
5
As this is the power absorbed by one brake, the total by both 2x1.6=3.2 HP Assuming that the friction
remains the some at all speeds (which is not exactly true) the power at thirty miles per hour equals 4.8 HP, and at
sixty miles per hour equals three times that of twenty miles per hour, which gives the great figures of 9.6 HP wasted.
If the car uses l
½
pounds of fuel per HP hour, then in 10 hours running, at 20 miles per hour, we have used
48 pounds of fuel to overcome the drag of the two brakes. As gasoline runs about six pounds to the gallon, therefore,
48 pounds = eight gallons gasoline wasted at 20 miles per hour.
These calculations are roughly made and do not strictly conform to the laws of friction, but the results are
near enough to answer the purpose, namely, to show how surprisingly large is the amount of fuel wasted in many
cases. As the ratio of the brake drum diameter to the wheel diameter is approximately the same on all models, the
same results can be applied to al1.
Bear in mind the first sentence of this chapter:
"
ECONOMY AVOIDS ALL WASTE AND EXTRAVAGANCE
"
.