1928 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

22 CADILLAC OPERATOR'S MANUAL
OPERATION 23
because gravity acts continuously, whereas on the level the brakes need
absorb only.the momentum of the car. Even on slight grades, coasting
with the transmission in neutral or the clutch disengaged is not advisable.
On any grade steep enough to warrant coasting, it is worth while to
save the brakes as much as possible by utilizing the braking effect of the
engine.
Ordinarily, the resistance offered by the engine when the transmission is
in high is sufficient to control the speed of the car, supplemented bv moderate
use of the brakes. On steep grades, however, the transmission control should
be shifted to intermediate or even to low if the grade is very steep. Shifting
should always be done before commencing the descent of the grade, because,
after the car has once gained speed, considerable braking may be necessary
to slow down to the speed at which the shift can be made easily.
Do not switch off the ignition when coasting with the car driving the
engine. Contrary to a common impression, this does not appreciably increase
the resistance and is likely to cause damage to the engine. Even with the
throttle closed, some fuel is admitted to the cylinders, and if this is not
burned it condenses on the cylinder walls and washes off the oil by which
tne pistons are lubricated.
General Driving Suggestions
Road and traffic laws vary greatly in different localities. It is unfortunately
impossible to set down a complete list of rules that may be followed in all
parts of the country. The following are some of the rules that are universal
in practically all parts of the United States.
In meeting a vehicle going in the opposite direction pass to the right.
In overtaking a vehicle going in the same direction pass to the left.
Always stop with the right-hand side of the car next to the curb.
it is necessary to turn the car around to do this, it should be done.
Never turn around or turn off on another road without making absolutely
certain that there is no other vehicle directly behind.
Never start to cross street car tracks without making sure that there is
no car directly behind. No matter how sure you feel, look and see.
Do not cross street car or steam railroad tracks without making certain
that it is absolutely safe to do so. At any railroad crossing that is on an
upgrade or which for any reason must be approached very slowly, it is a
wise precaution to shift to intermediate gear before crossing, because the car
can thereby be accelerated more quickly, if necessary.
If
In crowded traffic do not apply the brakes suddenly unless it is absolutely
necessary. A vehicle following may not have brakes .is efficient as Cadillac
four-wheel brakes.
On wet asphalt streets or slippery roads do not apply the brakes suddenly
unless it is absolutely necessary. Cadillac four-wheel brakes minimize the
possibility of skidding under these conditions, but their effectiveness should
not induce anyone to drive less carefully.
Slow down in passing vehicles going in the opposite direction.
Never take a chance.
Don'ts for General Operation
Don't fail to change the engine oil as frequently as recommended.
Don't fail to release the carburetor enriching button as soon after starting
as possible.
Don't fill the lubricating system of the engine alone and neglect to lubricate
all other parts of the car.
Don't neglect the lubrication of any part of the car.
Don't run the car at sustained high speed when it is new.
Don't allow the clutch to engage suddenly.
Don't prime the carburetor too much.
Don't allow the vent hole in the gasoline tank filler cap to become stopped
up.
Don't attempt to shift from neutral to any gear, or from one gear to another
gear without first disengaging the clutch.
Don't attempt to shift from the reverse gear to any other gear when the
car is moving.
Don't attempt to shift from any forward gear to the reverse gear when
the car is moving.
Don't attempt to shift from the high gear to the low gear when the car is
moving.
Don't attempt to shift from the intermediate gear to the low gear when
the car is moving, unless it is moving very slowly. Ordinarily it is best to
stop the car altogether.
Don't switch off the ignition when coasting with the car driving the engine.
Don't push the starter pedal when the engine is running.