NEW SURFACING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 46, 3 December 1938, Page 5

NEW SURFACING

A NOVEL EXPERIMENT. ADVANTGAE EXPECTED. A novel exp/tvimont in road surfacing is being tried out hv the Pennsylvania Department of Highways. A section of road has been laid clown in cement with corrugation not unlike the imprint of the tread of a motor tyre in soft soil. The pattern was moulded into the wet concrete nv mats, which also absorbed excess water from the cream-like cement. The theory is that water, remaining in the ordinary cement, leaves air cells after drying, making the concrete porous and more susceptible to disintegration. The new surface is three inches thick, and was laid without reinforcement, over an old concrete road which Mail deteriorated under heavy traffic.

The corrugations, which are set close together to prevent rough riding, produce a slight humming sound when automobiles are driven at speed over the patterned cement surface. Advantages expected from the new process include further protection from skidding in all weather conditions and reduction of glare. The life expectancy of this type of road surface will, it is believed, be far greater than with any bituminous resurfacing, thus effecting a reduction of maintenance costs.

It is stated that the results of the experiment are being studied carefully by highway engineers and road builders in United States.

HOW TO SAVE FUEL. THIRTEEN USEFUL POINTS. 1. Unnecessarily heavy pressure on the accelerator should he avoided. In efficient carburettors this pumps more fuel into the cylinder than can be converted into power. 2. Valve tappets should lie properly set. 3. Standard ignition setting in distributor points. 4. Spark plugs should lie clean ana gaps set to standard recommended spacing. 5. Coil and condensor should tost properly. 6. Brakes should- he free from drag. Wheels should not- he tight on spindles. 7. Be sure the rear axle housing is free. 8. In motor, tiansmission, aria differential use recommended oil.

9. A motor temperature of ISO deg. Fahrenheit is the most economical point at which to operate a car. 10. Motor should idle as low as possible without a miss in the movement of the throttle. 11. To synchronise the main needle adjustment, turn down until motor quits firing, then turn up gently until the motor again hits on all four when the throttle is opened gently. 12. Set ignition timing on flywheel to the proper mark. 13. Be sure tyres are inflated to proper pressure. DO NOT ASSIST THIEVES. CARRY IGNITION KEY. As many motorists know, the risk of having their vehicles taken by unauthorised persons from parking places is still a contingency which every owner should guard against. Motorists do not realise that they have it in their power to protect themselves against the inconvenience which they would suffer if their car were unlawfully taken. It is found that in most cases of unlawful conversion of motor vehicles the way has been made easy for removal of the vehicle because the owner of the vehicle has left his ignition key in the lock. Motorists who leave their cars at night time, particularly in badly-lighted thoroughfares, should make sure that the car doors are locked and the windows closed, and that the ignition key is not in the lock. Ihe same remark about the ignition key applies to vehicles left in private gaiages, as there have been plenty of instances of cars having been stolen from private garages.