THE MOTOR WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23692, 27 December 1938, Page 3

THE MOTOR WORLD

By ACCELERATOR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT .The Radiator for December. " With All Good Wishes " from the Shell Co., the contents of which appear below. AVOID IDLING Unnecessary idling should be avoided. Owing to the need for the carburettor to be so adjusted as to provide a mixture comparatively rich in petrol for slow running, the engine consumes petrol at a proportionately higher rate when idling than when pulling normally. Lengthy idling on this rich mixture tends to encourage the sooting-up of the sparking plugs and the misfiring that is brought about by soot on the interior insulation. If an engine must be kept idling for a time, as in a traffic block, it is advisable after each half-minute or so to accelerate it for a few seconds. This will cause the oil to circulate more freely for the time being and tend to counteract its impoverishment on the cylinder walls. SHOW CAR'S LIFE That the splendid cars exhibited at Earl's Court were not called upon merely to stand at ease during the Motor Show is revealed by figures issued by a leading exhibitor. Based on experience of previous exhibitions, it was estimated that one popular model was sat in by no fewer than 5000 visitors, its doors were opened and closed 15,000 times, its bonnet lifted for power unit inspection 3000 times, and the rear luggage accommodation was inspected by opening the rear panel 4000 times. The figures also showed the main direction of public interest. The actual wear and tear to carpets, upholstery, doors, hinges, represented over two years of normal use. COSTLY MACHINERY The enormous cost of providing new tools and moulds to take care of the change-over in the American automobile industry from 1938 to 1939 models will surprise most motorists. Although there were no radical changes to face, the improvements in new models being, in the main, refinement of details and appearance, the re-tool-ing expenditure is stated to have been over £15,000,000. It is only by reason of huge outputs tl.at such vast sums can be expended on new plant, year after year. With extensive production schedules, the heavy outlay on presses, moulds, and tools is spread over many tens of thousands of units, rendering amortisation relatively easy and economic.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST NOISE It is not generally realised what precautions are now being taken by the motor engineer to ensure quietness of running. Many of the silencing devices in modern cars are not obvious from casual inspections. Yet the thorough way in which the car designer has attacked noise is one of the most important of recent advances. For instance, in recent exhibits at the Earl's Court Motor Show in London the bodies of some cars were sound-insulated with many different materials, quite apart from the insulation of the engine, transmission, and exhaust system from the frame and body by live rubber. Some materials were attached to the steel panels out of sight to eliminate resonance. Others absorbed reflected sound in thousands of isolated air cells, while still more produced a blanket effect to deaden transmitted noise. Rubber, asphalt, fibres, and felts were the chief materials used. An important consideration being weight, it was interesting to learn that the insulation incorporated in various models added up to but little more than 221 b to the total weight of the cars. WITH ALL GOOD WISHES The Shell Co. of New Zealand has prepared the following contents in a a folder showing "What high speed costs in money":— We shall assume that you own a motor car which you drive at up to 45 miles an hour when circumstances permit, that you do 16,000 miles to a set of tyres, 22 miles to a gallon of Super Shell, and 500 miles for each time ypu have to "top up" with a pint of Shell motor oil. The cost of these items for a journey of 500 miles would then be: Tyres, 10s; spirit, £2 5s 6d; oil, Is; total, £2 16s 6ct " Now, however, we shall assume that you lend your car to a less prudent driver, who does the same journey at up to 70 miles an hour. Careful tests have shown that on the average the wear on your tyres will be doubled, he will get only 13 miles a gallon from your motor spirit, and his consumption of your oil will be more than quadrupled. Your bill for the same items will then read: Tyres. £1; spirit. £3 17s; oil, 4s 6d; total, £5 Is 6d. We should have included charges also for the greatly increased rate of depreciation on the engine, transmission, and brakes, for the extra cost of their repair and maintenance, and for the extra risk of accident to car or to others. But assuming a high measure of skill and*good luck in driving, resulting in complete freedom from accident, we estimate that for a driver doing 8000 miles a year the difference in cost between driving reasonably fast and driving very fast is about £1 a week. This is an absolute minimum which there is no escaping. Unreasonable speed costs the less skilful or the less lucky much more still. It is poor value for money. The publication closes with seasonal greetings, " but whether grave or merry, drive like an ' old hand' and take it easy!" THE DOG AS PASSENGER Good advice in regard to the carrying of dogs when motoring is given by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor, an English society with wide ramifications in the

Items of news—short descriptions of tours, the state of the roads, etc., comment, or inquiries—will be welcomed by Accelerator.

Old Country and opening permanent and caravan dispensaries in about eight centres, including free treatment where people are unable to afford ordinary professional fees. Dogs enjoy motoring and are apt to become exuberant. It is necessary, therefore, to take steps to see that the animals' curiosity and boisterousness do not interfere with the driving and lead to trouble. It is advised that the dog should not be allowed in the front seat if it can be avoided. Few dogs can restrain themselves if some unusual occurrence like a flock of birds rising, or some natural enemy like a cat 6r a dustcart appears. A bark or a sudden jump may upset the driver's judgment, obscure his vision, or jerk the steering wheel. So, if there is a back seat, see that the dog sits on it. He will probably want to ride with his head out of the window; the rush of air and the passing sights are irresistible. Do not let him, however, for the wind is bad for his eyes, and there is also the possibility that he may jump or fall out Give him plenty of air, of course, because this is essentfal to his well-being, but only through a partly-opened window.

The dog should not be shut up in a closed car- while the engine is running. The same applies, of course, to humans, but not all humans think of it, and still less of the dog. During a longish run the dog will need an occasional drink of water (take some in a bottle) and from time to time a few minutes' exercise to stretch his legs. Incidentally, during these periods of exercise keep a sharp eye on him to avoid trouble with farmers' stock and the like. Remember, too, that farmers' dogs are very jealous of their charges, and your dog may easily be subjected to a severe mauling. Farm dogs are often doughty fighters. Farm animals can themselves also inflict severe injury besides suffering such. Sometimes dogs are encouraged to run alongside slowly-driven cars as a form of exercise. This practice is to be condemned" as unsafe from the driver's point of view, and may be extremely exhausting for the dog.

CAR OWNERS AND CONVERSION "Recent discussions by the South and North Island Motor Unions concerning the large number of instances of what is known as the conversion of motor vehicles, that is the unauthorised use of motor vehicles, focuses attention on the duty of motorists in the matter," says the latest safety message of the Automobile Association, Canterbury, Inc. " Because a motorist leaves his ignition key in his car or neglects to lock the doors of his car it does not mean that an unauthorised person has any shadow of right to convert the car to his own use, but it is pointed out that if motorists take a few simple precautions they will at least be making a gesture of self-help in the protection of their property, as well as making it more difficult for a car thief or car converter to commit a crime. In other words, the motorist should strive to ensure that temptation is not placed readily in the way of those so minded as to want to steal or convert a motor vehicle "Most instances of car conversion, and there were many hundreds of them in the last year, are committed at night times, cars parked in suburban streets or side streets without a great deal of pedestrian or other traffic making an appeal to delinquents. »' Motorists, for the protection of their vehicles, should leave them under a street light if possible; they should not leave the ignition key in the lock, and they should lock the doors of their vehicles. Drivers should make sure, ii they do lock the doors, that every door is locked, and also that every window is tightly closed. It is not much use locking the car doors and leaving a window open. "Valuable property should not be left in cars as a habit, as coats, rugs, suitcases, and such articles are a temptation to a persor. with dishonest intent. , , "Again, it is stated that while the motorists' neglect concerning keys and locks is no excuse for car theft or conversion, motorists may avoid a great deal of inconvenience and monetary loss by not making the way easy for those of guilty intent."

PARKING PROBLEM IN AUCKLAND The adoption in Auckland of parking meters to detect time-limit offences, a revision of the zoning of the streets for time-limit parking, and a progressive programme for the provision of parking stations, were recommended for consideration by the City Council by the city engineer, Mr J. Tyler, in a report on the 1938 parking survey, submitted to a special meeting of the council. "The results of the parking survey have served to strengthen my conviction that the council would be illadvised to concentrate parking facilities in one major building scheme on the municipal transport station site, and that parking stations should be provided in smaller units located at convenient intervals throughout the area they are intended to serve "Mr Tyler said. "The provision oi sufficient parking space in and about the central business district is without doubt one of the most perplexing of all traffic problems." he continued. " Since streets are provided primarily for the movement and not the garaging of vehicles, the integrity of the running road and of accessibility of frontages must be maintained."

"The data afforded by the parking survey reveals that the streets in some of the localities within the main business area have reached saturation point with respect to parking, and after a careful review jf the whole situation I am satisfied that the case for the provision of parking facilities off the streets, and the systematic review and enforcement of restrictive measures, has materialised." Mr Tyler added. "We have in the city parking restrictions in the form of time limits to prevent all-day parking in some parts of the main business area. The enforcement of time limits is a very difficult problem, and this difficulty is a world-wide experience. It requires a huge man-power to enforce it. In some of the American cities the detection of time-limit offences by the use of parking meters is being worked with a great measure of success, and with it a revision of the zoning of the streets for time-limit parking, is earnestly recommended for the council's serious consideration. " The survey has revealed that the parking time limits are, on the whole, greatly exceeded, and if the restrictions are strictly enforced provision must be made for the garaging of vehicles off the streets. "It has already been pointed out that, although many of the existing parkin.-; stations are not used to the extent that they should be. .he city is poorly equipped with such establishments, and there is not sufficient available accommodation off the streets to mcei a demand that would arise from the tightening up of restrictive measures "This fact points to the necessity for entering upon a progressive programme for the provision of parking stations, and whether these are to be provided by the council or by private enterprise, or both, the revision of parking restrictions as suggested should have as one of its objects the advisability of securing the proper use of such facilities and the financial success of the scheme." The report was deferred for consideration until the next meeting of the council.

OLD MODEL HAZARDS As is usual with the approach ot the summer holiday season old model cars have been making their appearance on the roads in increasing numbers during the past few weeks. Dealers in used cars in the north report heavy business this summer and state that many cars have been sold to a class of people who, in previous years, could not afford to own one. The boom in used cars was at its peak in Wellington in November, and one sales manager said he put that down to a desire on the part of purchasers, who were buying their first cars, to become familiar with handling them before undertaking a holiday tour. The appearance 01 many old model cars has given rise in some quarters to the suggestion that old models may be an important contributing factor to road danger. When this suggestion was referred to the Transport Department, it was pointed out that the law required every car in use tc carry a warrant of fitness, which had to be renewed every six months, and that, provided that requirement was complied with, there was no reason why an old car in the hands of a competent driver should be any more dangerous than a new model. It was also pointed out that, provided cars were mechanically sound as required for a certificate of fitness, the authorities were not concerned with their appearance. "They may look old crocks,' but provided they are mechanically sound and the brakes and lights are in good order, that is all we worry about." said an officer of the department. An analysis of various data relating to motor accidents in the Dominion causing death or personal injury during the year ended March 31 last, and published in the Transport Department's annual report, shows that of a total of 5395 vehicles involved, 2381 were less than three years old, 1031 were between three and four years old, and 1938 were more than six years old. Although these figures do not take into account several material considerations, they do indicate, in view of the fact that a large majority of cars in use are late models, that old vehicles participate in accidents to a proportionately greater extent than new cars. However, the inference that age of the vehicle is to blame is largely discounted by other data in the report, which shows that in only 397 of the 5395 cars involved were defects in the vehicle a contributing cause of the accident. More up-to-date figures than those quoted above are not available yet. because returns are incomplete. HOLIDAY MOTORING Holiday motoring (writes an expert) usually imposes a greater degree of strain and wear on motors than normal running, and car owners who contemplate holiday tours are wise to take precautions against conditions which often are inimical to satisfactory engine maintenance. For instance, it is frequently impossible, after a long day's run, to find suitable night shelter for the car. It often is necessary to leave the car unhoused and uncovered throughout the night, unprotected from the effects of rain, dew. and changing temperatures. The consequence is that the engine must necessarily cool off rather violently, with the result that the conditions .in the morning" are practically equivalent to "winter starting." Oil has hardened and cylinders operate stiffly with consequent friction and racking. Especially is this so during the critical starting-up period before the engine has had time to warm and loosen the consistency of the oil. During the first momentum of the engine the crankcase oil is too imperfectly distributed to be of much use for lubricating the engine, and the result is that disastrous " dry starting " which does more harm than many motorists realise. This condition, however, is easily capable of remedy. There are numerous upper cylinder lubricants for the purpose. Indeed, several have the upper cylinder lubricant mixed with the fuel—scientifically blended to achieve the best results. THE MOTOR CYCLE FIXTURES January 16.—Monthly meeting. January 21.—Opening run. February 25. —Hill climb (subject to confirmation). TREASURE HUNT There was a rather good attendance for the final run of the year, which took the form of a treasure hunt. This event was run in rather a novel manner, and created a good deal of interest throughout. Riders were given various vague instructions from time to time and finally landed at Scroggs' Hill, where V. Laws eventually discovered the treasure after considerable painstaking searching. MONTHLY MEETING After routine business had been finished at the monthly meeting of the cycle section last Monday, entertainment was provided by a series of impromptu speeches. First place was awarded to D. Denson, whose subject was " Why I Ride Safely." He painted some very vivid pictures of the follies of careless riding, and his effort was very much appreciated. The only other two competitors to go the distance were V. Laws and A. Nelson, whose subjects, "Should Dogs Be Allowed to Sleep at the Foot of the Bed " and " If I Were Prime Minister," gave scope for some very humorous interpretations. D. Williamson's reason "Why the Sea Roars" was another highlight of the evening's entertainment. MINIATURE T.T. Many requests have been made for another Miniature T.T. race to be held, and, providing conditions are suitable, this may eventuate early in the new year. So watch your club notes. "ROAD SAFETY" With the increased traffic on the roads during the holiday period, a special appeal is made to all motor cyclists to leave nothing to chancetake every precaution and aim for an accident-free vacation. Remember! Holiday is your time. Live to enjoy it. SPARKS Summoned at a London police court for speeding, a motorist said: " I am sure I was watching my speedometer, because I caught a glimpse of my face in the glass cover." * * * A new stretch of the Brighton road by-pass. 14 miles in length, is to be constructed, and eventually the most popular road from London to the sea will be on modern lines, resembling the German autobahnen

Solicitor, at Wimbledon: " You have told the court that you are too poor to be legally represented, but you arrived here by car." Defendant: "I did. But have you seen the car?"

Averaging 80 m.p.h., General Huhnlein, Nazi motor corps chief, who visited the Donington Grand Prix race, drove the 360 miles from Berlin to Munich on the new motor road in four and a-half hours

Berlin to the Bosphorus, a distance of 2000 miles, is to be spanned by a motor road, if Germany's plans for South-east Europe materialise. This was stated by Dr Funk, Reich Minister of Economics.

In 34 of the States of America safe driving motorists are being rewarded by a reduction of their car insurance premium. Under this plan, sponsored by the National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters, at the expiration of the term of an insurance policy, a bonus is issued in the form of 15 per cent, of the premium paid, provided no claims have, been recorded against the policy during the 12 months it was in force.

From America: Car was running badly. Passenger said: \'Pull out the choke." Driver said: "The choke, what in heck's that? " # * tWhen a Glamorgan farmer was summoned last week for driving his pony and trap over a controlled crossing against the red light he admitted having seen the light. "But," he added, "I've been travelling that road now for over 40 years, and I'm danged if I'm going to be stopped by any magic lantern!" ¥ % -1 The resistance of laminated safety glass to shock, as compared with steel boiler plate, was recently tested in an unusual manner in America. A bullet fired from an army rifle at a distance of 60ft went right through a sheet of §in boiler plate. Under the same test conditions a bullet penetrated only £in into a thick plate of laminated safety glass. * * * A new type of safety speedometer has appeared in America. The indicator is illuminated when the instrument lights are on. From a standstill to 30 miles an hour—the legal speed in most city driving—the light shows green. From 30 to 50 miles it is amber, and at 50 changes to a brilliant red. Thus the driver is constanly reminded of the speed at which he is travelling and warned when he reaches a dangerous pace.