The automobile has taken its place as one of the most successful and useful inventions of the day. It is equaled only by the internal combustion gas engine, which is a factor in making it practical and efficient.
Gasoline-propelled vehicles have become one of man’s greatest aids in business efficiency, but nevertheless it is very important that we consider the facts, that the adoption of the automobile by man for business, commerce and pleasure is on a very large scale, and that the production by manufacturers is so great that very little thought is given to proper care, which is an ever-present factor in economical operation and a fair return for the investment.
The purpose of this book is to serve as a practical guide for those who own, operate, or contemplate purchasing an automobile.
The contents of this book cover the entire field that would be of value to the owner or chauffeur in making his own repairs. The parts and expressions are given in their simplest form; technical terms, tables and scales have been entirely eliminated, as they mean little or nothing to the average owner, and are of value only to the mechanical engineer and draftsman.
The illustrations, drawings and diagrams are intended only for the purpose of bringing out points that are more readily understood and explained in this manner. No attempt has been made to conform to proportionate exactness or scale accurateness.
Since there are many different makes of cars, motors, and equipment, the functional action of all is practically the same, therefore we use for illustration only those which are used by the majority of manufacturers.
While, as a general rule, you will find all automobiles efficient and reliable, troubles and conditions are bound to arise that are somewhat puzzling; therefore, to assist the owner, we have written a [chapter] on trouble hints conveniently arranged in three columns, headed troubles, cause, and remedy.
The entire book is worked out along such lines, and so arranged, that a man or a boy with a common school education can easily master it and become an efficient mechanic.
INTRODUCTION
After twelve years’ experience with the automobile, I find that only one-third of the present-day owners understand the mechanical operation, care and proper upkeep of their cars; the other two-thirds know little or nothing of their cars, and are unable to locate or detect trouble, or make the slightest adjustment necessary to remedy it. This fact remains as the chief cause of the present high depreciation in cars, and the loss of millions of dollars annually to automobile owners.