The Hindu Business Line : If you're adventurous, go for it

I recently purchased the Hyundai Getz GLS. I would like to upsize the 13-inch steel rims that come with the car with new 14-inch alloys. Does upsizing have any disadvantages? I am also interested in changing the original radials with a new set of either Goodyear or Michelin tubeless tyres. The original tyre size of the car is 175/70 R13. Can I upsize to a 185/60 R14 or 195/60 R14. Also, is Neo a good brand for alloys? Is there any problem with chrome plating? A few vendors who don't stock chrome-plated alloys tell me that the quality of plating is not good in many brands.

Kaushik

The Hyundai Getz GLS when chosen along with the optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) comes with 14-inch alloy wheels; the non-ABS variant comes only with 13-inch steel rims. You may want to choose the 175/65 R14 tyres that the manufacturer recommends and offers as standard fitment with 14-inch alloys wheels in the GLS, ABS variant.

While this would be the safe and tested option, if you would like to be a little adventurous and also do not mind a bit of the compromise in ride quality and fuel efficiency that it would entail, an upgrade to 185/60 R14 tyres may be contemplated.

Upsizing has several advantages, the least of which is the improvement in the looks of the car. While a more aggressive stance for the car is something that a lot of us, especially in the small car segment, covet, the other advantages such as improved handling at high speeds, much better steering response and enhanced cornering ability are reasons enough for upsizing your current set of rubbers.

But that said, there are disadvantages that need to be considered before upsizing. For one, there will almost definitely be a reduction in fuel efficiency. The fall in mileage could be as high as 6-8 per cent, depending also on driving style.

Further, upsizing will also lead to increased feedback from the tyres, which essentially means that the ride quality could be affected. Oversized tyres beyond a certain limit can damage the suspension and the car itself over time.

There are a number of alloy wheel brands in the market. Several of them are sourced from various countries, including China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, the US and even some European countries. There are a couple of domestic manufacturers, too, which make quality alloys. The quality of these varies depending largely on the price and, in some cases, the country of origin.

While we cannot comment with certainty about the quality of Neo brand alloys, it may be advisable to stick to more popular or domestic alloy wheel brands to ensure reliability and after-sales support.

As for chrome plating, it is a contentious issue. Chrome plated alloy wheels are more prone to damage from environmental factors than regular cut and burnished alloy rims. Chrome plating, especially in cheaper alloy wheels, will deteriorate over time. And since the wheels are prone to scratches and damage from loose gravel, it may be a good idea to avoid chrome-plated alloys. Instead, to get the same benefits, of ease of cleaning and maintenance, you may choose high gloss, grind polished alloy wheels that are more likely to offer a blemish-free, long-term performance.

I am planning to buy a new car and would like to know whether the default seat height position in a car where the adjusting option is not available is set at the same level as in the same model with that facility. Further, I would like to know whether the seat height adjustment facility in cars really increases the visibility of the road for short drivers when compared to the cars without this option. Should I look for this feature when I shop for my car?

Anteswaran T. K.

Cars, which are not offered with manual or electrical seat height adjustment, usually feature seats set to a median height to provide optimum visibility to users of all types.

Seat height adjustment, where offered, can improve visibility . But seat height adjustment alone will not result in better driving position. This feature has to be combined with steering adjustments, at least for tilt if not for reach (telescopic steering adjustment) too, for it to be effective.

Increasing seat height using cushions or pads can lessen the seat's anti-submarine effect, which is crucial in the event of a collision. Unfortunately though, because of the costs involved, most small cars do not have seat height adjustment as an option. A few variants of sedans in the Rs 6-8 lakh range have this feature — Honda City, for instance.

You may need this feature only if you are much below or much above the average Indian height. It is a myth that optimal visibility involves being able to see the bonnet edges of the car.

Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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