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

ACCELERATION IN TRAFFIC strain on the chassis by the very gentle treatment of the throttle, the very least possible depression being used at first, then carefully increasing, of course, with the quicker movement of the car. With regard to acceleration in traffic as a means of getting past obstructions, nothing but practice can aid the reader in becoming thoroughly acquainted with what can be clone with safety and what cannot. In any case of doubt, take friend “ Punch’s ” advice, and “ don’t,” although in many cases most drivers are in- clined to think they cannot get through such-and-such a situation, whereas, in all probability, there would be plenty of room. This statement must not be taken in the nature of advice to become more venturesome in regard to traffic driving. No. It is only drawing attention to a characteristic fact, namely, that it is very hard to distinguish between the speed of which a good car is capable some few seconds after it has been accelerated, and the speed at which it was going the moment before the acceleration movement com- menced. - In all cases, however, if there is any doubt, wait for a more suitable opportunity. Also remember that, when once you have made up your mind, hesitancy should cease. The writer was once being driven by a man who started to accelerate past a bus, and then rather late in the day changed his mind—and got his mudguard badly crumpled and burst a tyre ! Had he gone on, he would have got through quite comfortably. Ignition Control There is really not much to say with regard to the question of ignition control. So far as the operation of the control lever is concerned, the great thing to remember is never to move it too rapidly. Never, having started up the engine with the ignition lever retarded, swing the control lever up to the maximum advance so soon as the top gear is engaged. Always at the first sign of knocking on a hill retard the spark until such symptoms cease : . otherwise, as a general rule, keep the ignition well advanced and maintain the car pace required with as little throttle as needed- , 79