HINTS TO OWNER DRIVERS.

Shannon News, 7 May 1929, Page 1

HINTS TO OWNER DRIVERS.

yyhile the value of wind tunnels for studying airplane design has long been known and made use of, it is only recrntly that much attention has been rriven to wind resistance in automobile construction. With the increasing speed made available by mechanically balanced cars and better 'highways, this wind resistance which increased rapidly with speed is now being stud- : icd more thoroughly. In the wind tunnel at the United States Bureau of Standards which develops a wind velocity of 130 miles an hour, automobiles are now being studied. . It is worth while practising skids in order to find out exactly how they are produced aud controlled. Find a wide, . deserted and slippery road and try the effect of changing down to second and opening the throttle wide. The result will bo wheel spin, probably ac ; companied by skidding. This is known as a "power skid,” and is corrected by closing the throttle aud straightening up with the steering. Much of the creaking and rattling which annoys motorists could be eliminated by giving-a few moment’s attention to the doors of the car. The conventional body lias at least two rubj bor bumpers for each door, these being designed to keep the door tight.. ' But in time these bumpers becoine flattened down or worn. By wedging in a little packing in the form of a sliver of wood or a piece of tin. however, those bumpers can be restored to their full efficiency, and the rattling of the

door will-cease. While this is being done a few drops of oil on the locks will frequently cause many a baffling "squeak to disappear. Rattles, or even knocks are often traceable to tools or other loose'articles in the door pockets. If articles are carried in the pockets they should be packed tightly. V v