MOTORIST'S LOG.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19179, 9 December 1927, Page 4

MOTORIST'S LOG.

A ROAD EXPERIMENT.

USEFUL FACTS. (SPICUI.LT wmTTIH FOR TffK VtZSS.) (By Major F. A. C. Forbes-Lcith, F.8.G.5., author of "By Car to India.")

In the course of my motoring experience, I am constantly encountering facts which arc worth noting. My practice is to record them, and here are some which, I believe, will be of use to my fellow-drivers.

Kim Lock Nuts: A part that usually gets less than its fair share of inspection is the locking device on the wheel rim. These parts are always exposed to the elements, and are subject to rust, and, as a result, wear very quickly. They should be regularly inspected, and if they are found faulty it is wise to have them repaired at once, or else replaced. Few motorists give enough thought to the real importance of these locks, although their function plays a necessary though inconspicuous role in «-.ontributing to the safety of motoring. Valve Springs: Weak valve springs can cause endless trouble in promoting poor engine operation. The continual strain placed on them, in combination with the fact that they are subject to a high temperature whenever the engine is running, should be sufficient reason to warrant their being periodically inspected. They should be removed for this purpose' and measured in order to make sure that they are of equal size. If any of them is found to be short, the tension may be rectified by placing an extra plate underneath it to increase the pressure. Because an evenly running engino depends largely on the balance of the valve springs, I regard it as false economy to use this method as anything but a temporary measure. The defective springs should be changed at the earliest opportunity. Tyre Tips: A very interesting experiment has recently been made by driving an automobile over many different type 3of roads. It was found that concreto caused the least tyre wear; and, second to this, came the tar-mac road.

It is interesting to know that a tyre on this car, which was run at an average Bpeed of 35 miles an hour on the concrete road, lost practically one ounce in weight in 500 miles. On a tar-mac road, tho loss was an ounce and threequarters. The wear caused by soft gravel roads 'was as high as seven ounces for 500 miles, while on macadam roads it ran as high as thirty ounces. The variation between the wear on front and rear tyres on all these tests was sixty per cent, greater on the latter.

This is a clear demonstration of the necessity for running at low speeds on anything but a first-class concrete road. Parking on hills: I read the account of a distressing accident which occurred a few days ago. A motorist parked his car on a hill, and, as he thought, braked it securely. Apparently, his self-starter was not working, and he had to resort to the use of the cranking handle. As he put his weight against it, it ran away and injured sis people as it careered backwards down the hill.

When stopping your car on a hill always turn the front wheels towards a curb, if it is not convenient to scotch the rear wheels with a piece of wood or brick. Many such accidents as the one mentioned are due to the hand brake releasing itself, or to the tension of the brakes being relieved by the passengers getting out, or, in a lorry, the weight being unloaded after the brake has been set.

Universal Joints: Owing to the fact that the universal joint is not easily accessible, it does not come in for its proper share of care. If you desire the maximum of efficiency in running, it is all-important that this joint be kept oiled.

It is an expensive part to replace, and as most of the cars of to-day are fitted with a grease container to the universal joint, which may be fed by means of a pressure syringe, it will not take you long to give it the necessary attention.

LONDON OLYMPIA.

SIX-CYLINDER CULT. What are the points that will eagerly be enquired about by the great crowds of motor-car enthusiasts who will throng Olympia when the annual show opens (asks Gordon Fraser in the London "Express"). ' Time was, not many years ago when freaks and curiosities attracted r considerable attention. That day is past. Olympia will be packed by visitors from every part ot the country with real motoring minds, chock-full ot* knowledge backed by experience.

Assistants at the various stands must be prepared to answer more technical iterrogations than ever before. -That dainty young thing in silk stockings and lizard shoes is not going to be intrigued by the old-time stock invitation of "Step inside. Aren't the cushions just the last thing in comfortP Of course you can have a different colour." '

_ No. She will fire off a string of questions about bores and camshafts and gear-boxes, and transmissions, the oiling system, dynamos, and. voltages, overhead valves, braking—things no woman ever dreamed of three or four years ago. All-Weather Models. One question that will be eagerly debated is that of the six-cylinder cars in view of the low price of petrol. Practically all the leading firms are senditig tempting propositions in six-cylinders. Another much-discussed matter will hare a practical answer when the sales results are made known. It is that of the all-weather tourer versus saloon. The open car finds great favour still with lovers of the open air such as myself, but who are we when up against such a trickster as the clerk of the weather has proved himself this "summer."

There are, however, designs providing an easy and a quick adjustment of hood and side screens that will satisfv the lover of the open sky while giving perfect and non-draughty protection in double quick time when the sudden squali comes rushing across the open moor.

To control traffic in the Holland tubes, motor vehicle tunnels under the North River, which will connect N'ew York with New Jersey, 300 policemen will be employed. At one point th© tubes are 80 feet Mow the surface ot the river. By pushing a button each policeman can control electric • signs through the whole tute, signalling "Alt traffic stop!'' "Stop your motor,'' "Halt," "Accident," or "Fire."