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Car and bike questions? We have the answers

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.

My imported Mitsubishi Lancer's 175/70-R13 Goodyear GPS2 tyres, are due for a change. I would like to go in for an upsize, preferably a unidirectional pattern Bridgestone Potenza GIII for its versatility in dry as well as wet conditions. Plus, it also has a `H'-speed rating. What should be an ideal upsize wherein I can benefit in ride and handling without compromising on comfort? I had thought of 185/70-R13. Do you think this is the right choice?

Kunal Guha, via email

The Mitsubishi Lancer available in India is fitted with 175/80-R13s as original fitment. Its ideal upsize, as rightly pointed by you, is the 185/70-R13, which, subject to the body clearance, can be fitted on your car. The 185/70 will definitely improve handling.

I have a Hyundai Santro and would like to go in for alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. At present, the tyre size is 155/60-R13. What are the advantages of alloy wheels? Can I go in for higher size tyres? Can I shift to tubeless tyres? How does one calculate the right size of a tyre? Can I go in for high-speed tyres? How it is identified on a tyre?

Giridhar YV, via email

Tubeless tyres are much safer than tubed ones. The 165/65-R13 is the recommended upsize for the Santro. Most tyres made in India are `S' or `T'-rated, which stands for speeds upto 180kph and 190kph respectively wile some are also available with `H' rated — up to 210kph. The advantages of alloy wheels are that they are light and have a lower unsprung weight, thereby improving fuel efficiency and ride quality. Alloys dissipate heat faster, in turn increasing tyre and brake life; they are also rust-free.

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