DESCENDING HILLS.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 7

DESCENDING HILLS.

placing low gear

MARK OF THE EXT

, descending a stcc P hill do not I, entirely upon the brakes. A new need not imagine that by "lajioS a low Kear to descend a hill himself as a novice, for . {jperienced driver does this regu"L the only difference being that, be is skilled in gear changing, he Jill probably delay changing down unhe is actually on the gradient. This the novice should not attempt, I jt is very easy in such circumi,nces to miss gear, and he will then fd himself forced to rely solely on E hrakcs. The change should he made (the summit of the hill, before the ■Kccut is started, and if he distrusts iTabilitv to change down he should hesitate to stop before engaging kit speed. It is also easy for the unfaful driver to miss his gear when Lilting down while ascending a hill, on a single-figure gradient a car Lcome to rest and commence to run tact wards with astonishing rapidity. Should the experienced driver inad'tentlv fumble his gear change he inactively applies the brake to hold iht car stationary, engages first gear, .pd restarts with the utmost ease, but L novice may lose his presence of mind, let the car run back a few feet, Lfor’e applying the brakes with a jerk, ,ndin his effort to get away again stop ids engine. It is of prime importance to apply the brakes immediately the change of tear has been missed. Then first gear should be engaged, the engine speeded up well, and the clutch let in gently, ,lile the car is held on the hand brake until the clutch is felt to be liking up the drive. The modern car should make light of starting on a severe gradient, provided these simple piles are observed.