WATCH THE AMMETER

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

WATCH THE AMMETER

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. The purpose of the ammeter is to inform the motorist as to the condition of his electrical equipment. The hand on the dial swings across a calibrated scale marked in amperes. One side of the scale reading "Charge" and the other "Discharge." Under normal | conditions of running with all lights off, and all electrically operated units disconected, the charge side should show the rate at which the generator is passing current into the storage battery, and should show from 8 to j 12 amperes. The discharge side indicates current eonsumed by the electrical equipment, such as headlights and windscreen wiper, etc., but does not take into account the operation of the self-starter gear. ' Driving at night with headlights burning, the needle should either be | in the central zero position or slight- ' ly on the charge side if all units are funetioning normally. In cases where the needle moves over to its maximum reading on the discharge side } one may be sure that there is a short circuit in some part of the wiring, | and an immediate and thorough inspection should be made to avoid the possibility of fire or serious damage . to one of the electrical units. CLEANING BODY FABRIC A fabric body should not be neglected for long. If left, dirt will become ingrained into the material and present a dull appearance even after hosing. Very dirty fabric can be cleaned by washing down with just warm water and soft soap or highclass saddle soap. Polishing is effected by the use of a suitable preparation, of which there are many on the market, but it should be noted that these are purchased in. suitable colours, according to the colour of the fabric, and, obviously, only the appropriate colour should be employed. Occasional cleans during the week, for instance, can be effected by brushing the dirt off and then polishing. PILLION RIDING APPROVED. The chief constable of Newcastle, England, in reporting to a meeting of magistrates, made some very in-. teresting remarks with regard to the safety of the pillion passenger. He said. "It seems noticeable again that the safest person in a fatal accident is the car driver and pillion passenger. Few people have ever noticed that the position of the pillion passenger is a safe one, but it is- I have said that many times, and it is according to the figures we have before us."