Third, in making a turn at the intersection of streets make a loop
which will carry you beyond the farther side of the street, and do not
try to turn within the limits of the crossing, or the corners of the
street curbs.
Fourth, between street intersections, do not try to make a turn until
you have examined the street behind you, and never attempt to make a
long diagonal cut when the turn is being made.
APPROACHING CAR TRACKS.--In approaching car tracks do so on the
principle that a train is coming, and act accordingly. Don’t take
anything for granted. This applies when there are any obstructions
either way along the track for several hundred feet from the roadway on
which you are traveling.
COASTING.--It is a mistake to coast down hill with the brakes set for
controlling the car. Instead, cut out the ignition, select a gear
best suited for the grade of the hill, and run the machine down under
compression; that is to say, against the engine. If the grade is very
steep select low gear, and in that way you have a very strong leverage.
[Illustration: Fig. 103. Caution Signs.]
This saves an immense amount of wear on the brakes, and if the grade
is extraordinarily steep the brakes may be used to reënforce the
compression.
SIGNS OF THE ROAD.--The American Motor League has adopted a series of
_caution signs_ shown in Fig. 103, which are explained as follows:
1. Approach to a steep descent. 2. Approaching railroad crossing. 3.
Branch road to the right. 4. Branch road to the left. 5. Cross roads.
6. Ditch or abrupt depression in the road. 7. Approach to a hummock. 8.
City, village, or collection of inhabited dwellings.
These signs are placed from 100 to 300 yards from the points to which
they refer.
OPERATING THE CONTROL.--All cars have practically the same arrangement
of pedals for controlling the car with the feet. This refers, of
course, to the clutch, brake, and throttle pedals. In cities, running
through crowded streets, the foot throttle should be used, so as to
keep both hands free; but in the open country, where change is not
required so frequently, this control is usually by hand.
THE CRUCIAL POINT.--The crucial point of every learner, is starting
the machine. The first duty is to note that the transmission lever is
at the neutral point, and that the emergency brake is set. The spark
control lever is then set at the proper point, and the engine cranked,
if it has no self starting mechanism.
CLUTCH PEDAL AND SPARK CONTROL.--Now, before touching the clutch
pedal, adjust the spark control lever until the engine has picked up
its speed properly. Then depress the clutch pedal so as to disengage
the clutch, and release the emergency brake. Leaving the clutch still
disengaged move the transmission lever to low gear, and, with the right
foot, press down the throttle pedal, if there is any slacking in the
speed of the engine.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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