PRESSURE GUAGE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 64, 6 November 1931, Page 6

PRESSURE GUAGE

IMPGRTANCE OF OIL. Of all the dashboard fittings, the oil pressure gauge calls for continual attention when driving, for althought its purpose may be simply to register the pressure of oil in the lubricating system, yet it is here that the first indication will be given of many impending troubles. If the needle of this gauge should fall back to zero, jump again to its normal reading in an irregular manner, it would indicate the oil supply in the crankcase becoming dangerously low. Should it fall back ' to zero when the car is steered round a sharp corner, the possibilities are that one of the oil pipes normally submerged in the crankcase has been either cracked or fractured, and an inspection to determine whether this is so should immediately be made. If, on the other hand, the needle falls back to zero and remains there it is almost certain that one of the main oil pipes is broken, and instead of the lubricant reaching the motor it is in all probability being pumped on to the road. With the needle flying over to its maximum reading and stopping in that position, it indicates either an obstruction in the oil line between pump and bearings or the release valve has ceased to function, or both, and an inspection should immediately be made. IF THE LIGHTS VARY The same brilliancy should come from headlights when the engine is stopped and when it is running at any speed. If they do not. something is wrong and should be corrected. If they burn dimly with the engine stopped, but brighten up to normal when it is running at road speed, it is a sign that the battery is nearly discharged. BRAKES AND TYRES Brakes should be evenly adjuSted so that when pressure is applied it will be equal on all wheels, says an article. If one wheel exerts more braking power than another, there is an additional effort made by that tyre in stopping the car, which -wears the tread rubber away more quickly than on the other tyres. Sudden and severe use of the brakes causing the tyres to sli.de and scrape, also wears a'way the tread rapidly, thus cutting down tyre mileage eonsiderably. Careful driving is necessary to get the maximum mileage from tyres. No tyre can stand up for long to the severe demands of reckless driving.