CITY DRIVING.

Putaruru Press, Volume V, Issue 175, 10 March 1927, Page 7

CITY DRIVING.

BETTER PROGRESS ON LOWER GEARS. In driving a small car through the crowded streets of a city, the advantages of changing to a lower gear frequently are not appreciated by many motorists. By changing down, slow-moving traffic can be passed more rapidly, the near side of the road being regained in a shorter space of time, and a better getaway can be made from traffic hold-ups. Then, again, when coming out of a by-road and crossing the main Stream of traffic, it is the foolish policy of many drivers to proceed at about 15 miles per hour in top gear, causing oncoming vehicles to brake more or less violently, simply in order that the driver who is emerging from the by-road may save himself the trouble of changing down. The correct procedure, of course, is to engage a lower gear before the corner is reached, making sure that the course is clear before endeavour-

ing to cross the main road. If there is no one in the way the acceleration available on the lower gear will enable the car to get quickly across, more time than that occupied by the average slap-dash top gear driver. Many instances could be quoted to show the folly of top gear driving and the wisdom of changing down in city traffic. It is of course more difficult to change gear, on some cars than on others, but assiduous practice should enable any driver to become completely a master of his gear box. He will certainly find that thereafter the handling of his car is a more joyous and safer pastime than before.