A HINT FOR NOVICES

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 3316, 23 April 1929, Page 2

A HINT FOR NOVICES

FEAR TO DESCEND GRADES.

The bugaboo of descending steep grades probably worries more motorists than any other problem of automobile operation. This is especially true in New Zealand, where there are hilly or mountainous sections. Descending a steep grade need not be a hazardous adventure, provided a few simple rules are observed.

If the grade is exceedingly steep, throw the car into low gear. This offers resistance' of the downward pull, because the rear wheels have to "turn the engine over." Always keep the throttle closed, but do not shut off the ignition, as this is not necessary. Driving down a steep grade in this way not only keeps the car under control, but makes excessive use of the brakes unnecessary, thus diminishing brake wear. To stop the car while descending a grade apply both the brake and the clutch. But if you want to stop suddenly apply both brakes and do not touch the clutch until the car is nearly at a standstill. If the rear wheels start to slide, release the brakes for an instant and then apply them again. When you stop on a grade in the city not only apply the hand brake and leave the lever in reverse gear, but go I further than this to be absolutely safe and turn the front wheels so that one of them rests against the kerb. j

The experience of having your car stall on a grade and start rolling backward need not be nerve-wracking. If this happens when you are on a coun- ; try road let the car back toward the j side of the road and partly across the road. Of eoui'se you cannot do this if there are ditches. If you cannot steer the car to the side of the road and the hand and foot brakes are both necessary to keep the car from rolling, shift into neutral and then try to start your engine. . Open the throttle about onequarter, shift into first and then, just as you let in /the clutch, release the hand brake and the foot brake at the same time. Brakes that work as efficiently in reverse as forward do muc-h to prevent "that panicky feeling" when you are forced to stop on a steep grade.