Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-24

Now that Spring has been ushered
in, what should the motorist check, or
have checked. in his cars condition to
make certain that alls we'll in prepara-
ton for months of pleasant, carefree
driving?
The question is answered by Oscar
Coolican. w. A. T. A. director. who
summarizes certain points about the
automobile which should receive careful
attention at this time
In this day of high-test gasolines,"
Mr.. Coolican begins, lit is unnecessary
to clean the carbon and grind the
valves as often as it was in previous
years. But to overlook this job entirely
is great mistake. At this season. espe-
cially, the motorist should determine
whether the engine needs this attention
II it does, 1t should be given without
delay. Valves should be inspected care
fully and replaced where needed.
Cooling System Vital.
THE fan-belt should be tested for
proper tautness and the cooling system
checked for the tiniest leaks. Ignition
wires should be traced out, and if wear
IS apparent they should be replaced
The same applies to spark plugs. The
generator and the battery likewise de-
serve inspection. Cleaning the entire
motor, freeing it from the grease and
CRIME with which it may be encaSed,
Is worth while gesture of care An
other unit worthy of notice Is the COM
mutator. Unless this mechanism
operates freely and efficiently. general
performance will be unsatisfactory
Mr.. Coolican says that every small
it1o 70
such as oil filters, air cleaners and
the like-should be included In the
general inspection to which the auto
mobile is subjected. Failure to include
them, he points out may result in
throwing the whole process off balance.
Each part should be restored as nearly
as possible to its original efficiency. BY
ignoring one or more items, weak links
are established and the work generally
lcses something of its value.
Brakes May Need Innings.
after the motorist is satisfied that
the engine has received its full measure
OF attention. other parts of the car
should be attacked in the restoration
procedure. Brakes may need refining
or. II they do not require that treat
ment. 1t Is certainty that they will
| demand adjustment. This is essential
in the interest of safety.
| Universal joints may need tighten
ing and the whole car should be oiled
and creased. 1t probably would be well
to change the Oil in the differential
| and transmission, while that should
be done without fail, of course, where
| the crankcase Is concerned Let the
oiling and greasing job be a thorough
one. Let 1t include every part of the
car where either oil or grease is needed
not even forgetting the doors, which
can be made to close easier by the
| application of few drops of lubricant
| To do the job thoroughly the locks
should be graphited.
Tighten EN- Up, He Urges.
Even the best of cars will work a
| little loose here and there and particu-
larly so during the Winter months, so
| Spring is an excellent time to have the
car frightened up throughout, from top
to bottom and from bumper to tail
| light. This step is an important one,
and it not only does the car lots of good,
| but it goes long way toward restor-
ing an owners confidence in his pos
session."
There are many individual points
which the car owner will want attended
| to at this season, Mr.. Coolican says
If there are such items, they should