222791
JAN 22 1919
STQ PREFACE
.P14
H IN PRESENTING this little treatise to the reading
I public the writer wishes to emphasize that it is not
intended as an instruction book on the construction or
repair of automobiles. It has been prepared in answer
to numerous requests for a concise exposition of the
operating principles of modern gasoline automobiles.
It has been thought desirable to incorporate a chapter
outlining automobile construction very briefly in order
that the novice may obtain some appreciation of the
functions of the various parts before he learns the care
and operation of the car. This book is intended as an
absolutely non-technical compilation of the operating
instructions of leading automobile manufacturers with
which the car owner should be familiar. If a more
detailed study of automobile construction or repair is
desirable the reader may obtain very complete treatises .
and text books from the publisher of this little volume.
The basic principles of gasoline motor car operation
are practically the same in all types of cars though
various forms of speed changing mechanism demand
distinctive methods of control in each specific case. It
is not possible to give definite information applying to
every make of automobile but the types that are illus-
trated are representative of standard practice and ----
the general advice given can be applied to all cars,
especially the instructions relating to motor speed
control and gear shifting. A careful study of the illus-
trations will serve to make clear many points that may
not be fully explained in the text.
Victor W. Pagé.
March, 1917.