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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I'm looking to buy a good D-segment sedan, and in fact, have already booked a new Accord. However, if there are any new cars being launched, I'd be happy to cancel my order and wait. Is there any car I should look forward to?
Rahul, via email
If you don't mind cancelling your order for the Accord, you could look at the Accord V6 automatic. It has a 3.0-litre engine, and is one of the best cars in the D-segment. There's the new Camry coming in too if you are interested, and though it's a fantastic looker with an edge on everything the Accord does, it's also going to cost a lot more than the Honda.
I plan to buy the new Honda City. However, seen side-on, the car's high shoulders give it a heavy look that in turn make the 175/65-R14 tyres seem disproportionately small. So I want to upgrade the rims and tyres. I also plan to fit alloy wheels and use tubeless tyres. Please suggest the proper upgrade and a good brand of Indian or imported tyres and alloy rims which will enhance the overall looks of the City and not affect fuel efficiency, ride and handling adversely.
Arvind Kumar, via email
The ideal upsize to the Honda City's 175/65-R14 is the 185/60-R14, available tubeless from both Indian and imported manufacturers. For better ride comfort, you could fit 185/70-R14s. To improve fuel economy, a combination of tubeless tyres with alloy rims would help. Try Aura (Hindalco), Neo and Traxx, for the alloys.
I drive my 2000 model Honda City 1.5 EXi only in the city, at speeds never exceeding 55 kph. A friend says I should change my tyres to a lower profile when the current set wear out. Is this correct?
Ashok, via email
No, fitting low profile tyres for your type of usage would be disastrous. Low profile tyres are meant for high speed and high performance use. At slower speeds, these tyres may tend to be very uncomfortable as they require to be inflated on the higher side. We recommend you stick to the original size or upsize to 185/70-R13 tyres, which would improve your ride.
I own a 2001 model Ford Ikon SXi shod with Bridgestone S-322 tyres and about 16,000km on the clock. I want to replace these tyres with bigger, higher performance tyres for a more comfortable ride, but still provide plenty of grip while cornering. Please advice.
Darius Ghaswalla, via email
The Ford Ikon is fitted with 175/70-R13 tyres. The ideal upsize for this car is the 185/70-R13, which will improve comfort as well as performance.
For even better performance and high speed driving, you could consider 185/60-R14s; however, you will have to change the rims to 14-inchers.
Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in
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