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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I plan to convert my 1999 Daewoo Cielo to LPG. Please tell me which LPG kit will suit my car the best?
Saahil Kumar
When converting a car to LPG or CNG, look out for brands such as Lovato, BRC, Bedini and OMVL. Always go for a closed-loop kit, even though it might be more expensive. These kits are superior and hassle-free for everyday operation. Ensure that you get the kit fitted by an RTO-authorised installer. Since your Cielo is old, be sure to have the electrical system checked, as this could hamper functioning of the gas kit. Also, engines operating on LPG or CNG suffer from power loss. The shortfall is more apparent in CNG engines than in LPG. So, drive a Cielo with the LPG kit installed before making your decision.
I own a Maruti Zen (2006) that has been factory-fitted with 145/80R12 size MRF radials. The company recommends a tyre pressure of 24psi in all wheels. However, the tyres look and feel under-inflated at this pressure. Air-filling stations recommend 30psi but this makes the ride bouncy. What should be the ideal pressure? My tyres have run 45,000km. When should I replace them? Also, I want to upgrade to bigger-sized tubeless tyres. Can I fit them on current rims? If I fit them on good quality alloy wheels, how much will it affect fuel economy? I am getting about 20kpl now.
Saran Varma
The recommended tyre pressure is 24psi but given the condition of our roads, we suggest you maintain at least 26-28psi if only one or two persons travel in the car. If the car is fully-loaded, say with four passengers plus luggage, and is to travel more than 60km at a stretch, then it is better to maintain at least 30psi pressure. If you have already covered over 45,000km on these tyres, then your ride comfort may deteriorate as the tyres may not be able to flex properly. This may also give rise to belt distortions. Go for new tyres of the same size manufactured by Bridgestone, which also makes tubeless ones. To mount tubeless tyres, ensure that the existing rims are not rusted, especially near the valve hole. Also ensure that they are not bent around the flange, and check that the seating area of the rims have not been damaged due to improper mounting or demounting methods. Changing to alloy wheels will not affect your fuel efficiency, unless you are mounting non-standard tyres or rims.
Which 150cc bike provides the best balance of performance and mileage within city. I am looking at the Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i and Yamaha FZ-16.
Percy Forbes
We suggest you go for the new Yamaha FZ-16. It’s an excellent all-round 150cc motorcycle that will satisfy all your biking needs in city riding conditions. You needn’t look any further.
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