Auto Gossip

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31635, 22 March 1968, Page 7

Auto Gossip

by

A. J. P.

Check the Tyres The old advice to check tyres thoroughly about every 1000 miles is still good. When my tyres were checked recently I was sure they were in top condition. But there, in the middle of the tread of a rear tyre, was a hole the size of a 5c piece—probably made by a piece of glass. Even the tyre cords were cut through. A blow-out would have been almost certain after another 500 miles. On the open road it could have been disastrous. Not Worth The Risk Next time you are cruising fast on the open road, consider what would happen if a tyre blew out A tyre is best

checked off the car, but it would be optimistic to expect owners to do this every 1000 miles. The next best thing is to jack up each wheel and check carefully both the inside wall and the tread for any deep cuts or imbedded objects. If you find a really bad cut, think very carefully before having the tyre repaired. If a tyre expert advises against repair, then discard the tyre. It is not worth risking a high-speed blowout which could bring disaster to you and to some other road-user. Light Trouble Many drivers in Christchurch may be unaware that their reversing lights are not working properly—the lights are going on when reverse gear is selected, all right, but they are also going on when forward gears are selected. In the last few weeks I have seen many cars about the city with their reversing lights flashing on and off as the drivers changed up through the gears.

Adjustment The trouble is mainly found on cars which have a column gear-change, and this is because of the type of switch used with such gear-changes. The switch itself is usually fastened to the lower part of the steering column, and when reverse is selected a small plate attached to the rod from the gear-lever presses on the switch. But if the switch and its plate are not accurately positioned, they can also come in contact when some other gears are selected. How to Check There is really only one reliable way to check your reversing light system for this fault, and that is to have someone stand behind the car while you go through all the gears. But do not forget that in most models you must have the ignition switched on before the reversing light will work. In a few cars the parking light must also be switched on. Quote of the Week “Good road sense and a foundation of prudent behaviour on the roads cannot begin at too early an age. Parents can train the youngest children by example.”—From an editorial in “Road Safety”.