The Washington times., 1928-01-18

EMERGENCY
BY j. LEO SUGRUE
Times Automobile Editor


Times Automobile Editor
Motorists who thrill at the amaz-
ing performance of their cars may
he placing maximum demands on
them, leaving nothing in reserve for
an emergency.
This is the timely warning given
today's car owner by those who are
witnessing increasing evidence of a
strong tendency to utilize various
features of modern cars to the fullest
extent for only normal needs. Too
many drivers, the warning adds, are
living up to every safety feature.
In the case Of brakes, where
1t is becoming customary to utilize
maximum deceleration for normal
demands, the point is raised that
the average driver is saving notn'
ing for "a rainy day."
Over and above what a driver
needs for normal driving purposes
there should be sufficient reserve
for abnormal conditions.
Not only as regards safety but
also in every other matter con-
cerned with the efficient function
ing Of the car it is important to
provide a reserve. Manufacturers
have endeavored to design beyond
the normal needs of the average
driver, but despite the great album
dance of power, efficiency and safety
of the modern car, many motorists
appear to be able to live right up
to every ounce of surplus, and ire"
quently going beyond.
Many Methods Open
Fortunately, there are ways and
means of combating this habit,
simple methods which can be
adopted by any driver who appre-
ciates the importance of having
something in reserve and who will
give a little time to his car.
1t il not advisable, for instance,
to have the accelerator so adjusted
as to open the throttle to maximum,
because in that case the motorist
has no power in reserve for thoss
occasional moments when extra
energy is about all that stands
between safety and a collision.
A reserve of power can be pro-
vided by adjusting the accelera-
tor so that it opens the throttle
TO approximately three-quarters OF
maximum. Additional opening then
can be obtained through movement
of the hand control lever on the
steering post. In ordinary driving.
it usually is too much trouble 10
constantly manipulate the hand
lever, but in an emergency the
motorist knows that by pushing 1t
up or down, depending on the lay
out of the particular car, the
throttle can be opened fully and
that extra burst OF power and
speed may be obtained.
One driver who had fallen into
the dangerous habit of driving to
the very limit of his cars power
tried the plan and found it highly
valuable. He said that it was
distinct relief for him to realize that
his car, in a pinch, could do more
than he custOmarily demanded OF 1t.
Reserve Speed Aids
One Of his dangerous habits had
been to try to pass fast moving
cars without calculating carefully
the speed of the approaching ma
chine. Caught in such a predica-
ment recently he instantly recalled
the reserve feature and by swapping
the hand control lever to the fun
throttle position he was able to
speed through to safety
A plan that is not recommended
for every one. but which illustrates
the theory behind this movement in
the direction of safety reserve, is
that of having the brakes adjusted
for less than their maximum eff
cheney With the brakes only about
IS per cent efficient, the driver
naturally moderates his speed, takes
fewer chances and starts stopping
a
of such driving he may be trusted
with reserve of deceIeration and
is ready 10 have his brakes again
adjusted to maximum efficiency.
II is not all matter of safety
however, for there is much that
the car owner can do to keep his
motoring efficient by building up
reserve. This applies 10 the purely
mechanical features of the car.
For example, because so many
drivers haye formed the habit Of
running at all times with the spark
control lever in the fully advanced
position, the manufacturers adjust
the spark so that it will not be TOO
far advanced for normal running
even if the driver so leaves The
lever. There would be, however.
n ore efficiency. greater hill climb
ing ability, increased speed and
saVing in fuel If the spark could De
adjusted for the maximum advance
and drivers would cooperate by
keeping the spark advance lever in
the hree-qUarters-to,ful position for
normal driving.
In acceleratiOn, or when pulling
up steep hill, the driver then
would leave the advance lever in
the three-quarters position. bur if
a fine stretch Of open road pre-
scented itself he would advance the
spark fully. taking advantage of
the saving in fuel and the easier
running.
Some automobile statesmen who
are past masters at demonstrating
cars. drive with the steering gear
absolutely devoid of slack. They
cling 10 the wheel, preferring this
sort of steering action because 1t
enables them to make instant
changes in the direction of the car,
greatly facilitating their exhibition
driving in traffic. This is a gIaring
instance Of the practice Of leaving
nothing in reserve for a con.
tinssncy.