COST OF FAST DRIVING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 79, 16 March 1935, Page 13

COST OF FAST DRIVING

Interesting Experiments Quite apart from the risks which might arise, unduly fast driving is costly because of the effects which it produces on tyre and petrol mileage, and the wear and tear of the chassis. The owner who wishes to obtain long and trouble-free service from his car does not drive it “flat out’’ whenever a safe stretch of road entices him to increase speed, but is content to keep up a fair average pace and. preferably, that which he has learnt by experience is the one at which the engine purrs sweetly at moderate throttle. While it is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules for every type of car, it ; s interesting to note the results of independent experiments made by European and American engineers. These tests, it is reported, revealed that operating costs were sometimes more than trebled when an average speed of 55 m.p.h. was maintained, as compared with one of 35 m.p.h. Tyre wear and petrol consumption were found to be frequently doubled at a rate of some 50 m.p.h. as compared with one not exceeding 35 m.p.h., and other expenses of running were increased proportionately. It is not suggested that the figures quoted are applicable every ease, as a great deal <Lfpends on the make of car and the nature of t' v road, but motorists who habitually drive fast might bear the general -ta[< • inent in mind and realise that good fuel and tyre mileages and longevity of the engine are incompatible with ruthb'.-s : speeding.

When applying the hand-brake the I effort can be reduced by the applies- | tion also of the footbrake. Similarly, 1 assistance will be given in releasing ti e i hand-brake is the foot brake is depressed at the same time.