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"SAFETY FIRST CAMPAIGN"

ARE YOUR BRAKES EFFECTIVE?

(Contributed bv tiie Mana.wa.tu Auto-

mobile Association.)

L it were possible to obtain lull and accurate statistics relating to the cause of accidents, it is probable that a large percentage would lie found to he initialed by badly adjusted brakes. 1 nder the motor regulations it is an offence for any person to drive a motor vehicle weighing less than three tons, inclusive of the load it is carrying, with a foot brake that will not bring a vehicle to a standstill within 50ft or a hand brake with a stopping ability of 751 1; in both cases from a speed of 20 miles per hour. This regulation allows an ample margin, and most cars with brakes in j reasonably fair order should l>e able to comply with this condition. It does j not follow, however, that they are efficient. In the first place, it is seldom that a careful driver finds it necessary to apply his brakes to anything near the lull extent on dry roads. They may appear to respond perfectly; there is iittie to indicate that one or more of the brake drums is taking less of the load than the other. Therefore, the driver is lulled into a false sense of security. However, the slightest variation in adjustment may prove a dangerous factor to safe driving on roads with a slippery surface, or loose metal. The gripping power of tho tyres or the friction between the tyres and the road is considerably reduced. It follows that, because of tho lesser resistance between the tyres and the road surface, should the adjustment of any particular brake hand he too -evere tiie wheel "ill stop revolving, with perhaps only half the brake pressure which would be required to produce the same effect under good road condi t ions. It is not our intention to include in this article the procedure to adopt to obtain the utmost efficiency from various types of brakes, on account of the different mechanical construction. However, there are many ways of securing balanced action. The oldfashioned wa.y to jack up the wheels' is to place a piece of wood lie- ' tween the brake pedal and the seat ! and adjust the brakes until it re-! quires about the same force to turn j each of the wheels by hand, after- ! wards cheeking by taking th° car out ! on tiie road, applying the brakes free- | l.v and examining the skid marks. I Should it lie possible to make one of j the brakes take its proper share of tic work it is advisable to have the | drums and linings examined. Good I brakes not only ensure safer driving j on dry roads, hut also reduce skidding risks on wet or gritty roads.

TYRES. A vital factor in the prevention of skidding is absent when the tyres are worn to n point of smoothness; in fact, regulations exist in some countries which lay it down that tyres miisi lie in a safe condition. However, should it he necessary to drive with worn tyres, in order to reduce the risk of a front wheel skid (which is far more troublesome and dangerous than a rear wheel skid) it is advisable to .select two tyres showing the least

tread wear and fit one on the front and one on tlie rear. wheel When the ear goes into a rear wheel skid, do not be in harry to applv th brake. Turn the front wheels slight lv in the direction that the real of the ear is moving and gradually «PP ? the brake until you feel tjiat the vehicle has a good hold on the road, ; Remember tlflat your brakes not he so affective when driving m j wet weather or after driving through . flooded areas. In the latter case it , is advisable to proceed slowly tor a | short distance after emerging from the j water with the brake slightly applied. I Never drive too close to a vehicle proceeding in the same direction, In the event of a sudden stop by tne car ahead vour brakes may not prove as effective as those on the other car. ; Should the engine stall when asrending a hill and both brakes P* o'® 0 '® ineffective, engage the car in first (low) gear immediately. Hie coni pres-j sion will assist in preventing the car , from running backwards. ! When descending a very steep m l j which apparently requires both | brakes to check th° speed, it is ad- i visable to change down to second ; gear. Tliis practice has the acldeu ; advantage of preventing the linings i from becoming heated and burned. j Any traces of oil leakage on to the | brake drums should be examined and rectified immediately. A large percentage of faulty brakes are tiaced to this defect. , . , 'Remember, that a fully loaded vehicle and an empty one are two entirelv different machines to handle. Proceed with extreme caution until von fee! < ompetent to respond to the alteration of conditions. Drive according to your barking power. Keep the brakes adjusted properly at all times so that their full retarding effect is always available.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19320824.2.31

Bibliographic details

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 4

Word Count
858

"SAFETY FIRST CAMPAIGN" Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 4

"SAFETY FIRST CAMPAIGN" Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 4