From training and on our website forum, I have been asked a lot of questions relating to buying and maintaining vehicles here. The following are some of the more common questions asked and I hope the answers can be of some help.

Question #1
Why is there a difference between the tyre pressure recommended by the tyre manufacturer and what is recommended by the vehicle manufacturer?

Answer #1 The vehicle manufacturers tyre pressure is the one you want to go by. They give different pressures for differing tyre sizes; whether the tyre is cross/bias ply and for different load ratings. You have to remember that the vehicle manufacturer has tested the vehicle under differing conditions and has come up with a pressure that gives you a good contact patch with the road surface, good comfort, maximum tyre life and fuel conservation. Also, the pressures stated in the handbook should be regarded as the minimum. The tyre manufacturers’ recommended pressure does not usually vary that much but may take into account different load ratings, etc. What you need to be aware of

is the unofficial pressures given by some tyre vendors, as they can advise a pressure that can cause the tyre to wear out faster!

Question #2
I recently purchased a Land Rover 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?

Answer #2 What you have described are classic symptoms of a vehicle with cross ply tyres fitted. 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 300tdi engine and you could risk them exploding if you travel at a speed of over 80 kph for a long stretch.

Question #3
I have been told by the local mechanics that a thermostat is unnecessary in my engine - is this true?

Answer #3 Having a thermostat fitted is vital as it ensures the engine is running at the correct, even temperature. It regulates the temperature to ensure that it runs at this constantly after the engine has reached operating temp. If it is not fitted then the fluid can easily bypass some parts of the engine, causing uneven temperatures and can lead to accelerated wear. Some engines comprised of dissimilar metals and without thermostats can lead to more severe engine failures. Coolant should also be used to maximize the life of cooling system components such as the thermostat, making them less likely to fail! By all means, take it out as an emergency repair if it fails, but it should be replaced ASAP.

Question #4
Someone told me there are different vehicle specs. What does this mean?

Answer #4
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 conditioning 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 workshops in the area where you are taking the vehicle have the necessary computerised test equipment to service modern vehicles.

Question #5
Do you recommend buying a vehicle with independent front suspension for general driving?

Answer #5 A 4wd vehicle with independent front suspension is more stable on tarmac or a good murram (dirt) road than one with a live axle beam. However, independent suspension is delicate compared to a live axle and is, therefore, easily damaged when travelling on pot-holed and bad murram roads. The repairs are usually expensive. Also, it also has limited capability when used in an extreme off-road situation. Although the roads in Uganda are improving, the majority of are still unsealed, poorly maintained and /or potholed. Therefore, the answer to the question depends on where you are planning to drive the 4x4. If

you are just going to be around Kampala and go off on the occasional safari to a game park, then a carefully driven independent front suspension 4wd will suffice. On the other hand, if you want to be more adventurous and visit the remote parts of the region or regularly travel /operate off-road upcountry, then it is worth the investment to buy a vehicle with an axle beam suspension.

Question #6
I am buying new tyres - should I get tubed or tubeless?

Answer #6
An age-old argument. But it may be only until you find that you've been driving around with a nail in your tyre that you will appreciate the safety benefits of tubeless tyres.

Check to see if your rims are suitable to run tubeless and, if so, I would recommend that you fit them. From a blow out point of view, from running over nails in the road to less heat build up in the tyre, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages by many. But you must run them at the manufacturer's recommended pressure. If under-inflated, you can risk separation from the rim under extreme conditions such as hitting potholes improperly.

If you have a topic or question you would like to see covered in this column, drop me a line: mick(at)oncourse4wd.com. Until the next issue, drive safe, stay safe.