MOTORING NOTES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3794, 12 August 1936, Page 3

MOTORING NOTES

VALUABLE HINTS. Some motorists shirk the job of tyre changing, as a difficult and unpleasant one. It is, however, an easy job if tackled in the right way, and any great difficulty encountered usually indicates that the method is wrong. When taking off the cover remove all the valve parts and push the cover right into the well at the point diametrically opposite the valve. It must be right in the deepest part of the well and is best held there by kneeling on the cover. Now insert a tyre lever under the cover near the valve and lift it over the rim. If the other side of the cover is kept right in the well it will be quite simple to lift the edge near the valve over the rim, a little at a time, and after the first foot or so the whole cover can be pulled over with the fingers. It is no use applying excessive force as the edge of the tyre will not stretch and the beading may be broken. When replacing the tyre inflate the tube very slightly and place it in position with the valve through the hole in the rim. It is a good plan to wipe round the edge of the cover with a soapy rag before pushing it into the well opposite the valve. It should then be quite simple to push the whole cover over the rim, keeping the first section right in the well, and using to tyre lever if necessary for the last few inches. Then before replacing the valve parts and inflating make sure that the tube is not trapped between the cover and rim. Following a right method is greatly preferable to what one sometimes sees, the use of force through a powerful lever instead of the small ones generally supplied. THE CAR IN WINTER. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FROST. It is not generally known by motorists that the installation of a thermostatic control—which is a feature becoming popular on the modern car—increases the risk of freezing, and actually makes it possible for ice to form in the radiator during the early stages of a journey. A thermostat delays the circulation of water between the radiator and the engine, and thus allows the cold air a longer period in which to take effect. This makes it almost imperative to add a suitable anti-freezing mixture to the water to reduce the freezing point during cold weather. DON’T ILL-TREAT THE ENGINE. There is undoubtedly a natural desire on the part of most motorists to hang on to top gear as long as possible, whether touring in hilly country or driving in city streets, but engine racing when climbing in a low gear and heavy pressure (as when travelling slowly on top) should be avoided. Experienced motorists know the damage that is done to an engine by users whose sole ambition is to see Cow much of the engine’s work can e done on top gear. This is a mistake which is often made by newcomers who have heard old hands talking about the hills they have climbed “on top.” To attempt a top gear run when hills could obviously be better taken on a low gear is illtreating the engine. When the engine is labouring it is pounding its bearings and should be eased at once by dropping down into a lower gear, to allow the engine to run faster and to get the equivalent power with less pressure and strain. The thrust of pistons on the walls of the cylinders is also abnormally increased, and excessive wear may be induced, which may result in the necessity of an expensive overhaul. A driver should be able to judge when it is better to change down than stay ih top, to keep the speed up, and the engine should be allowed to do its work with the throttle not fully open. High engine speed on full throttle in an intermediate gear should be very seldom used. Moderation in both engine speed and throttle openings should be the order of things, for it is the best way to conserve the efficiency and life of the engine. CHEAP MOTORING. How little does motoring cost? A well-known racing driver set out to answer this question, and to his surprise found that two people had been carried a distance of 532 miles for a petrol consumption of 13 gallons and a pint of lubricating oil. The cost was, therefore, less than a farthing per mile per person. The test was carried out in a Morris Eight saloon which had 14,000 miles to its credit. The car was not specially nursed, for it averaged a speed of 33 m.p.h. and attained a maximum of 60 m.p.h., and cruised at a comfortable 5.0 m.p.h. It was found

on the test that second gear sufficed for all but freak gradients, and gave a maximum of 35 m.p.h. CONTROL OF CYCLISTS. “ANTI-DAZZLE” RESTRICTIONS. I The Automobile Association (Auckland) decided at its last meeting to invite the North Island Motor Union to forward a number of suggestions, brought foward by Mr. H. J. Butcher, to the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, for consideration for incorporation in the amended motor regulations. The recommendations applying to bicycles were: That all pedal cycles be registered and licensed annually, and carry a number plate; that no more than one person be allowed to ride a bicycle unless it is built to carry more than one; that it be fitted with an independent brake operating from the handle-bar; that not over 281 b. weight of goods be carried; and that on no occasion shall more than two cyclists ride abreast. Other suggestions were: That consideration be given by the Minister as to the advisability of adopting a system of different shapes and colours for the various classes of road signs (not direction signs); that a motor vehicle that has been refused a comprehensive policy on account of its condition shall not be re-licensed until a certificate of fitness has been presented to the registrar, this to be issued by a competent examiner approved by the Minister; that the Minister consider adopting the “antidazzle” regulations that will come into force in England in October; and that the Melbourne practice be adopted of placing “major road ahead” or similar signs at intersections. It was also decided to recommend to the union that a practical form of road courtesy be adopted, with instruction to all members of the staff's of the automobile associations to use the following road signs: “Do not pass me. Danger.” Wave the right arm in an up and down motion. “Pass me now.” Wave the right arm in a backward and forward motion. CARBON MONOXIDE. DANGER IN MOVING CARS. Mr. Charles A. Harnett, Motor Vehicle Commissioner; New York, recently issued a warning to motorists against the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning even in moving cars if they are tightly closed. He specified: If it is necessary to remain in a car while parked, do not run the engine, especially in a closed garage. See that the carburettor and all moving parts incidental to combustion are adjusted so that the fuel will be completely burned. Inspect cars regularly for leaky exhaust connections and broken floor boards, defective pipes and mufflers. Stop driving and get plenty Of fresh air at the first sign of headache, dizziness, smarting eyes, drowsiness or nausea. Do not seal the interior of the car by closing all windows and vents tightly. As far as possible, ventilate by opening the front window or the windshield. Even a small amount of carbon monoxide, which is odourless and colourless, the commissioner pointed out, may affect the mental and physical faculties of a driver sufficiently to slow down his reactions in emergencies.