THE MOTOR SPHERE.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 8, 25 October 1919, Page 30

THE MOTOR SPHERE.

Go Into Second at Level Crossings To Be Really Safe.

s And if Engine Stalls Use the SelfStarter (if You Have Any) to Pull the Car Out of Harm's Way.

(By WILLIAM H. STEWART, Jr.)

It is well to give the motorist a few words of advice on a subject usually disregarded—that of crossing rail-roads. Many people are killed on the tracks through their own carelessness. Some are so eager to get across that they even drive through closed gates. * * * The Usual Method. The all too usual method of crossing tracks, is to drive on high gear, throttled down. This requires a certain amount of gas and if the amount is reduced too much the engine will stall. By shifting into second speed all such danger is overcome. Then the engine is turning faster, and it is not so easy to stall. Furthermore, the car may be driven across the tracks at approximately the same speed. The impression prevails that the car may be speeded up more readily on* high gear in the event of a train approaching, but the distance is short, and a full throttle opening on second speed will send the car forward with greater certainty. * * * Important! This brings up a matter of importance, that of opening the throttle too suddenly. If the accelerator pedal is pressed too quickly the engine sometimes stalls. ' This is because the air valve yields readily to the increased suction, giving a sudden rush of air before the spray nozzle can respond with enough gasolene. Whether the throttle is opened by hand or foot the driver should open it gradually enough to give the engine time to respond. No matter how great the danger may be, the throttle' must be opened gradually. This does not mean to hesitate, but at a speed which will not cause the engine to choke before accelerating. * * * Don't Stall! Stalling the engine with a train approaching at high speed is a dangerous experience, to say the least. There is no time to start the engine, but the operator who keeps his presence of mind will use the starter to pull out of danger. By shifting into low speed and pressing the starter pedal the car is made to move forward slowly. Keeping this fact in mind, a driver may save his own life and the lives of those with him.

THE ENGINE AS A BRAKE

When starting down a very steep grade it is advisable to place the gears in low speed. The rear wheels will then turn the engine, a movement requiring considerable effort. This produoes a very good braking effect. A light car on a moderately steep hill will stop, and a heavy car will move slowly, but always under control. This is called using the engine as a brake. It should be practised from time to time so that the driver may become familiar with the method. it all the other brakes fad, this is the best and only thing to do. Practise the trick frequently so that it

becomes as easy as any other operation, and you will have cause to be thankful if ever the need arises to use it.