CARE OF THE CAR.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 28 November 1930, Page 5

CARE OF THE CAR.

J POINTS TO WATCH. Plus rerformane®. The modern engine demands the highest type of plug performance, and an intense spark is essential for its operating efficiency. Perfect plug performance is important, whether it is obtained by cleaning and resetting the points or by buying new plugs. As to resetting, it cannot be done by "hit or miss" methods any longer. The measurement is so fine that it requires a micrometer. To reduce -wear and lessen noise about the car, do not fail to lubricate door latches, striker plates and other locking parts frequently. Wiping them •with an oil-moistened cloth will be sufficient, and does not involve much danger of soiling clothing which may touch them. To Lessen Noise. Owing to their location grease nipples invariably become coated with ' mud and dirt which often is forced into the bearing when lubricated. It is a goed plan to provide dirt-proof covers for the nipples, which can be made by using lengths of rubber tubing, about half an inch longer than the height of the nipple, and plugging the open end with a round piece of wood such as might be cut off a curtain rod. Naturally the rubber tubing must fit tightly over the nipple, whilst two tacks could be used to keep the plug in position. The covers should last a long time and are cheap. Blading Exhaust Pipe. "When binding the exhaust pipe with asbestos string, difficulty is often experienced in finishing off the ends in a satisfactory manner. The best way tc accomplish this is to use ordinary hose clips, as these keep the string absolutely tight and firm and make it last very much longer. Metal Filings. When filing a job it will often be found that the metal collects in the teeth of the file, causing scratches in the surface of the job. To prevent this happening, chalk should be rubbed in the file every few minutes so that the filings do not get jammed between the teeth. When Radiator Bodls. If the radiator has been boiling and is short of water, do not pour cold water in unless the engine is running and then only slowly. The sudden cold on the cylinder block may crack it. Running the motor circulates the water.

Chassis and Steering Gear. Greasing the chassis and steering gear is a dirty job, but it is better to be dirty for a few minutes than poor for ever. Neglect of the steering gear, shackle bolts, etc., will very soon cost money for replacements. Nothing wears quicker than a dry shackle or steering knuckle. Buckled clutch plates will prevent a clutch from taking tip the drive properly and often from freeing completely. A burnt-out bulb goes black, while one turning milky or yellow indicates the entry of air due to a loose bayonet cap or broken glass. It is the height of folly to descend a steep hill in neutral; one should rely on the engine as well as the brakesj using one of the lower gears if the gradient is at all considerable. Danger from Battery. Many batteries are placed in such a dark position beneath the floor-boards that it is often necessary to bring a light to bear to examine the water level in the cells. It should always be remembered, however, that the hydrogen fumes which emanate from the battery are highly inflammable, so that there is some danger attached to the use of a naked light. The wise motorist will always use a portable electric light or an electric flashlight. Stopping Rusty Eims. j When rust forms inside the rim it rots the covers. To prevent this, remove all the rust and scale from the inside of the rim, and heat the rim slightly on the inside, being careful not to ruin the exterior paint. The heat will drive off any dampness. While the rim is warm, coat it with goldsize, putting it under the edges of the rim. When the gold-size becomes tacky dust it over with a fine graphite, wiping off the surplus with a cloth and leaving a smooth hard surface over which the tyre can readily be fitted. Squeaking Brakes. It is claimed that brake squeak can be prevented without losb of braking efficiency by painting the surface of the shoes with a mixture made of a little powdered graphite in petrol. At the first or second application Of the brakes after this treatment, they may not be fully effective, but thereafter it is said that their power will, if anything, be increased, whilst squeaking will completely disappear.

MOTOR-CYCLING. PIONEER SPORTS CLUB. FIXTURES. Nov. 29th—Miniature T.T. race, Rolleston. Dec. 13th—Mystery Competition. NOTES. Satisfactory entries have been received for the miniature T.T. race, to be held to-morrow afternoon by the Pioneer Sports Club at Rolleston, for which a special course has been provided near the railway station. The course will be seven-tenths of a mile round and will consist of many different angles which will prevent anything like top speed being attained. It should add to the riding experienoe of those competing without proving dangerous, thus serving quite a useful purpose in the matter of riding education. The entries so far are as follows: D. S. Anderson (31 Scott), P. H. Webb (31 Scott), C. L. Moffatt (2j Velocette), Hi. E. Fairweather (5.6 H.D.), M. Brooks (2$ A. J. S.), A. E. Hawkings (34 Ariel), T. R. McCleary (31 Ariel), E. A. Smith (23 O.K. Supreme). E. J. Bradshaw (2i 8.5.A.), S. W. Cunningham (31 Ariel), S. 1». Ogden (31 Ariel), R. A. Carpenter (25 A.J.S.), and A. D. Kane (31 Norton). Competitors and ofiacials will leave the club house at 2 o'olock for the scene of their activities. Ihere will be two competitors in each heat, so that quite an interesting afternoon s sport is anticipated. In view of the recommendations made at a meeting of light car owners recently, it is likely that the; second half-} ear programme of the Pioneer Sports Club's sporting fixtures will provide for several competitions for this section, including a two ° a y® reliability trial, hill climbs, beach races, and social runs. The South Canterbury Motor-cycle Club has arranged a two-days' solo and side-car reliability trial. This will commence at 9.30 this evening, and the route will be via Oamaru, Palmerston, Kyeburn, Ranfurly, and Middlemarch, thence to Dunedin via Outram, returning via Leith Valley or Mount Cargill to Palmerston and Oamaru, and finishI ing at Timaru. A very liberal programme has been issued by the Gisborne Club for its grass track meeting to be held on New Year's Dav. It will consist of nine different "events, for which prizes amounting to £l7O are offered. Entries close on December 17th.

BROADSIDING. The opening of the broadsiding season on Saturday last attracted a large j attendance, which augured well for the success of subsequent meetings. A good deal of improvement has been made to the track since last season, a new and firmer foundation having been laid down. " Daredevil'» Duxkin, the Australian rider, considers that the Monica Park Speedway i■ the best he, has ever ridden over.

The death of G. M. Chambers as a result of an accident at the Monica Park Speedway on Saturday was a most unfortunate occurrence, which had a depressing effect on the spectators- The victim was a popular member of the Pioneer Sports Club, who had shown up well in beach racing. Had he been spared it is probable that he would have made a name for himself on the dirt track, as he was possessed of aii the qualities of a first-class rider. The accident was the more unfortunate in that it is only on very rare occasions that a competitor loses his life, in spite of the number of spills which are characteristic of the sport. At to-morrow night's meeting "daredevil" Durkin will give an exhibition of side-car racing. This is said to be a Dfost exciting sport in Australia, the cinders being shifted as spectacularly as in solo racing- It is necessary for the man in the side-car to wear goggles to protect himself from the cinders. Such racing is conducted on the match principle, there being adequate room for two riders on the track, but not more.

On December 16th a strong contingent of English riders will arrive in the Dominion to try conclusions with the local lads. Two will go to each of the four centres, and their appearance ia being awaited with great interest, as they have already shown themselves to be champions. • The team consists of Jim Kempster, Norman Evans, George Greenwood, Frogby, "Squib" Burton and Frank Bonds. An interprovincial contest which will be provocative of wide interest will be the match races between the best riders of the North and the South Islands. The best men from Christchurch will meet the representatives of Otago, and Bimilar races will be held in the two North Island centres. When the outstanding men of the North Island have been selected they will be pitted against the best riders in the South Island, the-final test taking place in the City in which the representatives of one centre, whether in the North Island or the South, beat their opponents by the largest margin of pointß. Each team will consist of six men, and the chosen of Otago will be

seen at th« Monica Park Bpeedway tomorrow week, the Christchurch. men appearing in Dunedin a fortnight later. The Automobile Association, during last July, received some 26 letters for each working minute, and approximately 1,872,000 miles of prepared itineraries were posted every day.