ECONOMY.
SUGGESTIONS TO DRIVERS.
SELECTION OF FUEL. "When maximum economy in driving costs is desired, it must be remembered that sacrifices in other directions must be made. For instance, greatest economy is not consistent 'with maximum power, flexibility, and acceleration. Where these latter are required it 1b necessary to use a slightly rich mixture —richer than where economy is the sole aim. Most cars are adjusted by the makers with these facts in mind and an average is struck. The first and foremost consideration in economical driving is the selection of the fuel. It is therefore desirable always to use the highest quality spirit available. If for any reason tho petrol consumption remains unsatisfactory the trouble may be traced to one or more of the following causes:—lncorrect carburettor adjustment; incorrect timing of the spark; faulty plugs and incorrect spark gap; incorrect valve tappet adjustment; weak valve springs; pitted valve surfaces; sticky valve stems; poor mechanical condition of the engine. Poor fuel mileage may be caused by too closely adjusted brake bands, retarded ignition, the use of a too heavy grade of engine lubricant, or an oil of inferior quality. Most cars will give the greatest number of miles per gallon when driven at speeds of between 25 and 35 miles an hour without jerky acceleration or the sudden application of brakes. If |)ossible, maintain the accelerator within a very limited range of movement when driving.
Points to Observe. Other points to observe are:— (a) Choke the carburettor only when starting. (b) Open the choice as soon as the engine starts. (c) See that all joints in the petrol system are kept tight and that the carburettor does not leak. (d) Shut off your engine when you leave the car. "Idling" means fuel wasted. (e) Exercise care in driving; unnecessary gear changes mean waste. Keep your tyres inflated at the pressures recommended by the manufacturers. This procedure gives longer life to the tyres and promotes greater fuel mileage. When approaching intersections, turns, or stopping places, release pressure on the accelerator and allow the ear to roll forward on its own momentum, thus again saving fuel. Keep in mind that high speed requires power—it takes four times more pow r er to drive a car at 60 miles an hour than is required to travel at 30 miles an hour. Excessive speed also means higher engine temperatures, with a correspondingly greater oil consumption. ! Lubrication. Further economies can be achieved by paying attention to the subject of lubrication, for example: (a) Make sure that there are no badly-fitting pistons and rings, which cause increased oil consumption. (b) See that no leaks of lubricating oil can occur through ill-fitting .of crankcase or by reason of a leaky gasket. (e) Do not overfill your crankcase, as this results in waste and causes carbon deposit. .
(d) Don't run your car with a cylinder misfiring. This causes crankcase
dilution, necessitating more frequent changing of oil. Chassis lubrication is often neglected. Spring shackles will last much longer if regularly lubricated every 300 miles. Remember that the greatest economy comes from using the highest grade fuel and oil obtainable. The use of inferior grades is only false economy.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19320812.2.23.6
Bibliographic details
Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 12 August 1932, Page 6
Word Count
529ECONOMY. Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 12 August 1932, Page 6
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.