Novice and the Car

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 848, 17 December 1929, Page 12

Novice and the Car

Being some elementary hints on driving for those who are : just (earning.

WHEN TO CHANGE GEAR The engine being the heart of the car, it follows that the beginner should start by devoting most of his attention to that detail. He should avoid the verv common fault whereby an engine is kept running on top gear and every effort is made to keep the crankshaft turning at high power but slow revolutions without “sinking.” Generally this means that the accelerator pedal is depressed to its limit and the ignition lever is retarded farther and yet farther back to prevent “knocking.” In point of fact there is no more crude or unscientific method of driving. Nothing like full efficiency is obtained from the petrol so burned. The retarded ignition does not fire the gas until the piston is a considerable way on the down stroke; hence there is loss of efficiency, apart from that occasioned by incomplete combustion owing to the unsuitable proportions of the mixture. Further, to occasion terrifically heavy explosions at slow revolutions is to put the maximum strain on the crankshaft, pistons, big ends, and other gear. The way to drive a car to get pleasure out of it, together with the best performance and the greatest economy, and to maintain the engine in the cleanest condition as well as get the best balance of functioning, is to burn as much spark and as little petrol as possible. Thus the car ought to be run with the spark advanced as far as possible and wit'll the throttle pedal depressed as little as possible. If this is done it will he discovered that very often it is not possible to get the car to run on top gear without the engine “pinking.” That is -the most reliable information to be obtained as to when a lower gear should be used. But the average driver would rather do almost anything than use an indirect speed. Yet the beginner will be well advised to make himself master of changing gear. One of the best ways is to drive the engine as indicated, taking any sign of “pinking” that develops as an indication of the moment after he ought to have changed to a lower speed to keep his engine running most economically and in best balance, thereby saving a deal of stress and Avear and obtaining the best performance. Experience will soon enable the novice to foreknow the “pinking” point of his particular power plant.