RIDING COMFORT.

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 237, 27 May 1932, Page 2

RIDING COMFORT.

The riding comfort of motor cars is now far in ad-.rnce of wivi' ji was feven only a few years hack. Balloon tyres, better springing, and improved shock absorhers have all helped in this regard. The development mad 3 in shock abosrbers has been vety marked, and a further step towards even greater efficiency in dampmg out road shocks has been che introduction by some car manufacturers in their latest models of shock absorhers capable of adjustment to suit road conditions, by the drivers; whilst the vehicle is in motion. Some manufacturers are experimenting with the idea of controlling tpe action of shock absorbers by thermostatic compensation, so that the ccirrect setting to ensure maximum riding comfort would he automatically controlled. The fact that the fluid used in hydraulic shock absorbers is susceptihle to temperature, and either expands or contracts under extremes of heat or eold, brings about a degree of erratic action which is difficult to ovqrcome. For instance, in hot weather, or after prolonged driving on rough roads, the oil fluid in shock absorbers has a tendency to thin, there'jy giving the mechanism too much fieedom for maximum checking action. With thermostatic control, to take up any fluctuations in the oil viscosity, it is thought that better action would be obtainable at all times, inasmuch as the human element would be eliminated as regards either adjustment of the fixed type or manipulation o± the hnanually controlled shock absorber.