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

CHAPTER VII How to Steer THE question of steering a car is one whicü embraces a great number of small points, upon many of which it is by no means easy to give a definite pronouncement. In the first place, if one is buying a new car it should be a primary con- sideration that the driving position is a suitable one. The position assumed has to be a compromise between what one may term the most efficient one and the most comfortable one, and where there is any question of doubt precedence should be given to efliciency. In an ordinary touring car one should neither have to lean forward nor should one loll in a too backward position, but the seat should be so arranged as regards height and slope that, whilst one has a good support for the back on the rear of the seat, the feet are in a “ powerful ” position to control the pedals. At the same time, the reach to the side brake lever must not be too great. A choice of two methods of pedal-control movement may be offered, according to the available length in the driver’s seat and the pressure necessary comfortably to operate the pedals. If the clutch pedal is stiff and tho reach is fairly long, then the action comes more from the upper part of the leg, and suitable purchase is obtained with the small of the back in order to get sufficient pressure on the brake pedal, or to hold tho clutch out for any length of time. If the pedal-controJ is easy and the leg-room is shorter, then the ankle and lower portions of the leg are the chief controlling factors. 48