SHE SAYS ...

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32215, 6 February 1970, Page 11

SHE SAYS ...

How many women motorists consider themselves competent enough to diagnose what is wrong when their car stops and the engine will not run? Few, I imagine. Simple diagnosis is not usually taught to those learning to drive, and I would wish to see a short but comprehensive technical section included in any driving course, for women as well as men. If you are stranded at any time, first check the fuel gauge and the fuel supply. I have heard of women, in particular, being quite unaware when their car stopped running that the sole reason was lack of petrol—they had not even looked at the gauge. Some motorists, again particularly women, seem to drive about on a nearly empty tank with the excuse that they can afford to put in only a little fuel at a time. This may be so, but why riot keep the tank at a reasonable level, or at least keep a close check on the gauge.

The next thing to do if the engine will not run is to check the electrical side. If the starter motor is working briskly it can be assumed the battery is probably all right If a spark plug lead is held a bit less than a quarter of an inch from the plug, and the starter is operated with the ignition on, there should be a good, blue spark. If not, the ignition Is at fault If you are blissfully unaware of where the various leads and terminals are, then find out It takes only a minute for a mechanicallyminded person to point these out to you. You may find the trouble in your car is a loose lead, and be able to tighten it and get going again. But even if you cannot fix the trouble yourself, it is definitely useful to be able to tell the garage or a helpful fellow motorist that the trouble is clearly in the ignition, or because there is a fuel blockage.