Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Virtual Mechanic

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I drive a Ford Ikon 1.6 ZXi that has been driven a lot. I regularly get the wheel balancing and alignment done. Recently, I found that the tyres get worn out on the inner side (front). My car has factory fitted MRF Zigma VTS tyres. I asked a couple of tyre dealers who said I should change the tyres as they have been damaged by faulty alignment and balancing. Also, can I fit in Bridgestone 205/60 R1 3s? The car is fitted with Ford-supplied alloy wheels.

J Mehta, via email

The Ikon has a fixed camber setting and thus the front tyres are prone to faster wear than the ones at the rear. No periodic alignment and balancing will help compensate the premature wear on the tyres but rotation, preferably every 3,000-5,000 km or once every three months, will help equalise wear and increase tyre life. Check alignment and balancing once every year or every 10,000 km. Remember if a tyre has been dismounted from its rim, then balancing is mandatory for that tyre. Secondly, if the vehicle has suffered a severe impact or has traversed a very bad patch of road, checking wheel alignment is necessary. Though the overall diameter of the original 175/70 R13 and the upsize 205/60 R13 are the same - 586 mm, the section width of the 205 is larger by 33 mm. This may cause a problem on turns or if the car is loaded over a nasty bump. Secondly, the tyres may be a bit stiff to manoeuvre at slow speeds. We suggest 185/70 R13s instead.

I am in the process of buying a Honda City VTEC. However, the VTEC is awfully expensive and for what it is charging, Honda doesn't even provide features like ABS, automatic climatic control, keyless entry or airbags — features available in other markets like Malaysia. Does Honda plan to introduce such features in the near future? Also are there any issues with the cars suspension system?

Chandru N M, via email

Yes, the Honda City VTEC is expensive for what you get, though the engine is powerful and smooth, which makes it a delight to drive. We haven't heard anything about Honda adding the features you have mentioned. Also, there are no problems with the suspension except that it is stiffer than on the regular City and hence there maybe some harshness in ride over poor roads. A good alternative to the VTEC would be the Toyota Corolla, whose base version is now comparably priced and is good value for money.

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

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail