CARE OF THE CAR

Hawera Star, Volume L, 14 February 1931, Page 13

CARE OF THE CAR

POINTS TO WATCH. KNO INK START I NO. Difficult engine starting can sometimes he traced to a weak magneto, the current generated being unable to produce sufficiently vigorous sparks at the plug points. Decreasing the plug gap may help matters, but it is claimed that m an emergency a start can be obtained if the plug points are liberally coated with graphite by being rubbed with a lead pencil. This is said to decrease the resistance offered by the plugs, thus enabling a reasonably intense spark to jump the .points. So ■soon as the engine starts it will generally be found that if it is kept revving the weak magneto will function moderately well. It should, of course, bo repaired as soon as possible. CL 15ANING WINDSCREENS. When a windscreen glass becomes spotted with tar or any other substance not readily removed by washing, the usual practice is to scrape the spots with a pen-knife or with a safety-razor blade. This is a quite satisfactory method, but there is just the risk that the glass may be scratched by the steel, and it is recommended. therefore, that the edge of a copper coin should be used for scraping. . Alternatively, of course, a small piece of sheet- copper can be shaped specially for the purpose.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. A short circuit frequently causes more trouble in the electrical system than a loosened connection or an open circuit. Short circuits may be caused by a worn or oil-soaked wire or defects in the units themselves. They are also found at the ends of the wires and binding posts. The ends or terminals of the wires are necessarily bare, and often they are bent or attached to their binding posts in such a manner that a small portion comes into contact with the metal case or instrument of the engine.

VALUE OF AMMONIA. Amongst those little items that are well worth keeping in tlie garage is a hot tie of ammonia. It takes up little room, and may well be the means or saving a suit of clothes from ruin if acid is spilled on them. Ammonia is a powerful alkali anti neutralises acid, so that, if it is applied immediately. it not only prevents unsightly brown stains but saves the cloth from being burnt by the acid.

COLD CREAM. . A jar oi' cold cream, carried in one lof the pockets of the car, along with a large cloth, is especially useful for women who are compelled to change a tyre on the road when there is no (water available to wash the hands. The cream will prevent the grime from working into the skin. jit ESTOuING FADED CPHO.LSTER Y ' Imitation leather upholstery, if it i,e of a dark shade, can be success,uiiy restored when faded. The first! step is to remove all dust and dirt by thorough brushing, paying particular attention to the folds in the material. The entire surface is then rubbed over with a rag dipped in Condy’s fluid or in a permanganate of potash solution. It is claimed that very satisfactory results can be obtained by the method. V ACUUM FEED. W'nen the main fuel tank of a car .ittecl with a vacuum feed runs dry, it may happen that a supply of fuel poured into the float chamber will b« insufficient to run the engine long enough to draw fuel into the vacuum tank from the replenished main tank. The difficulty can be overcome by rei moving the vacuum pipe between the tank and the induction manifold and sucking the fuel through with the? mouth, the lips being applied, of I course, to the end of the vacuum pipe. I The construction of the vacuum tank makes it impossible for the operator to draw petrol into his mouth, but it will be found that the tank can be rapidly filled in this manner. STEERING- GEAR. Few motorists give the attention to the steering gear of their cars which this part of the mechanism demands, it is wonderful testimony to the care and attention taken in manufacture that one so .seldom hears of serious accidents due to steering gear failures. But even if there are no serious accidents, this neglect has some effect in reducing the efficiency of the steering I gear. If it is left unlubricated it will make cornering and general manoeuvring of the car decidedly -‘heavy.’’ Spring shackle bolts when too tight; will cause the car to ride bard, and there is also the possibility of breaking a spring leaf due in impaired flexibility. Remove and reset rear springs if they should cause the frame of the ear in ‘bump flic axle housing. A carburettor cannot be adjusted properly if the spark plug is not correct. An extra fan belt in the car is a good investment. The tool kit should never be neglected. no matter how well built is the car. Breakdowns, like accidents, come without warning at all times.