Evening Star Newspaper, September 30, 1923, Page 60

The Sunday Motorist An Abridged Magl;ine for Car Owners. EDITED BY WILLIAM ULLMAN Many a woman feels that drive an well as a man, and often the sad, sad fruth. Recording Speedometers. News from Stockholm to the effect that the latest law passed by the riksdag will require the use of re- cording speedometers on all cars| rdises an Interesting point. How long must a driver be exceeding the speed lmit to be guilty of misde- méanor? . . It is important to recognize the fact that speed {s often a matter of saféty, and that a driver woul@ be!l gullty of negligence if he did not take advantage of the speed his car is capable of in an emergency. A typical te speed law states that it shall be prima facie evidence of recklessness “if the rate of speed of a motor vehicle operated on any public highway exceeds thirty miles | an hour for distance of oné-quarter | This quarter of a mile | nted as a means of en- | abling fhe motorist to get a start | 6n a long hill, to hurry on a straight- | away, to pass other cars where neces- | safy and to hurry out of the way of danger. In a number of places it is within he law for the driver to speed up or a_short di even in con- ested district vided such speed- | ng is necessary. It is well for him | to remember this, if by any chance | he is caught by an_ officer who is merely looking for the slightest de- viation from the slow and narrow path. The recording speedometer has not | Been perfected as yet, and will not be required in Sweden until it is ob- tainable. But right now it is well to kear in mind the fact that such a device must not automatically in- criminate a driver unless he exceeds the speed limit for a gontinued space of roadway; otherwise the 'device will cause '“slow poke” ~accidents, which are often more fatal than acci- derits resulting from speeding. The Old Mechanic Says: ¥If motorists clearly understood what is meant by ‘critical speed,’ wheil it 6ecurs and why, thete would He less damage to engines because of vibration and a lot less complainin’ about vibration and knockin'. “Unless a motor is perfectly bal- anced for all speeds—and this is rare, for the reason that balance depends upon design as well as the actual workmanehip on the engine—there are bound to be certain partsWhich vibrate at certain definite rates. The action of the pistons, for example, may give the cfankshaft a certain rate of vi- bration so that it actuaily eprings at the center or at its ends, The actions of the pistons are in themiselves a source of vibration, but so long as the pistons”and the shaft do not beat at the same time the driver is likely to run along thinkin' his engine runs like a @ream. “Bu¢ when the car reaches a cer- tain speed the two forces of vibra- | tion operate in unison, incfeasin’ the vibration to a point where the driver suddenly decides the engine is goin® to fall apart. If the power plant is of better design, of in better condi- tion, this unison vibration may sim- ply have the effect of a heavy beat or a rattlin’ of the horn or any other unit attached to the engine block. “In any case, the sudden vibration |* evidence that the critical speed s been reached, and_the driver ould immediately slow down or eed up. A change in speed will .break up the combl: tion, stop the poundin’, shakin’ or /| rattiin” and prevent excessive wear on the éngine parts. “And don’t forget that the eritical speed Isn't mecessarily constant. It is likely to occur at a lower car speed on hills, with temperature and engine condition causing it to vary somewhat.” ST New Ideas Everywhere. It is becoming more and more ap- parent that the various cities throughout the country are compet- ing with one another in an effort to approximate something like a sensible and safe means of regulating trafic without merely restricting it. The tourist who goes about with the idea of learging how other peo- ple are doing things, rathér than grumbling because every one doesn't think his way, finds that new f{deas are cropping up everywhere. In Pittsfield,* Mass., for example, pedestrians are allowed only*a very narrow lane In which to oross the street. This not only allows more room for machines, but keeps the pedestrian more within the straight and narrow path and discourages jay-walking. Here's the psychology of it: If you are crossing a street in Pittsfield you notice that the crosswalk lines are very close together, so in your eager- ness to assert your independence you deliberately run along the edge, or Jjust a trifle outside the lines. On both sides of you are motorists who are accustomed to leaving a rather wide margin for the erosswalk. Your determination and the automobile driver's custom, therefore, do not con- flict. And there is no accldent. Another eastern city is not paint- |ing 80 many white lines on the pav- ing in the bellef that the pedestrian does not need to have so many chofces in crossing the street. The motorist has been asked to farego certain privileges in order to simplify trafic as a whole, and he falls in with the scheme willingly. Why not the pedestrian? A number of cities which have fur- nished traffic officers with umbrellas —even chairs anq mirrors—have been " But what about the cities | because their officers are | not clearly sten by motorists, or | missed altogeéther? There is an idea in the umbrella scheme, just as there are ideas in many of the schem is beginning to find In traveling. Two Parking Pointers. When the car s left parked with the rear to the curb, and where boys are likely to be tempted to take the spare tire valve cap for their bikes, remove the cap and take it with you. It isn't the cost of these things but the nuisance of finding that there ign’t any air In the spare' when you &0 to change a tire. If you remember to attach the cap again when return- ing to the car the amount of air that leaks out in the interim will be neg- Hgible. To park the car at an angle to the curb in such a way that the machine is near enough without actually rest- ing on the right front tire it, is only necessary to drive up slowly until the machine touches the curb.and then back off a couple of inches before setting the brakes. ‘Worth Remembering. Your fan belt keeps getting loose because you keep tightening it too much. Give a new belt a good stretching before attaching it. A week later it may need to be taken up a little, but just a little. Theh forget it. 'More trouble has resulted from belits that are too tight than from thosé too loose, because the tight belt either beconies loose again or breaks, - In some engines there is a plug at the front end of the engine base which, when removed, offers a means of cleaning out the oil distrib- utor pipe, should it become clogged. Whether the pump s attached front or rear, its rémoval also furnishes a means of cleaning the pipe. Remem- ber, stoppage in the distributor pipe usually indicated by the register- v ing of excessive oil pressure on the sauge when conditions should be nor- mal. Don't be alarmed if the indicator of the oil pressure gguge should flidker when the car is descending a long, steep grade. It merely means that the ofl being forward in the erank case, 18 not reaching the pump in sufficient quantities. It's a warn- ing to buy more oil, though there is no immediate danger of lubrication trouble while the engine is loafing. Yes—But You Pay. ‘The question is often raised by car owners as to whether their insur- ance applies if their car Is stolen when they have neglected to lock it. A number of motorists are always wondering whether it voids the in- surance to leave a car stand out all night. Others ask: “What if the car is stolen from a garage where the owner does not use the lock on ac- count of preventing the car from be- ing moved In event of fire?” The answer to these querles is an emphatic but subtle “yes.” The in- surance companies Invariably pay the claims, but the car owners pay for their negligence. These unneces- sary losses are reflected in the high rates which all must pay. The Diesel Engine. The Diesel engine, which is being widely heralded as a_new develop- ment for the automobile, differs from the conventional internal combus- tion power plant as follows: i The Diesel engine's pistons com- press merely air, not gasoline vapor. Compression reaches 500 pounds in- stead of the usutl 75 or less per cylinder. Alr 80 compressed reaches a_high tem- perature, the cylinders becoming hot | in the way the cylinder of a hand | pump heats up w operated. This | heat serves to ignite a charge of fuel (low grade) oil which s shot into each cylinder as the piston reaches the top of its stroke. In other words, there Is no ignition sys- tem, John Motorist Wants: Better traffic regulations, not nec- essarily uniformity. Simplified routes through cities, avolding traffic for tourists who are not stopping off. Signposts in cities to lead motorists back to main through routes after a stop to dine, to shop, to visit or to look_about. More convenient hotels. Parking regulations that make for entrances to |K gentle hint to give attention to the right side of the car first if one's time is limited. Supply Store Signs. Some of these days the shingle nver‘ automoblle supply stores will read, “Auto Necessities,” the accessory fea- ture being relegated to the limbo of the forgotten. The supply houses may handle a lot of frills, but the backbone of their business is mafle up of those articles which a motorist never knows he needs-until he has | gone ahead and made the investment. | the accommodation of more cars, not (N restrictive measures. Favor the Right Side. The right side of the car is the one which is most critically examined by |R the all-seelng eye of the When the car is parked in front of the hotel it is the right side of the public, car that engages the attention of | those who unconsciously judge you be the appearance of your car. you come to trade in the car or sell it to the highest bidder, the car in- stands at the curb with the | e telling the story of the care has recefved. It's just a Your New Car CONSULT F. W. Schneider When | R Main 4173 Adams 2071 Aft When in Strange Town. When puzzled as to traffic regula- tions in a strange town, and if you are not fortunate enough to have cars directly in front of you so that you can piay follow the leader, 1 to look ahead to the next c: Invariably you will find cars ess of making turns, and it w once evident how you should when you reach that point. It may mean golng a block or two out of your way, but that's preferable to be- ing annoyed or making a blunder (Copyright 1923.) Day Service on Tops AUTO TOPS Bring Your Car—Get Our Price Sedans Recovered Rebuilt Top Company Col. 10-0-82 3412 Ga. KEEP THIS AD. B : p S E RVICE «iiscae QI 2 COMPARE Ave. NW. Open Sunday COME in and see these exclusive engine features—usually found only on the costliest cars. They make the 1924 - the finest of lifigt-sixes and justify the con- tinuance of O: d’s 15,000 mile guaran:tee and the mileage basis gauge of value. L-head engine with Ricardo-type combustion chamber insuring great power at all speeds. . New type intake manifold and Stromberg carburetor of latest design. Impossible to place this carburetor out of t. Full automatic spark control,'timing the spark to give maximum power at all Larger and-heavier crankshaft with larger bearing surfaces; new and more rigid crankcase of a type found only on higher priced cars. Special patented bronze-backed bearings—in- suring at least 40,000 miles without adjustment. Larger valves of highest grade special alloy steel —insuring 15,000 miles without grinding. Cylinder walls honed tothe smoothnessof glass. Pistons, rings, piston pins, and connecting rods like those used heretofore in Liberty motors and expensive cars. See these and many other exclusive features at our spe- cial showing all week of the True Blue Oakland. Test the four-wheel brakes—admire the new Fisher bodies. See the entire car—note the lower prices—make your own comparisons. You'll be surprised and convinced. District Oakland' Company 1709 L Street Main 7612 Sport Roadster , $1095 4-Pass. Coupe $1345 Roadster $945 Business Coupe Sport Touring $1095 Sedan The Maximum of Proved Intrinsic Value VS. Many Extravagant Claims of Superiority So many announcements of new model cars contain extravagant claims for the same superi- orities that it is puzzling to the buyer to know which value is real and which is only a claim. This year the issue has been confused by the introduction of mechanical changes, some of which have been rushed into production while still in the experimental stage—and then imme- diately given wide publicity. Important considerations have been overlooked and great stress placed upon unimportant details. But the man who intends to buy a motor car need not let this confusion or this glamour of publicity lead him to make a mistake or risk satisfaction in his purchase. The automobiles them- selves are available for comparison. See and be convinced. Riding is believing. As an aid to intelligent buying we offer the following suggestions: Place the 1924 model Studebaker Light-Six Touring Car at $995alongside any car you may select as belong- ing in the same class. Every car looks well in the pic- tures —most cars make a good impression in their own show windows. The Studebaker Light-Six looks a win- ner alongside the best-looking competitor you can find. And it’s larger, more substantial, roomier, more com- fortable looking —and is more comfortable. Compare the top. Look inside and out. The Stude- baker top is sturdily built. Has four stout cross bows. Top material is same as is so satisfactorily used in the Big-Six. Notice the fit, feel the quality. The rear cur- tain is one-piece—has no seams—with a large rectan- gular window bound by an enameled moulding. the body. Studebaker has a roomy, sub- stantial,carefullymadebody —all-steeleventoitsframe- work, which permits a finish in baked enamel. A depressed belt line runs around the body and through the hood and radiator, adding to its distinctive appearance. p Compare the one-piece, rain-proof windshield, with built-in cowl lamps, with the ordinary two-piece wind- shield with rubber strip that leaks in every rain and always obstructs the driver’s vision. Notice the large cowl ventilator that is quickly operated by merely moving the regulator backward or forward. Compare the Studebaker door trimmings and fittings with the doer fittings of other cars. Notice that the door pocket flaps have weights to hold themin position. Man-sized door handles and latches, positive-action door locks that catch with a t:imp ?d stay closedc&. Heavy hinges properly locaf and proportioned. Highest grade trimming material instead of painted cardboard. Fastening nails ¢oncealed. Compare the aluminum-bound linoleum that .is neatly fitted andfastened tothe floor boards of this $995 Studebaker Light-Six with the rubber mats that cover the cheap, loosely-fitted floor boards in many other cars. Compare the cheap robe rail (sometimes hemp rope covered with imitation leather) with the Studebaker nickel-plated rail. Compare the forty-cent footrest with the comfortable, carpet-covered footrest, supported by polished aluminum brackets, in the Studebaker. ‘These comparisons are of features that can be seen. There are many more down under the surface that could bementioned, such as themachining of all surfaces of the crankshaft and connecting rods of the Light-Six motor. This is largely responsible for the practical absence of vibration in the Studebaker Light-Six. This is an exclusive Studebaker practice on cars at this price. If competition is so far inferior in its visible parts, it is a certainty that the hidden parts which really deter- mine the satisfaction of a car will be equally inferior. The Studebaker chassis is as far superior to any other motor car chassis in its price field as Studebaker up- holstery is to other upholstery, as the Studebaker body is to any other motor car body in its price field. For instance, Studebaker uses a six-inch frame with five cross-members instead of a five-inch frame with three or four cross-members. The Studebaker Light-Six will ride longer, at less cost, we believe, than any other motor car built. A certain group of fleet owners in Los Angeles have found that Studebaker cars, averaging 35,000 mileseach,saved their original cost one and one-half times over as compared with the average operating cost of various othermakes. In three years’ time, more than 130,000 Studebaker Light-Sixes have delivered satisfaction. This gives the buyer a solid basis for his selection. Come in and see the Light-Six. Testits performance and comfort yourself. Again—Riding is believing. $1195 Pontiac The True Blue Oakland © JOHN R. PENDLETON, 1078 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. CHAS. N 624 1 8 A Ask fora copy of our booklet on Four-Wheel Brakes 1924 MODELS AND PRICES—{. o. b. factory LIGHT-SIX S-Pase., 112° W. B.,40 H. P. s w— e Pn— 1350 “erma to Mest Your Convenience JOSEPH McREYNOLDS Selling satisfactory transportation in Washington for 35 years Commercial Auto and Supply Co.—14th Street at R MANG! CASHELL GARAGE, Rockville, Md. H. A. WEAVER, DEALERS €527 Piney Branch Road §'T U D:E B'A K E R BOYD MOTOR CO., Al dria, Va. BIG-SIX _’-Pm 127" W. B., 60 . P. Touring.—_— 317 (S-1 STUDEBAKER HAS BEEN SUPPLYING DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION FOR 71 YEARS C. T. PARIS, Quantico, Va. EDELL MOTOR CO., ryantown,' Md. PANCOAST & PAXSON, Parcellville, Va. Y E A R 8