debates in the recent past, as discussed below:

Carbon Added Tax (CAT)

This type of taxation follows the VAT model by adding a carbon emission tax at each production process. With CAT, the final consumer of the product will bear the full cost of the carbon footprint accumulated by the product throughout the production chain. This type of carbon tax is not in operation yet, though professionals have discussed it as a possible option to discourage the consumption of carbon-rich products.

Climate Damages Taxes (CDT)

The civil societies proposed the climate damage taxes in 2018. Like other carbon taxes, the CDT was advocated to impose a charge on every tone of coal extraction, every cubic liter of gas, or every barrel of oil. The global rate would guide the calculations, following the amount of CO2 embedded in each fossil fuel. However, many nations are still struggling to impose a tax on the extraction of natural resources proportional to environmental degradation. The CDT proposal was also intended to impose additional taxation on companies already paying royalties to the countries of operations. However, there is a need to develop a CDT structure to prevent corporations from passing this cost to consumers through high product costs.

Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA)

This is a tax policy that follows the original carbon tax regulation. It is a tax levied on goods imported at a rate equal to the carbon tax applied domestically. It is geared towards protecting the country’s internal market against foreign competition. The carbon tax is often subjected to imported goods that had not been previously taxed this way. On the other hand, the final products poised for exports are exempted from carbon tax since the buying country will tax them.

The examination of various carbon tax approaches is vital in ensuring reduced environmental impact and increased revenue generation. The success of any carbon tax approach in any jurisdiction will depend on several factors, including energy and tax policy objectives, emissions profile, tax administration capacity, and the climate change risk profile.

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Example of Carbon Taxes

Several countries have had success with carbon taxes around the world. Some take different forms, though most are straightforward taxation rates on every ton of hydrocarbon fuel used. Finland took the lead in implementing carbon taxes in 1990, with their current taxation standing at $73.02 for every ton of carbon. Other neighboring countries like Norway and Sweden followed in the same year in implementing carbon taxes. The Norwegian carbon tax is at $69 per ton of carbon dioxide emitted by gasoline, raking first as a country with the most stringent carbon taxation.

Singapore also implemented a carbon tax in January 2019, encouraging companies to cut down on their carbon emissions. The country’s carbon tax is part of a comprehensive suite and regulation to reduce emissions while creating a green economy with many growth opportunities. The Singaporean government applies a uniform carbon tax to enhance transparency and consistency in fair economic prices. Currently, the carbon tax rate is at S$5/tCO2e and applies to companies and vehicles with direct emissions of 25 ktCO2e or more in a year. The greenhouse gases covered in this taxation include methane, carbon dioxide, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons. The carbon tax excludes land transport fuels because there is already existing taxation to discourage their use.

Key Design Elements

When designing carbon tax policies, the stakeholders should consider various design choices, such as:

Scope: The carbon tax scope is based on the substances covered, like the CO2 content of the fossil fuel being used.

Point of taxation: Carbon tax can be imposed at any point in the production chain. This can be done upstream by setting the tax to fewer entities, midstream on electric utilities, or downstream of household products and vehicles.

Tax and Escalation Rates: Some economic theories have indicated that the carbon tax should be equivalent to carbon’s social costs. The cost is the current value of the environmental damages due to carbon spewed in the air over time. This means that the carbon tax should also be increased to reflect carbon emission and its ecological impact. However, the tax regime faces the challenge of predicting the resulting emission reduction due to changes in the taxation rate.

Distributional Impact: Statistics show that individuals with low income spend more on energy than those with higher income. This means that a carbon tax that increases energy costs will end up hurting low-income earners. Therefore, a certain percentage of the revenue collected from carbon tax should be directed towards households with low-income, thus ensuring that the tax does not injure the poor.

Competitiveness: The government does well to protect local production since carbon tax on domestic operations, such as steel, chemicals, and cement or concrete, will give international competitors an added advantage. Shifting demand in foreign countries could lead to emission leakages, thus defeating the purpose of a carbon tax. Tax authorities should address the element of competitive advantage by allocating taxes based on rebates, historical emissions, exemptions for select sectors, and output-based allocations.

Revenue: The revenue from the carbon tax should be used effectively to provide consumers with dividends. It can also be used to advance new technologies that will reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, the revenue can be utilized to reduce taxes on capital and labor, which will result in economic benefits.

Final Thought

The objective of carbon taxes is to discourage the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Everybody should join hands in practical ways to reduce the carbon footprint for a better environment. At Shariot car-sharing and rental services, we take the goal of advancing towards a green economy seriously. Our vehicles are energy efficient and reduce emissions while providing a comfortable ride to our clients wherever they go on the Island. We also support various government and other stakeholders’ initiatives for a greener and energy-efficient Singapore.

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Climate change facilitated by carbon emission from industries and cars has contributed to various noteworthy inventions towards the green environment. Electric cars are one such invention, where cars run partially or fully on electricity. Conventional vehicles have been blamed for their immense carbon footprint, emitting tons of greenhouse gases into the air.

Electric cars and trucks are built to mitigate the carbon problem by using electric motors driven by batteries or fuel cells. These vehicles work differently depending on the designs, with plug-in hybrids offering electric motors powered by batteries and gasoline engines.

However, some electric vehicles are designed to operate exclusively on electricity, thus excluding any liquid fuel. Some are also designed to convert hydrogen gas into electric power (hydrogen fuel cell) to run the electric motor without gasoline or diesel. Though efficient in their fuel usage, hybrid cars are not considered electric cars because they do not have a plugged-in feature for charging.

Pollution and Electric Vehicles

Toxic emissions from petrol and diesel cars are causing thousands of premature deaths yearly. The EU has published several reports, including the Dieselgate, demonstrating a projection of the adverse consequences of car pollutions. Even the most efficient conventional vehicle can not compare with an electric car on greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The extent to which electric vehicles are clean also depends on their source of electricity and the type of vehicle. If an electric vehicle is charged by electricity from clean grids, its greenhouse gas contribution would be equivalent to a car driven for 100 miles using 1 gallon of fuel. However, emissions could be near zero if the electric vehicle is charged exclusively using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar.

The Cost of Electric Vehicle Vs. Conventional Vehicles.

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Though it initially seems like electric cars are expensive, this upfront cost is significantly reduced in the long run through government incentives, fuel, and maintenance costs. Therefore, purchasing an electric vehicle instead of an internal combustion engine (ICE) can significantly save. As you go through your options, you must decern where you will reduce cost with an EV than ICE.

Fuel Costs

One of the major differences between ICEs and EVs is what you are using to power your vehicle; fuel source. EVs are powered by electricity, while ICEs are powered by internally burned gasoline. The electricity running EVs can come from various sources such as the burning of gas or coal or cleaner sources, such as hydropower, solar, and wind.

One study by the Transportation Research Institute of the University of Michigan showed that it costs less than half to run electric vehicles than gas-powered cars. In the United States, it is estimated that the average cost of running an ICE is $1,117, while operating an EV would cost $485 per annum.

Nevertheless, the correct price variation is depended on the cost of electricity and gas where you live and the type of car you are driving. When you charge your electric car, the resulting electricity cost is added to your home electric bill. With the advancements of technology, the cost of electricity is declining every year, making the cost of operating electric cars cheaper. Switching to EV could save you over $700 in one year on fuel costs and thousands of dollars in cities.

Maintenance Costs

Vehicle maintenance costs can also accumulate over time, adding to the overall vehicle costs. Maintaining ICE’s engine can cause a big hole in your pocket as the car ages. This cost is accelerated with other expenses like changing coolants, engine oil, and transmission fluid. On the other hand, EVs do not have combustion engines, meaning you will not incur the cost we have discussed. The conventional vehicle will also incur additional expenses, including brakes, tire changes, and structural repair; however, EV owners will avoid most of these recurrent costs linked to combustion engine upkeep.

One major maintenance for electric vehicles is replacing the battery pack. The constant charging of these batteries leads to degradation over time. In the extreme circumstances of battery defective, the manufacturer will likely replace it for you through a battery warranty. Nevertheless, if your battery has no warranty, it will cost you a considerable amount of money to replace it. Generally, EVs have low maintenance costs than ICEs.

 

Rebates and Incentives

Government incentives are one of the main reasons why people are considering electric cars. For example, in Singapore, the LTA announced in February 2020 that those purchasing complete electric cars will qualify for a 45% ARF rebate beginning January 1st, 2021, to December 31st, 2023, capped at $20,000. The country also has a Vehicle Emission Scheme (VES) of up to $25,000, offering rebates for cars on the highest band by emitting the lowest carbon. Since most EVs fall under the highest band, the owners often enjoy a $25,000 VES rebate. If you add the ARF rebate of $20,000 to the VES rebate of $25,000, you will probably qualify for a total of $45,000 for owning an electric car. Furthermore, beginning January 2022 to December 2023, individuals buying EVs will not pay the minimum ARF of $5,00.

Types of Electric Cars You Can Consider

Electric cars are of different types, with those running purely on electricity called pure electric vehicles, while those that combine electricity and gasoline are called hybrid electric vehicles.

Plug-in Hybrids

These electric vehicles have reduced environmental impact with lower refueling costs than ICEs. Since they can be charged from an outlet, they will use less gasoline, replacing the gasoline miles with electricity when you travel a longer distance. You will need to plug in the car in a regular 120v outlet for recharging. When you run on electricity, these cars will not emit GHG in the air unless you turn to use gasoline again.

Battery – electricity cars

Battery–electric vehicles are advantageous because they have fast refueling time. These are pure electric cars, using electricity generated from the batteries as their fuel source; hence it is essential to know your intended use of the vehicle and match that with the battery range. In Singapore, pure electric car owners can benefit from several workplaces and public charging stations situated across the island. These cars are a perfect suit for environment-conscious commuters and households taking several short trips. There is zero emission for these cars, especially if the source of electricity is clean.

Conventional Hybrids

If you live in a country where electric cars are unstainable and do not match the driver’s needs, the conventional hybrid may be a perfect solution to reducing pollution and reducing costs. With a hybrid, you will still need to fuel with gasoline like a regular vehicle; however, it will offer you increased efficiency due to its electric motor. Since the motor’s power is from gasoline combustion with no plug-ins, hybrid cars are not regarded as electric vehicles.

How Does An Electric Car Work?

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Electric cars, also called battery electric vehicles, are endowed with an electric motor, replacing the internal combustion engine of regular cars. The electric motor is powered by a large battery pack that is rechargeable. The car is plugged into charging equipment or a wall outlet to store the electric power used in running the car. Since pure electric cars run on rechargeable batteries, they do not emit greenhouse gases that pollute the environment. Therefore, these cars do not have liquid fuel components, including a fuel tank, fuel line, or fuel pump.

How Does the Electric Car Motor Work?

The EVs are plugged into a charging outlet, taking electricity from the grid and storing it in rechargeable batteries. The batteries will then power the electric motor to drive the wheels. Since electricity is a better source of power, electric vehicles accelerate speedily than traditional fueled cars. Electric car drivers ascertain that they are lighter to drive and easier to maintain.

What is the EVs Driving Range?

How far you can drive a fully charged electric car is depended on the vehicle itself. They have a relatively shorter range than conventional vehicles depending on the model. Different car models have different battery sizes, driving ranges, and efficiency, which the driving conditions could also dictate. For example, extreme weather conditions consume more energy since the car will need more energy to cool or heat the cabin. You will find the EVs are efficient when driven in the cities than on highways.

Driving around the city will mean regular stops, thus allowing you to benefit from regenerative braking. In contrast, highway driving will consume lots of energy to cater to higher speeds and increased drags. A speedy acceleration takes much energy, thus reducing the vehicle’s range. Also, driving up the hills or inclines and dragging heavy loads will reduce your driving range.

Key Components of a Pure Electric Car

Charge port– The vehicle connects to the power outlet through the charging port to provide power to the traction battery pack.

Auxiliary Battery– The auxiliary battery is the source of electricity that powers the electric vehicle’s accessories.

DC/DC Converter– This device is designed to convert high-voltage direct-current power from the battery pack to the lower-voltage direct current power required to run the vehicle and charge the auxiliary battery.

Power Electronics Controller– PEC is a unit in the electric drive vehicle that controls the flow of electrical energy from the traction battery. It also manages the electric traction motor’s speed and the torque it produces.

Onboard Charger– The in-built charger converts the AC from the external source to DC power that charges the traction battery. It also liaises with the charging equipment to monitor battery characteristics, including current, state of charge, voltage, and temperature.

 Electric Traction Motor– The motor acts as the engine in conventional vehicles, receiving power from a traction battery to drive the vehicle’s wheels.

Thermal System– The thermal system keeps the vehicle temperature normal for efficient motor operation and other accessories.

Traction Battery Pack– These primary batteries store the electric power needed to rotate the motor.

Conclusion

Electric cars were invented to solve the GHG emission problem and reduce global warming. Humans have also initiated several other inventions to make the earth green, like the hybrid car with fuel efficiency. Shariot’s car-sharing and rental services are geared towards supporting a green environment and a reduction of global warming. Our vehicles are hybrid and fuel-efficient with few emissions. We aim to use an electric vehicle for car-sharing services for a better Singapore environment.