NOTES

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21245, 17 August 1934, Page 8

NOTES

In 1925 only 4 per cent, of cars sold ■ in New Zealand had compression ratioj of more than five to one. To-day, 07 per cent, of cars are more than 5 to 1. while the average compression ratio of 1934 models is 5.7 to one. Maximum engine speeds have increased over the same period, from 2525 revolutions a minute to 3455 revolutions a minute. Many motorists do not realise what a marked effect badly adjusted brakes have on the steering of a car. In an emergency a sudden application of brakes which are out of adjustment will frequently cause one or more wheels to "lock" and skid, thus causing the car to swerve and become uncontrollable. Smooth tyres from which all the tread has been worn are another source of danger, especially on wet roads. Tyres of unequal tread are liable to cause the same trouble as badly adjusted brakes. Headlights are apt to become dim if the contacts are not kept free from corrosion, as a resistance is set up. The contacts are rather difficult to get at, but the following is a simple method of cleaning them. Cut a small disc of sandpaper, about iin in diameter, and attach it with a suitable adhesive to the flat end of a pencil or a piece of dowelling. Remove the bulb, insert the improvised tool into the socket, and turn it against the contacts until they are quite clean. Disturbed political conditions in Europe are causing many industries considerable concern, and the motor industry is not an exception. The fear of civil disturbance and sabotage is so real that several factories built in recent years have been designed with the object of being easily isolated and capable of resisting an armed attack. One such factory is that in which Renault cars are built. The assembly plant of this factory is situated on an island in the middle of the River Seine. It is entirely self-contained, and is connected with the mainland only by a bridge that can be removed in the event of any disturbance. A flat roof extends over the buildings, and is so designed as to enable it to be occupied by machine-gun posts, which could command both sides of the island. Extensive flood-lighting is available should a surprise night attack be feared. The credentials of every person crossing the connecting bridge are carefully examined by the factory police. Owing to the floods which frequently occur, the factory has been built on concrete piles well above the highest flood level recorded. The grease-guu should be applied two or three times to the following nipples every 500 miles. The front axle swivel pins, spring shackle pins—if not of the type it is unnecessary to lubricate—steering track rod, steering drag link, arid to the nipple on trio fan and water pump.