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VIRTUAL MECHANIC

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I've been using a Maruti Omni for the last 15 years; it's worked fine but I want something more powerful, safe and better looking. I've looked at the Santro, Palio and the Ikon. I like the Santro's size and Hyundai's dealer support, but it's too small a car. How good is the new Esteem? Are there any new models I should know about?

Dr Mukesh, via email

If you've used a Maruti for 15 years, sticking with the company is a good idea, and the new Esteem is a good car. It is reliable, has a decent ride and is easy to drive, the lows being a lack of space and that it is difficult to get in and out of. The Fiat Palio 1.2 is very good too, and built to last. Take a good look at the Hyundai Getz - it offers more room than the Palio and the Santro, and is a more contemporary and better built option to the Esteem.

I am considering putting alloy rims on my Maruti Versa as the current rim-and-tyre combination seems inadequate. If I put a 14-inch wheel on the vehicle, what will the tyre size be? My need is for a tyre that has long life with constant highway use.

J D'Souza, via email

The tyres supplied with the Versa are `commercial' or `light truck' tyres, which are reinforced to carry a higher load capacity. The possible upsizes to the 14-inch rims are 175/65-R14 or 185/60-R14; however, as far as we know, both are only available as passenger car tyres - therefore, check to see that these tyres have an equivalent or greater payload rating than the ones you will be replacing.

My Tata Sumo Turbo currently runs on 215/70-R15 tyres. I am unhappy with them and would also like to go in for tubeless tyres. I have seen a few older Sumos fitted with 235/75-R15 tyres — are these a safe fit on the Sumo?

Mahendran, via email

You could go in for tubeless tyres for the Sumo, which are made by a number of Indian and imported tyre companies. However, ensure that your Sumo's rims are in order i.e. free from rust and the valve hole area dirt-free. If the rims are excessively rusted, then tubeless tyres would really not be recommended. The 235/75-R15s are a shade too large and may hamper with the bodywork of the Sumo. Hence, sticking to the 215/75-R15s would be wiser.

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