My New Honda City in White - The Albus

[quraish786]

Just back from my Goa trip.

Beautiful drive. The roads are just excellent. Will post a detailed write up later.

Only problem happened just outside pune on the return.

A stone from the divider had fallen on the side of the road. It was raining and pitch dark and bang! 3 to 4 cars hit it including mine.

Thankfully the damage was minomal. The tyres cleared the stone and there was just a small mark of the impact on the rims but it hit the bottom of the car damaging (denting) the silencer pips.

I have attached pics below. Any advice in what I should do. Can we drive it this way?

The next service is due. I am thinking of cutting the section of pipe and re-welding it with a new 3" piece.

 

[Content Reactor]

I think it would be unfair to pick one among three in Chennai, and I didn't buy my car from a Honda dealer, so I can't really answer that (perhaps, the moderator will step in if I do). Your best bet, go to all three dealers and see who you're comfortable with.
I have a question: If you're looking at a 2015 Jazz or City automatic, you will only get a stodgy CVT with both models. I think the previous model (2014-and backwards) City had a better 4-speed auto box.

Thanks, Essarr. I've heard that the low ground clearance of the earlier Honda City was the main chink in their armor and this was more or less resolved in the new one. But I agree, the previous models didn't have the niggles the new one is facing now. The 2014 Honda City is beyond my budget so I am looking for pre-worshipped ones (there are quite a few diesel versions available, though hardly any petrol models). I may get the new Jazz from a dealer. I am waiting for the test drives unless I get a good deal for the City. But thank you for your suggestion.

 

[Essarr]

I have attached pics below. Any advice in what I should do. Can we drive it this way?

The next service is due. I am thinking of cutting the section of pipe and re-welding it with a new 3" piece.

From the photos you have posted, it does not look like you have a serious problem with the silencer pipe. You have not mentioned if there is a change in the sound of the exhaust note. Since service is due, ask them to look for cracks.

If there is a crack found, just use a metal foil exhaust repair tape (like Tiger Wrap or this one). Do not attempt to cut and replace the pipe with a small piece, the tube thickness or metal composition will be tough to match with the original.

 

[gdave]

I have the exact same model as you do (2011 SMT, Mfd.-Apr, Purchased-Oct ). I understand you want to upgrade to alloys wheels now, use the OEM 175 width tyres until it is worn out and then upgrade to 195 width tyres. Right?

This is what I have switched to (when my OEM MRF tyres were at 17K kms):

Wheels: HRS Model H 713 HyperSilver
Size: 6.5J x 15"
PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter): 100 (same as stock wheels)
Offset/ET*: 40 (same as stock wheels)
(or *Einpresstiefe in German or how far away is the center of the width from outside mounting wall - or how far is the wheel going stick out from the hub)
Alloy Wheels Explained - Rimstyle.com
http://www.alloywheelsindia.com/product1/search/558/6/15/18/40/h_713.htm

Tyres: Pirelli P1 Cinturato
Size: 195/60R 15 V88
Tyre Of The Month

The overall diameter of the new 195 tyre is 5.8 mm bigger than the original 175 and ride height is increased by 3mm. These are negligible changes (lesser than the 3% permitted) to make much difference in the speedometer or odometer indications (eg. when speedo reads speeds of 50. 100 and 160 kmph, the actual speeds will be 50, 101 and 141.5 kmph).

A note of warning though: When you eventually upgrade tyres (say, something like Pirelli P1, Michelin ST 3 or Bridgestone Potenza MY-01) belive me, your driving experience will be transformed to a level where you will be wondering why did I stay with those OEM tyres as long as I did, I should have changed tyres when I got the alloys.

Hope you find this information useful.

Dear Essaarr,

Very informative response!!

Is there any problem or is it possible to run stock Tyres on 6.5J wide alloy wheel? Is there any side effect in doing so?

 

[Essarr]

Is there any problem or is it possible to run stock Tyres on 6.5J wide alloy wheel? Is there any side effect in doing so?

Tyre widths recommended by a performance oriented database for a 6.5J rim width, irrespective of aspect ratio, are:
Minimum : 185
Ideal : 195 or 205
Maximum: 215

However, this passenger car (certification) chart says that 175/65R15 (is that your OEM tyre?) can be safely fitted to 5.0 to 6.5 width rims.
http://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/i...re_Size_to_Wheel_Size_Compatibility_Guide.pdf

I don't think you will have a problem. (This is a reversal, where no one really thinks about fitting a narrow tyre to a wider wheel).

 

[prasanth11]

I was reading the previous page in this thread about keeping the vehicle neutral at 150kmpl otherwise something called coasting the vehicle.
Its a suicidal attempt in our highways in many ways
We never know if some unexpected hazard happens or someone suddenly comes onto our dear roads. Then If we try to apply braking we would lost the advantage of Engine Braking as the engine is disconnected from drivetrain. We only get Physical braking from wheels.,we will valuable time to stop the vehicle within time.
Always remember a few seconds less than 5 -10seconds which would decide whether accidents happen or not.Just imagine how much distance a car travels in just One sec at speed of 60kmpl or 40kmpl (it could be 16 mtr or 11 mtr in a sec)..imagine how much distance that is from the obstacle. So time is important and Seconds do count in road accidents
Dont loose valuable Seconds in doing silly mistakes(which become grave) for saving fuel. Always remember ACCIDENTS DONT COME WITH WARNING SIGNS AND ACCIDENTS ARE ACCIDENTAL. YOU ARE RISKING YOUR INNOCENT FAMILY TOO WITH MEAN THOUGHTS OF SAVING FUEL.

Instead you can Keep the vehicle 5th or 6th gear and let it slow down to a speed of 80kmph.It would save the fuel. Just always be in a gear and also dont apply clutch before braking.
Also dont coast the vehicle when approaching a toll plaza or a speed braker,just always run the vehicle in a gear to allow engine braking while braking.

 

[Essarr]

......something called coasting the vehicle.
Its a suicidal attempt in our highways in many ways.

There is something to think about in what prasanth11 says. I'm 64 and been to several driving schools in US and UK (including Skip Barber). Without doubt , a prime rule that is universal is that "a moving vehicle must always be in gear".
Question: In the past 20 years in India, I have across just one or two drivers (and those who test vehicles at my garage) who uses engine-braking to slow down the car - everyone drives manual shift like it is an automatic when it comes to slowing down. If you up-shift to accelerate, why not down-shift to slow down?

 

[samtiruvayipati]

Hello sir. I have a question and it may sound silly, please don't mind. Am taking delivery of ANHC VX MT (o) golden brown today...do I have to get complete front to back carpet mat or 3D mats or both. Am new to maintaining a car, infact a sedan,previously M800 was my primary commuter.

 

[Punar Singh]

I was reading the previous page in this thread about keeping the vehicle neutral at 150kmpl otherwise something called coasting the vehicle.
.

Well.. weather coasting or not... keeping in view the road conditions and the traffic sense, according to me 150 Kmph on Indian roads is suicidal in itself. (People are free to have their own view if they do not agree to this)

About Coasting in Neutral... IMO it is advisable ONLY when you are going under 40ish Kmph and you and foresee a stop, and coast in neutral for the last 30-50 meters.
Advantages: less clutch usage, smooth stops and a marginally better mileage.
Disadvantage: a little extra pressure on brakes, but as the speed of the vehicle is pretty less, this can be ignored

In all other situations, I completely agree, that coasting your vehicle in neutral should be avoided

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

My sincere and special thanks to CRACIN & Essarr for their generous support:

I AM VERY HONORED TO BE HERE!

I am delighted, honored and humbled to accept this award and to join other recipients whom I have long admired and respected.

Thank you so much TAI core team for the recognition as your Honored Member.

This award makes my work ever so much more enjoyable and challenging.

I dedicate this to my forum friends who are my constant source of inspiration and make my thread sparkling!

I look forward to learning and growing together.

With Warm Regards
Dr MUDHAN

 

[Essarr]

My sincere and special thanks to CRACIN & Essarr for their generous support:

Congratulations, Dr. Mudhan..!
Well deserved, for having started "The Albus" Britannica with such pomp, circumstance and detail.
-SR

 

[Essarr]

A Car-cam
Hi City Folks,

Recently while searching for a GPS tracker for my 'Cinderella', I came across this dash mounted dual camera system. No, it is not a 'reverse' assist camera that some in this forum is looking for, but think of it more in terms of a "black-box" system that records your trips (GPS tracked route, front and rear view wide-angle videos and sounds).

I can't imagine how handy and invaluable this item may prove to be with the police authorities or your insurance company, should you be involved in an (touch wood) accident situation.

Ivation is a company known to manufacture some very useful gizmos for everyday use. And the ratings for this particular car-cam black-box is reasonably good. The catch, it may have to be imported.

Link:
Amazon.com : Ivation HD 720p Dual Wide Angle View Lens Dash Cam DVR Accident Video Recorder w/GPS & G-Sensor (Inside and Outside Video Recording) - HDR Super Low Light Night Vision Recording with Continuous & Event Recording Modes with Sound Recordin
Other products:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ivation/338096306327316

 

[pavi]

Congratulations, Dr. Mudhan on your achievement..
As I have congratulated you I am pretty sure you won't mind me posting my views in your thread . This is my first ever post in The Automotive India, and rather than going "ga ga" on myself (which no one is interested in), let me dive straight into what I have!!!
I own a Honda City i-vtec SV 4th generation (shown in my avatar). I bought my city on June 6th 2014. Its been more than a year, and I have completed around 18900 kms till now. Honda City was always in my dreams. I had driven my cousins Honda City (dolphin model) and I wished to own one. And Honda City happened to be my first own car.
I have been following all the Honda City threads regularly especially "The Albus - Honda City Wikipedia". Below mentioned are my personal views on Honda City 4th generation. Lets move from +ves to -ves.
1. Looks : Strictly subjective. But I like it except the wide large ugly chrome grille. I know India loves chrome, but too much of anything is not good and it is evident in the 4th gen City grille.
2. Ride and handling : It is good as per my experience. Got Bridgestone tyres as OEM and they serve the purpose. But wider tyres would have increased the overall ride and handling.
3. Engine : yes the smiley is more than enough. I don't know if most people know that "i-vtec has also got a very nice sporty roar". I have heard of people saying City petrol engine to be very silent and fuel efficient. But not much know the fun above 4000 rpm. 2nd gear 7000rpm, "awesome" (I know most of you guys know what I am talking about). I came to know about this after I Googled "How i-vtec engine works?". So 100 marks for the i-vtec engine. Yes, it has poor low end torque, but i-vtec is not meant for that (as per the technology used).
4. ACC : Very good. It cools better and works effectively.
5. Brakes : Very effective.
6. Features : Nice to have and effective features.
6. Tyres : India need fuel efficiency and fuel efficiency and fuel efficiency. It is good, but there should be a balance between 'kitna dethi hain' and 'kaise chalthi hain'. Wider tyres should have been provided.
7. Build : not tough as the Germans, but it will last.
8. Interior plastics : Could have been better.
Overall rating : 7/10
I won't blame Honda for the cost cuttings that they have done in the new City. Not because of the excuse "everybody does it", but because we Indians have "earned" it. We need more out of anything and everything. So manufacturers who are here to meet demand come up with "what the market wants".
Please bear with my poor 'scripting' skills. Enjoy the i-vtec.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

.

PART: LXXVI :

MY ALBUS: THE DICKEY SOUND THAT TAUGHT ME A LESSON!
​

It made to remember what I studied in Clinical Medicine.

A pain of a patient may mislead a doctor as it may not be from that area but may be a referred pain - A referred pain is a pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source.

My ALBUS started giving an unusual, a heavy metallic sound inside the dickey area as though something freely hitting while the car running on bad roads.

First I thought it must be from improperly secured tool kit. I wrapped it with thermocol sheet and secured firmly. But of no help!

I removed the tool kit bag and run the car but sound continued. The service people said that it must be from freely floating my flickering lamp kit behind rear stop light assembly, Flash Strobe Controller Flasher Module for LED Brake Stop Light Lamp. They removed the carpet pad and checked. No use!

I thought it would be from the improperly sitting spare alloy wheel which I replaced in place of OE steel as Indian Honda never gives spare alloy and I felt that it could be due to the deviation from the practice. Therefore I told the service guys to restore my steel wheel as I did not want to hear the sound again.

After service, I was of so much hope but lost as I started hearing the same sound.

I really felt bad but the service guy promised to look into the problem next time and told me… could be due to faulty shock absorbers !

During recent service, I insisted it should be stopped at any cost.

Yes they could find out the real cause and stopped, but after causing some micro damages to my alloy wheel edges during their harsh trial!

But I was surprised to note that the sound originated from the clamp my electrician used to fix up the aftermarket dual horns as one of the horn was hitting the car body while running on a bad road.

OMG, the horns are there inside the front grill but I felt the sound from the rear side!!!

Therefore don’t be carried away from a sound but explore the source!

Have you come across any such experience?

​

 

[ravib]

Congratulations Dr.Mudhan. Also welcome back to the thread, you seem to have taken a small break? I am so eager for new articles from you more mods, more experiments etc.
I don't understand how those damages happen to the alloys. They make me feel terrible. But I have noticed that, they seem to appear only after someone other than me drives the car.
Also something new that I have observed is, when the fuel is nearing empty the power(pick up) seems to drop down by a huge margin. But with the tank full its a beast again.
What is the final verdict on the upgrade of the tiers with stock 10 spoke alloys? Or may be I shall wait for Dr.Mudhan to do the upgrade first and follow his steps.
My car is nearing 3 years of usage any specific checks that I might have to perform?
P.S: Essarr Its a delight hearing from you too.