AUTOMATIC TYRE PRESSURE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 4844, 12 May 1936, Page 3

AUTOMATIC TYRE PRESSURE.

Motorists of the old school sometimes complain that the mechanism of present-day cars has become too complex, and that the automobile, apart from the need of steering on its course, is developing into a robot, states a writer in an Australian exchange. In spite of that view, any dependable review which will prevent the errors into which a majority of car owners are prone to fall, should be welcomed by motorists. The persistent warnings given by manufacturers regarding the importance of maintaining correct tyre pressures has prompted one of the best known manufacturers of tyre valves to produce an apparatus which enables the pressure of the tyres to be checked and controlled by the driver. The system, which, although still in an experimental stage, has been thoroughly tested in everyday service, is said to b dependable and uncomplicated. Control of the tyre pressure is secured through a rotating pressure joint attached to, or incorporated in the hub of the wheel so that tubular leads can be taken to the valve of the inner tube and to the pressure gauge and the pump, installed in the car. Thus, the driver can see at all times what is the degree of inflation of each tyre, and if a manual or automatic pump is provided, can at once correct any error.

The fitting review has not yet been put forward as a standard accessory, but it seems to have an interesting future. In a report supplied it is stated that, according to the apparatus fitted, “pressures may be manually or automatically deflated, the pressure can be held in the other to an adequate amount to prevent injury and permit limited use until the punctured tyre can be changed. It is stated that the joint on the wheel hub is very simple, has few parts., and will withstand severe service for long Should a tyre fail it can be removed with little more trouble than that ordinarily involved. At present the greatest potential benefit of this continuous inflation system seems to be associated with the upkeep of the tyres of motor trucks and omnibuses, and especially those of large vehicles which have dual tyres.