Inspection Pit.—A pit or well, generally situated in or near the garage, to facilitate the examination and repair of the chassis of a car.
Licences.—Licences must be taken out (1) by the owner of a car. This licence costs from two to five guineas according to the weight of the car; and (2) the driver of a car. This costs five shillings only.
Limousine.—A large covered car.
Live Axle.—See Axles.
Lubrication.—The application of oil, grease or other substances suitable for the reduction of friction between sliding surfaces.
Mixture.—The explosive charge of petrol and air admitted to the cylinder. See Carburettor.
Otto Cycle.—Nearly all petrol motor-car engines work upon the system invented by Otto in 1876 and known as the Otto Cycle. The cycle consists of the successive operation of induction, compression, explosion and scavenging, there being thus only one working stroke in four—that is in every two revolutions of the fly-wheel.
Over-Heating.—An accident generally resulting from deficient water circulation or insufficient lubrication. Unless speedily remedied it may result in serious damage to the motor. See Seizing.
Panne.—A French word, meaning “a breakdown.”
Petrol.—A highly inflammable and volatile spirit distilled from petroleum. Seven pints of petrol weigh about as much as ten pints of water. Its vapour is heavier than air.