MOTORS&MOTORING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3017, 2 March 1917, Page 9

MOTORS&MOTORING

I fßt Clutoh.]

About Tyres. — At times , motorists aro surprised at having a motor cover burst when to all appearances it is outwardly in sound condition,, after a big mileage The cause of this is usually a weakened casing, such as loosened plies of fabric, often caused by grit and wet penetrating through ii cut in the tread, which sets up friction, leading to .gradually weakening of strenth of casing, of which no signs are apparent. In such a case the cover remains intact until some adverse oircumstanco suddenly occurs, such as a severe shock in passing over an obstacle, or an increase of temperature. A periodical inspection of tho inside of covers is a wiso precaution, as provision can often be made for strengthening up weakness at any point by tho timely use of inside sleevo, thus ensuring considerable- oxtra service, whereas, if let go, tho weakness may result in a "blow out" if the troublo is not attended to, thus spoiling a cover that would otherwise give further good service. The Dunlop Rubber Company, who have fine equipment for carrying out repair work, etc., will at any time bo pleased to report on such covers, whether "Dunlops" or not. The leading tyre companies in Ameri T ca havo increased, their prices for motor •tyres from 10 to 20 per oent. This increase is attributed' to the cost of crude materials and labour. It is interesting to note that despite similar increased costs in this country, the Dunlop Rubber Company has not appreciably increased the price for- Australian Dunlops since the war began. Under-Inflation. The evils of under-inflation are well known, but attention should be called to the fact that a tyre which is run too soft is not only aiibject to an exceptional amount of road wear through the "dragging" action, but is further likely to be seriously damaged along tho beaded edge and noar the rim. This remark applies particularly to tyros that aro used without security bolts, which, to a. limited extent, prevent "creeping" when they are fully tightened. Not only is it desirablo to keep tyres well inflated, to save needless abrasion of the treads on the Toad, but tho vety act of inflation itself entails some little thought if after troublo is to be avoided. Dust is a constant sourco of trouble. A little of it getting inside the tyre will oauso trouble with tho valve. The tiny particles lodging on tho. valve pin seating will lead to leakage, and cause endless inconvenience by tho necessity for frequent reinnations. The best of pumps, in the most oleanly of cars, will pick up dust. Before beginning to pump, therefore, it is well.to make a few atrokos to clear any dust out of the pump cylinder and tube. On removing tho dust cap from tho valve itself, caro should bo used to remove any dust or.grit that may *' have accumulated there. In the case of a lost valve cap an improvised cap of i rubber or rag may bo used, which will I lessen the prospective difficulty. j Properly Soldered Joints. j Few mechanics or repairmen realise »- the closo_ relation between properly j soldered joints and splices and tho perj manency of a repair. If one pieco of ] wire is fastened to another or to n, I terminal and wrapped with adhesive aps without a solddring job being dono, tho connection will bo of suffi-ciently-low resistance at tho timo, and I will give satisfactory results until corrosion of tho parts take place and build up a resistance to the circuit, which i ■