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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I am planning to buy a used Honda City VTEC, and have located an August 2002 car with 17,000 km on it, for Rs 6.6 lakh. Please tell me if this seems like a good deal, and if there is anything I should watch out for. Would fitting a K&N air filter boost performance? And, what fuel efficiency should I expect?
Chetan Bharadwaj, via email
The VTEC is quicker than the regular 1.5 EXi, but you won't really find much difference unless you get an open road where you can stretch it to the redline. We doubt you'll need more performance, though a K&N air filter would definitely help. However, the VTEC initially had a problem with its engine ECU, so the car moved jerkily at low speeds. Honda sorted this out, but check anyway. Your car seems pricey at Rs 6.6 lakh. In the open market, you can find a 2002 car from Rs 6 to 6.10 lakh, or a 2003 car at the price you mention.
I own a Fiat Palio 1.2 EX and a Maruti Alto VX. On a particular route, the Alto's odometer records a distance of 14.5km, but the Palio's shows only 13.6km! I have tried to check and correct, but there is no change. Which meter is wrong?
Bhoormal Agarwal, via email
If we have assumed correctly, you have the original Palio 1.2 and not the new NV. The old Palio's odometer was calibrated for the Brazilian market, where the Palio used 70-profile tyres. Indian Palios had taller, 80-profile tyres, but in an odd oversight, Fiat did not recalibrate the odo. So, old Palios used to consistently show fewer kilometres than the actual distance covered, which contributed to the belief that the Palio 1.2 gave poor fuel economy. This was rectified when the Palio NV was released late last year.
I have a three-year-old, 35,000 km Mahindra Bolero with 215/75-R15 Bridgestone Desert Dueler tyres. The tyres are showing extreme wear. Is this normal? I am very prompt with alignment and balancing as well as inflation pressure. People have told me this is due to the pattern of tyre being more suited to off-road use. My use is for the highway. What is the best replacement option?
Sharad, via email
The wear you describe is normal, though the tyres should last around 38,000 to 40,000km. If your running is mainly on highways, try using a passenger-type pattern like the Apollo Amazer XL, which will give you more even wear.
What is the best tyre upsize for my diesel Tata Indica V2? I'm looking at the 185/70-R13 or 175/70-R13. Will this affect my car's performance or economy in any way? What is the best size for my car?
V K Raghuraman, via email
The only upsize option for the Indica on the existing rims would be the 185/60-R13s but this is going to reduce the height and road clearance of your car. Our advice would be to stick to the original 165/65-R13s. If you plan to change the rims, then the 185/60-R14s on 14-inch rims would be an ideal upsize.
I've recently come across a couple of Skoda Octavias with 17-inch wheels and they look good! I think I am going to follow suit. What tyre size should I fit to 17-inch rims and will this affect my car's steering and suspension?
Satish, via email
Do not go in for the 17-inchers (225/45-R-17) as this would affect the suspension — the car would be riding much lower — this might affect its undersides over bad roads — and the road shocks generated, given Indian road conditions, would directly affect the suspension. A much better option if you want big wheels nonetheless, is to opt for 16-inch rims and tyres of the size 205/55-R16 or 215/55-R16.
Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in
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