Evening star., 1937-09-26

because Lne car OF the Gay can 90
more it is often expected to do the
impossible. Even If it is taxed only to
its full capacity, the tendency is to
forget that certain price must be
paid by way of compensating for the
extra benefits obtained.
The new problems are not only
numerous, but often difficult tc solve.
They range all the way from new
kinds of tire troubles to problems in
ventilation. Interesting among the
modern dificulties is the problem of
maintaining proper balance between
charging and discharging in the elec-
trical syste: =, due, in turn, to the
wide range OF speed through which
cars now travel.
Engineers have gone beyond the
problem Of equalizing brakes. The
question now is how TO equalize the
wheels during maximum deceleration.
This involves a scientific study of
weight distribution during the period
when weight tips forward. Another
factor is the capacity of tires for
maintaining traction. Various new
types Of treads are being experimented
with. One of the most interesting is
the lateral ribbed tread whicl. is ex-
pected to become much more efficient
whenever extra traction is needed. An
other means of obtaining extra trac-
ton is through use of treads carrying
metal buttons. Whatever the method
used. the aim is to make tires more
capable of transmitting braking power
TO the street surface.
ONLYh few years ago motorists
were warned against exceeding
the traction limit of the tires, They
were told that rubber is not brake
lining and that if they die not make
allowances for the inability of rubber
to grip the road surface when the
tires we're forced to slide there would
be trouble ahead. This trouble has
now come into the picture in a big
way. Tires are wearing in variety
of new and rapid ways. Cars are skid
ding even though their brakes are in
herently equalized. Cars are falling
to stop because their tires cannot be
depended upon to take up their new re-
sponsibilities Complicating the situ-
alton is the fact that as soon as the
tire treads wear the brakes are ad-
versely affected. This increases the
chances of skid and handicaps even
normal deceleration.
While the engineers and tire people
are struggling with these problems
the average motorist would do well to
curb his stopping speed. In some cases
this means cutting down on city and
road speed. but in every instance it
means better judgment in handling
the car. Some Of the emergency stops
from relatively slow spec, can be the
most dangerous. Much more attention
should be given to proper tire imitation.
not only because of the effect on the
tires, but on the brakes as well.
The main service problem Of today
is to caution motorists against in
dulging in abrupt handling of the car.
For 1887 improved carburetors will
take care of more sudden changes in
the direction or speed of travel. but
this should be no license to owners
of earlier models to dash about. In
fact it should be q warning to aim for
smoother type of travel. Unless this
is obtained owners should expect
constant stalling with all of its at
tendant ills.
zach time the engine stalls the
starting equipment must be
brought into action. Whether re-
starting is semi-manual or entirely
automatic there are many opportuni-
tie for mechanical and electrical
troubles. Often in q stall a driver
becomes alarmed, following the stall
with some error that damages the
starter gear. Such stalls are, CT course,
due to disturbing the equilibrium of
the carburetor float, not to mention
the effect on the flow of the fuel.
Just hint Of the trouble motorists
can expect if they persist in tampering