FOR EQUAL LOADING

NZ Truth, Issue 1272, 17 April 1930, Page 18

FOR EQUAL LOADING

Necessary Precaution In Light Cars

TN the case of the small, light car, especially the four or five-seater, there is a matter m connection with loading which is worth attention and is too often overlooked. . When there are 'three passengers m a car the disposition of the third, supposing the first two are side by side,, is important. The driver, naturally, occupies the right side of the front seat. The other passengers should be" so disposed that the greater weight is on the off side of the car. Thus, a third passenger, if m the back, should sit on the right side. Similarly, with four passengers, endeavor always to get the heaviest on the off side. The camber of ■ the road already draws the car .down unduly on the rear springs; This propensity is emphasised and increased if the heavy passenger is seated on the near side. The car is difficult to steer out of the left side of the road and on corners one may find, difficulty m getting round without much reduction, m speed. Sometimes the heavier l\)ad on the near side makes for actual danger. It increases the chance of skidding when the surface is greasy and it prevents recovery. Equal loading is the thing to obtain' if possible, and to ensure equal loading on cambered roads, it is desirable to have the greater weight on the off side of the vehicle, . since so much of the driving is on the unlevel left side of- the road.