Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Virtual Mechanic
|
Car and bike questions? We have the answers
|
I have both a Santro Automatic as well as a manual version. I've noticed that the brake pads on the A/T car don't last as long as the ones on my M/T Santro. Am I imagining this or is this true?
Raghav Negi, via email
When engaging forward or reverse gear in an automatic transmission, the brake has to be held or else the car lurches forward or backward. Similarly, when you want to slow down you can select the lower gear ratios manually to slow down but when you need to come to a complete halt, you need to have a foot on the brake pedal to prevent the car from moving forward. This way the brakes are being used more than with a manual transmission. Even when halted at traffic signals, the transmission should ideally be left in neutral mode. Some drivers keep the transmission in `drive' and the foot on the brake to prevent the resultant forward motion, which is the reason for accelerated brake pad wear.
Modern automatics have a locking system that disallows shifting out of the `park' position unless the brake pedal is depressed.
<145,D>My Fiat Uno 1.2 petrol came fitted with Bridgestone radials but I find the tyres are too thin. With roads getting slippery, I want to upgrade to a wider size on the existing rims. Please suggest the best tyre size, taking into conditions, road conditions and aquaplaning.
Kurush Daruwalla, via e-mail
The Uno comes shod with 145/80-R-13 tyres. You could upsize to 155/70-R-13 to improve the road grip. Subject to your vehicle's ground clearance, you could also fit the 165/65-R-13. However, fitting this size will reduce ground clearance, which, on uneven roads, would be a hindrance.
Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
|
