CYCLE AND MOTOR NOTES.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 10, 8 January 1913, Page 3

CYCLE AND MOTOR NOTES.

Most motorists carry a spare cover on their cars for changing purposes in case of puncture, and in the majority of instances the cover is carried exposed to light and heat, especially the former. At this period of the year, nothing, excepting oil, is so detrimental to rubber as letting it stand exposed to a summer sun. If'motorists want to obtain the best results from their spare tyres they should never carry them uncovered, at this time of the year, and there is really little reason why they should do so, for there are many quickly attached cover wraps etc. on the market at a reasonable figure. This is really a case where the expenditure of a few shillings means the savings of pounds. Again, it is fairer to the people who make the tyres. Failing the use of a canvas or waterproof covering, a good plan is tc paint the cover with the special tyre paint put up in tins by the various tyre houses, or even a coat of paint made of milk and whiting will be found effective in throwing off the rays of the sun, which are so fatal to the elasticity and durability of l vulcanised rubber.

Owners of large estates in England have purchased a new style of motor truck, which is especially designed fcr the transportation of hunting dogs to and from the rendezvous. One of these trucks will carry ten dogs, each in a separate little stall. The latest in automobile paints comes from England. One of the largest linns there has just brought out a new varnish, called “Lumino Aluminium Paint,” and it is stated that the glow of the paint on a dark night is so bright that the car is. visible for two miles without being fitted with lamps. It is said that people on the roads near the factory wore frightened by the strangely gloving, ligbtless cars, which silently skimmed through the village. It would ho interesting if reliable data could he obtained as to the relative life of high speed, long stroke engines, as compared with those, which still remain faithful to moderate speeds and strokes. Undoubtedly the latter, other things being equal, will have longer life than the former, hut to what extent is not yet known. The high speed long stroke gives wonderful engine efficiency high car speed, splendid hill climbing, and excellent

powers of acceleration, and to this ex tent is distinctly superior to its rival but the latter will bo in bettor condi tion after 50,000 miles. Few motorists, however, retain their cars long enough to attain such mileage, and consequently consider the balance in favour of the speedier type, if they ever consider the question at all. It is the second-hand purchaser who is going to be the loser, for the average secondhand long stroke engine will not—all else being equal—give the same service as the second-hand car with moderate stroked engine.