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Virtual mechanic

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I am a die-hard Lamborghini and Hummer fan, and I want to import a Hummer H1 into India. How much would it cost to do so? Which dealers in India would be able to help me with this?

Pradeep, via email

There are a few dealers who could help you with this, like Jai Mata Enterprises in Mumbai, as well as dealers in the Middle East, who are likely to have Hummers in stock. However the H1 is hugely impractical for India — it is extremely wide and may not fit on many of our roads. If you're willing to look at other models, we the Hummer H3 would be ideal. It's about the size of a Pajero. There were plans of bringing it to India. However, you can import it right away and would cost you about Rs 45 lakh.

I want to buy a battery-operated two-wheeler. Can you help?

Anil Mokashi, via email

Yes - you can go to www.ecozen.com. The company, Rashron Energy and Auto Ltd makes battery-operated two-wheelers from their factory in Vadodara, and will be able to supply you with what you want.

I have a Chevrolet Tavera LS-B1, the base model in the range. I want to convert the boring unassisted steering to power steering and install a good air-con unit. Can I install power steering in the car? If so, who can do so, and how much would it cost?

Azim Mulla, via mail

We wrote to General Motors India about this, and they concur with our opinion: retro-fitting power steering can — theoretically — be done, but can cause serious problems when it comes to safety, and so, shouldn't be done. Fitting it would also be hugely expensive and there can be no guarantee of reliability, which is not what you want in a core system like steering. Fitting an air-con is easy; any air-con specialist do it for you.

Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in

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