Rubber solution

TALK WRENCH/ The FAt Tyre-ride quality equation

I want to change tyres (to tubeless) and wheels (to alloys) of my Palio 1.2 ELX. Can you suggest something that will maintain the amazing ride quality? The GTX has lower profile tyres, but ride quality? Can you suggest a good make and the right size? Incidentally, the dealer said that with alloys/tubeless tyres, the Palio tends to be heavier to steer "� contrary to expectations.

Nitin Bhaskar, via email

Your dealer is wrong "� you'll get better steering feel and a lighter lock to lock "� that's the basic result when you cut unsprung weight in ANY car. We suggest you upgrade to 14-inch 5J wheels "� look at options from Aura, Neo or Traxx and choose the lightest.

For tyres, shift to what the Palio 1.6 GTX used to wear , the 175/65R14, which is bigger in circumference "� overall contact patch increases across the width and also along the length of the tyre. For the marginal reduction in profile, you end up with a tyre that'll spread road impact across and along its surface better.

Besides, the suspension will be freer to do its job with quicker springing and damping response. Feedback and ride are easily confused for one and the same thing. Simply, a car that offers good road feedback can ride extremely well "� it isn't a car with shoddy ride which offers the best feedback!

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