Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31154, 2 September 1966, Page 9

Auto Gossip

by

A.J.P.

walk so that ground clearance is increased. Sagging Some cars scrape rough roads too easily because the springs have sagged or the shock absorbers have become badly worn. On bad going, an inch extra ground clearance can make all the difference and might prevent serious damage, so it is well worth while making sure shock absorbers are in good condition. If necessary, have extra leaves fitted to the rear springs. You can test shock absorbers by bouncing one corner of the car. When you stop bouncing, the car should give a couple of movements and then stop. If it continues to move the shock absorbers probably need attention. Sometimes, when travelling behind an older car on the road, I have seen it hit a bump and continue to bounce for about 50 yards afterwards: this is a sure sign of defective shock absorbers. Wrong Name

Strictly speaking, it is wrong to call these devices

shock absorbers: the correct title is “dampers,” which is also more descriptive of the work they do. They do not really absorb shocks (that is the job of the springing) but they do damp caused by the reaction of the car body and chassis to the shocks. Now, however, “shock absorber” is so widely used that it is completely accepted, except by some engineers. Window Film Sticky blue-tinted film, which forms inside car windows and increases dazzle at night, apparently does not all come from diesel fumes and cigarette-puffing passengers. An expert in the United States recently revealed that much of the film is caused by the breathing of modern plastic upholstery, which particularly when hot, gives off chemical fumes which tend to form window film. Now scientists have produced a slightly different upholstery material which does not exude vapours. Quote of the Week “Driving instruction must be concentrated on teaching people to control their vehicle, not just to obey a set of rules.” —from an editorial in the “Motor.”