THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTORS.

NZ Truth, Issue 1179, 5 July 1928, Page 15

THE TRUTH ABOUT MOTORS.

IN THE REVERSE GEAR

Drivers Should Not Be Afraid Of Simple Job THERE seems to be an inordinate number of drivers who are extremely awkward m reversing.

THE moment they put the reverse gear m they seem to lose all road sense, get into a state, of mind m which they expect trouble and, naturally enough, frequently find it. . The^ action of reversing, except that one cannot see where the car is going so easily as when driving forward, is every whit as simple as handling a car m fli'st gear. The art of reversing lies m the correct use of the clutch. Many drivers suffer from inability to keep a light foot on the clutch when they are m reverse gear, and once they engage ' it, they go backwards with a devastating- rush which endangers their own cars and everything else within reach. There are three essential points m reversing. One is as stated, the careful use of the clutch; another is to determine be-

forehand which direction is to be taken and how far the car is to move. Thirdly, the engine should not be speeded up more than is necessary to keep the car m motion. With the gear engaged, the clutch should be let m very gently, and unless the way is clear it should be kept just m contact, so that it slips, but keens the car moving. A small amount of slipping m reverse will not hurt the clutch m the least. A good method of practising the reverse for people who are nervous m backing their cars is to select a straight bit of road, and, keeping the engine running at only a little more than idling speed, to let the clutch m very gently so as not to stop the engine, and thus keep the car moving very slowly. A little practice m this manner will quickly lead to confidence.