DO IT YOURSELF

NZ Truth, Issue 1207, 17 January 1929, Page 13

DO IT YOURSELF

Saving Money by Mending Your o.wn Tubes

While many motorists keep a careful eye on their week-end mileage so as to save a gallon or two of fuel, they scatter their bawbees recklessly on small repairs, such as ordinary punctures.

EVEN when money is no object the mending of a puncture by the wayside is sometimes necessary. Puncture mending can be carried out very reliably by either cold patching or' vulcanizing. In both cases the final result is the same, for modern cold patching materials become vulcanized "by the heat produced during running. •At one time,- when petrol was much more volatile, the tube, after roughening, was often wiped with petrol. With present day fuel, which usually leaves an oily residue, this is one of the surest ways to prevent the patch sticking. The instructions on the, tin should be followed closely, and the tube should be carefully prepared, the solution being allowed to dry properly before applying the -patch. The best vulcanizers for roadside use are either the electric or cardboard fuel varieties. The current consumption of the former is about equal to a pair of headlamps. When removing a beaded edge tyre, a start is usually made opposite the valve. With the well -base tyre , now so much used on the Morris and other popular cars, exactly the oppgsite position should he selected for. either removal or replacement. The reason for this is that to lift the edge of the tyre over the rim, the opposite -side must sink into the well. This would

be prevented by the valve, and permanent damage done to the cover by stretching it. ' A good puncture outfit for the car will include a tin of French, chalk, some prepared patching canvas, a blowout patch, and suitable tyre levers and spare parts. If possible, obtain, a patching outfit with the solution m a tin; if it is m a tube, pack me tube well m paper to avoid chafing or rattling. Every puncture has a cause, and the cause is usually to be found m the cover. • If it is not removed the trouble will recur. The writer has had two experiences of elusive causes. One was, a splinter from a tram line, which could not be felt until the cover was removed and turned inside out, and the other was a piece of nail which went right through the coVer into the tube. Both caused .other punctures before they were found. A small break, or even a rough spot, m the cords of the cover will damage the tube, and must be covered with a suitable patch. If 'the break is a bad one a tyre plaster or blowout patch will be needed; otherwise a single thickness of patching canvas will- often suffice. Always use a .liberal smearing of French chalk m the covers to prevent chafing 'and thus' prolong tube life.