CARE
Alignment
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To obtain ease in steering and minimum wear on the tires, it is neces-
sary to keep the front wheels in alignment. They are occasionally
thrown out by running against a curb and by road-ruts. If not properly
lined up, excessive wear of tires will result. (See page 49.)
Spare Tire Lock
The spare tire lock will require little attention other than lubrication.
In lubricating the lock cylinder graphite should be used in place of
oil. A few drops of oil should be applied occasionally around the edge
of the lock face.
Be sure that the keyhole is kept covered by the cap attached to the
lock face to exclude mud and water.
Tires
To obtain maximum mileage and uninterrupted service from the tires
it is necessary to give them care and attention.
Inflation
A tire must contain the proper air pressure at all times, since it is
the air cushion within the tire which supports the weight of the car.
Since the car is equipped with balloon tires, strict attention must be
paid to the air pressure in order that they may give the real service and
riding comfort of which they are capable.
If they are inflated at too high pressure they will ride just as hard as
any other tire, and if they are underflated they will be subject to most
of the usual evils of under-inflation.
If a high pressure tire, carrying normally 60 pounds pressure,
inflated to 55 pounds, the under-inflation would be only 8 per cent. If
a balloon tire, carrying a normal pressure of 35 pounds, were under-
inflated 5 pounds, the under-inflation in this case would be 15 per cent,
with much more serious results to the tire.
The tires should be inflated to 40 pounds front tires and 38 pounds
rear tires.
These pressures must be maintained and frequently checked with a
low-pressure tire gauge. If the car is used more with full passenger load
than otherwise, these pressures must be increased. Consult the tire
company in this case.
Tire Wear and Cuts
A tire which does not run true drags with a side motion as it revolves.
This has about the same effect as rubbing the tread with a rasp file—the
rubber is very rapidly worn away. (See page 49 for aligning the front
wheels.)
Often a sharp stone, a piece of glass or iron will cut the tread, forcing
dirt and moisture through the cut causing the tread to separate.
Keep the small tread cuts repaired with plastic patching rubber.
