KEEPING A CAR IN GOOD ORDER

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4953, 9 February 1937, Page 3

KEEPING A CAR IN GOOD ORDER

The following article is one of a series taken from a booklet entitled “I Drive Safely,” published by the International, Harvester Company in an endeavour to reduce the number of highway accidents that are at present taking such a tremendous toll of life and property. Failure to maintain mechanical equipment properly may void all that engineers have done in the interest of safety. Here are some good rules to follow:

Make regular and systematic brake inspection a habit. Many vehicles skid because of unequal division of braking power. There is an art in applying brakes properly. For instance, in going down an ordinary hill, it is best to leave the clutch engaged and close the gasoline throttle. This helps to cool the engine and also make it unnecessary to use the brake so much. In going down steep hills or when descending ordinary hills with a heavy load put the gears in intermediate or low speed at the top of the hill and leave the clutch engaged. Close the gasoline throttle, but do not shut off the ignition.

Proper maintenance of the steering mechanism is especially important. It should be inspected frequently. In making adjustments, it is best to turn the wheels to the extreme right or left. Parts are worn less in these positions than when straight ahead. A close adjustment at straight ahead position may cause binding at the angle position. -

Systematic lubrication, . with the correct oil or grease for each chassis part is not only important in preventive maintenance but is a not-to-be-overlooked safety factor as well. Regular inspection of every chassis part and unit, when required adjustments should be made, is excellent safety insurance and will also save many pounds in maintenance costs. Bodies and cabs should also be inspected regularly. Loose nuts have been known to cause a lot of trouble. It is not enough to have headlights and tail-lights. To be efficient they must be in proper adjustment and not create a positive hazard for the oncoming driver. Truck vibration easilly changes the tilt and focal adjustments; frequent tests and readjustments are necessary.

Always carry a spare bulb for your headlights, the same as you do a spare tyre. If you break the lens, tie a transparent paper or cloth over the headlight until the lens can be replaced. This will eliminate glare and protect the reflector.