WORTH KNOWING.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 12 January 1929, Page 12

WORTH KNOWING.

* CARE OF THE CLUTCH. Intelligent use 'by drivers of the clutch cam do more -to- lengthen its life than good eoinstruction in the factory. Proper engaging and disengaging at the correct time, and intelligent use of the gear shift, will materially lengthen its activity period. Never drive -with the foot poised on the clutch pedal-, for this tends to keep the clutch partially disengaged, encourages- slipping, and damages -the clutch through overheating. Never “slip” -the clutch -to aid the, engine in pulling over ;a- hill in top gear. Never coast with the clutch out untill certain that it is fully disengaged, and the engine is idling. If the clutch is disengaged-, the- ammeter should show discharge. Considerable l damage cap be done to the transmission, clutch, universa-ls and differential by coasting downhill with the clutch disengaged, especially' if engaged suddenly -after the car has -gained momentum. Never race the engine and engage the cl-utch when -the rear wheels are caught in mud and sand-.

It is easy to- tell when- a clutch is -grabbing, -but, if it slips, most motorists seem unaware of their plight. -To test fo-r slipping, simply set t-he -emergency brake, and t let the -clutch in slowly whi-l-e /the engine is running, and the--gears are in low. The engine should stall instantly if -the -clutch is (right. Most clutches now have a simple adjustment to increase the. clutch plate or -disc pressure as slipping -develops.