ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF 1936 MODELS

Evening Star, Issue 22229, 6 January 1936, Page 11

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF 1936 MODELS

Although it is not expected that there will be any_ radical changes in the electrical equipment of the 193 G models, certain improvements are expected, to judge from advance details of the cars which were exhibited at the great Olympia Motor Show in London. One of the best-known manufacturers of electrical accessories has introduced several improvements which are indicative . of the general trend towards the simplifying of lay-out fiombined with greater efficiency. The cables used for the wiring are encased in insulating covers of different colours so that the mechanic can easily identify, the various circuits, and the risk of a wrong connection being made in the course of an overhaul is thus minimised. Great care has also been taken to protect all wiring against chafing, and rubber bushes are used to shield the wiring at all points where it passes across the chassis frame or bodywork. Bell-mouth clips have also been introduced as a safeguard at points where the cables need support, and the insulation might be worn by prolonged friction. Last year car dynamos having an entirely automatic control of output came into favour, and in 1936 models they are conspicuous. The system is known as “ compensated

voltage control,” and has been further improved, so that the generator can deliver a high output to a discharged battery during daytime running, and is protected from possible overload due to the use of extra lamps and accessories. It is explained that this security is obtained “by splitting the series winding of the regulator into two parts; one carrying the dynamo output as before, while the other is connected in series with the lamps, ignition, and accessory load.” The effect of this arrangement is to allow the dynamo to give its maximum output with a discharged battery with no lamp load, as well as when the lamps are in use, but any excessive lamp or accessory load causes the regulator to limit the output of the dynamo to its safe maximum. Among other refinements of design are Ventilation of the generator obtained by the incorporation of fan blades in the driving pulley, and reinforcement of the partitions between the cells of the battery. Some batteries have prismatic indicators, which enable the motorist to see at a glance the level of the electrolyte by looking into small windows which are provided in the top of each cell.

Terminals which defy corrosion, due t 6 the creeping of the acid solution, are also supplied. The desire to simplify the inspection and maintenance of the car seems to have prompted those entrusted with the designing of the electrical equipment of British models for 1936, and such a policy will doubtless be welcomed by every motorist. TIPS TO TOURISTS [Compiled by General Motors New Zealand Limited in the hope that they will be of assistance to motorists in their holiday touring.] SAFE DRIVING. Alertness is the chief requirement for the driver on a holiday tour. He does not know the road and its hazards, he is unfamiliar with local traffic customs, and at any moment he may be called upon to cope with a- situation that he is not accustomed to meeting in his ordinary driving. Therefore, if he does not concentrate on his job he is much more likely to have a mishap than wTien he is travelling the old familiar roads around his home. Most driving over accustomed routes is done sub-consciously; the driver slows down for curves and busy intersections, halts at stop streets, and observes the traffic lights, without giving thought to them, This is the safest condition of driving, because it permits the man at the wheel to he on the alert for any unusual development. Since he does so many of the necessary things from force of habit, he is better able to act when the unexpected happens. On the holiday tour, over strange highways, the driver must consciously direct his mind to warning signs, crossings, curves, steep grades, etc., and it is on this kind of drive, when he needs all his attention on the road, that he is most subjected to distraction. He has to observe the scenery, keep an eye on the youngsters, converse with the wife, see that the baggage remains in place, and look after a dozen things that in ordinary driving cause him no concern. The first rule of safe touring for the driver, therefore, is to keep constantly on the alert. The rule for the passenger is to avoid distracting the driver from his main job. Passengers a positive help if they tried. They can call out “ Green ” or “ Red ” as the car approaches a traffic signal, just as the locomotive fireman calls out the signals to the engineer; they can do • the watching Jor and reading of the road signs, follow maps, and _ call attention to warnings and stop signs, and in many ways relieve the driver of some of his burden. Inexperience is a frequent source of trouble, but ignorance is no excuse. The good driver will take special precautions that may not be needed, rather than to go ahead and trust that none will be necessary. For instance, if he is starting down a grade in mountainous country he will shift to a lower gear in advance. If he is entering a curve he will slow down and be prepared if the road suddenly takes a sharp bend. If he parks his car on a stiff grade he will leave it in low rather than trust to his hand brake. “ Take nothing for granted ” is an excellent rule for the tourist driver. He should not assume that all is clear around the bend of the road or just over the crest of a hill—he should not even count on what other drivers will do. The one safe assumption about drivers, in fact, is that they will do the wrong thing. If you anticipate that they will you’ll save a lot of trouble.