TYRE WEAR.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 January 1929, Page 13

TYRE WEAR.

WATCH USE, OF BRAKES. Judging lTom tlie methods adopted by many oi the more recent recruns to the lames oi motor-users when stopping and starting, either in traffic or out on tlie open road, one cannot but reel that they have not seriously considered the great saving winch they can ehect in tyre expenditure by the way in which tney stop and start tlieir cars. Modern cars are now nearly all equipped with iour-wneel brakes, and modern engines are extremely nexiole and capable oi rapid acceleration. These two factors, m the hands oi thoughtless drivers, are to-day costing many thousands or pounds, worth oi needless loss in the shape of undue tyre wear. The fact that a car with really good four-wheel brakes can be driven at 25 miles per hour and pulled up in a lew leet does not mean that this method should be adopted more than is absolutely necessary. It is, of course, of tlie greatest possible advantage to be able to pull up quickly when the necessity arises, and it is equally important, especially in some awkward trailic conditions, to be able to accelerate with speed in order to get out of an awkward or dangerous position. The point which should be more generally appreciated -by drivers is that tiiis sudden stopping and accelerating can only be effected through tlie tyres, and that the strain on the tyres under such conditions is tremendous, and very far in excess of any strain which can be put upon them by even high speeds when the car is progressing at a regular rate. Tyre wear to every motorist is a i matter of £ s d. it can be increased j or diminished at least 5() per cent, by the methods adopted by the driver when stopping and starting. It has been proved that a pair of exactly similar tyres on exactly similar cans may in one case last thousands ol miles more than tlie other, and it lias been proved that nothing will shorten the effective life of a tyre quicker than the constant strain of sudden ■ stopping and starting. To drive up at speeU close -behind the other fellow and then jamb on the brakes, or to- rev. up the engine and start off in second, may be exhilarating, but it is also ) costly, for it can only he done at the expense of excessive tyre wear. One of the world’s most experienced drivers has given Iris opinion that the best drivers are those who use tlieir brakes least. It might also be added that any driver who lias any regard for the life of his tyres will recognise that the second lie saves by quick accelera--1 tion from a standing start is dearly ■ paid for in tyre value. The reasonable driver will refrain from either sudden stopping or rapid accelatioii, .and by so doing lie will save both the j mechanism of liis car and his cheque j book.