WOMAN AND HER CAR

Ladies' Mirror, Volume I, Issue 5, 1 November 1922, Page 40

WOMAN AND HER CAR

7... PDAT)T/I\m DI TIP VJ OITi-VIXJViINVJ IHJU

To Motor in Comfort TF you intend to spend any part of -*- a holiday in a car, whether in the form of daily runs from a fixed centre or a motor tour lasting for several days, you should take thought for your comfort during the many hours you will spend sitting in the car. Take a soft down cushion, or, still better, if you can, an air pillow, which can be tucked into the small of your back and save much stiffness after a long run. If the car is an open one don't forget your mackintosh and a rainproof felt or leather pull-on hat, which can be tucked into the pocket of the mackintosh in fine weather, and since our climate is so uncertain and chill winds often follow the warmest day, always take a rug. The Motor Dressing Bag \ Apart from any hand luggage you may have in the car, keep beside you a little despatch case containing a few useful aids to your well-being and comfort during the run. A veil and a few hairpins, in case the wind proves stronger than you had expected ; cotton-wool for your ears in the same case, a wise precaution which may save you a bout of neuralgia ; a mirror; a soft old handkerchief with which to remove the accumulated dust from your face before applying the cold cream which should also be included as a protection from wind and sun, and powder; lip salve, not necessarily carmine, will also be found soothing for dry lips on dusty days. A comb may be added, as an aid to the wayside toilet, and it is wise to put in some eye lotion in case of eye trouble from dust or wind. When Riding in a Friend's Motor HPHERE are no hard and fast rules ■*■ regarding the division of the share of costs, etc., in running a car when a friend suggests that you should accompany her on a trip, or if. for your convenience, it is arranged that she should drive you to some destination. Judgment is naturally required to decide whether the occasion and the circumstances warrant . you making any offer, and tact is necessary in approaching the question, but in the case of the owner of a small car or a motor-cycle, to whom the cost of petrol and other extras are important items, a frank disclaimer of all intention to allow her to stand the whole expense is undoubtedly the fairest method of dealing with the matter. In the case of a long run, the best arrangement is to agree to a half-and-half division of the running expenses, these including petrol, ordinary small repairs, garage fees, etc., but should the owner of the car insist that she is responsible for these items and you still wish to be under no obligation to her, suggest that you should balance the debt by paying for all meals for which you stop on the road, or. if it is a picnicking expedition, undertake to bring- all that is necessarv as your contribution to the trio. If this satisfaction is still denied you. a thoughtfully chosen present made at the conclusion of the run

is a graceful way of showing your appreciation of her kindness. When, however, you have either asked your friend to lend you her car or to drive you for any distance to save you having to travel in any other manner, it is generally understood that it will be your part to supply the petrol necessary, that her store may not be depleted. Burst tyres you would also pay for, and if any accident happens to the car while you are driving it or using it in the owner's absence, you will be responsible for the damage, unless, of course, her chauffeur is at the wheel at the time of the mishap. Always return a borrowed car complete with petrol and oil. Some Little Courtesies that Count ~IV"OT in any mood of superiority, --' but with a genuine desire to help the inexperienced motorist, I am setting down, writes a correspondent, a few "Do's" and "Dont's" which twenty years of motoring have proved to me add so much to the enjoyment of the day's run. Do not sound your horn more than necessary. A Klaxon in his right ear is irritating to the experienced driver and nerve-shaking to the beginner. If travelling slowly don't stick in the middle of the road. Keep your hands and feet ready on the controls at all crossings, even if you pass two hundred in the day's run. The driver who comes out of a turning may be a worse driver than yourself. Always slow down for children and watch them carefully. When descending a hill, always give way to the car ascending it, even if you have the right of way. You probably won't have to change gear, but he certainly will, if you hold him up. In the country always ask the driver in trouble at the side of the road if you can help. Years ago this was always done, but I never see it now. It is such an easy little courtesy of the road. It may land you into helping with a tyre, but again, you may want a tin of petrol yourself some day. If you must have an accident, refuse to move your car until a plan has been madeand witnessedof its position on the road. You should be particularly firm on this point, of course, if you are in the right. If you should transgress any, or all, of these rules and courtesies of the road, well, just apologise humbly and make a friend of the other driver instead of an enemy. Tips That May Be Useful What to no in Cask of Fire. "W/"HEN a car catches fire, the out- ** come often depends on what is done in the first three to five seconds immediately thereafter. If there is no fire extinguisher at hand, don't give up. Dirt, sand, or mud is usually close at hand, and if they are applied quickly and freely, the blaze in most cases will not live long. Don't be afraid of getting the engine dirty. Even though it may be thoroughly plastered, it will not take long to clean it. A good idea in the summer is always to carry an extinguisher.