1917 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

98 ADJUSTMENTS
ADJUSTMENTS
RESULT OF FAULTY ALIGNMENT OF FRONT WHEELS
Fig. 65 shows the result of running a car with the front wheels out of
alignment. This usually affects both tires similarly, although sometimes one
tire only is affected. An improper adjustment of the parallel rod in front of
the axle, or a bent steering arm is responsible for this condition. Unless the
wheels are kept in proper alignment, the tread of the front tires will wear
away in a remarkably short time.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
The tires are constructed for the purpose of carrying up to certain maximum
loads and no more. Owners should realize, therefore, that overloading
a car beyond the intended carrying capacity is sure to materially shorten the
life of the tires.
Do not turn corners or run over sharp obstructions, like car tracks, at_ a
high rate of speed. Such practice is sure to strain or possibly break the fabric,
with the result that the further life of the tires will be limited. Remember
that most tire troubles are the result of abuse more than use.
If a tire goes flat, see that the valve is not leaking.
the tip will show bubbles if the air is escaping.
A little moisture on
Fig. 65. Result of Improperly Aligned Front
Wheels.
If the front wheels are badly enough out of alignment, the entire tread of
both front wheels may be worn off in less than 100 miles. If the wheels are
only slightly out of alignment, the result is the same, although the wearing
off is slower. (See under "Alignment of Front Wheels," page 92.)
THE RESULT OF SUDDEN APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES
You will note from Fig. 66 that the tread and several plies of fabric have
been worn or rather scraped off at one place. This has been brought about
by sudden application of the brakes, which resulted in sliding the wheels.
Fig. ¢¢. Result of Suddenly Applying
Brakes.
It is remarkable how soon a tire will give away from this severe treatment.
INJURY FROM UNDER-INFLATION
Fig. 67 shows the result of running a tire under-inflated. The wavy condition
of the tread is due to its loosening from the fabric as a result of insufficient
air pressure in the tire.
Another common result of under-inflation is rim-cutting. This is not
shown in the illustration. There are unquestionably more tires ruined from
under-inflation than from any other cause. 4½ inch tires, which are standard
on the Cadillac, should be inflated to 75 pounds pressure.
Fig. 67. Result of Insufficient Inflation of Tire.
In case of puncture, the car should be stopped at once and the tube repaired
or replaced, or the tire replaced by the extra one. The tire should
also be examined carefully and the cause of the puncture ascertained and
the nail, glass or whatever it may be, should be extracted. Before replacing
the tire on the rim, examine the inside of the casing to see that the cause of
the puncture is not still protruding, because it would, if allowed to remain,
continue to cut the inner tube. It is also advisable to look over the outside
of the tires frequently and take out any pieces of glass or other particles
which may have become imbedded in the casing.
Don't run in ruts or car tracks; the sides of a tire will soon wear out
under such treatment. Avoid large stones or other obstructions in the road.
To hit one of these may break the fabric even though no external injury be
visible.
Experience has taught the careful driver to carry one or more spare
tubes, as a cemented roadside repair will not always hold, especially in warm
weather, as the heat generated in the tire may loosen the patch. When touring,
a spare casing should always be carried.
The garage floor should be kept free from oil or gasoline. The tires on
a car_ left standing on a grease-covered floor deteriorate quickly, the natural
enemies of tires being oil and gasoline. These destroy the nature of the rubber,
rendering it soft, so that it cuts and wears away quickly.
Tires that show wear on one side from use on rutty roads or from other
causes may be turned around, thereby lengthening the life of the tire.
Spare tubes should be kept lightly inflated. This keeps them in good
condition and prolongs their life. They should not be stored in a greasy tool
box under any circumstances.
If the car is not used during the winter, it is better to remove the tires
from the rims, keeping casings and tubes in a fairly warm atmosphere away
from the light. It will be better to slightly inflate the tubes, as that keeps
them very nearly in the position in which they will be used later on.