Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-08-25
EXPERT MECHANIC
EXPLAINS HOW To
JUDGE USEDCARS
inspection of Mechanical De-
feCtS Often Reveal Vital
Defects


1t is estimated that over one-half
of the automobiles manufactured in
the United States during the last few
years have been purchased by indi-
viduals who were buying their first
car, and who had practically no ex-
perience in operating an automobile.
1t is difficult for the inexperienced
person to select an automobile that
will give, thorough satisfaction, as
the number Of cars and styles he has
to choose from is large. He may eX-
anime a number Of cars, and often
becomes confused with the numerous
details; finally he buys one.
After the experience OF the first
season he feels he can make a bet
ter selection, and either sells his car
or trades it in on a new one. This
results in a large number Of second.
hand cars being sold each year, and
the purchasers Of such cars should
make a thorough investigation of
them.
Unless a car has been completely
overhauled by reliable concern. this
precaution is necessary before buying
it at any price. no matter how cheap
it may appear to be. Otherwise it
may prove to be an expensive pur-
chase in the end.
Among the more important points
to be considered in the selection of a
secondhand car, writer in Popular
Mechanics gives the following:
Find out the age, make and type
ne tho in nrdnP ~ tnUnSfiuofn
the factory or company making the
car; to sea If it is still In business
financially responsible, can give good
service in reference to repair parts
! for this particular model, or if they
can be obtained elsewhere at a rea-
sonable cost.
Also determine if possible whether
or not this particular model, and
other cars manufactured by the sama
company, have in general proved sat.
isfactory.
Inspect the engine for compress
sion, by turning it over with the
starting crank; start it up and see
how it responds to the throttle and
!; if it will run very slowly without
missing, knocking or rafting. Inves-
tigate the oiling system and make
, certain as to its proper operation
Inspect the radiator and its connec-
/ Il ms, TO see that there are no leaks,
and that the cooling water is circu-
lating.
Jack up the rear wheels and run
them by means of the engine, to see
If they run true. Observe whether
or not the differential operates
quietly.
TRY the various speeds and in
spect the transmission to see what
condition the gear wheels are in, as
any wear on these gears will show
how much service the car has had.
See if the front wheels are in line,
If they run true, if the steering gear
works properly.
Inspect the, tires on the car as
well as extra ones, and make sure
the size and kind can be obtained
easily, as some sizes and kinds are
obsolete.
Inspect the wiring of the ignition,
starting and lighting systems, and
ascertain whether or not they are
in good condition, and function Drop
erly. Determine the condition of the
storage battery If there is one on
the car. Inspect the oil, electric or
other lamps.
Make a thorough inspection of the
frame, springs, doors, upholstering,
top, curtains and extra equipment.
For a final test run the car with a
load for Is or 20 miles. trying out
the various speeds and OBSERVING
how the clutch takes hold.
PAY particular attention to the
engine under load, and if possible.
try pulling a full load up a S to 10
per cent hill, as a car is practically
useless II it will not pull I'D such
an incline. Listen for pounding in
the engine, and see if the water in
the radiator 'steams' quickly, which
is bad sign.
Examine the bearings after the
run, to see if any are unduly hot. Be
sure to watch for cracked water
jackets around the cylinders"