The Washington times., 1912-06-01
Patnders for Washington Automobile Club Endurance Run
NEW CARSDONOT
ALWAYS BEST
Even Automobiles Fresh From the Factory Need Thor
ough Inspection Before Long Journey-Begin
.N Early to Prepare Motor.

At this time OF the year many recruits
are being enlisted into the ranks of the
army Of motorists; many cars are
changing hands, and consequently there
Is considerable activity among motorists
In the way of tinkering about the car
and putting II in shape for strenuous
service. A few general hints and pre-
cautions, therefore, may be appreciated.
First of all, above all things, don't fig-
ure on climbing into a new car for the
first time and driving of for a day or
an afternoon without giving II more at
tention than just filling the oil and gaso-
water. Don't think that because the car
Is brand new and just from the factory,
or because II has just been thoroughly
overhauled, that Il is. without doubt,
in first-class condition and ready for
regular service. 1t may be; Il should
be; but often. very often. 1t is not.
Rather contemplate spending several
the new, or just-overhauled car Do
this a day or so before the first few
trips are taken. II for instance, you
contemplated using the car for the
first time on Sunday, start to get
Friday. You may find everything in
excellent snaps, and be through in an
hour; and again It may be found that
there are several things that require
attention. II you put the Job off until
Sunday morning, II Is very possible you
VIII have to put a few hours of very
hard work to prepare the car for the
afternoon outing; in fact It often hap
pens that work which you estimate can
be done in few house will keep you
very busy until the afternoon is half
over; the result will be a disappointed
family. Take time by the forelock,"
ready on Sunday morning IL you in
tend to use II in the afternoon, and
on Saturday evening if to be used on
Sunday morning. This policy will con-
structive pastime, and add much to
the pleasure of motoring. This advice,
OF course, pertains to the first few
trips. after WHICH the habit of caring
for the car will have been formed,
and but little regular attention neces-
sary H. GREATER.
Putting Car In Shape.
To put a car into shape, begin by re-
moving the front seat cushion over the
opening to the gasolene tank; also take
the cushion off of the rear seat and
place both out of the way. Next remove
the hood over the motor. and the floor
boards ~ front and behind the front
seat. TSe object is to clear the decks
for action, so to speak, and render
possible. Don't tackle the Job while
arrayed in a suit that you would not
nave solleu' anu ooHt Try 10 protect
good suit by wearing a suit of overalis
over them; oil is very penetrating. and
besides you are apt TO be too warmly
clad to work comfortably.
Perhaps II Is best to start with the
motor. Remove the radiator cap and
place II somewhere on the car. as near
to the filler opening as possible and in
a place from which It will not be apt
to fall when the motor Is started. Make
an effort to find a good place for Ii, and
every part of the car as accessible as
always put II in this place. Get the
habit, and you will save yourself much
annoyance In the way OF crawling un-
der the car, reaching under the motor
into the dirty dust pan, or rummaging
about the garage looking for 1t. Fill