RUNNING COSTS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19150, 5 November 1927, Page 5

RUNNING COSTS.

PROBLEM OF REDUCTION. I' There are a number of minor points in connexion with running a, car whichif given attention as occasion demands, may well make a, material difference in an owner's yearly maintenance bill. The most important concerns the treatment of a new ear, and the less expensive the car the greater the need for care. Upon the way it is treated during the first few months of running largely depends the measure of its reliability and length of life. In no circumstances should a new engine be orerspeeded, and jt isimportant to remember that this is a matter of piston speed rather than of car 6peed. Owners, particularly of the cheaper models, which manufacturers cannot afford to run in properly before delivery, are advised by the makers not to drive over 20 or 25 miles an hour during the first SOO miles run. The wise man will strictly adhere to this injunction. He will be still wiser if he bears in mind the fact that the principle applies equally tp speed on the lower gears. It is useless, to keep down to 20 miles on top, jf a tight engine is run up to 15 or 16 miles fairly frequently on a second or .third speed. Moreover, much patience and care will be wasted if, after the first 500 miles, the maximum is not raised progressively. Most chassis, even of the expensive type, are better driven with a good reserve at all times during the first 1000 to 1500 miles. A point applicable throughout an engine's life which bears materially, on durability is that of starting up and running an engine from cold. The best and most economical method to adopt for battery a§ wejl as engine life is to crank the engine two or three times by hand before switching on. _ It should then be run slowly until it is warmed before putting any serioqs load upon it. Never race a~ cold engine, and if it can he avoided never drive off the car uni* the oil has warmed and is circulating freely. The Ufe of all machinery is dependent, not only upon the quantity of lubricant supplied as a cushjoner or insulator, but also upon the quality. Oil loses its vitality with use. Thus it is important to clean the back axle, gearb°s,~and especially the engine from time to time, and replenish them with fresh oil. The power developed by an engine is largely dependent upon the correct setting of the sparking plug points and the tappets. For this reason ' clearances should not be neglected, but Bbould be examined and corrected periodically. Do not neglect the makers' instructions as to chassis lubrication. The road wbeej- bearings— parts which are generally forgotten—should receive duo attention.

Covers would last half as long again if kept at their correct pressure and if small stones which have become embedded in the tread are picked out before they have time to mjrk through to the foundation. For the preservation of varnished coachwork a copious supply of water should be employed in washing, and the use of petrol or paraffin should be avoided.