MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 July 1941, Page 2

MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY

SOME POINTS FOR MOTORISTS. PRECAUTIONS TO OBSERVE. “Because of petrol rationing and the necessarily restricted use made of their vehicles by motorists, it is vitally important that mechanical efficiency generally is not o zerlooked as well as the requirements in connection with the periodic tests for warrants of fitness,”< says the latest road safety message of the Wairarapa Automobile Association. “It may be supposed by many motorists that a lessened use of their cars implies less risk of faults which cause hold-ups on the road, but such is not always the case, particularly with regard to the efficiency of components which are not included in the warrant of fitness test. Details such as the ignition, the windscreen wiper, the fuel system and the radiator are items liable to cause trouble with or without much use. The most likely offending component through lack of use is the storage battery, of course, which can affect road safety through the lighting system. Tyres, too,. require regular attention even when the car is not used regularly. The rubber must be kept “alive” by sufficient use, as motorists know who have neglected' to give the spare tyre enough work to do. Then, again, the lubrication of the various working parts should not be neglected because of reduced motoring. The shackles, steering and springs must be maintained in safe condition.

“Many of the details mentioned may cause a breakdown, with consequent inconvenience and expense to the motorist, but many of them, if neglected, may bring danger to the driver and others on the roads. Keep your car in firstclass condition mechanically at all times in the interests of road safety, and do not forget the brakes, lights and steering.”