1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

Night Driving
Winter Driving
The first requirement of safe night driving is adequate
lighting, and in this the Cadillac system excells. The headlights
have been designed with highly efficient driving and
passing beams. Selecting these beams is performed safely
and easily by means of the foot-operated switch at the left
of the clutch pedal.
The generator charging circuit is also designed to meet
the requirements of night driving. The voltage regulation
does not decrease the charging rate at high speeds, but
operates in accordance with the current required for lights,
radio and other electrical equipment.
Your safety ultimately depends, however, on wise use
and proper care of this equipment. Observe the following
rules in driving at night:
Keep your speed low enough at all times to permit
stopping within the distance illuminated by your headlights.
When passing other cars, use the correct passing beam.
Watch the right hand edge of the road. Do not look into
the lights of the approaching car.
Have your headlamps cleaned and re-aimed twice a year.
In fog at night,
slowdown and
switch the lights to the
"city" position.* This reduces
to a minimum the
glaring reflections from
the fine drops of moisture
in the air.
*Better yet, secure a set of
Cadillac fog lights.
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Aside from preparation for cold weather (page 19) and
using the correct procedure for starting and warming up the
engine, the chief problem of winter driving is handling the
car on roads made slippery by snow and ice.
The important thing on ice is never to attempt to do
anything suddenly. Do not attempt sudden starts, sudden
stops, or sudden turns; otherwise spinning wheels or skidding
is inevitable.
In starting the car on icy pavement, the trick is to turn
the rear wheels very slowly Shifting into low gear and
engaging the clutch slowly without racing the engine will
avoid most difficulty with spinning and slipping.
Stopping on icy pavements is even more troublesome.
To stop successfully, it is necessary to slow down quite a
distance from the stopping point, applying the brakes in a
series of brief moderate movements, instead of with continuous
pressure. The clutch should not be disengaged until
the car has almost stopped.
Taking slippery curves or turns without skidding can be
readily accomplished by treating each turn as though it
were going to be a stop. In other words, approach the turn
very slowly and then, when you are actually in the turn,
press the accelerator lightly to apply some power to the
rear wheels. With power turning the wheels, a skid is less
likely to occur.
If the car should start skidding, turn the front wheels
in the direction of the skid, and take your foot off the accelerator.
Do not apply the brakes.
Tire chains on the rear wheels are often helpful in securing
more traction, especially in mud or deep snow.
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