ANNUAL OVERHAUL

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 11

ANNUAL OVERHAUL

OR PERIODICAL INSPECTION?

ATTENTION TO TRADE VEHICLES. Inquiries covering a large number of motor transport users indicafe that there is a very marked divergence of opinion as to the most desirable and economical system of maintenance. This occurs not only where the views of owners of large and small fleets are compared with those of individuals and firms who are operating one, two, or three vehicles, but also between owners of equal, or approximately equal, numbers of transport vehicles, no matter whether the latter are used on similar or completely dissimilar work.

This divergence of opinion chiefly centres around the question as to whether each vehicle should be given a thorough overhaul, annually or after a definite period of use or a definite mileage, says a writer in the “Daily Telegraph.” Some owners insist that a regular and complete overhaul is essential to successful operation; while others assert that it is far better to have a maintenance system, consisting of regular and careful inspections and the execution of necessary repairs at frequent intervals, monthly, for example. “Stitch in Time.” Some of the latter class aver that their system completely eliminates the need for overhauling in the accepted sense, that is, “reconditioning,” which implies the renewal or adjustment of every part that bears indications of not being likely to serve without attention until the next overhaul is made. Others contend that by keeping a vehicle off the road, say, one day each month, and devoting that day to inspection and essential repairs, they reduce the annual overhaul to a comparatively simple, quick, and inexpensive operation, as well as inducing greater economy in the total costs of upkeep. Broadly considered, there are, however, two distinct policies. One is adopted by those owners and operators who advocate ther “stitch in time” idea —monthly inspection and repairs—while the other may be summed up in the words, “Why waste money and time looking for trouble?” It cannot be taken, however, that the advocates of the complete overhaul at lengthy periods do not realise the need for adjustments and other forms of attention between times. They do not believe in running a chassis to death, in keeping it upon the road until it stops. But their general plan is to rely upon drivers* reports, to check running in bad condition, and to put through only such repairs as are obviously needed, according to that source of information. If necessary, a vehicle is kept in the garage for a day or two, when repairs or renewals of which the need is thus learned are made. What the advocates of this policy take exception to is an arbitrary day-per-month idea; they believe in putting off as much as possible until the overhaul time arrives. Incipient Troubles. They point out, too, that the condition of many parts cannot be ascertained unless those parts are completely dismantled, and that is, unreasonable to undertake the dismantling of large components—back axles, for example—in one day, when the idea is merely to inspect the internal part. There is a great deal in this latter contention, for it can hardly be denied that neither exterior examinations nor test runs even by experienced mechanics arc entirely dependable. It does not appear to be going too far to suggest that a transport vehicle which is dependent for its maintenance in good order and freedom from serious breakdown on the road upon even the most careful and expert inspection is just as liable to give trouble en route as another which lacks those regular inspections but has a thorough overhaul each year. On the other hand, dependence upon drivers’ reports to indicate maturing or actual defects is not altogether satisfactory. So much relies upon the character and ability of the individual i driver; he may be conscientious in making his reports, or he may not be I so; he may have sufficient mechanical “instinct” to enable him to distinguish | the signs and portents of incipient [ defects of a more or less serious nature. I

r but the chances are he has not. But, » even an experienced and expert int spector—the garage foreman or man- • ager, for example—will have to know - each and every vehicle very intimately - indeed to be able to detect the faint i symptoms that presage the maturing • of some kinds of trouble. 4 Left to Chance. r It would appear, therefore, that both [ the annual overhaul and the inspection • and repair systems leave too much to • chance when they alone are relied upon. The first because it places too much dependence upon the driver, and the . other because it implies that no main ; component is dismantled unless it gives j signs, observable by exterior examinat tion or test, that something is amiss. There is one important drawback of the annual overhaul jjnd drivers’ report [ scheme that has not been mentioned. To . recondition a chassis which will have • no expert attention (unless it becomes [ obviously necessary from drivers’ rej ports), will call for the renewel of parts which still have several thousands of miles’ useful life in them—that are only partly worn out—and the fitting of new parts in their place will very often call lor adjacent parts to he renewed as well. But it is clearly uneconomical to scrap more or less ex- ’ pensive items before they have given full service; when, in fact, they might ' last until the next overhaul. It has 1 been asserted by seme of the advocates , of the alternative system that approximately 50 per cent, ©f the parts re- ■ placed under the annual overhaul plan can be classed as only partly worn. Inspection Plus Overhaul. In view of the foregoing, it would appear that when—as is so often the , case—a serious roadside breakdown is a matter of no small importance from i the standpoints of both cost and inconvenience, the overhaul system should be supplemented by periodical expert inspection. This would enable > many of those parts of w'hich their further length of useful life is doubtful to be retained in service, for the possibility of their failure or rapid further wear could be noted by the inspector, who would be required to watch them carefully and report need for immediate renewal if they showed signs of defaulting. Of it might be arranged that the component in which some such part was hidden should be dismantled after a further six months’ use and the renewal then made; but that would depend upon the nature and position of the part. If the inspection system were rigorous, its adoption as supplementary to the peritoneal overhaul could well be held to justify longer periods between reconditioning—two years instead of one, for example. Thus, the believer in overhauls would economise on the latter, and the extra cost of inspections would be repaid. Of course, a great deal depends upon the nature of the work which a transport motor is called upon to perform. One can readily conceive that, where the work consists entirely of short journeys, making local or area deliveries. the elimination of the overhaul might well be justified; it would not be so serious, then, if the inspection system failed now and again, and resulted in the breakdown of a vehicle en route. But where the service usually entails long journeys away from home, and where, therefore, a breakdown would he a serious matter, the overhaul sys--1 tern, supplemented by inspections, I would certainly appear to be more dej sirable and more economical in the end. i The point here, of course, turns entirely I on the consequences of a breakdown in l each individual case.

Plans have been prepared for the construction of a motor racing: track at Moyon, a suburb of Buenos Aires. The track will measure 3 kilometres (1 7-8 miles) in circuit, and will have two long straights and two banked ends; parking accommodation for 1,500 cars will also be provided. ** * v For the motorist who dislikes wearing gloves it is suggested that he rub while working about his car, cup grease thoroughly into the pores of his hands, into his cuticles, and especially under the finger nails. The presence of the grease prevents the lodgment of dirt and grime, and the grease is quickly washed off with petrol..

Underground passages for automobiles at the principal street intersections are to be constructed this year in Paris to relieve traffic congestion. The system will be extended if the idea works. 0 0 0 Motor vehicle taxation in Europe is high, reports the California State Automobile Association, in some cases being 50 per cent of car cost. An ancient car rattled up to the toll gate. Toll Keeper: One shilling for the car. Driver: A very liberal bid, my man. Our Gwendolyn says the honeymoon is over when the bride insists on a heater in the car to keep Iter warm.