SPEEDING THROUGH

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 6

SPEEDING THROUGH

Xever race an engine, especially when it is new. * * * Do not move the steering wheel while the car is standing still. * * * When putting away a part for future use place a tag on it with.description. Springs will function better if taken apart, cleaned and lubricated once a year. Shock absorbers will remain ineffectual as long *as springs are over or under lubricated. * * * American automobiles were the most prominent of those from anv country at the recent fair at Leipzig. Dim lights are due to a weak battery, short circuit, poorly connected wire or dirty or faulty switch. Dragging brakes, even if they do not heat up to any great extent, cause a larger amoftnt of fuel to be used. * * * Tyre wear in ttie cold, snowy months is considerably less than when the weather is hot. * * * Motorists now pay between 75,000,000 dollars and 100,000,000 dollars a year in fines for violating the traffic laws, according to the American automobile Association. * * * A waterproof blanket, weighted at the corners, thrown over the bonnet when the car is left out in the rain, will keep the moisture from settling on the spark plug connections, distributor and other electrical parts. * * * The water pumps require lubrication at frequent intervals. If this is not done a badly scored rod will result. Usually the replacement of this rod costs a considerable sum. The modern higher speed, greater compression engines are hard on spark plugs, and for this reason it is regarded as necessary that new plugs be installed at least once a year. * * * When preparing to leave a car on the street or highway, first inquire concerning the local rules regarding parking—where it is permissible to park and how long. * * * There were registered in Greater New York city last year 421,212 passenger cars, 106,909 commercial vehicles, 32,535 omnibuses and taxicabs and 7,876 motor-cycles. In order to get through the thickest traffic jams as easily as a fire truck, many motorists in London decorate their radiator caps with two blue lights similar to those used on King George’s automobile.

The Swedish Government is making experiments with road material which will not soften under heat or become slippery when wet. A report to the Department of Commerce states that the new surfacing material, laid down under pressure, will stand a pressure of 6.7 tons at 19 degrees centigrade, as against 4.6 tons for asphalt. There were 60,900 passenger automobiles in Denver on last January 1, as compared with 59,627 single residences, according to a survey made by the Denver Heal Estate Exchange. The cars also outnumbered the residential telephones.

Cars equipped with balloon tyres develop fewer • rattles and, because of this fact, owners are less aware of incipient troubles. To' be on the safe side it is well to inspect bolts and nuts that hold vital parts. They may have worked loose without giving any warning noise. Inspecting and tightening them may prevent an accident.

One of the new highway laws in Minnesota prohibits the standing of any person or persons in the roadway and soliciting rides in an automobile; hitching toboggans, sleds, or bicycles to motor vehicles; coasting cars down grade with gears in neutral; jumping in or on to a car without consent of the owner; pasting of posterb of bathing beauties or campaign cards or other signs on windshields or windows.