SUMMER TOUR BY ROAD

Opunake Times, 12 January 1934, Page 3

SUMMER TOUR BY ROAD

ADVICE TO OWNER-DRIVERS NEEDFUL PRECAUTIONS While the owner-driver is able easily to visualise the perfect summer tour, and indeed often sets out to experience such a thing he finds the vision to be nothing' more, and the experience invariably far from perfection. At the same time the majority of the annoyances which he meets with on tour, he reluctantly admits are avoidable, and perhaps due more to his own lack of knowledge and experience than to the car. The following instructions will help intending tourists to make their holiday on the road more enjoyable.

Clean the car, oil and grease it; spray oil in between the leaves of the springs and replenish the gear box and rear axle. Change the oil in the engine. If you have neglected to do this at regular intervals have the sump flushed out. Clean oil and petrol filters. Top up the battery and test it with a hydrometer. Remember (hat on a summer tour less use is made of the electric lights and starter than usual. If the battery is nearly full run throughout the tour on “half 1 or “summer” charge. When this is impossible switch off tire current two or three hours each day. On some American cars the charging rate can he altered by moving the third brush in the dynamo. Reduce this to just over half the maker’s maximum recommended rate for winter driving. Examine the electric cables. Rind up any parts where the insulation is chafed with insulation tape and tie the wire out of harm’s way. Check on Plugs Check the valve clearances, distributor' gap and sparking plug points. Clean the plugs and, if the points are badly eroded, take a spare set of plugs with yon. You may need them when you strike mountainous country. Check the water level in tire radiator. It the water is dirty drain it off; flush out the cooling system with clear water and refil.

Examine the tyres; pick out all flints and small stones that have become embedded in the treads. Badly worn tyres should be replaced. Check up the tyre pressures. If you are carrying a full complement of passengers and a great deal of luggage inflate the tyre to two or' three pounds more pressure than normal. It is important to check the tightness of the wheel nuts. On some cars the nuts at the base of the tyre valves also have a habit of slackening off.

Don't forget your driving license and vour insurance certificate. Ma ke sure that both are up to date. If either will require renewal before the end of the tour, attend to tire necessary formalities some days before you are due to start. If you have a bad memory write the engine and registration number of your car on some article you carry on your person; you may he asked for them. Make a note of the recommended grade of oil for the time of the year and tire best available alternative in case that particular grade cannot he procured when you requlFcr it. If you do not wish to carry a large sum of money, arrange for your hank to supply yort with travellers cheques to the value that is required. These can be cashed at any hank, and the majority of the large hotels.