Evening star., 1942-10-31
|OPA's Tire Inspection Plan
Defended and Condemned
Official Says 1t Is Practical, but
Auto Men Soy 1t Can't Be Done

days and for trucks each 60 days
or 5000 miles, whichever Is recorded
first.
The Traffic Councils conclusion
that these regulations were not
feasible was based on the report
of special committee to the effect
that the District lacks sufficient
facilities to carry out these inspec-
tions. The committee said a pre-
liminary survey showed the city
had, exclusive of District govern
ment stations, not more than AZ
ramp type or corrective machines
and "a portable or "scuff" type ma
chimes. 1t was figured, on a study
of past records, that 900,592 car
inspections could be anticipated.
Even If all the machines of all types
were used, it was concluded, each
would have to handle 36 inspections
daily, feat beyond achievement"
The council voted to ask OPA to
modify its order and urged that the
present system of annual inspec-
tions for passenger cars and semi
annual checkups for taxicabs be
retained.
Phillips Sees misunderstanding.
Mr.. Phillips attributed the traffic
groups position to a misunder-
standing. He added:
Were not trying to put on a
program which is impractical. We've
sent out to our boards simple stand
ards setting up certain requirements
or equipment and skill for in
spectors."
Inspectors, he pointed out, must
have certain tools, such as air COM
pressors and spreading instru-
ments. But the ramps or similar
devices are not essential, he in
sisted.
inspection could be carried out
almost anywhere" he added.
For instance, he cited, at the
Martin bomber plant near Balti-
more, where hundreds of automo-
biles always are parked, full-time
inspector might be assigned, and he
could go among the cars looking over
their tires at regular intervals.
Whenever an inspector found lack
of alignment or some other trouble,
Mr.. Phillips explained, the car could
be sent to filling station or other
designated point having tire-adjust-
ing equipment.
But where" he was asked, will
you find enough trained inspectors. .
| Not Limited to OPA Men.
Mr.. Phillips pointed out that they
were not limited to inspectors ap-
pointed by OPA, who numbered be-
tween 10000 and $4,000 in the United
States, but any competent man could
act. The OPA men have been in
spectors for recapped tires.
There are something like 10000
automobile dealers in the United
States" he reflected. "They are not
selling many cars. They are making
small profits, and they will be glad to
get the inspection fee. These dealers
have men who know tires. So have
filling stations, which there are a
tremendous number"
Would it be safe to assume" he
was asked, that large number OF
motorists whose tires simply are
looked over won't have to 60 to
machines to have tire troubles cor
rected?"
Absolutely" he replied. "And the
better care they take of their tires
of course, the fewer adjustment We
will have to require"
"A good tire man." Mr.. Phillips
added. "can tell without alignment
equipment whether a tire Is out o1
line. He can tell from the wear oi
the tire.
Sees Possibility Of Cut.
TT is true that A card holders vii
not drive as much as the others ant
will not IA as liable to have tir