AVERAGE SPEEDS

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 3 January 1931, Page 12

AVERAGE SPEEDS

HOW TO KEEP THEM FAST

Careful observation lias .shown that in the ordinary way a saloon is much better for fast averages than an open car, assuming, of course, that it is reasonably quiet and that the body is well ventilated. In an open car the occupants often feel the wind, which gives them the impression that they are rushing swiftly through the air, which becomes rather fatiguing after a time. Moreover, should it come on to rain, time is wasted while the hood is erected, not to mention the sidecurtains. The ideal, many consider, is a saloon with a sliding roof. With the modern multi-cylinder engines if is seldom necessary to change gear a great deal in order to put up a good average, even on winding roads, although a car having a silent third

gear of a not very much lower ratio than top is very "pleasant to handle on winding or hilly roads. _ If good averages are to be maintained, the tyres should he changed or retreaded so soon as the tread lias worn smooth, as otherwise wet weather will cause the speed to be reduced. Keeping up a high average speed without indulging in high maximum speeds is an art which comes naturally to some drivers, and is only acquired by others after years of practice. Manufacturers can help, however, toward providing the owner-driver with the means toward getting quickly from point to point by concentrating on safety, comfort ' and liveliness rather than maximum speed.