FAST DRIVING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20077, 6 April 1935, Page 10

FAST DRIVING

MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE Quite apart from the risks which might arise, unduly fast driving is costly because of the effects which it produces on tyre and petrol mileage, and the wear and tear of the chassis. The owner who wishes to obtain long and trouble-free service from his car does not drive it “flat out” whenever a safe stretch of road entices him to increase speed, but is content to keep up a fair average pace and, preferably, that which he has learnt by experience is the one at which the engine purrs sweetly at moderate throttle. While it is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules for every type of car, it is interesting to note the results of independent experiments made by European and American engineers. These tests, it is reported, revealed that operating costs were sometimes more than trebled when an average

speed of 55 m.p.h. was maintained, as compared with one of 35 m.p.h. Tyre wear and petrol consumption were found to be frequently doubled at a rate of some 50 m.p.h. as compared with one not exceeding 35 m.p.h., and other expenses of running were increased proportionately. It is not suggested that the figures quoted are applicable to every case, as a great deal depends on the make of car and the nature of the road, but motorists who habitually drive fast might bear the general statement in mind and realise that good fuel and tyre mileages and longevity of the engine are incompatible with ruthless speeding. Regardless of however pure it may be for other purposes, no water other than distilled is really advisable for the replenishment of the battery.

With regard to doors, it is advisable to apply a little oil to the hinges and occasionally a little ordinary household or soft soap to the door jambs, as soap is not so likely to cause damage to clothes. Similarly, the application of a little soap to the runners of the sliding seats is a useful form of lubrication.