BREAKDOWNS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 532, 16 May 1933, Page 2

BREAKDOWNS

ANALYSIS OF TROUBLES SHOWS IGNITION CHIEF FACTOR. NEGLECT OF, OWNERS. • '"■ *'• *">" § !■■ ■* •■■ • 5> ft C S l~rii *s From analyis of the causes of 12,567 jreakdowns dealt with in Britain by ihe Royal Automobile Cluh "Get-yon-iome" service for dts memhers' reief, the percentage of failures due to iccident 'and to rear-axle shaft failire decreased appreciahly during L93-2, there heing little variation Dtherwise in the causes of breakdowns as compared with previous yeiars. The principal cause of trouble again Ls shown to have been ignition, due most certainly not so much to inherent weakness of the spark equipment !as to lack of understanding and neglect on the part of drivers. In view of conflicting opinions respecting the relative merits of battery and magneto ignitions, with regard particularly to i^eliability, it is of_ interest to note that there was but little difference last year in the percentage (20.4) of breakdowns arising from ignition faults as compared with that of some years back when magnetos generally were employed, any iadvantage heing on the side of the battery and coil. Cylinder and piston troubles (9.9 per cent.), although still heading the list amongst engine failnres, were foi the year the lowest on record, the faull here again prohahly lying less witt manufacturers than car owners inattentions and misuse. The most prevalent cause of transmisison trouble was in the clutch (6.^ per cent.), showing a slight increase failures of other vital parts, such las lighting and steering, having been in frequent. _