TYRE PRESSURES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21910, 20 September 1934, Page 18

TYRE PRESSURES

EFFECT UPON BEHAVIOUR Few minor adjustments have so profound an influence upon the behaviour of a car on the road as the maintenance of the correct air pressure in the tyres. As a rule, this matter is regarded primarily from the viewpoint of tyre life, and it is, of course, obvious that the rate of wear of the tread and the deterioration of the walls are both affected by. the degree to which the tyre deflects under load. This, in turn, is governed by the load and by the pressure of air' within the tube. Apart from the influence of inflation pressure upon tyre wear, a cover which contains an insufficient quantity of air will adversely affect the stability of the car arid may well give rise to heavy steering and front-wheel wobble. Generally speaking, under-inflated tyres are also likely to increase the risk of skidding, particularly if one or more of the tyres is running at a lower pressure than the remainder. Underinflated tyres also increase the rolling resistance to a marked extent, so causing a waste of engine power, which hampers acceleration and increases the fuel consumption unnecessarily. To check the air pressure in a set of tyres takes only a few moments, and so many modern- garages and service depots are equipped with com-pressed-air plants that there is really no excuse for neglecting this simple item of maintenance. The rate at which pressure is lost depends partly upon the make of tyre and conditions of service, but, in any case, a certain amount of air is bound to escape by diffusion through the tubes. To this may be added a further loss if the valves are in poor condition. WAIKATO MOTORISTS At the annual meeting of the Waikato members of the Automobile Association held in Hamilton last night, the president, Mr. A. Grayson, announced a further extension of A.A. patrol activities. Patrol area headquarters were being opened at Te Kuiti and from November 1 a patrol would be stationed in the township to remain permanently on duty throughout the southern portion of the King Country. This would relieve one of the patrols stationed at Hamilton and would allow him to concentrate more closely on the northern part of the territory. This further extension of service was in keeping with the policy of the association to increase facilities aB membership grew. Mr. Grayson announced the association had experienced a very successful year, the membership now showing a steady increase. TAURANGA-TE PUKE ROAD The main highway in the Tauranga County on the route from Tauranga to Te Puke will be closed for about one month on account of the construction of a culvert. Traffic will be required to detour through the Otaimatua and Mount Maunganui Roads. HEADLIGHT TESTING Further activities in regard to the testing of lights are being carried out from time to time by the Automobile Association. Next week members in the Waiuku, Te Kauwhata, Tuakau and Pokeno areas will have the opportunity of presenting their cars to an A.A. patrol for the purpose of having their lights tested and adjusted.