Tyres & Steering
Why is there a difference between what the tyre manufacture recommends my tyre pressure should be at and that of the vehicle manufacture?
The vehicle manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures are what you should use. They give different pressures for different sizes. These pressures have been worked out to give the most tyre contact with the road whilst maintaining comfort and longevity.
The official manufacturer's recommended tyre pressures do not usually differ that much; but what you have to be aware of is the "unofficial" pressures given by the tyre vendors. These tend to be at a higher pressure than the vehicle manufacturer's.
The only reasons I can think for this is either that they don't know what they are talking about or they want the tyre to wear out quickly so as that you come back and buy another set sooner rather than later!!
I have a Range Rover and am buying new tyres. I travel upcountry often and am considering tubeless - what would you recommend?
I would only recommend the use of tubeless tyres for upcountry use if you are prepared to learn how to and get the appropriate equipment to repair them yourself!! On pot-holed tarmac and poor marrum roads the bead can be broken on a tubeless tyre. Tubed tyres work well and are easily repaired by a local mechanic. In addition, it is advisable to carry two good spares when travelling upcountry.
I recently purchased a 300tdi, 110 pickup and it already has a steering problem. When I drive on tarmac it feels as if the vehicle is wandering. I have had the wheels balanced and alignment done but it is still doing it. What else could be causing this?
It sounds as though your vehicle has cross ply tyres fitted. What you have described are classic symptoms. Some dealers in this region fit them as standard on pickups as they presume that they are going to be doing heavy-duty work (Also, they are cheaper!!). You should have this checked and get the tyres changed if they are cross plies. Cross ply tyres do not have a suitable speed rating for a Land Rover fitted with a 300 Tdi engine and you could risk them exploding if you travel at a speed of over 80 kph for a long stretch.
Mechanical
I have been told by the local mechanics that a thermostat is unnecessary in my engine - is this true?
A thermostat is vital for the correct running temperature of your engine. If you do not have a thermostat fitted then your engine will not operate at the correct even temperature. i.e. it will be always running cold therefore the engine could wear out prematurely.
A thermostat can be removed when it becomes faulty but should be replaced with a new unit ASAP. You should run coolant in your cooling system to prevent a thermostat from sticking closed. Coolant has a corrosion inhibitor that will extend the life of the parts within your cooling system.
Someone told me there are different vehicle spec.'s. What does this mean?
Some vehicle manufacturers make the same model vehicles with different specifications for different working environments. For instance, Toyota makes a Landcruiser for African conditions. This means that it could have a different radiator and/or suspension. It probably has power steering and air con but it might not have ABS or airbags fitted.
If you are buying a vehicle abroad to bring to East Africa check with your dealer that it is of the correct specification for the environment and that the main dealers, in the area where you are taking the vehicle, have the necessary computerised test equipment to service modern vehicles.
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