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

CHAPTER VIII The Questi on of the Use and Care of the Brakes ONE would be rather inclined to think that this subject was one on which it would be almost superfluous to write at any length. Most motorists ought to know how to use their brakes, and probably very many do, but at the same time those who do as they know they ought to, are, it is to be feared, rather in the minority. The lilt of the old proverb “ Spare the rod and spoil the child ” may safely be transposed into “ Spare the brakes and save the car.'’ Not only by so treating them will one save the actual mechanism of the car from excessive strain and wear and tear, but a great difference will be noticed in the mileage obtained from the tyres. The case when it is really requisite severely to apply either one or both of the brakes should undoubtedly be the exception rather than the rule. In all cases where it is necessary to- stop the car, the brakes should be used as little as possible compatible with the circum- stances. For instance, when driving up to take one’s place in a traffic block, do not run at a good speed until a few yards away, and then draw the car up “ on its haunches,” so to speak, by means of powerful brake application, but rather declutch in good time, and glide slowly up, so that the final arresting of progress actually necessary by a brake application is reduced to the practicable minimum. Exactly the same method of procedure should be used when stopping at one’s house, at a shop, or other place of call. Let the stopping manœuvre be started 61