The automobile industry in India has seen major growth over the years. Petrol cars are the most popular type of car in India. A wide range of petrol car models is available from Indian as well as international manufacturers. Petrol cars use a spark ignition engine that runs on petrol, offering many benefits to Indian drivers.
There are many benefits of having a petrol car but they have some disadvantages as well. This guide will highlight the pros and cons of owning a petrol car in India.
The Pros of owning a petrol car in India are as follows:
Affordable: Petrol cars are generally cheaper than their diesel or electric counterparts. The lower purchase cost of petrol cars makes them popular among budget-conscious consumers.
Easy to Maintain: Petrol cars are relatively easy to maintain, and servicing them is less expensive than other types of vehicles. This is because petrol engines have fewer components than diesel or electric engines and are therefore easier to repair.
Availability: Petrol is readily available in India, and petrol stations are widespread. If the fuel gets exhausted while driving, finding a petrol station and refuelling is easy.
High Performance: Petrol cars offer high performance and acceleration, making them popular among car enthusiasts. Many petrol cars provide smooth handling and a thrilling driving experience, which can be challenging to match with other types of cars.
Better Fuel Economy: Petrol engines are more fuel-efficient than diesel engines, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership. This is especially true for smaller cars with petrol engines, which can deliver impressive fuel efficiency.
The major cons of owning a petrol car in India are as follows:
Rising Fuel Prices: The price of petrol in India is subject to fluctuations, which can significantly impact the cost of owning a petrol car. As petrol prices continue to rise, owning and running a petrol car may become increasingly expensive.
Higher Maintenance Costs: While petrol cars are generally less expensive to maintain, they require more frequent maintenance than diesel or electric cars. This is because petrol engines wear out more quickly, requiring frequent oil changes and other maintenance tasks.
Noise Pollution: Petrol engines tend to be noisier than diesel or electric engines, which can be a nuisance for people living in urban areas. This noise pollution can also contribute to stress and other health issues for drivers and passengers.
Impact on Ecology: There has been growing concern about the ecological implications of petrol cars, particularly in India's densely populated cities. Petrol cars contribute to air pollution, linked to respiratory diseases and other health issues. However, the Indian government has introduced several policies and initiatives to address this issue. These include policies to promote the use of electric vehicles and implement stricter emissions standards for petrol cars.
Higher taxes: Green tax is levied on vehicles older than 15 years and not compliant with emission standards. In India, a green tax is charged on all petrol engines not compliant with emission standards. The rate of green tax varies from state to state, and it can range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 25000. The high rate of green tax can impact the resale value of petrol engines and reduce their life. The rate of GST is also high on petrol engines. GST on Petrol engines is 28%, which increases the cost of petrol engines.
Regular oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups are necessary to keep petrol engines running smoothly and efficiently.
Use high-quality fuel that meets the standards set by the government to ensure the proper functioning of petrol engines.
Consistent driving at moderate speeds and avoiding sudden stops and starts can help extend the engine's life and improve efficiency.
Environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, and humidity can also impact the life and efficiency of petrol engines. High pollution levels can accumulate harmful deposits in the machine, reducing its performance and efficiency. High temperatures and humidity can also impact the performance of petrol engines, leading to increased wear and tear. You should ensure regular servicing to avoid wear and tear.
A petrol car in India has its pros and cons. While petrol cars are generally more affordable and easier to maintain, they have a higher environmental impact. Additionally, rising fuel prices and higher maintenance costs can be a disadvantage.
Ultimately, it's up to you to weigh the pros and cons and choose the type of car that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Educating yourself about the fluctuating fuel price will help you make an informed decision. To learn more about this, download the Park+ app now. You can also use the app to check out other Park+ services.