DRIVING CARE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 3401, 2 August 1932, Page 2

DRIVING CARE.

EFFECT OF MAINTENANCE. The effect a careful driver has on maintenance costs is not generally realised. I have in mind not so much the one whose method of driving is conducive to long life of his charge, says R. G. Tolley, in Motor Transport, but rather the man, who, besides driving, makes those timely adjustments and investigations which have such an influence on upkeep and running expenses. The driver who will correct a derangement, or detect an incipient defect in good time, -can save his employer, or himself if he owns the vehicle, considerable expenditure, both as regards maintenance and the keeping of the vehicle at work by reason of its fitness.

The driver who takes an interest in his vehicle will, without fail, check the contents of the radiator, and see that the engine oil is at the correct high level each day before starting work. He will also check the levels in the gear-box and axle at stated intervals.

The time has not yet arrived when it will be unnecessary to mention ignition apparatus and carburettors, so the careful driver will see that the sparking plug leads are securely attached to the plugs by terminal nuts or clips, and that the carburettor is not leaking. It is advisable to examine the water hose connections before each day's run; the clips may require tightening, or the hose may be about to fail. One can be badly stranded with a burst hose. The careful driver will also inspect the fuel pipe-line, so far as is reasonably possible; leaks at the unions or tap may have developed during the previous day's work. If a leak, however small, be found, which he cannot rectify himself, it should receive proper attention at the earliest opportunity. Tyres. Neglect of tyres is most expensive. They should be examined each morning to see if there is any obvious loss of air. To check the airpressure with a gauge every day is not necessary, but this should be done once a week without fail. Tyres sometimes become cut accidentally, and a bad cut may be dangerous. It is not suggested that the wheels should be jecked for the daily inspection. All that is required is a quick look at each tyre; a more careful examination should be made when the air pressures are ascertained. I During the day at a convenient halt

the careful driver will feel the brake drums. It is easy to judge whether any heating of the drums is due to binding shoe anchorage or operating gear or whether jt is due to normal braking.

Every careful driver will carry an oilcan in his kit. Such parts as brake road joints and hand-brake lever ratchet and pawl require adequate lubrication.

Brake shoe facings should be re placed in good time. The careful driver can tell when re facing is due by the position of the camshaft levlevers, the travel of the brake pedal, and the remaining available adjustment. It is wiser to reface the shoes rather too frequently than to leave it until the lack of braking makes the need obvious. Oil Leakages. During the day's work, when there is a minute or two to spare, the careful driver will look round his vehicle for such a defect as oil leakage from the engine, gear-box, and axle. With leakage through the gear box there may be too much lubricant, bearings may be worn, or oil-retaining devices may be defective. With a well maintained modern vehicle the engine, gear-box and axle-case should be quite free from oil leakage. After a very considerable mileage has been covered, a small leakage through the gear-box bearings is excusable, but such an escape should not be allowed to develop. There is no excuse for oil leakage from a well-designed engine or axle case. If air release valves are fitted to the gear-box and axle-case, they should be kept clean. The careful driver will never let a day pass without making a quick inspection of the steering gear connections of his vehicle; drop arm attachment, ball pin nuts, and track rod joints should be looked at.

Brakes should be tried every time on starting work to see that they are effective. If any defect is found the day's work should not be proceed ed with until it is remedied. More accidents are caused by inefficient and unbalanced brakes than is generally realised. The careful driver will replenish the sump without spilling oil, and he will occasionally put a spanner on the nuts holding the sump, in case these need tightening. The careful driver will note any unusual noise produced by his vehicle, a'nd endeavour to locate the cause as soon as possible. Body bolts occasionally become loose, silencer baffle plates sometimes come adrift, valve tappets require adjustment, and wing stay bolts require tightening. Fuel Consumption. The careful driver will keep a record of fuel used and mileage covered. The latter, unless a speedometer is carried, may be only approximate, but can be sufficiently correct to give an indication of too great a fuel consumption. Any increase above the average should be investigated as soon as discovered; there is always a reason for a departure from an average. Gradually increasing fuel consumption may be caused by cylinder wall and piston ring wear, leaking valves and choked silencer. Sudden increase may be due to fuel leakage, from tank}, taps, pipe onions, or carburettor.

Not ma'ny people appear to realise the advantages of properly lubricated road springs. It is not easy to ensure that lubrication is effective between the spring leaves, but if the leaves are allowed to become rusty and dry the life of the vehicle will be shortened. The careful driver will occasionally place a jack under the frame, so that the springs are relieved of load, and lubricate between the leaves as effectively as possible.