MORE HINTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 953, 22 April 1930, Page 6

MORE HINTS

The Care of the Car A Useful Air Cushion An excellent air cushion for use on long journeys consists of an old inner tube lightly inflated and held in the centre by a rubber band so as to form a figure eight. This affords an excellent substitute for the usual form or cushion. Pedal Rattles A simple way of curing rattles which emanate from the clutch or brake pedal is to fit a light pull-out spring near the base of the pedal and bolt to the floorboards or to some existing nut and bolt. Keep Foot Off Clutch The tendency, especially among beginners to drive with the foot on the clutch is strongly deprecated by engineers. Those who are addicted to this bad habit will soon learn by a little perseverance that it is more comfortable to drive with the foot on the floor of the car. Driving -with the foot on the clutch causes rapid wear of the most vital part of the driving mechanism. Keep “dry” plates in good condition by washing occasionally with kerosene, which should be allowed to spread over the friction surfaces while the plates are separated. With “wet” clutches see that they are lubricated regularly and kept properly adjusted. Cracking Paint

Immediately the paint on any part of the body work of a car begins to crack or chip there is a possibility that rust may form on the exposed metal beneath and quickly spread under the edges of the crack. Rust should be removed at once by the application of a little kerosene, and a permanent cure can then be effected by painting over the cracked parts with a little quick drying enamel. A tin should be kept handy in the garage for the purpose, so that any scratches may be touched up immediately they are noticed. Overcharging Batteries The overcharging of batteries is responsible for a lot of trouble. It is caused by leaving the charging switch too long in operation, particularly during a long tour. Sometimes a driver on the high road excites the concern of others by runnig along in broad daylight with his headlights burning. There may be method in his seeming madness. He is probably well aware of the fact that his lights are turned on and is only taking the sensible precaution of relieving his overcharged battery. When a battery is overcharged and overheated active material falls out of the battery plates, causing corrosion to vital parts of the mechanism.