Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
VIRTUAL MECHANIC
|
Car and bike questions? We have the answers
|
My friend recently fitted 185/65 R13s Goodyear Eagle NCT3s on his Maruti Esteem. My Esteem is now also begging for a new set of tyres. Although there is great improvement in cornering and steering feel, the ride over broken surfaces and potholes isn't as good as the previous stock 155/80 R13s. What size would you recommend for the Esteem and what is the correct inflation pressure for my friend's 185/65 Eagles?
Ganeshan, via email
The ideal match for the current 155/80 R13 size for the Esteem will be 175/70 R13 which is in between 155/80 R13 and 185/65 R13 both in overall diameter (OD) and width. You can keep the inflation pressure five percent higher than what is recommended for the 155/80 R13.
I would like to upgrade my Maruti Baleno's tyres to a 14 or 15-inch tyres. Is it advisable? If so, please advise me on correct rim and tyre specifications.
Prince Manatt, via email
Yes, you can go in for a 14-inch size and the nearest matching size will be 175/70 R14 which also increases the vehicle ground clearance by 8 mm. This tyre can be fitted on a 5Jx14 rim. When you are changing over to a bigger size, we recommend that you go in for tubeless tyres as these are safer, give better control, comfort and even mileage.
Is aligning and balancing a wheel necessary when it is re-fitted after a puncture repair?
Sachin, via email
Yes, it is necessary to balance the tyres after repairing as you are adding mass by applying a patch which can change the weight distribution of the tyre.
I have a Maruti 800. How can engine performance be improved?
Raja Krishnamurthy, via email
Improving the performance of any engine involves a huge amount of detailed work, and needless to say, expense. There is the consideration of where the job is to be done and it naturally takes a specialist and experience in the particular discipline. We can only advise caution in getting this kind of modification done. Ensure the person who is to get the job done has the credentials to take on the job. Find out from other customers. The surest way of improving power is to install a high performance camshaft and time it very accurately. Suitable adjustments to the carburetion and the ignition timing are also in order. An exhaust system that matches the rest of the changes is mandatory to make the entire project successful.
I own a 1995 Maruti 800. Recently, after climbing 3-4 km on a ghat section, the car refused to move ahead. Even on first gear, it was unable to climb the steep slope. After a 20-minute halt, it responded again and climbed the slope. Please advice.
Abhijit Shukla, via email
The engine may have overheated for any number of reasons and so the car may have stalled. Check the ignition timing, the engine oil, the exhaust system for clogging, the brakes for binding and the clutch for slipping. Any of the aforementioned causes could lead to the behaviour that you describe. Also, if the carburetion has been altered to get better fuel efficiency, the car could be running weak fuel-air mixture, causing problems.
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
|
