TO CONSERVE TYRES.

Putaruru Press, Volume VIII, Issue 328, 6 March 1930, Page 7

TO CONSERVE TYRES.

ADVICE ON DRIVING. Since one of the most expensive items in the running of a motor vehicle is the upkeep and replacement of tyres it is obvious that the keen and careful motorist will endeavour to conserve them and do all that is possible in the way of getting the longest mileage from each cover. Careful driving is the great secret of tyre service, other things being correct, such as pressure of inflation and the filling of cuts and holes. As regards the first, it is obvious that sudden braking and sudden acceleration must put a greater strain upon the tyre cover than can be put by any amount of straightforward driving. In changing gear on hills, if the wait between disengagement and engagement of the clutch is too long, it may take a great deal out of the tyres, which have to take up the load unfairly. The change should be as quick as possible, yet the clutch must not be “ dropped ” in. It must be engaged smoothly. It can be let out as quickly as possible. A good deal depends on the accuracy of accelerating. When we get the “ touch ” of any gear we can accelerate as the clutch comes out and to exactly the right moment for the increased engine ratio of the lower gear, then shift the gear ' lever over and engage gently. It can be done very quickly, and if properly accomplished the drive will be taken up without any extra strain upon the tyres. If the car jerks forward we know that the tyre tread is being subjected to tremendous strain, and it is this, strain, often applied, which weakens tyre walls and wears tyre treads. Bad roads should be negotiated at moderate speeds. Avoid sudden braking, particularly on loose roads, and also sudden accelerations. It is the sudden changing of driving pressures in the tyres which cause more wear than is caused by the rolling of the tyre upon the road. Make sure that the tyres are fully inflated.