1934-10-16 — Page 2

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Selecting Your New Car

This article is designed to help you select your new car by giving you important points for your, 'consideration.

Some people are inclined to think of ECONMY primarily in terms of gasoline and all con- sumption. This is only natural because few other expenses "are paid, as one might say, "by mile." Every day or so the motorist un- pleasantly reminded of gasoline and oil expenses,

Economy in gas and ol is de- pendent on such things as size, weight, shape, performance, and skillful engineering design—but the fact that Dependability was given a high rating than Econo- my indicates that the majority of automobile owners have a broad conception of Economy-extending beyond the consideration of fuel and ell expense.

Other things affecting this in- portant question of Economy might be summarized as follows:

Miscellaneous. Operating Cost Maintenance and Repairs Future Trade-In Value

occur less

fre-

Such expense quently than the outlays for all and gas and it is human nature to forget the things that we are not reminded of at frequent intervals. in fact the necessity for some of these things does not occur until after 30,000 or even 50,000 miles." depending on the design and con- struction of the car.

But the infrequency of their oc- curence in no sense lessens their significance and the farsighted buyer does not overlook these im- portant factors of economy.

As a buyer, you are entitled to a car that is economical in fuel and oil in relation to its characteris- tics of performance. You should not be satisfied with any inem- ciencies on these important counts. But as one experienced motorist expressed it:-"It's almost im- possible to save enough in fuel and all expenses to offset the ulti- mate extravagance of driving car whose reputation will work at cross purposes to its future re- sale value."

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Fortunately, good reputation, and high trade-in value go hand in hand with economical operating economy.

Remember 600, that sound styling retards depreciation from an appearance' stand point,

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Check off the items that most important from your stand- point.

ACCESSIBILITY—S: ves time and money incident to mainten- ance.

AIR CLEANER-Removal of cirt protects engine, spark plugs and ofl.

ASH TRAYS Save carpets and upholstery.

AUTOMATIC CHOKE — Elim- inates hand choke button and safeguards against flooding.

AUTOMATIC MANIFOLD FEAT CONTROL-Maintains proper manifold temperature for greatest fuel efficiency and economy.

AUTOMATIC SPARK CONTROL -Insures Aring at exactly the proper time to obtain the maxi- mum power from the gasoline burned.

INDEPENDENT FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION ("Knee-Action")- Lessens twisting and straining of entire car, contributes to longer car Ufe and slow depreciation.

LUBRICATION-Efficient accessible; Check manufacturer's service agreement policy.

and

MANIFOLD CONSTRUCTION--. OCTANE SELECTOR — Permits use of high or low test fuel,

PROFER BALANCE—Turns vib- ration into useful work.

RADIATOR DRAIN TAP-De- sign and location should 'permit selvaging.

RADIO AERIAL-Built-in. REPUTATION OF MANUFAC- TURER-Permanency and stabil-

ity of manufacturer Insurance against excessive depreciation when the time comes to trade.

RUBBER MOUNTINGS--Elim- inate vibration and protect vital mechanisms;

policies

SERVICE - Consider and facilities. Check prices and avallubility of repair parts.

TRANSMISSION "Syncro-

longer-lived due

Mesh"

smooth operation.

BATTERIES

How To Preserve

"Them

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to

The right care of the battery at the right time is the best de- fense against battery trouble. The Juny of battery men render a ver- dict of battery longevity, if these recommendations are followed:

1. Check the water level every 2 weeks. The correct water level is 3/8 in. above the top of the plates Of at the bottom of the Alling tube. Use tap water if you are sure It has no mineral content that will destroy the battery. If are in doubt use distilled

you water.

2. At the same time get a speci- de gravity reading with a hydro- meter syringe and a-voltage read- ing. If the specific gravity read- ing is 1.225 or below in any cell -or any cell shows less than 1.5 volts under starting. load, remove the battery and charge it. Do not wait for the battery to fail. »

3. At the same time inspect the terminals for corrosion. If the terminals are corroded, remove the corrosion and brush them with a solution of ammonia or soda. Dry the terminals and apply, either vaseline or a mineral base grease.

4. At the same time check the" battery hold-down clips. The elips should not be excessively tight nor should the battery be permitted to bounce around in the box.

5. Check the generator charging rate every time you look at the instrument board. It takes less than a minute. No one can give you a set charging rate. It de- pends upon the mileage the truck covers and the number of stops together with the amount of elec- trical equipment the truck carries. Necessity for too frequent adding

BATTERY--Heavy duty and of water may indicate that the properly protected.

BODY-Composite - construction may be economically repaired in case of damage,

CARBURETOR--

COOLING SYSTEM-Thermos- tatic control insures efficient en- gine temperature.:

CRANKCASE VENTILATION "Most important economy im- provement in modern times."

CUSHIONS--Made

of sturdy, wear-resisting material that will not show spots.

-ELECTRO-PLATED PISTONS Reduce friction-prolong life of engine. Better compression and power through closer ftting. Pos ∙sibility of scoring cylinders prac-

tically eliminated.

ENGINE Maximum power for fuel consumed. -

ENGINE · HEAT .. CONTROL- Water temperature thermostati- cally controlled, insures qutek starting and gas economy in cold weather...

FENDER VALANCES Scientific developments in fender design protect car from mud and water splashing which 'safeguards Anish and reduces washing expense.

FINISH Should be lasting, non- fading, non-tarnishing, non-cor rusive. N

FUEL PUMP-Assures a men- sured gas supply, metered strictly - ⠀in accordance with the needs of

the engine.

GENERATOR-Fan cooled, varl- able charging rate. By keeping battery fully charged at all tirnes, life of the battery la measurably prolonged

charging rate is too high. A bat- tery in chronic need of charging may indicate that the output should be boosted.

8. Keep the engine tuned for easy starting.

7. In cold weather use winter grade p end gear lubricant to reduce the starting load.

8. Use 'voltage regulators and keep them properly serviced. II they are not in good mechanical condition better do without thezi.

9. Select your batteries with the same care that you give the se- lection of let us say, piston rings.

10. Keep records to show what you have done and are doing.

It Seemed

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A heavy gentleman, not noticing "Out of order" on the glass, stood upon the weighing machine and inserted his penny. Two street urchins were eagerly watching, ex- pecting the machine to break. urchin, turning to the other. ex The dial registered 28 pounds. One

claimed:"Aw, he's holler!".

always

T Reason Mistress: "My maids have a good time with me, and come back to see me after they leave. Your predecessor was bere yesterda

New Maid. "That will not suit wani my wages before 1

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1934.

MOTOR JOTTINGS

AUTOCAR ROAD TESTS

20 h.p. Vauxhall Saloon

There is undoubtedly room for British-built cara. of about 20 h.p... with their reserve of power and effortless running at quite high speeds. It seems possible that,

as a result of conditions generally, and the forthcoming twenty-five per cent. reduction in the scale of taxation, cars of about this alze are likely to gain in popularity in the near future. An excellent example is the 20 h.p. Vauxhall, which, it will be remem- bered, appeared, at the last Olym- pia Show and attracted a good deal of favourable attention, but which has actually come into full comparatively production only recently..

The first things that strike one about it are the impressive but not ostentatious appearance, and on looking further lato it the re- markably good value for money which seems to be offered by this Ave-seater saloon, well- roomy finished and completely equipped as it is, selling at as moderate a figure as £325. Anyone not keen- ly acquainted with details of car prices is apt to over-estimate the cost of this Vauxhall when asked for his opinion.

On the road in this car an im pression is quickly received of a smooth-running, quiet, six-cylin- der engine. It answers well to the throttle, accelerating away comfortably from the lower speeds on top gear, and is capable of be- ing driven even in fairly dense traffic on top gear principally. Then on the open road it is found. that speeds of 50 m.ph. or so are "attained very readily, and can be kept up with so little effort from the engine as to cause one to suspect more than usually the accuracy of the speedometer. It was discovered by test, however, that the instrument did not err on the side of optimism by more than about 24 m.p.h. at as high a reading as 60. A best reading of i 70.31 m.p.h. was recorded over the quarter-mie.

Synchromesh Gear Change

Actually, there is no necessity for the owner to hold on to top under traffic conditions, or when way cannot be maintained on a gradient owing to the presence of other vehicles, for an excellent synchromesh change is provided between top and third. For somë years past Vauxhall's have in- cluded a synchromesh gear change, ! and unquestionably their form

of this mechanism is in the front rank for certainty of changing... either quickly or slowly, by sini- ply pressing down the clutch pe- tal and moving the lever. At no time, whatever method of chang- ing was adopted, was any noise made in changing between these two gears; that is a-remark which cannot always be made even about special easy gear changes.

The other ratios are of ordin- zy type and require the normal methods of handling, but it is possible, as an ordinary proced- we, to start from rest on the level on second gear. Both up- ward changes are then assisted by the synchromesh. On mali roads, except in the more dimenit parts of the country, the occasions when it is necessary to drop be- low third gear are few and far between. About 48 m.ph. is given. on third, and 33 mph. on second gear, as limits.

In addition to the simplicity the gear change, the use of

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Altogether, » In its behaviour from the acceleration, hill-clima- bing and cruising speed points of view, this Vaux hall gives a performance of an order that would reasonably be expected from its horse-power rating. It is all the better, too, when it is remembered that it is, and it feels, a solid, well-built vehicle.

Comfortable Springs

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It is comfortable, with springs that are very resonably flexible, so that the back-seat passengers do not and themselves bumped about over surfaces which are not perfect. At the same time, it is a car that can be cornered quite fast with a feeling of asfety, as there is no pronounced side sway, and such up and down movement as there is feels properly controll- ed.

The brakes have the consider- able merit of entirely adequate power for the varying lesser and greater emergencies that arise, without heavy pressure on the pe- dal being necessary, and without any tendency to skidding or un- reasonable and early wheel-lock- ing.

INSPECTION OF CAR

To Keep Motor In Condition

Short runs, slow running and operation in bad weather make. It essential to have the car over- hauled for increased motor em ciency.

The" periodical check-up amounts to nothing more than minor adjustments which assure the car owner not only satisfac-

operating tory

efficiency but avoidance of unnecessary repali bills, for sometimes a small all- ment is a forerunner of hidden can weakness developing which be brought to light only by an -- Inspection. This is why the perio- dical inspection and overhauling la so necessary to keep the car in the best operating condition.

use

Short rune cause s strain on the battery and the ignition sys- tem; slow driving and excessive of the choke are hard on spark plugs. Frequent use of the. choke and condensation in the -- crankcase cause formation of any extra amount of sludge in the lubricating system - important reasons why the entire olling sya. tem of the car should be replen- ished with clean and heavier oil

the oll and

Alter cartridge changed by the service map.

Carburetor adjustment should be checked fuel lines cleaned; breaker points adjusted: Ignition are very important indeed, seemn system examined for faulty con- to have been carefully studied, too,

pections, and generator charg for there is not a feeling of tired-ing rate set for spring driving. ness after two or three hours at the wheel

In its general style the car is definitely pleasing. The interior is tastefully upholstered in lea- ther; whilst the seat cushions and back are soft and unusually comfortble. Seat angles, which,

+

"

Features of the equipment are a wide folding centre armrest-for the back seat, which can adequ- ately take three passengers, a foot-rest for the back passengers, a roof net, cubby holes, unusually deep 'door" pockets, and two roof' lamps. These light up when either regidoor is opend.

Another very good feature is a special system of ventilation, the forward door windows and rear-- quarter. windows being "divided; one section rises and falls nor- mally, and the other is pivoted, so that either an extractor effect is obtained or a direct stream of fresh air can be led into the car. This system works really well,

A system of automatic chassis lubrication supplies the principal bearings, and is operated by en- giae suction." In 'the tall there is a"luggage compartment, the lid of which can be used as a platform. At the same price, a 28.3 h.p...en- gine can be Atted.

The value offered by this car seems honest rather than simply eye-catching.

PACKARD MOTOR WINS

GOLD CUP RACE

A Packard motor was again the winner of the famous Gold Cup motor boat race; Victory by George Rels' EI Lagarto in the 30th running of the annual race for the historic trophy at Lake George, New York, made the ninth time in the last twelve races that the winner had been a boat po- wered with a Packard Gold Cup engine.

Col, J. G. Vincent, Packard vice- president of engineering, designed and built an engine for a boat he himself drove to victory in 1922. This was the year in which ́rules for the race were changed to limit the size of engines to 625, cuble"

third is made pleasant by its all-inches of piston displacement.

ent running, nor are the other gears nolsý. The lever, of 'crank- ed shape, comes well to hand and moves with a light action.

With the same, boat he repeated his victory in 1923. Caleb Bragg with his Baby Bootlegger won in 1824 and 1925, and George Town-~

1928 and 1927. Both these boats had Packard Gold Cup engines.

It is a car in which confidence insead in Greenwich Folly won in quickly gained, for not only is the driving position comfortable, tot it sets the driver in a good posi- tion behind the wheel, even. though both wings are not fully visible. The pedals are sensibly placed, too, and there is an ac, curacy about the steering which does not call for active metal con- centration upon keeping an or dinary course at any speed,

These are points which combine to make the car un esay one to control with peace of mind.

On a long journey over good main roads a very good average can be put up without it seeming that one is actually hurrying. For the engine in mobtrusive right up to a genuine 85 m.p.h

No race was held in 1928 and the 1929 race was won by Richard Hoyt with his Wright powered Imp. Victor Klesrath in Hotsy Totsy, also powered with a Wright engine, won in 1930 and 1931, Horace Dodge's Delphine IV, equipped with a Packard engine, won in 1912 and the 1933 and 1934- races were taken by Lagarto.

Example Motto card hanging in a London building: Remember the steam though up to its neck in hot water, it still continues to

The Reason

"

"It is a funny thing, but every time I dance with you, the dances seem very short."

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"They are. My fiance is leader of the orchestra."

EXTEND "SILENCE

TIME"?

Why Audible Warnings Are Necessary In Daylight

As is so often the case when ́a good idea is evolved, there is in the matter of silence zonės a grave risk that their benent will be neutralised by attempts to carry the principle to extremes, writes a correspondent. There is. I see, a "proposal-sponsored by men whose views are worthy of care- ful consideration-that the sound- ing of motor horns should be pro- hibited everywhere and' at all- times of the day and night. „I dis- agree with this view entirely, and I think that its adoption by the Minister, of Transport would be disastrous.

Experienced drivers have sald that they seldom or never sound their horns. That may be 80-1 very seldom sound my own, and when I do I always “tap" the but- ton and never blow a long blast -but the ability to drive safely in silence depends upon the know- ledge that other people are ilberty to signál their approach audibly, and upon one's own lo- gal ability to sound the homif It is really necessary to do so. If all vehicle' drivers were forbid- "den to give audible warning the roads would become either sham- bles (which they are not at pre- sent), in trácks, congested with endless queues of vehicles pro- ceeding at little more than walk- ing pare.

1

the minimum of noise, can be achieved by educating the motor- ing community is the proper use of the horn. It would be well if all car drivers could be taught to tap a Morse key; a couple of Morre dots produced by sharp taps on the horn button are not. disturbing to the nerves, but they do attract the attention of pedes- trians, cyclists, and the drivers. of any but really noisy vehicles.

24

Let it be clearly realised that be- fors the total abolition of the hom

can be decreed-if it ever can be without making read tra- vel a farce the obligations, as- · "distinct from the rights, of all. road users will have to be far more drastically

defined thun. they are to-day. It will, for ex- ample, be legally necessary for every cyclist to carry a reflecting. mirror, since no motorist will be able by daylight to signal that he is about to overtake. It will be.

legally necessary for every pedes- at to nosure himself that the road is clear before he steps off" the pavement. How would cy- clista and pedestrians like those- obligations?

It is absolutely essential that one should be entitled to warn other people of one's "approach.. At night it is possible to do this in silence, by means of the car's head lamps, but, in daylight sound is the only medium. Nobody.oh- jects more strongly than. I do to senseless, nerve-shattering horn blasts, but the solution of the pro- blem with which we are faced t not to be found in totally pro. hibiting the use of the horn. What we all desire, namely, safety, with

Again, "It would be essential at- every bind road junction and cross-road to mark clearly which. line of traffic has right of way. The "Major Road Ahead" signs would not serve the purpose others, on the secondary roads, with Stop!" on them would-be needed and the "Stop" would have to mean stop. No Minister of Transport has yet had the courage to put up such signs, though they would save hundreds "of lives each year. Ja Mr. Hore- Belisha plucky enough to do it? Finally, all vehicles would have, ander, heavy penalty, to drive" as near as possible to the left-hand kerb or verge. Oh, there is much to be done before the horn can be abolished.

TRUST ATHORNYCROFT WITH YOU&TRANSPORT

DEAL DIRECT

THORNYCROFT

SIX-CYLINDERED

COACHES OMNIBUSES

MOTOR VEHICLES

DIESEL

OR PETROL

Pioneer Manufacturaen of Commu

Full Range of Spares carried in Hong Kong and Shanghal

4 or 6 Wheels

4 or 6 Cylinders

80 Cwt. to 10 Ton Loads

20 to 70 Passengers

JOHN L. THORNYEROIT & CO., LIMITED,

TRUST

Pioneer Building, Nathan Road, Kowloon,

TELE 5675S.

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