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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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If I were to choose the 195/60-R14 instead of the original 175/65-R14 for my Honda City VTEC, how much harder will it make the steering? Also, since the 185/65-R14 lowers the ground clearance I think it's disheartening — isn't 8mm lower than the original size of tyre a bit too compromising? Should I upsize or stick to the original company size?
Shaun Francis, via email
The 195/60-R14 (600mm) would be a better choice than the 185/60-R14 (586mm) as the overall diameter would be almost similar to the original 175/65-R14 (594mm). The Honda originally has a low ground clearance and the 185/60-R14 would tend to reduce it further. Secondly, since the Honda City comes with power steering, the difference in feel will be negligible with the 195s.
I wish to change the tyres on my Tata Indica DLE ('99) to Indica V2-size tubeless (Michelins). Should I also change over to the new V2's rim? Also, between Michelin (imported) and Bridgestone tubeless tyres, which ones are better suited for a smooth ride on Indian roads?
Ravi Amrithalingam, via email
The '99 model Indica came fitted with the 155/70-R13 size while the Indica V2 is now shod with 165/65-R13s. While you don't need to change your rims to fit the new size, do ensure that the rims are free from rust while fitting tubeless tyres. Both Bridgestone and Michelin tyres are equally well suited for Indian roads. The Michelins, with their asymmetric pattern, provide better roadholding and good high speed cornering but tend to wear out faster than the Bridgestones - the choice is yours to make!
I have a Maruti Zen and an Alto. Both these cars have the same tyres (145/80-R12) but the recommended tyre pressure for the Zen is 24psi while it is 30psi for the Alto, even though they weigh almost the same. Why do both cars, almost identical, have different tyre pressures for the same tyre size?
Ashish Kumar, via email
Thirty psi for the Alto is for a fully loaded vehicle, which is the same for a fully-loaded Zen as well. 24psi is the pressure generally for a vehicle driven alone or with two passengers.
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