Quote:
Originally Posted by shyamkrish Ok so the dealer called to let me know that the Gypsy will be arriving on 25th (next week)
So i would to prepare a checklist of things as mentioned by several folks above
1) Tyre change to Yokos same size
2) Ensure Lug nuts are tightened to correct torque
3) Size front tyres to around 20 (maybe a little more ) and rear tyres based on load (26-30)
I wanted to check about the free wheeling hub. Since it is no longer available in new gypsies do i need it? Doesnt it improve mileage by detaching the shaft from Front wheels when 4WD isn't in use? Pls advice
Also, initially i will be offloading only probably once in 2 months until i get the confidence. Is there a way i can use the 4WD in the city just to make sure it doesn't remain idle for long periods. So that when i engage it in real situations it does work?
Can you list out any other things to keep in mind since iam new to 4WD and Gypsy in particular that you have experienced?
Thanks
Shyam |
Hi Shyamkrish,
I am also contemplating the lockable hubs for Gypsy however I have not been able to make up my mind yet (in fact I’m leaning away from that). Yes it is true that by having the manual lockable hubs you can disengage the front drive train (front drive shafts, crown & pinion) thereby enhancing your mileage by a small margin, slightly reducing your steering effort & reducing the wear on the front driveline to a small extent (though a few members here may disagree with me).
Please keep in mind however that you can potentially strip the splines if the hubs are not engaged/disengaged properly which of course is in addition to inconvenience of getting out of the car every time you want to engage the 4WD. Then there is the question of whether you can get a good mechanic to install the hubs properly. And lastly where do you plan to source the hubs from. I have heard of some locally manufactured stuff (I’ll stay away from them). I have done a little bit of research & zeroed down on AISIN FH-002 freewheeling hubs. These are manufactures in Japan and used to come factory fitted on Gypsy till the time these were discontinued by Maruti. In the end it is purely a matter of choice & inclination whether you want to keep your car stock.
I would refrain from engaging the 4WD (H or L) on paved surface as it can result in transmission binding. If you must; engage 4WD on an unpaved surface while keeping the front wheels straight. The 4WD mechanism will be okay even if you do not engage it for months together so don’t worry about it.
I would like to add a few points regarding routine maintenance of the Gypsy.
1. Change your engine oil & filter every 5 to 6,000 kms (Maruti specifies 10,000 kms). I have spent 21 years in the lubricants business so I know a thing or two about oils. Operating conditions/dust levels in India are far too severe for this kind of service interval. Engine oil is life blood of your car so that is money well spent. The Gypsy owner’s manual specifies API SF/SG/SH oil; I’m actually disappointed that honchos at Maruti have not bothered to update the specs in the owner’s manual as the current API spec for gasoline engines is API-SN. Stick to oil majors such as Shell, Exxon Mobil etc. in case you do not have a particular brand preference. (My personal recommendation is Shell Helix HX-7 10W-40 which is synthetic blend gasoline engine oil). Some folks may suggest full synthetic engine oil and that is fine too. Please note that you will be spending anywhere from Rs. 3,500 to 4,000 on oil alone in that case. One last point regarding engine oils; you cannot/should not increase your drain intervals irrespective whether you’re using mineral/synthetic blend or a full synthetic engine oil. Always stick to your OEM’s recommendation for the upper limit of the drain interval.
2. Clean your air filters every 2,500 kms & change it every 20,000 kms (Maruti specifies changing air filter every 40,000 kms). It is small expense but a cleaner air filter prevents debris/dust going into your intake which is absolutely essential for a healthy engine. A plugged air filter will also result in a rich mixture therefore your mileage will also go down. Stay away from after-market filters such as K&N and stick to OEM air filters. Oil used to lubricate filters such as K&N can foul/plug Mass Air Flow sensor.
3. The car comes with copper spark plugs. After 15 to 20,000 kms you can change to a platinum spark plugs & you would not have to change them for another 60,000 kms other than cleaning them every 10,000 kms (NGK BKR6EGP will fit perfectly). I must mention here that this is purely optional; you can if you so desire stick to OEM copper plugs. Avoid iridium spark plugs & save your money as they would not provide any tangible benefit. Two of my car came factory fitted with Iridium spark plugs so they would only need to be changed at 160,000 kms but they have high compression ratio engines and the fuel quality that we get here is far superior compared to what is available in India. Poor quality fuel also results in spark plus fouling so please make sure you frequent a reliable gas station for refueling.
4. Change the rest of fluids such as transfer case/transmission & differential in addition to coolant & brake as per Maruti’s laid down intervals.
5. Check you tire pressure every month when the tires are cold such as right in the morning before the vehicle has been driven.
6. Wash your car at least once in two weeks to keep the mud out of the underbody/other gaps that ultimately result in rusting. This will also help to preserve your paint sheen. Please use a car shampoo & not some house old detergent as these have phosphates in them that eat into your paint.
7. Finally, find a reliable MASS or a good mechanic who know what he’s are doing. The problem with Gypsy is that Maruti sells so few of these that a regular MASS gets one to service very infrequently and therefore the mechanics are not very conversant with the vehicle. So talk to your friends/peers who own one & do your due diligence.
Do all/most of this and you will have thousands of kilometers of trouble free driving.
Regards.