BRAKING SYSTEMS

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11737, 26 January 1924, Page 14

BRAKING SYSTEMS

i ONE ON BACH WHEEL. i Practically all carists are interested in the development of tbe four-wheel braking systems now being adopted by some cur manufacturers. One thing is certain. neither tho automobile trade ae a whole or the motoring public have yet jjnue ui) their minds with regard to the practicability of four-wheel brakes. This he-sitancy, which is unmistakable, is not altogether unnatural, for the simple reason that the trade as a whole, nor the owner-driver—the man most concerned—is yet convinced ns regards important aspects of four-wheel braking. Various tests 'nave been conducted from time to time with the object of educating motorists up to the possibilities of this system of braking, but despite this, and the success of the system in such sporting road contests as tho French Grand Prix. a doubt yet remains in many motorists' minds as to the efficiency, under all road I conditions, of the various systems now in operation. There is a feeling existant that faulty four-wheel brakes of inferior design might quite easily find their 1 way on tho market, -which would be inferior to tbe present-day general system ;of braking on back wheels and driving ; shaft. There is little doubt that the j four-wheel brake will yet come into general use, but the question that has many j carists thinking is: Are the systems at present m use absolutely efficient? The 1 question of compensated action of brakes is a most vital one; again, they Iraust he absolutely foolproof as regards adjustment and maintenance; in fact, i just a a serviceable as the average 6ystem of rear-wheel braking in general use to'day on millions of care. The rapid progress made in four-wheel braking during the past years points .to still yet further advancement in this ’ direction. Motorists will certainly watch with intereet the behaviour of the various car 9 now being sold in Australia fitted with the new braking systems.