AMONG HILLS

NZ Truth, Issue 1149, 8 December 1927, Page 19

AMONG HILLS

Safety Is The Mate

Consideration

In deaoendinf a ateep hill, de not rely entirely upon tne brakes. A

new motorist need not imagine that by engaging a low gear to descend a. hill he Is branding himself as a

novlce.

THU experienced driver does this re- * fulorly, the only difference being; that, as he Is skilled ln gear changing, he trill probably delay changing down until he is aotually on the gradient. This the novice should not attempt, for it is very easy m BU3h circumstances to miss gear, and he will then find himself foroed to rely solely on his brakes.

The change should be made at the summit of the hill, before the descent is commenced, and if he distrusts his ability to change down he should not hesitate to stop before engaging first speed. V It is also easy for the unskilful driver to miss his gear when changing down while ascending, a hill, and on a singlefigure gradient a car can come to rest and commence to run backwards with astonishing rapidity.

Bhould the experienced driver inadvertently fumble his gear change, he instinctively applies the brake to hold- the car stationary, engages first gear, and restarts with the utmost ease, but the novice may lose his presenoe of

mind, let the car run back a few

feet before applying the brakes with a jerk, and m his effort to get away again stops his engine.

It is o£ prime importance to apply the brakes immediately the change ot gear has been missed. Then flrst gear should be engaged, the engine speeded up well, and the clutch let m gently, while the car is held on the hand brake until the clutch is felt to be taking up the drive. The modern oar should make light of starting on a severe gradient, provided these simple rules are observed.