MOTOR NOTES.

Putaruru Press, 5 January 1928, Page 7

MOTOR NOTES.

DARE OF THE GAR.

Adjustment of Brakes. Do not adjust the brakes too close when the car is without a load. If this is done the brakes will bind when the car is loaded and the wheelbase slightly extended. Rough roads will augment the trouble. While tightening the brakes do not get them too tight. It is easy to set them up too far, and then the operator wonders where all his power is gone. Jack up both wheels and see j if they are still free after adjust- I ment. Worth Remembering. I A great proportion of motor acci- j dents are due directly to faulty equipment. These accidents can be eliminated if cars are inspected and overhauled regularly. Here are a few 7 vital points to remember: Chains should be used during wet weather. Motorists should not tolerate noisy mufflers. Check up on all steering gear connections. See that tyres are in good condition and wheels are stable. All cars should be equipped with bumpers, as they will lessen damage due to collision. Brakes should be kept in efficient condition at all times, and frequent tests should be made. Changing Oil in New Cars. A new engine requires more frequent oil changes than ap epg'ipe which is “ broken in,” because pew bearing surfaces throw off a greater number of metal particles- After the first 500 miles of driving, it is advisable to change the oil in the engine. Repeat this operation every 1000 miles in warm weather. If this is not done, particles of metal from the wearing surfaces and a certain amount of dirt and rust which accumulate in the crankcase oil may be forced to the engine operating parts. Unless all the oil is drained cut of the crankcase foreign matter will remain there. It is not sufficient to add only enough oil to keep the proper level. Attend to Cooling System.

Every motorist should plan a “ spring cleaning ” of the cooling system of his car to assure a summer of good radiation and more satisfactory engine performance. Here is the simple task: Start the engine. Open the drain cock at the bottom of the radiator. Then turn a garden hose into the top opening and adjust the flow to equal the loss from the bottom drain. After 15 minutes of this procedure allow the radiator to drain empty. Close the drain cock and fill with water. The reason for operating the engine is to flush out not Ortiy the radiator, but also the entire water eireulation system of the engine block. Scale and other foreign matter accumulate in the circulation system during a Sv inter of driving. It would not be eliminated entirely by flushing the radiator with the engine not in operation. Use of Foot Brake.

The foot brake should always be applied some little distance before reaching the spot where intending to stop. Do not wait until within a few feet of the stopping point, then jam on the brake. This is a habit indulged in by a great many drivers and costs real money in the shape of increased tyre bills. Apply the foot brake with a gentle pressure for a few seconds, then release for a second, then apply again, alternately depressing and repressing the brake pedal in and out. Depress for five seconds, then release for a second. Apply just sufficient pressure to retard the speed of the car gradually. If the brake is applied harshly, friction lining glazes and fails to hold properly. When nearing the spot when planning to stop, close the

throttle and apply the brake in dabs of the foot, applying a final pressure to bring the car to a complete stop. In this way the wheels will not lock or skid and injure the tyres. Safety for Night Driving.

There is always danger of accidents at night if the lighting equipment is not kept in perfect condition. Lights should be examined and tested before every trip to see that they are in good condition. Extra bulbs should be carried. Headlights should be kept adjusted so that glaring light does not interfere with other users of the highway, and so that sufficient driving light is obtained for revealing persons or objects on the road. Most headlights need adjustment at least once a month. When replacing the dust cap on the valve stems of tyres, see that it is screwed down tight. It is good policy always to use a new cotter pin instead of an old one on any part of a car. General Jottings.

Brakes that are apparently perfect in dry weather will skid on wet pavement because they are not properly equalised.

A corroded fuse will cause the lights to go on and off. Even the horn becomes coarse when this condition exists. Grease leaking on the right rear wheel of the car indicates that the differential is too full or that the felt retainer is worn. If a car steers hard have the steering gear checked immediately to prevent possible accident or excessive wear on the tyres. Do not abuse tyres bjr driving in car tracks and deep rutfl or t>y scraping kerbstones. An emergency cotter pin can be made from a common hairpin by a few twists of the pliers. A defective valve is often the cause of slow leaks in the tyre. Wet brake linings can be burned dry by running for a short distance with the brakes set. Do not use kerosene or petrol in water used for cleaning the windshield or other glass, as the film of , the oil remaining holds dust and moisture. '*”• -

Keep the horn motor clean so that the merest touch of the button will bring a response. In an emergency there is no time to be lost in horning.

Longer wear is had from tyres if each one is removed from the rim once a year, the rim cleaned thoroughly, and painted, after which a

new liner is added and the tyre replaced. The higher the candle-power of the headlamps the more current it will require and the greater will be the drain on the battery. If the bumper receives a blow which causes it to bend, have it straightened at once. The next blow may bring about crack. Oil in the crankcase should be checked up each time the car is taken out of the garage. The oil level should never be either too low or too high.