NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 17

NOTES

When applying the hand-brake the effort can be reduced by the application also of the foot-brake. Similarly, assistance will be given in releasing the hand-brake if the foot-brako is depressed at the same time. With regard to doors, it is advisable to apply a little oil to the hinges and occasionally a little ordinary household or soft soap to the door jambs, as soap is not so likely to cause damage to clothes. Similarly, the application of a little soap to the runners of the sliding seats is a useful form of lubrication. Correct tyre pressures have everything to do with the good riding quality of tho car and also prevent tyre squeaks on corners. Tyres should bo maintained at correct pressure. This should be regarded as the minimum pressure and so should be a subject of weekly inspection. When the car is to be driven with a full.load at high speeds it may be advisable to increase the tyre pressure 21b. to 31b per square inch.

Sometimes country motorists find that tho semi-elliptic springs of their cars are a trifle too flexible for fast driving on worn roads when a heavy load is carried. If the trouble is very noticeable, it should be put right by tho insertion of supplementary spring leaves, but can often be minimised by whipping the springs with a light cord, which should be bound on tightly, and preferably when a helper is seated above the particular spring

With a majority of the electric warning signals fitted to present-day cars tho noise is produced bv the vibration of a diaphragm caused by the action of a magnetic make-and-break. There is a simple adjustment whereby tho setting of the contact points can be altered, and should the ■ note of the horn become unpleasantly harsh and "lazy," it is a good plan to vary tho adjustment until a brisk and reasonably melodious sound is produced. Caro should also bo taken to see that tho horn is firmly screwed in place and not loose and free to vibrate on its mounting.

During 1934, 130,000 motor vehicles were produced in Germany, an increase of 58 per cent ovor the 1933 figures, but this is not up to Government expectations. During 1933, after the removal of the horse-power tax., car production actually doubled, but last year the autumn seasonal drop became exceptionally pronounced, and out of proportion to any normal seasonal slackening in public demand. The demand continued; indeed, it may be noted particularly that while home production for the year increased by 58 per cent, the sale of foreign cars in Germany actually increased by 73 per cent. The chief reason for the drop in production lies in the difficulty of obtaining adequate supplies of raw material.