Cars Of My Life – The Ignis (2021)

[Dr MUDHAN]

IGNIS: FOG LAMP NIGHTEYE LED BULB UPGRADE

My well-wisher who owns a five years old IGNIS (Alfa) felt that the illumination of their car is insufficient, felt unsafe and needs improvement in their road conditions.

SUZUKI IGNIS comes with OE Halogen H16 (OSRAM, Germany) 12V/19W fog lamps along with DRL LED Head Lights (warm white in ALFA version) and Halogen Lamp for all other versions.
As it is Alfa version, has inbuilt projector head lights, we felt, the only option is to improve the Fog lamp throw.
We decided to try to upgrade the Fog bulbs to LED and purchased from AMAZON.

DIY:

Please note, people follow different methods to access the fog assy. Some, completely remove the bottom portion of the front bumper, and some remove the front fog lamp cover using a pry tool.
I felt, the easiest way to access (to replace/swap) the bulbs is by removing the two plastic rivets, opening the front right & left fender ‘well splash guard’ and handling through rear side of the fog assy.
Opened, cleaned the dust over of the fog assy. Cleaned my fingers, turned to remove the OE Halogen bulbs. Carefully inserted the LED bulb, turned to secure and connected cable adopter, switched on the fog lamps.
After doing both sides, checked the light beam on the floor by sitting in the car. Adjusted the fog height adjustment wheels to my satisfaction. Mounted back the splash guard in original position, fixed back the fender ‘well splash guard’ with Rivets.
Note: Always keep spare rivets of two sizes smaller and larger types, might be required in case if it got damaged while removing the OE rivets.

Note, the difference in reflector design between OE FOG ASSY. 2017 (IMPORTED) and OE FOG ASSY. 2020/afterwards (MINDA,INDIA)


PERFORMANCE IN REAL TIME: PLEASE CHECK ALL THESE PICTURES HERE:

Comparison of OE Halogen Bulb (vs) Aftermarket LED Bulb performance


MY VERDICT:

Yes, it’s good, brighter and satisfied. Hope, they would long last.

But, please do not ignore the fact that the OE fog lamp amber color temperature is really supportive, improves the visibility & road details, ensures safe driving during rainy days and on wet roads.

It’s my sincere advice that you must read my detailed PRODUCT REVIEW HERE, in case if you are interested.


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[Dr MUDHAN]

MARUTI MAINTENANCE COST PROTECT SCHEME
MY IGNIS 4th SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Prepared the car Previous day for the service by removing all my gadgets, 7D Mats, special tyre valve knobs, glove box & dicky contents etc., except spare wheel, Dashcam, and cigar lighter extender.

Booked the car on 27th July, was ready at AMBAL NEXA service station, Coimbatore @ 7.15 am to make it the first car of the Day. I always prefer to be the first to get best of their energy /efforts.

It’s a 4th regular paid service, 20000 KMs /24 months.

My favorite Service Advisor Mr. Prasanth attended my vehicle.

He Inspected- Noted and taken photos at 360 Degrees- The job card done-communicated the works/estimate prepared -my approval sought.

The car went inside- lifted-drained engine oil- Removed tyres – brake oil changed-Tyre rotation and refitted. Brought down & moved for future procedures to check viz., Electrical bulbs, alignment, trial run and water wash.

Car came out and parked after general cleaning.

Feedback received and bill / gate pass handed over to leave the dealer’s service station.

What is interesting …

I received a text message about my Cigar light extender as advised to remove. Ignored the message as I am careful about the recommended amperage, and decided to remove temporally every time at service as I don’t want any remarks RECORDED from the Dealer/ Manufacture at the time of service.

I did not pay any amount for this service as I was covered by Maintenance Cost Protect scheme that I detailed in my previous post. Please Read Here

Actually, I opted for the scheme by paying Rs. 6622.00 in advance that was utilized as:

3RD SERVICE = PARTS/LABOUR (1273.98+586.46) = 1860.44 (Not actually free service in reality)
4TH SERVICE = PARTS/LABOUR (1854.47+2699.16 = 4553.63
TOTAL = Rs. 6414.07

Don’t know whether it is worth. Also, it depends upon the SA.

Some Service Advisors try to do unnecessary things irrespective of car’s run mileage and condition to earn for their employer.

We need to be very careful before approving for the JC / Service.

Please Note…

Though I am satisfied with the service, my mind will get satisfied and happy only when I give the car my touch by restoring all my gadgets, polishing periodically and detailing once a year!

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[VISHNUCARCRAZY]

Just clarifying , 3rd Service will contain Periodic Maintenance Fee/ Service Kit what Maruti terms it, and it shouldn't cost you more than the cost of Engine Oil ( 0W20/ 0W16), Oil filter, Cabin A/c Filter. The labour charge is free.

I didn't take MCP scheme, as I didn't feel the worth of it.

 

[anuraagshenoy]

Don’t know whether it is worth. Also, it depends upon the SA.

Some Service Advisors try to do unnecessary things irrespective of car’s run mileage and condition to earn for their employer.

We need to be very careful before approving for the JC / Service.

Job card preparation and asking for approval before the car is sent 'inside' for servicing is a rare task. Customers blindly sign where the SA 'marks' on the job card. It is all drama when the bill is made from the job card as unnecessary items are added to meet targets and also inflate to remain in the good books of the service manager. Can't blame them though but it is up to the customer to thoroughly verify and sign before handing over so the instructions are clear on the job card for the SA, mechanics and the billing personnel.

 

[VISHNUCARCRAZY]

On another note, if you don't need washing, from Periodic Maintenance charge around 450-500 rs will be discounted also.

 

[anuraagshenoy]

With the Creta, I visited the ASC for 4 or 5 services (IIRC) only after that all the servicing was DIY only.

On another note, if you don't need washing, from Periodic Maintenance charge around 450-500 rs will be discounted also.

I prefer to wash it outside as it is cheaper and get more 'attention to detail' than being done at the ASC during service. I remember Hyundai charging 250-300 less in the bill if washing is excluded during job card preparation.

 

[sacbiker]

Please bear with me, shall continue to share my feeling soon.

Sir, Any update on this?
Have you done any mod in regard to the stiff ride quality?
Which tires are you currently running on?
My Ignis is running on stock Bridgestone and it has gotten hard over 5 years. 30% thread still left and yet to touch the wear limit indicator, but I am itching for a replacement especially since it's also contributing to the stiff ride of the car.
I went to this thread dedicated to Ignis tire upgrade and people there have tried a variety of sizes. Some have concluded after experimenting that the stock size is the best for the car.
Besides, the stock size 175 65 R15 is the same OEM fitment in cars like Honda City, Jazz, Amaze, and surprisingly some Mini Cooper models.
This car is not meant for doing high speeds on highways and I use this as a city car. Therefore, I decided to go with the stock size since a higher rotational mass will lead to lower FE and performance.
I have shortlisted Good Year Assurance TripleMax 2. I have fitted these tires on my Chevrolet Sail which has a thread in this forum. I have driven 7000 KM on these tires and they are extremely comfortable, grippy, and durable.
My only unsatisfied bit about the car since day one is that I am not able to do anything about the stiff ride. I searched a lot for different springs which can be installed but only lowering springs are available for this car.
Contrary to the belief, the problem with the suspension is not that it's hard, in fact, the spring is too soft. This was pointed out by ARC suspension in their YouTube and also in another thread.
There are also shops that 'rebuild' shock absorbers. People do this when shocks are leaky. But post-rebuild, people have reported softer rides.
The Diesel variant of Ignis had a different shock absorber in the front, I really feel like experimenting with that too. Since diesel had more weight, it'd be stiffer.
I will see if there is any improvement after the tire upgrade and may possibly install ROGERAB DUO.

Your thread is really helpful for Ignis owners. I appreciate your initiative.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Your thread is really helpful for Ignis owners. I appreciate your initiative.

Thanks for your heartfelt appreciation.
In fact, it boosted my interest at the time when I am skeptical about my efforts / write ups whether these are really useful to others (that includes other car owners), as I missed to see interaction in the forum now a day.

Sir, Any update on this?

Actually, I have already updated in detail here - SUZUKI IGNIS TYRE UPSIZING: THE PROS & CONS!, with my opinion/decision as:

MY OPINION:
My wife and I use IGNIS mostly within City limits and we prefer only the OE recommended tyre size (175/65/15), may be a different tyre brand like MICHELIN / YOKOHAMA/ CONTI next time … though I would love to look our IGNIS on broader tyres.
(If at all I prefer, I would change the alloys to 6/6.5J and go with 195/60/15 tyres)

I have shortlisted Good Year Assurance TripleMax 2. I have fitted these tires on my Chevrolet Sail which has a thread in this forum. I have driven 7000 KM on these tires and they are extremely comfortable, grippy, and durable.

You are right. I have already rendered my opinion about this tyre, here : TYRES-IT MATTERS!

I really thank you for reflecting your interest & sparing your time in the regard.

With Warm Regards,
Dr MUDHAN

 

[anuraagshenoy]

...Therefore, I decided to go with the stock size since a higher rotational mass will lead to lower FE and performance.

Good decision sir. Stick to OE size but change to a better brand like Michelin, Pirelli, Continental's.

I have shortlisted Good Year Assurance TripleMax 2. I have fitted these tires on my Chevrolet Sail which has a thread in this forum. I have driven 7000 KM on these tires and they are extremely comfortable, grippy, and durable.

Good years are I think on the harder side. They may or may not make the ride plusher.

My only unsatisfied bit about the car since day one is that I am not able to do anything about the stiff ride.

1. Lower the 'cold tyre pressure' by 1 psi and see if that makes any difference or not.
2. Swap for some softer compound tyres like Michelin or Continental's.

I will see if there is any improvement after the tire upgrade and may possibly install ROGERAB DUO.

IMHO, please avoid these add-ons. Unless there is an issue of the car bottoming out, I see no need for the addition of ROGERAB's on the Ignis.

Adding these to the springs alters the compression rate and may cause undue wear of the tyres and improper ride. If the aim is to smoothen out and make the ride less harsh, then the ROGERAB's will make it worse IMO.

 

[sacbiker]

Good years are I think on the harder side. They may or may not make the ride plusher.

All brands have different models of tires that emphasize either long life or comfort. As with GY TM2, it is a soft compound tire with soft sidewalls. I have first-hand experience with it.

1. Lower the 'cold tire pressure' by 1 psi and see if that makes any difference or not.

Already did this.

 

[anuraagshenoy]

All brands have different models of tires that emphasize either long life or comfort. As with GY TM2, it is a soft compound tire with soft sidewalls. I have first-hand experience with it.

Apologies, as I thought it was on the harder side hence my post suggesting other brand tyres.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

IGNIS: IS BLIND SPOT MIRROR USEFUL?

MY OBSERVATIONS EARLIER:
I had different experience and opinion earlier with my ALBUS, Honda City.

In fact, I have even quoted this:

Honestly, I am not comfortable with the so called Blind Spot Mirrors in whatever shape it comes.
I have removed them.
1. We will normally first glance at the normal mirror and then move to the additional one that means our eyes are off the road for longer than they should be.
Many times it interferes with my vision by occupying the space of my side view mirrors and, though these convex mirror are supposed to increase our rearward field of vision, they are actually confusing to use effectively, since our eyes take extra time to adjust to the reflection of the blind spot mirrors.
2. Convex mirrors are not designed to absorb glare and harsh reflections, and also don't have dimming or anti-glare features. As a result, it can become an even more painful experience driving at night.
3. In a country like INDIA, we are not sure whether these mirrors are safe at outside, as people enjoy fiddling with it. Also, the position changes while cleaning the side view mirrors every time & we need to reset to our vision often.

ALBUS: BLIND SPOT MIRROR (YES or NO!)

BLIND SPOT MIRROR – IN MY AFTERTHOUGHT!

MY OBSERVATIONS NOW:
Yes, it is useful … but not always!

Usefulness depends upon

• Quality of Mirror
• Placement Spot
• Need of time

Yes, it is very useful while Reversing / Parking in a limited space. But, need to be avoided looking at this always while normal driving.

My wife who is a new driver felt comfortable with this BS Mirror.

I found out @ Amazon.in, this BS Mirror model suits me very well.
One Pair@ Rs.299/-
Two Pairs @ Rs.399/-

PROS:

• True optical glass quality (Not a plastic)
• Can be fixed inside the door glass (Refer my DIY pictures)
• Will not mask the side mirror
• Theft / Fiddling proof
• Not expensive

CONS:

• May not suit to all the cars
• May not be comfortable inside a door glass that has sun control film
• It’s a glass, need to be carefully handled
• Pivot is not very firm if we fiddle more with it
• Left side mirror may not be useful in larger cars.
• Need to do little modification if we want to fix it inside. (I have added using 3M double side tape on a small plastic square bit in the base to mount on the IGNIS tweeter speaker grill/cover.
• While mounting inside, leave little space to avoid rubbing on the door glass on turning the mirror to view comfortably.

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[anuraagshenoy]

Yes, it is very useful while Reversing / Parking in a limited space. But, need to be avoided looking at this always while normal driving..

First time I'm seeing the blind spot mirror stuck at a new location. Looks nice though.

I am used these small round mirrors and don't like to drive without these as it gives me that 'extra' view that is generally covered due to the natural blind spot we have in our vision.

With the seating adjusted to my height and comfort, any vehicle near and to the sides of the B-pillar in my Creta falls on the blind spot zone that isn't seen in the OEM ORVM. These small blind spot mirror help me see that vehicles also.

Initially even I was against these to be stuck but after 2 lakh kms. I'm sort of habituated. Here's how it is fixed in my Creta. I went for the normal one without any adjustment or swivel.

 

[INDU]

MY OBSERVATIONS NOW:
Yes, it is useful … but not always!

Super Sir. The new spot is inspiring and amazing. I always learn something different from your postings.
Can you please post a closure picture of the base that you did it to mount on the tweeter grill at 'A' pillar?

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Super Sir. The new spot is inspiring and amazing. I always learn something different from your postings.
Can you please post a closure picture of the base that you did it to mount on the tweeter grill at 'A' pillar?

Thanks. Sure. The Close-Up shot is here: