THE MOTOR WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22889, 25 May 1936, Page 3

THE MOTOR WORLD

RECORD SALES. In spite of any uncertainty and doubt that exists in the public mind as to the result of the experimental legislation now being enacted (says the Radiator) people are spending their money freely in the purchase of motor cars. The r year 1029 was the banner year in New Zealand for sales of motor vehicles, the number of cars sold in that year being over 21.000. It was not expected that this figure would be reached for some considerable time, but if sales in the present year continue as at present the records of 19.29 will be broken. The sales of cars for the first four months of 1930- total 7035, as compared with 6523 in 1929. If this percentage of gain is maintained for the rest of the year the total will be about 23,000, which would establish a new record. IMPORTATION OF USED CARS. Up to the present (says the Radiator) comparatively few used cars have been imported into New Zealand, the number registered in the year 1935 being 320. A large percentage of these were cars purchased by New Zealandera while on holiday in England, or cars brought by travellers. Judging from the registration records, it seems as though more of such cars are now being imported for purposes of sale, no fewer than 36 being registered in April, the majority of which were in Wellington and Auckland. The high price allowed for used cars in trade-ins provides a margin which makes it possible to buy used cars in England and sell them in New Zealand, and so long as this position continues this business is likely to grow. The used car " snowball" in Now Zealand must grow appreciably faster in consequence. CAR WASHING. Cleaning the car, a task shunned by the majority of owners, can be greatlv simplified if a sponge is used, instead of a cloth, for washing down. Although it costs several shillings, a fair-sized sponge of good quality is a worth-while investment for the owner who wants to keep his car's finish in show-room condition. When about to wash the car, the owner should soak the sponge thoroughly in cold, clear water, and make sure, before applying it to any part of the car. that there is no grease or oil on the vehicle, or this will rapidly spoil the sponge. A gentle stream of water should bo used in conjunction with the sponge, which required to be kept thoroughly wet. It will be found that the whole car can be washed much more rapidly by this means, and that there is no dirt or grit left on the paint work to cause scratches when the leather is being used. After being used the sponge should be washed, squeezed fairly dry, and then left on a shelf out of the sun. A DIESEL CAR IN AUSTRALIA. The first Diesel-ehgined car to be imported into Australia arrived in Adelaide voccntly, and was driven to Melbourne over the Prince's highway. Before leaving Adelaide, officials of the Royal Automobile Club of South Australia sealed thefuel tank, which was opened under official observation in Melbourne. Measurements showed that the car—a Humber Snipe, with a 22J h.p. Gardner Diesel engine, averaged 26i miles a gallon on fuel oil costing about 7d a gallon. The car weighs more than two tons complete. With the top gear ratio increased to 3J to 1, the oar had a top speed of more than 70 m.p.h., and quite a good acceleration. Three or four other cars are operating with Diesel engines in Australia, but these were all converted locally. COLD WEATHER STARTING. Recent experiences in all parts of the province have shown that New Zealand drivers are subject to the same starting troubles in cold weather as' afflict motorists oversea, not in quite the same degree, perhaps, but bad enough to result in rundown batteries and barked knuckles from the starting handle—bad enough, in fact, to reduce drivers sometimes to despair before the engine fires. If motorists whose cars have been standing all night in a cold garage would only try to turn the engine with the starting handle before they attempt anything else they would be surprised at the effort required— effort caused by the cold congealing the engine oil and thoroughly sticking all the moving parts together. This is the engine the starter is supposed to turn, and it is little wonder, therefore, that it gives up the effort very soon, and the motorist is left with a dead engine on his hands and no starter with which to set it moving. This is a situation which should be avoided at all costs, and if the engine does not fire on the first few attempts other measures should be takon. However, before describing what should be done when the engine shows some reluctance to fire, a few remarks should be made about starting an engine when the owner has been so foolish as to run the battery down in the manner described. The driver's first thought, of course, is the starting handle, which should be inserted, and this is not the easiest matter on a modern car, for all sorts of bits and pieces sometimes have to be removed, and in at least one well-known car a plate has to be taken from the front of the bumper bar. The danger of swinging a modern car lies in its propensity to backfire. This might easily break the operator's arm. It is- almost certain to backfire because few modern vehicles possess a manual spark control, an automatic device controlling the advance and retard mechanism. It will be necessary then to enlist the aid of a second party to hold the distributor head in the retarded position while the engine is swung. With careful adjustment of the choke and hearty effort at the handle, it should be possible to start a car witli an engine of quite moderate size quite easily by this method; and, furthermore,.unless the battery has been grossly maltreated, it should very quickly pick up to its former strength. It must be admitted, however, that many engines are so big that it is an extremely difficult matter for person of average strength to swing them even hot. When well gummed up with cold, congealed oil, the task becomes impossible. Many manufacturers have realised this, and have omitted entirely a starting handle from the car's tool kit, and have made no provision for the insertion of one.

Should it, therefore, he impossible to start an engine by hand, the only thing to do is to enlist the services of a towtug vehicle, and start the engine by towing the baulky car with the gears engaged, although if one is so fortunate as to find the garage where the car has been freezing all night at the top of a hill, a start can be obtained by letting the vehicle run down with top gear engaged, but the clutch out until the car has gathered some momentum. Then the engagement of the clutch should start the engine firing. The remarks regarding starting an engine by hand must be qualified by the statement that it may be impossible to get it firing even though the driver can swing it quite briskly, because, while he has been trying to start with the selfstarter and the choke well out, the cylinders and induction manifold have become filled with raw spirit. Towing is about the only satisfactory method of starting with an engine in this state, although a start may be had by running downhill if the hill is long enough. Actually, the danger of choking an engine in this manner is one of the reasons why attempts to start with the starter should be stopped after a reasonable trial. When driving in cold weather, always remember that the engine should be kept as warm as possible all the time. THE CHASSIS FRAME. The changes which have been made in the construction of chassis frames during recent years are due largely to complications brought about by new forms of engine suspension and other alterations such as independent springing, which have forced manufacturers to devote more attention to the framework of the car than might have been necessary if such innovations were lacking. The aim has ever been at procuring rigidity. To-day, because of faster speeds and the demand that deadweight should be reduced, the build of the frame is of great importance. In a review of the trend of design, the Motor refers to the circumstances which have arisen, and points out that, although

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engine suspension might not appear to be associated intimately with the robustness of the chassis, it has become an important factor, since the engine is no longer attached rigidly to the chassis, and has ceased to servo as a valuable cross member which reinforced the framework. More flexible springing and independent front springs have also brought problems in their train, with a result that cruciform bracing has become popular, but has the disadvantage that often a heavy " x" member adds considerably to the weight of the vehicle. Some manufacturers have accordingly accepted the box type of main frame member, which oilers much greater resistance to torsional strains than does the older sort. The box member, which is used in several of the 1930 productions, is virtually a rectangular tube with welded joints, and because of the great resistance which it offers to twisting, can be made of thinner metal than the normal side member. Solid-drawn steel tubes have been employed for the foundations of certain light sports models, and on other cars there are side members with a zig-zag of steel plate running the full length of the channel. Some Contincnal factories favour the "centralised" or " backbone" frame, whose title is selfexplanatory and which is peculiarly suitable for cars having independent suspension of all four wheels. RESEARCH AND THE MOTOR. The new research laboratories of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, which were opened last month by Lord Rutherford at Brentford, England, seem likely to mark another step forward in modern industrial research, remarks the Manchester Guardian. Hitherto the motor firms have tended to rely upon their own research efforts, since important results would give them a temporary competitive advantage. But there are problems of such complexity and difficulty that they baffle the patience of individual firms; yet if they are solved immense benefits would be conferred on the motor car user. These problems are suitable for joint research, and the British Government is rightly anxious to encourage and assist their investigation. Hitherto the Department, of Scientific and Industrial Research has contented itself with approving the work of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, which labours for the industry as a whole. Now it is offering a subsidy of £IO,OOO a year to the new laboratories if the industry will contribute £15,000. Some, of the problems on which work is being done were mentioned in a recent report of the department. The institution is concerned, for instance, with the causes of cylinder wear. Since cylinder wear is_ the most important cause of deterioration of engines, which in turn entails unnecessarily high oil consumption, the solution of this problem alone "would literally save the public millions of pounds a year." The troubles of cold starting and brake squeaks will also be investigated by the new laboratories. FOR SAFER MOTORING. The solution of the problem is difficult to find. Were the accidents caused by straightforward callousness and recklessness by motorists, ruthless punishment meted out to offenders would very quickly reduce the accident returns to a reasonable figure; but the trouble is that motorists as a class are not ogres and fiends in human shape at all, but simply a very representative cross section of the community as a whole, which means that they are decent, considerate people who, if they have the bad luck to become involved in mishaps involving fatal or serious injury to other people, are appalled by the results of the mistakes they have made. » A lot hag been said Ind written about the tremendously high speed of modern cars and the fact thut they achieve these high speeds so quietly and effortlessly that drivers are not aware of the actual pace at which they are travelling, and so cannot pull up when an emergency arisen within the distance they can see ahead, or else get into difficulties on corners. Perhaps this does have some effect on too accident returns, but it hardly square* with the result of a survey made in the United States of America, where the accident problem is still more acute than it is here, which showed that the great majority of drivers in rural areas on good roads never travelled at more than 40 m.p.h., and in settled areas not more than 26 m.p.h., so that neither speed can be considered excessive. In any community, of course, there is a section of reckless people who habitually drive fast without actually being skilful enough to handle their cars properly when an emergency arises, and without the sense to know when speed is safe and when it is not. There also is the problem of the drunken driver. These two types do cause a lot of accidents, and absolutely ruthless treatment is the only way of dealing with them and is all they deserve. This, however, will not provide a solution for the bulk of the accidents which occur, and which happen to cars driven by ordinary decent citizens, fairly competent, but without much real mechanical sense, and in almost every instance they are caused by mistakes in judgment, prompted all too often by sheer ignorance of the forces which affect a car under different conditions of road. How many drivers, for example, can really handle a car well on a corner, or can control it instinctively when it goes into a skid? The suggestion is put forward in all seriousness that, as most people at some time or other in their lives will be handling motor cars, the subject of driving should become part of the ordinary school curriculum, and students from about 15 years of age onwards taught the real technique of handling a car under all conditions. . .. At the moment the basis of the police campaign should be the education ot motorists in the direction of driving with supreme care at all times. If the habit of caution is instilled in all motorists by constantly driving home the need lor it, then the number of road accidents which happen must diminish. It is a pity, in a way. that more motorists do not go in for trials in such events, in which really "ond driving is an essential to success. It thev could be made to become really en-

il.iidaetic about their care they would take a real interest in driving, and the risk they run of becoming involved in accidents would diminish almoet to the vanishing point. A NEW SUPER SIX. The improvement in all classes of cars is wonderful. A newcomer in the big class, the Wolseley 25 h.p. super six, invites comparison in a select field. I had the pleasure of a run in one of these cars last week, and. despite the fact that it was not completely run in, evidence was present in plenty of its high performance under all testa. Comfort and speed are there in ample proportions, and this super six saloon is. in truth, a saloon car in the literal sense. The performance of this car, so soon after its first introduction to the public, in the famous Monte Carlo Rally is a sufficient test of its quality. Leaving Athens the drivers of the Wolseley Sniper Six 25 saloon set themselves to cover 2500 miles in four days over some of the worst road surfaces to be found anywhere. The route led through Salonika, Sofia, Belgrade, Budapest, Vienna, Munich. Strasbourg, and down France to the finishing point. The W°l ße ' e y ran to schedule throughout, reaching Monte Carlo on time without losing a single mark. Incidentally, this was the best performance .of any British saloon car starting from Athens. The Wolseley " 25" also did well in the subsequent eliminating tests, consisting of a complicated series -s>f manoeuvres, and, in fact, put up the best show of any British saloon, irrespective of starting point. It thus achieved the same distinction in the final placings, based on the rally itself and the elimination tests. It was on the final day, however, when the cars were judged for their general appearance, equipment, and comfort, that the Wolseley obtained its greatest success, winning the Grand' Prix d'Honneur, the coachwork award for the best large closed car, the special prize for the bestfinisHed engine, and the gold medal awarded by the French paper LAuto. This was the first time that the comfort competition had been won by a competitor starting from Athens, and a further point which should be stressed is that, except for special fittings necessitated by the conditions of the route, the Wolseley was in every way a standard model. The greatest tribute to the Wolselev was that it gained the Grand Prix d'Honneur, which is awarded at the discretion of the judges, who are really a jury consisting of representatives of 12 different nations, from time to time only, and not eaojj year, for a car of exceptional merit—and this in competition with many far more costly models. The Wolseley is handled by South Island Motors, Ltd., and those interested in high-class work in all departments of car production should inspect this super model.

THE MOTOR CYCLE FIXTURES. June 6. —Petrol consumption test. June 16. —Annual meeting. CLUB NOTES. The sporting trial conducted by the cycle section of A.A. (Otago). \yaa attended by about 30 members, 10 of whom competed in the event. The course used was a branch oft' the Wakari-Whare Flat road. This road was followed down hill for approximately one mile, competitors returning over the same course which was observed throughout, marks being deducted for footing, falling off, etc. The surface was very rough, strewn with numerous large boulders, and the lower parts were a real test with deep, slippery mud. Wheel grip with the standard tyres fitted to all the cycles was almost impossible. Alter having been started at minute intervals, contestants could take their own time over the section. Considering that the men were not familiar with this type of surface, the standard of riding wa3 high and the event was closely contested.' Spectators were rather amused when one rider, determining to keep his feet on the rests, fell flat in the mud when a slight dab of his foot would have Bayed him. Special mention should be made of the riding of Miss S. Hall, who, in gaining fourth place" on her little Wolf, rode outstandingly well, and with a more powerful machine would have eiven an even better account of herself. Included in the officials for this trial was that keen and prominent car competitor in A.A.O. trials. Mr G. Ferens. The results were:— L. M'Farlane (Norton), 15 points .. 1 J. Fowler (Ariel), 18 points .. .. 2 B. Duff (Ariel), 20 points 3 Mr A. E. Bingham presided over some 50 motor cyclists and friends at the section's monthly meeting on Tuesday last. The chairman welcomed Mr G. Thorn, of the executive of A.A. (Otago), Mr M'Dougall, and several other visitors who were present. The Ariel Cup and teams points were announced, the Wirrals' team leading by a small margin in the latter competition. Messrs E. Rillßtone and B. Rosson were appointed as a deputation to interview the executive to attempt to reach a finality regarding the club running beach races. Members were given the route of the King's Birthday trial of June 23. The main road is followed to Balclutha, then branching_ to Clydevale, Beaumont, Lawrence, Waipori, and returning to Dunedin via Traquair and Outram. Entry forms and particulars are now available at the association's rooms. At the conclusion of the meeting those present were entertained at a "hard-up" evening. Some comical and bedraggled sights were witnessed in the costume parade, which was won by Mr W. Torrance. Next was a much-appreciated short concert. Vocal and instrumental items were presented by Messrs C. Leeden, N. Larkins, R, Stewart, S. Morris, J. Murray, and A. Bingham, while an interesting talk on early motor cycling was given by Mr M'Dougall. who also kindly donated, for competition in the club, a silver cup which he won in 1015, when he covered a mile in under one minute. Mr T. K. S. Sidey was present ,

with his projector, and everyone enjoyed his movies of New Zealand and of the A.A. (Otago) trial to Pembroke. An excellent " hard-up " supper concluded an outstanding evening's entertainment. SPARKS A little over SO years ago the motor car was unknown, but to-day there are over 35,000,000 motor vehicles in use the world over. >'.< , $ * The 1936 examinations for motor mechanics' "A" grade certificates will be held in August, entries for which will ' close on June 30 next. *' # * A motorist summoned at Oswestry for speeding wrote saying that the only ; "safe" way to travel in a built-up area was to get out and push his car; he was fined £l. * * * Australia is the best export market for British motor cycles. More than 5050 of these machines were imported last year. The next best market was South Africa, which took 2355. & * * Safety devices for dogs which venture J on the roads at night were displayed at a dog show in Glasgow. Light reflectors ; hang from the dog's collar or are sewn on to the leash. . * * * I A witness giving evidence at Wood Green Police Court said, " The lights were red when I was going to work. On my way home I noticed that they were i just changing to amber." * * * "In the future try to live up to your name," said the judge of a Los Angeles court to a man with the name of Mr Safety First, who stood before him on a charge of driving a motor car with a defective windscreen. * # * The authorities in Miami arc determined that the young generation of motorists and pedestrians shall be intelligently traffic-minded Children drive miniature cars under instruction from officers of the City Police Department, while others direct the traffic. * * * Instead of laboriously painting white > lines on the road, nn idea comes from Johannesburg to use canvas strips, sticky on one side, which adhere to the road surface immediately they arc laid down. One in use for over a is said still to have been clearly visible. * * ?. Six policemen in the middle of the road are needed now to control the volume of motor traffic which passes unceasingly across the Nanking and Sechucn roads. In addition to over 1500 cars which pass every hour, there are some 5000 rickshaws wending their way in and out of the motor traffic simultaneously. *• * * When using a grease gun under a car good illumination is important, but not always available. By strapping an inexpensive electric torch to the gun with insulating tape you can provide a handy light that will always be ready for use. It will illuminate the point of the gun at all times, and yet leave both hands free for the greasing operations.

Advice has just been received from Canada that the Chrysler organisation has adopted Champion spark plugs as, standard equipment. This plug is now furnished, as original equipment, to every motor car manufacturer on the Americaa Continent, where the spark plug contract is open to competition. ** * ' "tn spite of the general trend to produce cars with brighter coachwork finishes, black still holds a very popular nlace in England, according to a leading "English factory, which states also that blues and maroons enlivened with tasteful upholstery schemes in hues represent the taste of a large section of the motoring public. * * * So convinced is one American motor manufacturer that women, are a force to be reckoned with in the future, that for several months 50 women have been touring the United States interviewing thousands of women in all walks pf life to discover what feminine reaction would be to cars in 1937 appearing in pastel shades.