In operating a car it is always best to alternate the service and
emergency brakes rather than to use one continuously, to equalize the
wear on them. When approaching a very steep down grade it is safest
to move the gear shift lever to a lower speed position, closing the
throttle and permitting the car to drive the engine. When the grade
is not excessively steep the engine can be used as a brake with the
position of the gear shift lever remaining unchanged. This will save
the brakes and tend to cool the engine. The brakes should never be
applied suddenly enough to slide the driving wheels except in cases of
emergency. When a stop is to be made apply the brakes soon enough so
that the motion of the car will be gradually diminished and brought to
a stop at the point desired.
To avoid accidents on the road all rules and regulations governing the
driving of motor vehicles on the road should be observed. When turning
corners or approaching cross-roads warning should be given to avoid
collision with other vehicles which may be hidden from the view of the
driver. Before backing the machine the driver should be sure that the
road is clear. In manipulating the car the front wheels should never be
turned by moving the steering wheel when the car is not in motion. This
puts undue strain on the steering apparatus and will cause lost motion
in the steering gear. If it becomes necessary to move the front wheels
of a car while it is standing still, they should be moved by applying
force not only to the steering wheel but also by pulling the front
wheels around.
When a car skids, the tendency is for an inexperienced driver to apply
the brakes and turn the front wheels in the opposite direction to that
in which he is skidding. This should not be done as it only accentuates
the skidding and the car may be ditched or skid into another vehicle or
the curbing. When the machine starts to skid turn the steering wheel
in the direction in which the car is skidding and partially close the
throttle but not entirely, or it will have the same effect as applying
the brakes. When the car straightens out the power may again be applied
gradually, and the machine brought back to the center of the road.
When skidding on narrow roads it is best to apply the power and steer
to the center of the road. This will aggravate the skid for a moment
but brings the machine around at an angle with the front wheels in the
center of the road. The momentum of the car will cause the rear wheels
to climb back onto the road again.
ENGINE TROUBLES.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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