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Virtual mechanic

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I have recently purchased a Maruti Swift VXi (with ABS) and changed the stock tyres, which are JK 165/70 R14, to Michelin 195/60 R14, but have kept the stock rims. Later I read in the owner's manual that the ABS would not work normally if you change the tyres. Do you think that my ABS will not work properly now that I have upsized my tyres?

Nachiketh, via email

We checked with a leading Maruti dealer on this one and you have nothing to worry about. According to them, the Swift ABS system is mounted on the vehicle's axle, which means changing the tyres or even the rims would not affect it. So it is unlikely that your new Michelin tyres will adversely affect the car's anti-lock braking system.

We own a 1999 Matiz, which has done about 45,000 km. We have not been using the aircon for a long time (3 to 4 years), and recently started using it again. We notice a drop in acceleration. Why is this caused? Is this normal or is it a problem? We also heard that Daewoo is coming back to India. Is it true? If so, when?

Raja Andukondan, via email

It is normal that there is a loss in acceleration when you turn on the air conditioner. The air conditioner compressor is belt-driven off the engine, and this is why there is a considerable power loss, especially perceptible in slow-moving, city traffic. However, we recommend, since you have not used the air-con unit in such a long time, that you service it now before continuing to use it - though it might seem to be working all right, you stand the risk of jamming the compressor bearings due to possible lack of lubrication and disuse. In the future, even if you do not regularly use the unit, we advise that you turn on the air con unit for fifteen minutes every week at least, to ensure optimal and reliable performance. Daewoo is already in India in the form of the various Chevrolet vehicles you see from General Motors - Daewoo's passenger car segment has been taken over by GM worldwide, and abroad, the Chevy Aveo and Optra are branded under the GMDAT banner. The Matiz is also expected to come back within a short period of time - but with a 4-cylinder, 1100cc engine and a slightly revised body - the car will be known as the Chevrolet Spark in India.

The tyres on my 2001 model Tata Indica V2 are due for replacement and I want to upgrade. A local tyre shop has advised 175/60 or 185/60- R13 size, in some foreign brands - is this correct? I would also like to fit alloy wheels. How good are foreign alloys? Is it true they crack easily and are not as long lasting as steel wheels?

Benito Hermis, via email

A higher profile tyre will give better ground clearance and reduce the chance of rim damage. You can fit the 175/60-R13 that has an overall diameter of 548mm. The 185/60-R13, with an OD of 560mm, would make the car's handling harder. While the quality of products from all tyre companies is good, we recommend you go in for Indian-made tyres or from those companies that have technical service backup in India. In the event of a problem, a service engineer will attend to your problem. Alloy wheels used in racing or rally conditions are vastly different to those used on normal roads. They are usually made of magnesium alloys, while those for normal use are aluminium alloys. Stick to Indian-made alloy wheels from Aura, Neo or Traxx as they are designed for Indian road conditions. In case of damage to one rim, you can get a replacement for the same, whereas for most imported alloys you would require to change all five alloy wheels as they are sold only in sets.

I have recently purchased a Honda Civic and would like to upgrade its audio system by adding an amplifier and subwoofer. Please suggest a good brand and someone who can install it in Hyderabad. My budget for this upgrade is around Rs 25,000-30,000.

Sunil Lulla, via email

Pioneer, Sony and Blaupunkt all make excellent amps and woofers, and all these fall within your budget. Sony, in fact, has got a range of seven amps to choose from. Before buying these, please check with Honda about the conditions on the warranty of your car. Car manufacturers usually have an approved list of accessories that can go on their cars, and anything outside this list can void the warranty. Also, please go to a qualified installer to fix the upgrade since this could involve quite a bit of tinkering around the insides of your Civic.

Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in

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