The Motor World

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 57, 18 February 1927, Page 8

The Motor World

Matters of Interest to Car Owners

THINGS NEEDING ATTENTION.

WITH A NEW CAR. While car manufacturers deal in elaborate fashion with the care of the chassis, it is indeed rare to find that the body is mentioned. in other words, it is taken for granted that no attention is required, but here are a lew valuagle hints extracted from a folder by the Royal Body Corporation, which will show that coachwork should have its' fair share of attention:—

Underneath every window which is constructed to rise and fall drainage must be provided to allow, any water to run off. 'this is arranged by means of holes at the bottom of tne doors and quarters. These holes should bo kept clean. The mechanism of slidinjg seats should be kept clean but dry; oil or grease only collect dirt. In the case of a landaulet or other type of body with a folding hodd of enamelled leather, the latter should have an application of ne'at’s-foot oil; wherever the folds of leather come together a film of oil is neces? sary.

After a new oar has been in use for 500 miles—a period which allows for slight settling—all the holdingdown bolts, six or eight in number, should be tightened. All joints in folding hood mechanism should be lubricated every three months.

Leather upholstery should be washed with lukewarm water and soap. Only curd soap should be used. Afterwards apply olive oil sparingly to keep supple, removing any excess with a soft, dry cloth.

BRITAIN’S NEW MOTOR BILL.

HIGH BREEDS SAFE.

The late mail brought a forecast of the new motor law proposals in Great Britain. It is said that the Will will include proposals for 60 miles an hour on open roads, more severe penalties for dangerous driving, motor speed limits in congested streets, and the prohibition ot persons aged under 17 years from driving a car or motor-cycle. it is said that the Bill will be introduced early this year, and it is the intention of the Transport Ministry to put forward one comprehensive Bill. One report says that the change of mind in regard to speed limits was influenced by a test carried out some months ago, when a private check of the speed of vehicles was taken, and the average proved to be 55 miles an hour, with no apparent danger to the public. It is claimed that if traffic can move at this speed with no apparent risk it is unwise and unnecessary to fix low-speed limits by law. The forecast is that the Bill will contain very heavy penalties for recklessadps and negligent driving; lor a second offence the proposed penalty is £lOO, or six months 'imprisonment, while police will be given power to arrest without a warrant; for driving a ear while under the influence of liquor the penalty will be the cancellation of license for a minimum period of one year. It is. stated that as motorists who have their licenses suspended frequently borrow from their friends, all licenses must carry the photograph of the person to whom it is issued. in Great Britain there are no driving tests required before the issue of a license, and it is not proposed to alter this al present.

FALSE ECONOMY IN LUBRICA TION.

Economy in methods of driving and upkeep of car, the consumption of fuel and oil, etc., is a matter which is often referred to, but”novices should be warned against carrying the idea of economy too far. It is possible to save pence and pounds in consequence; it is also possible to attempt small savings and effect no saving at all, even where it was desired to economise, and at the same time to do harm to one’s engine and incur considerable repair bills. In almost everything the best is the cheapest. it applies to the cost of the car, the accessories and the fuel. Take the question of oil. A good oil may cost 7/6 per gallon, and some stuff dvhich the retailer calls oil may be obtained for considerably less. Do not, however, be persuaded to attempt economy in this direction. Supposing that the cheaper oil makes for as satisfactory running as the more expensive, what is the saving on a day’s run? A few pence at most. Supposing—as will most likely be the case—that it does not, what will be the result? Greater wear and tear and possibly a seized engine and rained bearings. The modern engine uses so little oil that it is folly to try to economise in this item. A wellknown car manufacturer was recently agked by a car owner how often should replenish the oil supply in” his engine. “Not at all,” was the answer, “but empty the sump occasionally and fill up with fresh oil.” This is, of course, necessary, because oil loses in nature in time and accumulates impurities. To throw away oil that has deteriorated with use is not an extravagance, but an economy; the engine will run all the better for the change —and good running means economical running. A novice will do well to start with the oil recommended by the makers of his car. In most cases there will be no need for a change ; but if he finds that any of his friends driving similar models are getting better results, then it would be as well to consult them about the oil they are using. Do not be in a hurry to change the oil so long as you are getting satisfactory results; leave experiments to the manufacturers and try the new oil for yourself later on if they recommend it as suitable for their engines. Manufacturers will always be ready to give advice concerning the running of their cars, and some recommend alternative brands of oil. This is useful when one is on tour and a country garage does not happen to have the particular brand one is usuing; it is very likely thatthey will stock the alternative. If they do not, be very chary about taking an unnamed oil from a barrel, they do stock and consult the list issued by the makers of that brand. This is almost certain to mention the oil best suited to your car. Failing this drive gently to the next garage. If, you have not left the filling up of the oil o hefwy mfwm filing of the oil to the last moment, no harm will be done.

The freedom of the highways is assured to motorists whose license plates are up to date. * » *

Quarrel about trifles if you really must. The less one has to ouarrel about the better.