MOTORING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 3 January 1931, Page 4

MOTORING

CARS FOR 1931 AMERICAN VIEWS ON READJUSTED INDUSTRY PRODUCTION HAS BEEN MODIFIED The year 1931 is going to bring with it a readjusted automobile industry. In part, it will be brought about through lessons the makers have learned as the result of deflation that set in one year ago. Since that time virtually every factory lias modified both production and distribution to cope with changing conditions. Instead of contracting, however. the business gives promise of expansion. Since January of last year, the automobile magnates have discovered a

number of tilings. One is that there are marketing opportunities for a wider variety of cars than have ever been offered in the past. This has been demonstrated by the advent of the bantam and “pony” types of miniature cars and' also the multiple cylinder types that run to 12 and 1(1 cylinders. Tims the line-up of makes is being widened at the extreme ends to make low priced cars on the one band, and high priced cars on the other, cover a wider range of usefulness. Reports have come to the effect that front drive cars will he built by two more makers for showing in 1931. The plan of one of the companies contemplates use of the Bucciali front drive engine principle, originated by the Bucciali Brothers of Paris. It is stated tliat this car will be listed among the higher priced makes, and will bring the added novelty of an aluminium body. Such bodies have been used by custom builders of this country previously, hut the high cost of the metal and limited demand have made them too clear for volume output.

SALES AND SERVICE An additional changing phase of the automobile trade will be found in improved sales and service methods. That such changes were under consideration became apparent earlier in the year through pronouncements of two of the industry’s leaders. Calling attention to the need for reform in automobile distribution, Alvan Macauley, president of the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce sounded a warning note. “Look out for the new methods,” lie said, “they are coming. Measure for a moment the present haphazard methods of distribution against the calculated perfection of out production departments and anyone can see that vast improvement is possible. Distribution is still thinking in terms of dollars, whereas production thinks in terms of time. Dollars in modern factories have given place to minutes. Factory managers no longer say they have been able to save a dollar on a given operation—they now report they have been able to cut the standard time by so many minutes or fractions thereof. My prediction is that distribution and its great ally—service—will determine who is to survive and prosper.” In a similar vein Alfred P. Sloan, junr., said: “The typical new car customer is buying not his first car, hut his third or fourth car. He is becoming more sophisticated, and word of mouth advertising, based on first-hand experience overshadows tire sales solicitation and the power of the printed. word. A maximum realisation.,, of this opportunity can be attained only through a proper recognition of tlie importance of service. To whatever degree the product df a manufacturer attains wide distribution, to that degree service.becomes important.” Service, as it is now practised, is no longer left to the discretion of the dealer. Progress has replaced hand work with machines in the average service station. Factory methods have been applied both to operation, cost and inspection. Certain plants are carrying the idea still further. They are canvassing owners at one-month intervals with the aim of keeping them satisfied and cultivating close acquaintance against the day when it will be time to buy another car. In certain cities, service on a continuous plan is being tried. This utilises a chain system of turning out production jobs; the cars as they are brought in are put through inspection on the samo principle as an assembly line. One required operation is made to follow another in systematising repairs.

NOTES NEW CAMPING TRAILER The latest device to aid the motorist on his holiday tour is a compact caravan which can he easily towed behind even the “baby” class of cars. Weighing less than 5001 b, it can bo opened and ready for use in 30 seconds. Besides two full-width bunks there is room on the floor for two children. With lockers and cupboards for food and electric light in the roof, it is most complete. All the luggage can he stored in the trailer when on the move, thus saving space in the car.

MONEY IN NIGHTMARES A Wisconsin jury recently gave a Verdict for 1000 dollars to an athletic coach who had a nightmare on. the evening following a motor car collision. Rising in his sleep to avoid another impending collision, he injured his hand by putting it through a window; It was his contention that the in jury, was due to the nightmare, and the nightmare due to the shock caused by the real collision. It followed that the drivers of the other car, if they.were to blame for the first collision, were also to blame for its later consequence. VALVE GRINDING When grinding in the valves one should never turn the valve continuously in one direction. This would produce ridges and grooves in the valve sealings and you would not get a satisfactory finish. The best way to do it is to turn the valve a half-turn backward and forward, occasionally lifting the valve from its seating so as to ensure good distribution of the grinding compound. For this purpose it is a good plan to insert a light spring underneath the head of the vtfTve, which will lift automatically when pressure is released. There are tools sold by means of which the valve can bo turned automatically half a turn one way and threequarters of a turn in the reverse direction.

HELPFUL HINTS MAKING MOTORS MIND The following helpful hints for the motorist who wants to get the most service and enjoyment out of his motor Constipation! Rid yourself of constipation perfectly naturally by eating Yeaston Tablets.—Nces, Chemist, Hardy street,.

car are supplied by Mr Max Wall, service manager of General Motors New Zealand, Ltd.: —

Selection of the proper grade of oil will make a noticeable difference in the performance of an engine. An oil with a heavy body has a greater cushioning effect than a light oil or medium body oil, and when used in a badly-worn engine will reduce noise to a certain extent. However, lubricating systems are designed to operate efficiently with a certain grade of oil, and if the oil used is too heavy to circulate properly, the engine may be damaged. It is best to follow tlie recommendations of the factory in tlie grade of oil to be used.

Misfiring of the engine may cause damage if not corrected in time. Every time there is a miss in one of the cylinders the gas that has been drawn into the cylinder is not fired. Some of this unburned gas is not exhausted, but remains in liquid form and runs down past tlie pistons into the oil reservoir, causing the oil to be diluted, which impairs its lubricating quality. It is important that the spring shackle bolts be kept well lubricated to ensure proper spring action and maintain riding comfort. The manufacturer’s recommendation should be followed regarding the lubrication of the spring leaves. _ •* • ’ To keei) an engine operating efficiently, valve tappets should be adjusted so that the valves-will seat properly’when the engine is hot. Heated valve stems lengthen slightly, and if there is not sufficient tappet clearance the extreme heat in the combustion chamber will burn and warp the valves, resulting in a loss of compression and power.' When it is considered that rust is the principal agent destructive to car finishes, and that''rust is the result of road dirt, grime, and grit, the importance of regular car washing becomes evident. Here is the way it can be done by anyone in less than a halfhour’s time:*—First, liose the car with cold water, using.the full stream without the nozzle, except on the under body. All possible dirt is loosened and floated off in this way, especially if rubbed gently from time to time with a thoroughly water-soaked sponge. Two sponges, known as “carriage sponges,” should he used, one for tlie body and the other for the running gear. After flushing the entire car with cold water, the chassis should be washed first with large spongefuls of soap and water ami thoroughly rinsed. Wash the body with cold water, then dry with a chamois.

Only distilled water or, in an emergency, rain water, caught- in a glass container, should be used in storage batteries. Tho distillation process leaves the iron and other minerals behind and rain water does not contain these ingredients, therefore, there is nothing that will be harmful to the battery plates. Battery liquid is a diluted sulphuric acid solution in which the evaporation is confined to the water. Acid should never be added except under unusual circumstances and in accordance with the advice of a competent battery man. The only care ordinarily required is to keep the liquid replenished with distilled water to a level about three-eighths of an inch above the plates. The modern engine demands the highest type of spark 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, a gauge should be used and the adjustment should be made in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. ’ - A