How To Drive A Motorcar
A Key To The Subtleties Of Motoring

HOW TO DRIVE A MOTORCAR th»n be left against the kerb, and it will be requisite in the first place for the driver to reverse, so as to get clear of the kerb before starting oS forwards. Starting the Engine by the Car’s Momentum When one stops a car and engine on a hill, down which one has to continue, the motor may be started up again by the momentum of the car. In such cases, instead of leaving the front wheels actually against the kerb, the car is held by the brake, with the front wheels pointing at a fairly sharp angle into the kerb, though some inches away. Consequently, in the pos- sible case of the car moving from any cause whatso- ever without the driver being ïn his seat, the wheel soon bumps up against the kerb without sufficient momentum to mount it, so that, beyond just a little bump to the tyre, little damage is done. Then, when one takes the seat and the brake is released, as the car begins to move away from rest it can be steered out from the kerb again and with the clutch out, and the top gear engaged almost at the very moment the car begins to move. Too much speed must not be gathered by the car before the gear is brought in, as otherwise it will be difficult, if not impossible, to engage it without a severe jar. If, when the attempt is made to put the top gear in, it does not go in readily, then the brake must be applied and the speed of the car slowed down to a crawl, when the top gear will be in a position for easy engagement. It must be remembered that in all cases where it is desired to start the engine in this way, it is always easier to do so on the direct drive than on one of the lower gears. It only takes a little consideration to show that if it is easier for the engine to drive the car on the low gear, it must be easier for the car to drive the engine on the high gear. The hill may now be coasted with the top gear in engagement, and the clutch held out until such time as it is necessary to draw upon the power of the engine to propel the car, when the clutch should be let in gently so as to start the engine, when, of course, one continues to drive as in the ordinary course of events. 38