Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-28
By n. CLIFFORD BRoKAw,
Automobile Technical Adviser.

Many lives have been saved in emer-
gancies because brakes on automobiles
have functioned properly. In fact, the
brakes of a car are the owners princi-
pal assurance that he is likely to sur
vive to get considerable use out of his
automobile. There is nothing about
which driver should be more certain
than that his brakes are in good work
ing order. And that means frequent
checking up to see If the brakes are on
their job effectively.
Sudden Stopping.
Sudden stopping of ones car is not
so easy matter as one might think
at first hand. 1t is especially difficult
in wet weather, because then sudden
stops in traffic occasioned by changes
in signal lights and attempt to avoid
hitting others are responsible for much
skidding. Most of the new braking
systems are equal to the unusual de-
mands placed upon them. However,
If the car Is driven at too great a speed
when the pavement is slippery, skidding
can hardly be avoided even with per-
feet brakes. The brakes may be power
full enough to stop the wheels from re-
volving, but II the wheels do not hold
to the pavement the car will not stop.
Locking the wheels is most frequent
cause Of skidding, but this can be pre-
vented to a certain degree by closing
the throttle and applying the brake,
leaving the clutch engaged until just
before the car is brought to a standstill.
Hills present their problems. When
going down an ordinary hill it will save
your brakes if you close the throttle
and leave the clutch engaged. On a
steep hill shift to second or first gear
and leave the clutch engaged, the throt-
tie closed. Here the low gear helps to
keep the car under control. Descend
ing long hills at high speed may cause
the brake lining to burn. This can be
avoided by keeping the car down to a
lower speed, as heat will not be gen.
Grated faster than it will radiate from
the brakes drums then. Never under
any circumstances coast down a steep
hill with the transmission gear in
neutral.
Test Brakes Soon.
If you have not bothered with test
ing your brakes for some time, why
don't you give them an inspection
some day soon? A service station
ought to give you expert advice about
them Look first at the lining of the
brakes. If it has worn thin at any
place have it replaced. Secondly, see
that clearance aound the drum is
equal and, if it is not, adjust the an
Choir and wing nuts Third, make sure
that the brake pedal does not touch
floor boards. Also see that the hand
brake lever does not strike the end
Of the ratchet or the floor boards.
While you are about it, inspect the
surface of the brake lining for grease
II any has worked through the axle
and got on the brakes. clean them
thoroughly with kerosene and stiff
brush and tighten or renew packing the
end of the axle or the wheel bearings
Equalize the adjustment for both
brakes. Brake equalization formerly
was determined entirely by feel" It
still is to large extent, but the vari-
Gus braketesting devices that are COM
ing into the equipment of modern re-
pair shops are bringing considerable
change. A number of these provide
the most precise methods of measuring
the force on each of the four wheels
when the brakes are applied
There Is no doubt that faulty brakes
have caused a large number of acci-
dents, and If motorists can be induced
to have the control apparatus of their
cars inspected frequently there should