ART OF DRIVING

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12465, 5 June 1926, Page 18

ART OF DRIVING

THE FINER POINTS CULTIVATE THE MECHANICAL SENSE. It is the .finer points which make the art of driving—points which appear to be of an almost trivial nature, yet which mark the difference. between the skilful and the unskilful driver. Good driving is based upon mechanical “sense,” observation, and imagination, and it is upon the training and development of these ■ qualities that depends the degree of excellence attained. It has often been said that “any fool can drive a motor-car.” This statement is foolish in its implication, for to drive well entails not only the safe handling of a car, but the employment of methods which will get the uiost out of the machine at a minimum cost, combined with the greatest pleasure to the passengers and the driver. Mechanical “sense” includes a sympathetic ear. and touch. The man who has cultivated the former will soon know the song of the engine, and will be able at once to detect any defect in its running. To the good driver his engine is almost human, subject to moods and whims. He can even anticipate its wants, and so work bis spark, throttle, and gear controls that there is never any sluggishness or hesitation. An to touch, lie will, for instance, “feel” the steering continually. It is not necessary to grip the wheel as though the car were striving. hard to run into the nearest ditch. With the wheel lightly held, but with a tension in the fingers and wrist, he counteracts in an instant any tendency to deviation, even the violent, swerve which follows, a burst front tyre. AVOID ABRUPT MOVEMENTS He will avoid the abrupt movements of the steering which are necessitated by running up close, behind a vehiclo travelling in the same direction and then suddenly. pulling out. He will not approach a corner directly and rotate the wheel sharply. Rather will: he coax the steering, almost subconsciously, in the right direction long before

a decided movement becomes imperative. The motion he produces is so smooth and progressive that it is almost unnoticeable. Imagination will prompt him to act in advance. He thus keeps the car on an even keel, to the greater safety and comfort of himself and his passengers. In addition, he avoids the needless stress on his wheels-, tyres', and springs, which are the consequences of sudden and wide turns; and Be is in a better position to cope with any, emergency in the shape of oncoming and unexpected traffic. With gradual and continuous motion, and correct cornering, the car can he guided even at a fair speed round a sharp turn in such a way that the passengers are never swung over to one side. Moreover, should there be any obstruction, the machine will be on its right side of the road, and, being on a steady base, well under control in regard both to steering and brakes. These are the subtleties in driving which stamp unmistakably and immediately the firstclass driver, for, writes John Philli-, more in the “Times,” he lias a polish and neatness which proclaim that lie has studied the art.