MOTOR REPAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 January 1926, Page 13

MOTOR REPAIRS.

1.1 CENSING MKCHANICS. DANGER OF THE UNSKILLED. Efforts are being made by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce to protect the ear-owning public | by tlxc raising of the status of motor mechanics, says the Herald. The Melbourne chamber holds the view that the owner of an expensive pieev of machinery like a motor-car should have' some assurance that the personnel of the garage to which be cakes it when repairs and adjustments are necessary is capable of doing the work properly. Many good cars have been ruined through tbe haphazard methods of some garages. It is suggested that facilities should be afforded for the issue of certificates or diplomas of proficiency in automob'de servicing and repair. The Working Men's College authorities are being appealed to provide these facilities. and the formation of a Board of Examiners, comprising leading engineers. is mentioned. TRADE UNDER STIGMA. Tn a statement issued by the secretary of tbe Chamber (Mr E. K. \ arcoe) it is pointed out that there are workshops and garages in which the motor owner cannot leave his car in full confidence that it nil l receive th e benefit of expert workmanship and skillet, knowledge. The result of this, the statement continues, is that the whole of the trade is under a stigma caused by the incompetence or .short-sightedness of a small minority. It is common knowledge that every garage or workshop does not emp’oy at least one man who can faithfully- bo classed as a skilled and efficient! motor mechanic. No car owner is certain when he leaves his car for repairs at a strange garage whether lie wil> get a square deal or whether someone is going to experiment oil the vehicle at the owner’s expense. “Police court cases in which car owners are sued ior refusing to pay what they consider excessive repair charges are common.” proceeds the statement. VALUE OF REGISTRATION. , ‘•This should not be, and would net occur it the car owner could be encouraged to take his machine to an establishment employing registered competent men who wifi diagnose troubles and give a written estimate of costs on the spot. . , .. ‘•Tlie purpose of the association s elforts is to give competent men the recognition they deserve and cause others to qualify or accept their proper position in the trade. ‘‘The danger to life and lirnb to tho user of a badlv repaired car is infinitely <>renter than that to the man whose household plumbing is defective—yet, plumbers are compulsorily licensed. The chamber proposes that mechanics should be divided into grades according to experience and ability. A. high standard is suggested. Thus, an A grade man would be required to satisfy the Board of Examiners that he was a motor mechanic of seven years’ standing, and for at least two years ms' a foreman mechanic or classified charge hand. Further, he would be required to undergo an examination if considered necessary.

THE USE OF BRAKES. Both foot and hand brakes operate on drums fitted to tlic back wheels. The foot brake wi.. usually be found handiest to use. On that account it should bo made a practice to use the lianlbrake when time permits, so that when emergent*v does arise, both brakes can bo used together, easily and naturally, and, furthermore, this practice ensures even wear on both pairs of brakes. The hand-brake should always be used on bad hills.