Maintaining Efficiency

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19833, 23 June 1934, Page 10

Maintaining Efficiency

The resolves made by practically every motorist when he takes delivery of a new car, to keep it in perfect mechanical order, and to preserve the “show-rcom” appearance, seldom last more than three months, by which time

CARE OF THE CAR

the tasks of cleaning and routine inspection and adjustment, which were so gladly undertaken shortly before, receive scant attention. It is probably the loss of interest of most owners in their cars after using them for a few' thousand miles, and the consequent lack of attention, that results in many machines of good design and construction being traded in or sold for comparatively low figures after being driven for a year or two. If a car is neglected it is almost impossible for the average owner-driver to restore it to efficiency, but frequent attention from When delivery is taken will do much to prevent a modern motor from deteriorating, and at the same time will amply repay the owner when the time arrives for a sale or trade in to be arranged. There are many tasks requiring neither expert knowledge nor special equipment that can be performed at home, although generally it is wise to leave to a qualified mechanic major repairs or adjustments calling for a high degx-ee of accuracy.

Adjustment of brakes and headlights are two important duties that are frequently neglected by owners. Both are simple, although they call for care, and may prevent accidents. In adjusting the brakes it is well to jack all four wheels from the ground, if the adjustment is an individual one for each wheel, but in some cases there is a master control that takes up the four brakes evenly. Brakes should be tightened until a very slight movement of the pedal or lever is sufficient to bring them into operation at the same time making sure that there is no tendency to bind. Tappets also require periodic attention, correct adjustment preventing an annoying clatter, and also ensuring better performance, A novice should not as a rule interfere with the distributor, although a keen owner, with the proper feeler and spanners, can adjust the points after clearing them with a rag dipped in clean petrol. Inspection of the oil and petrol filters is essential at regular intervals, while greasing should not be delayed over long. Although a modern external finish will withstand considerable abuse, frequent washing and occasional polishing both keep it in good order and add greatly to a car’s appearance.