SERVICE HINTS.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1141, 24 July 1930, Page 7

SERVICE HINTS.

CARE OP THE CAR. Never coast downgrade with the ignition turned off. Doing so will send raw petrol into the cylinders* where it washes off the film, of oil between the pistpn head and cylinder walls, and this means damage to the engine. To speed up the car intermittently in order to pass other cars on a crowded highway not only increases the danger of driving but causes increased petrol consumption and rapid tyre wear. More accidents occur at street intersections than at other points, and for this reason drivers should exercise care when approaching a crossing. Being certain that the car is in first-class condition, driving at a moderate rate of speed, and being prepared for any emergency, are the three important rules to consider for driving a car in safety. Some accidents can be avoided by keeping the rear window clean. A dirty glass obstructs the rear view. A square of old oilcloth is very useful in the garage. When the need arises for crawling under the car it is both cleaner and more comfortable than the floor to lie upon, and it can be used to preserve the bench when such jobs as. decarbonising are being carried out. It will be found quite satisfactory to work on, as, unlike paper, it does not catch in pro-

jecting parts and ruck up, while it can very easily be wiped with a rag damped with petrol when the job is completed. Should a car figure in a mishap, even to a light bump, it should be taken to a competent service station for a check of alignment of wheels, axles, frames, etc. Serious damage may sometimes result even to a sturdily-built car from an apparentlylight blow. It sometimes happens that one has to use a split pin which has been removed from a job when dismantling, in which case the pin legs will most likely have spread. Difficulty is found in closing the legs, the mere gripping with the pliers being insufficient. If the pin be gripped by the legs and given a smart blow on the head with a hammer it will assume a straight condition.