FOR THE HOME GARAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 31, 7 February 1928, Page 19

FOR THE HOME GARAGE.

WHEN WASHING A CAR. Washing a car in the approved fashion with hose and so on is most essentially a "labour of but if it is desired to do it thoroughly it is a mistake not to remove each of the four running wheels in tuin so that access c&n be gained readily to the under parts of the wings, springs and so on. The inner sides C of the wheels also can be dealt with in a minimum of time and with the least amount of trouble. Incidentally, the periodical removal of wheels prevents the tendency of some types to "gum up," a condition which may lead to long delays on the road when a driver is perhaps in a hurry and has to change a wheel. A FLICKERING SIDE LAMP. Sometimes it happens that a side lamp, especially if single wiring be employed, will start a most irritating flickering owing to a loose connection in the lamp-holder. To make a proper repair of this means dismantling the holder, which is a diflicult job to °do in the dark by the roadside. A good temporary '"'get home" palliative is to bend the flexible lead about until a position is found in which a steady light is obtained, and to tie it in this position by means of string, wire, or insulating tapa. LOOK AFTER THE BATTERY. Such advances have been made in battery operation that under ordinary circumstances the motorist's only worry in connection with that accessory is to keep it filled with distilled water. However, engine troubles may develop from other causes, such as carburation, ignition, etc-, which may cause ths car owner to put too much strain upon his accumulator, with the possibility of running it down. Just because the batery has been perfected to such an extent that its charging is automatic under ordinary circumstanes, it is unwise to neglect this useful adjunct to modern motoring comfort.

CARE OF THE "SPARE." Do not forget that new spare tyre, fully blown lip and supposedly ready for the compulsory stop that ever hangs over the heads of us all. In other words, give it a spin from time to time, or else when you are forced to prise it adrift from its perch you may find such too perished for use. Bear in mind the fact that light and heat are more destructive to rubber than use. Therefore change it with a tyre on active service on the front wheels occasionally, as this will flex the rubber and keep'it young. This short use on these wheels will wear the tread but little. Tyres as spares should especially in this country, never be carried so that the sun can shine upon them. Their place is inside a stiong. light, or dust-coloured cover, or, better still, carried in a dark chamber inside the rear panelling of the car.

CAUSES OF OVER HEATING. The most delicate and the most expensive part of the automobile is, of course, the engine; yet, as it is hidden from your eyes as you drive, anything can happen to its internal workings unless a certain amount of precaution is taken. How many motorists know that there are 16 ways or causes of over-heating an engine? Set forth briefly, they are: Radiator leaks, broken water pumps, rotting of the rubber hose connections, choked water passages, cylinder friction, loose oil pipe connections, clogged strainers, broken oil pumps, worn piston rings, driving with a retarded spark, improper timing, improper carburettor adjustment, broken fan belts and clogged mufflers.

WATCH FOR LOOSE GRAVEL.

Loose gravel or wet clay will cause a car to skid at times at the least touch of the brake. ~ . . _____