1935-04-23 — Page 2

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EFFICIENT BRAKING

Reaction Times And Road

Surfaces

Mr. Hore-Belisha is turning his attention to the brakes of motor- vehicles in his passionate anxiety to perfect safety un the roads. It is not at all easy for him or his advisers to plan any useful action In this sphere. Theoretically, of course, he might impose a law which should compel every owner of a motor-vehicle, to have his 'brakes tested and adjusted "at stated intervals on one of those modern machines Installed at the best service stations where the actual efficiency of each separate brake is recorded. Yet it is pos- sible that Mr. Hore-Belisha will refer to attach-heavy penalties to any proved" cases of, cars being used with inefficient brakes, and "to organise a lively propaganda in.

favour of greater precautions.

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Whether the Minister can devise satisfactory organised action or not, there is no question that many motor-vehicles are habi- tually driven with their brakes in poor condition. This scandal 'is due to a variety of causes. Far too many obsolete vehicles remain in use, though their brakes, even if perfectly adjusted and used, would hardly reach the standard of efficiency demanded by current. traffic conditions. Far too many owners are casual about brake ad- Justment As the vehicle runs up mileage its brakes weaken; out The weakening is imperceptible. and the driver has no notion that the car now requires a much greater distance in which to pull up than when it was new. Sud- denly he is confronted by some emergency, and discovers to his horror that the car cannot be stopped within the space avali- able.

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The remedy for this culpacie recklessness is tolerably simple. There are at least two instruments the market which register brake efficiency. They are fairly inexpensive, easy to read. and simple to fix, because they are merely screwed to the dash, and require no connections to any part of the mechanism. I the driver makes a periodic test stoppage. he can instantly read off the per- centage of afficiency... Conscien- tious owners should at one of these instruments and test their brakes weekly,

COMPLEX ‘ADJUSTMENT

In rare cases brake inefficiency is due to the complexity of ad- justments. Most modern cars are -equipped with a single master ad- justment, by which all four brakes can be tightened even by a novice. When this adjustment is regular- ly employed there will be no per ceptible play in the brake pedal, but the brakes will operate when' this pedal is depressed by as little ás one-eighth of an inch Every owner should set his brake pedal to this standard. But this ad- justment is not always or neces- sarily decisive. It is supplemented by perhaps as many as six auxi- llary adjustments, one on each individual brake (four operated pedal and two by lever). If these individual adjusters are tampered with, or if one or more of the sets of shoes become badly worn, the master adjustment may cease to be decisive or even to be effective. When a car has covered 10,000 miles it should be driven to a ser- vice station possessing a proper test bed, and on this test bed a detalled scientific test should be made of all the brakes. After this moderate mileage, it is hardly likely that any. shoes will require relining, but the tester will fre- quently inform the owner that the main shoes will require relining within a few thousand miles: Ee will thus be protested from that dangerous situation which occurs when all the available adjustment has been used up and the brakes are nevertheless weak and flabby.

In actual fact, variations in brake efficiency affect road safety much less than variations in the driver's so-called "reaction per- dod." With every individual there is a time-lag between the receipt of an impression in the brain and the muscular action taken to cope with such an impression. Two drivers, for example, see a cyclist skid and fall in front of them. One of them swerves or applies his, brakes practically in- stantaneously, and the cyclist es- capes. unhurt. The other driver. wastes several seconds in sur~ rendering to horror and indeci- slom; and when at last he swings his steering wheel'or applies his brakes the action is taken boo late to avoid impact. This "Teac- tion period” là" mechanically- re- corded in "the tests of would-be

Air Force pilots, and is one of the vital elements in road safety.

VARIATIONS IN. ROADS. Mr. Hore-Belisha shquld take strong action with road authori ties when he plans his measures for ensuring perfect braking. The difference in this time-lag be“ tween a first-class racing, driver and an elderly novice probably does not exceed three seconds at the most. The period in which a car can be pulled up by the brakes may vary by as wide a margin, according to the road surface. Thus at forty miles an hour the best modern brakes will bring a car to a standstill on roughened concrete in 3.53 seconda, corres- ponding to a distance of 108 feet. But the same car with the same "driver travelling at the same speed cannot be pulled up on wet asphalt in less than 73 seconds (214 feet). By all means let us plan and work for perfect brake equipment and for trained drivers. But such efforts must be largely wasted if the caprices of local road authorities continue to sad- die us with such colossal and un? – necessary variations in stopping dur cars, as the result of their surfacing roads. with unsuitable materials.

Differences between one driver and another are sufficiently ser- lous. If we put a crack R.A.F. - plot and a stupid novice at the wheels of the same make of car, and order them both to effect a crash stop at forty miles an hour on dry concrete with a matt sur- face, the pilot will stop in thirty- six yards, and the novice may slide on for a further thirty-five yards. But if the same test is at- tempted on wet asphalt, the pilot will require as much stopping room as the vertest duffer would need on a perfect surface; and on such a surface the duffer might conceivably slide along for 150 yards.

The comparison serves to bring upt the vital importance of proper road construction. At almost any speed the minimum stopping dis- tance, with a perfect driver is nearly twice as great on the worst type of road as it is on the best type, and these had surfaces are still in use over thousands of miles of road, and are still being laid down. It is futile to tackle the driver and the vehicle without en- suring safety in the type of road.

UNUSUAL ROOMINESS IN DODGES

New Body Types

In keeping with their well- earned reputation for motor cars of unusual roominess and riding comfort, Dodge engineers have Just, produced two - new body types that further enhance the smartness of the. 1935 line "of Dodge cars, according to the an- nouncement made recently, by Mr. Friedman, of China Motors.. Fed., US.A, local Dodge distribu- tors.

The first of these body types is the seven-passenger Dodge sedan: the second. the five-passenger Dodge caravan sedan. Both bave been built on an extra-long wheelbase Over the standard Hodels and Both are actually custom-built.

The seven-passenger sedan is the type of motor car individuals in need of extra capacity motor transportation have always dreamed about. It provided" 'ample room for seven passengern without the slightest crowding." It brings seating comfort to the two auxilary seat passengers that heretofore has been thought Impossible to achieve.. And It offers many unusual and very welcome addiional” Eftings and appointments.

No less luxurious is the five- passenger Dodge caravan sedan.

roomy and sturdy trunk is an integral part of the body. The added room provided by the long wheelbase brings rear-seat riders lavish legroom and plenty of added space for luggage and equipment as well. It brings new meaning to motor car touring comfort.

The same mechanical features that distinguish this year's fine array of Dodge motor cara aze characteristic also of these two body types.

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1935.

MOTOR JOTTINGS

SOME HINTS

Running-In A New Engine

Nowadays nearly all motor manufacturers not merely coun- tenance but actually recommend the use of # running-in com- pound mixed with the engine oil of new cars. Years ago the case was different, but experience has shown that if the principal con- stituent of such a compound is colloidal "gràphite (as ft 13 practically all cases) the resis- tance of the engine to wear is increased perceptibly by main- taining the correct propertion in the oll during the running-la period.

The many motorists who wil be taking delivery of new cars. during the next few weeks will advised "therefore to use a run- to ning-in compound in order give their engine the best possi- ble start in life.

Colloidal graphite in the eu- gtne ull has the effect of de- positing on all the wearing sur- faces of cylinders, pistons, and bearings a microscopically thin film of this substance, which it- self is a very efficient lubricant. · The film serves to counteract the danger of seizure If, as is not infrequently the case with a new engine, the parts mentioned should have one".or more: "high spots:" oil alone at such places may be squeezed aside, as It were, but the graphold film will remain, for in being deposited it. keys itself to the metal by work- lng into the pores of the latter. Moreover, a film of graphite

oil to spread" encourages the where otherwise it might be re- luctant to reimpose itself upon a temporarily dried-out spot:

There

however. a are,

few points to be noted in connection with the use of a graphitic run- ning-in compound Ordinary commercial graphite should never be used in an engine oll: it con- tains impurities, some of them of a harmfully abrasive character.. Colloidal graphite, on the other band, is rendered free from im- purities by the intense heat to which the crude graphite is sub- Jected as a manufacturing pro- cess-a temperature high enough to destroy everything except the pure graphite. Not only so. but it is rendered so fine, its particles are so minute, that it will re main indefinitely in suspension In a liquid, and will pass freely through the finest oll Altering medium used in car engines.

SUGGESTIONS AND

WARNINGS

Bearing in mind that the" ob- ject of using this substante in a new engine is to secure a pro- tective graphold im over

the entire length of the cylinder bores, as well as over the pistons. and the many bearing surfaces. It is advisable to use a graphited uppercylinder lubricant as well as the running-in compound -mixed with the oil, The upper- cylinder lubricant can be mixed, us usual, with the contents of the petrol tank in the correct proportion, a specified in the Instructioris issued with it.'

A warning must be given that. the use of a rinting-in 'com- pound to the engine oil does not Justify the use of an inferior brand or unsuitable grade of oil A further warning is that the use of the "compound in a new engine does not remove the need for draining of the original charge of olf in the engine sump' at the end of the first 500 miles ruhning: - draining off is still necessary in order to carry away the many kinds of purities that are gathered into the 'oll during the initial 600 miles, im--- purities left over from some of) the processes of engine manu-- facture.

"Then too, it is advisable that the correct proportion of the com- pound, should be added to the fresh charge of all put into the engine after the draining off Just mentioned, in order to com- plete and maintain during a further 500 or 1000 miles the pro- tective ? graphold surface. No harm can be done by continuing: to use the compound even after the running-in period has been completed, for the Bim does not build up beyond the required thickness,

A Better Car

BRITISH CARS THE OLDSMOBILE

World

Popularity

Exports of products of the United Kingdom Motor Industry to Ball continue encouragingly parts of the globe.

There is every indication, too. that the Interest expressed by motorists of other lands in Bri- tish cars is but a morsel of the demand to coma

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The day has long since passed Bu when, be it motor-cat.or whistle, the buyers is persuaded almply because a thing is British. As one typical example of the effort and urge made by manu- facturers of motorcars in this country to ensure the all-round worthiness of their products, one feels justined in exampling the Humber Huliman - Cammer - Kar- rier Group of companies. Those concerned have studied con- ditions at first hand and have. produced the vehicles best able to meet them,

Just how successful have been the Group's efforts is keenly re- flected in the world popularity of Humber and Hillman cars, and. Commer and Karrier commercial vehicles.

THE HUPP ADVANCED IN

STREAMLINING

The trend towards streamlining automobile bodies, which has been slowly progressing for more than ten years. is now rapidly "affecting all price fields, accord- ing to W. J. McAneeny, president and

the general manager of Hupp Motor Car Corp., who has expressed · some interesting views on this subject in discussing the new cars on exhibition. at the automobile show.

"What we call streamlining to- day," says Mr. McAneeny, “and what may have beer called cer- streamlining back in 1925 tainly look different, but really differ only in the matter of de- of five gree, Perhaps the cats years hence will make our pre- sent types look quite conserva- tive, but unless we shift to rear- engine type cars it is rather doubtful if there will be such a big charge in contour, In view of the rapid strides taken in the past year, particularly by such companies as "ourselves.

"We believe that, during "the next two years, the changes are going to be greatest in the lower-: priced cars because to date that group has lagged behind "the higher-priced" cars in style. In our line for 1935 we have incor- porated the most advanced type of aerodynamic streamlining that we know to-day in all our cars, from the lowest-priced model to the highest and most luxurious."

The Neophyte

Mr. Carlsbad comes daily for an hour's English conversation (wri- tes "L.G. to the "Manchester Guardian). Being an unprofes- sional and an amateur, I do not know

how a "pukka" teacher starts, so I just sit back in my chaly and say, "Well, Mr. Carlsbad, what have you been doingto- day?" The result has been start- Ing. and I have culled the fol- lowing "gems from Mr. C.'a dally round.

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One day he was late because he was "postponed" by the train. 'At lecture he could not "under- press" a smile, and seated next. to him at lunch was a man" with "deep-situated eyes.” When a girl didn't turn up he shrugged · nis shoulders and said, "I didn't trouble- girl and a tram, they are the same, another comes ́al- ways!"

When tea was brought in I of fered him same cake. "No, thank you, Madam," was the reply, "I must take care for my belly" After this he was always very careful to tap his stomachand say, "I was not well yesterday, "I had a pain in what I mustn't men- tion"-very pleased at remember- ing not to hurt the susceptibilit ies of "you funny English.”

But the "plece de resistance"! was contained in a letter which he sent me to correct: "Your Eng-

lith grates they are very nice, but, they give too much warmth to the frontside and leave in coldness the reverse!" So delicatel

Super-Hydraulic self-energizing brakes with braking' area increas- ed by 14 per cent, and longer lite for the lining assured. The self- energizing feature employs : the momentum of the car to increase the stopping power.

In announcing the many im- provements in the 1933 Oldsmo- hile. Mr. C. L. McCuen, president of Oldsmobile, said: "It is our belief that the purchaser of a new car is entitled to all that is new. and better all the important fea- tures that will make that car more desirable to drive and own. It is basic Oldsmobile policy to give the public as soon as possible all the new things of proved value. We have, therefore, not only kept the Improvements laf 1934 but have added new safety, new beau- ty and new economy by the Intro- duction on the new Oldsmobiles of the latest engineering develop- .ments.

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"And even with these new im- provements Oldsmobile will re- main in the low price field with the new Six and continue' in the lower medium price range with the new Straight Eight.

"Safety is becoming more and. more important. We offer the public in 1935 two cars replete with safety features, led by the, solid steel turret 'top' body by

Fisher,

"The new body introduces for the Arst time in modern automo- bile manufacturing the all-steel, root--serving three purposes:

"First, the roof provides an ex- tra margin of safety, heretofore unavailable, in any car. Second,

It permits of beauty of Une never before possible when the roof was covered with fabric material,

The designers have obtained scientific streamlining which en- hances beauty. The front is com- pletely new, with narrow and higher radiator grilles; new radia-

STYLIST OF NEW PLANT FOR

1935

PACKARD

Society Enthuses

Over Auburn

Acceptance of the new 1995 Auburn models as the acme in. style and performance by famous movie stars, society folk, stylists and other prominent people is indicated in the long list of not- ables who have bought these ex- clusive motor cars this year."

At the recent Los Angeles Automobile Show Mary Astor, screen favourite, placed her order for

two" Auburn : cars, one of which WAS A 150 hp... super- enarged speedster. Miss Astor was so impressed by the speedster mode that she insisted on taking immediate delivery of the model which

the was displayed at show,

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One of the Arst speedster mo- dels built by the Auburn factory was delivered to Count Alexis De Sakhnofsky, famous style ex- pert. In a letter from Count De » Bakhnofsky to factory officials from Miami where he is resting. the famed, stylist says that his - Auburn speedster was a 'sensa tion on the Boulevards there and that he is having a difficult time resisting offers from prospective customers to buy it.

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Now Turning Out the 1935 Feature Machine

The Packard Motor Car Com— pany is now swinging into pro-/ duction on its new lower price car, the Packard '120. Recently Chassis began travelling down the the long assembly Nne in plant which Packard has com→ pletely equipped with new ma- chinery for building the car.

"The new Packard 120 plant is declared, to be the most modern and efficient in the industry. It is the first complete automobile plant, including facilities for making both bodies and chassis, that has been created, with empty floors only as a start, in years.

For nearly a year machine took billiders in many parts of the country have been working or the equipment. With the capital goods industry one of the hard- est. hit during the depression, machinery manufacturers have worked intensively on new deve- lopments for the last two or three years Ak a means of

Stimulating business. Machinery orders from Packard for its new plant gave them an opportunity to show how far they have `car- ried their development work.

Many machines now turning out parts for the "120" are said to represent such advances in precision and exciency as to be labelled revolutionary in whole machinery feld,

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"Smart" Answers

the

Margery Wilson,“America's 21- thority on Charm” who recently tock delivery of a 1933 Auburn." writes factory cincials that her new car is a delight. ““I knew of course, before. I bought it of its beautiful lines its suave

and patrician presence as it stood at the curb. I knew its illusion of fi-wing grace in motion," her letter says. "But only in owner- ship have I come to appreciate

Some time ago in New York a "Dumbest Dora" contest was held its luxurious comfort-Its silkeri ease of operation. And I have with Jefferson Machamer, James astounded that a car of this size

Montgomery Flagg and Bill Dwyer, and weight can be maintained so

artists, as judges. Miss Joan Red- economically. The new Aubadell, a bonde, of course, and a" satisdes entirely one's wish to drive a rie, car without great expense. It is a masterpiece of modernity"

showgirl, entered the contest and won it without half trying. She said that Moby Dick was the Prince of Wales, that noodles are something they sing in Switzer- land, that pingpong is a hairy ape, tor ornaments, new fenders and and that Mae West wrote “As You re-styled hood louvres".

Like 10"

TRUST A THORNycroft WITH YOUR TRANSPORT

DEAL DIRECT

THORNYCROFT

SIX-CYLINDERED

COACHES & OMNIBUSES

MOTOR VEHICLES

DIESEL OR PETROL

Pioneer Hanufacturers of Com

ange of Sparos carried in Hong Kong and Shanghal

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4 or 6 Wheels

4 or 6 Cylinders

30 Cwt to 10 Ton Loads

20 to 70 Passengers

JOHN L. THORNYCROIT & CO., LIMITED,

Pioneer Building, Nathan Road, Kowloon.

TEL. 56759.

TRUST A THORNYCROFT WITH YOUR TRANS

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