GEAR CHANGING

Shannon News, 21 August 1928, Page 4

GEAR CHANGING

Silent gear changes can be so easily effected by the thinking driver that it is surprising to And so' many motorists ou the road who regard the simple operation with trepidation. The novice driver's fear of the gears is one reason for the survival of the complaint that the light English car is underpowered. The manufacturers of these cars do not attempt to disguise the fact that'frequent changing is necessary. They therefore do not risk their reputation by producing an unmanageable gearbox.

To the experienced there is a pleasure in changing down that can never be known to the mail who is afraid of the gears. A little practice will enable a driver to enjoy his car better and to secure more creditable performances. Many drivers approach a hill with a silent prayer that the car will climb in top, and .rather than change they will make the engine labour to the last gasp. -When it becomes a question of changing or stalling, they elose their eyes, and push. On throwing out the clutch it often happens that low. gear will not engage. It is useless to employ force. Let the clutch up again for a moment and then try. Almost invariably the gears will mekh. Their failure to do so before was due to the cogs having stopped in such a position that the teeth would not mesh. On letting up the clutch the layshaft revolved and the gears would be in a different relative position.

-The change-down should be practised on a flat., unfioqueutcd road where the driver's attention may be safely taken from the wheel.

When the change-down 'is required, release the accelerator, gently pushing the gear lever at the same time. It should . slip into neutral without declutching, but the novice may find it less confusing to declutch in the usual way before entering neutral. Then speed up the engine somewhat, declutch, and gently press the lever into second. If it will not go in smoothly, Avait until the engine has slowed a little, and try again. When skill in this method has been attained on the flat, the driver may try it on a hill. Provided the change is made soon enough there is no need to hurry the movement. The second gear is a very reliable brake, and it should be engaged when'a steep hill is encountered. It might be disastrous for a driver to miss his change at the top of such a hill,and to have to rely upon his brakes alone.

It is considerably more difficult to correct a poor change than it is to make a good one, and if second cannot be engaged, the lever should be returned to top. To do this it is necessary to race the engine very slightly, and after experience the re-engage-may be effected without using the clutch. ,