THE NEW CAR.

ON taking delivery of the hew car give it a careful general examination to see that all is complete and in order; check the equipment and the tools and see that any special requirements have been carried out to order. If you are not already familiar with Austin cars we strongly recommend that this handbook be carefully studied. Before running see that the car is supplied with ample fuel and water, and that the engine and gearbox have the necessary quantities of oil. The battery should contain the required amount of acid. For quantities of oil and acid see the sections under " Lubrication " and " Electrical Equipment."

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Starting the Engine.

Make sure that the change-speed lever is in neutral position, and the handbrake on.

Combined Air Strangler and Throttle Control.

First, pull out the strangler control knob to its full extent, and hold in this position. This closes the air strangler, and opens the throttle sufficiently for starting. If the knob will not pull out easily, touch the accelerator pedal. Switch on the ignition by inserting the key and turning it to the right, then press the starter button, and when the engine starts, and runs regularly, release the knob to the first slot B. This position should be used for warming up the engine. In cold weather it may be necessary to keep the knob fully pulled out for a slightly longer period, but not more than a few seconds. The strangler knob is returned to its original " in " position. The engine will then run at idling speed.

In negotiating crowded traffic there is the possibility of the engine being stopped if the throttle is set for a fairly low idling speed. To overcome this, the knob can be pulled out and turned to the right, and the control locked in position " A " which holds the throttle slightly further open and so causes the speed of the engine to be somewhat greater than idling speed. Turn the key to the left to "Switch off" the ignition and stop the engine.

THE SYNCHROMESH GEARS

The introduction of synchromesh gears has made silent, smooth speed changes a simple operation.

First speed is useful when starting uphill or with a full load, or in negotiating an awkward place where slow movement and perfect control is necessary. Usually however a start may be made in second gear.

To pass from first to second, second to third and from third to top, merely declutch and move the lever steadily into the next higher gear.

A similar procedure is followed in changing down from top to third, and from third to second. To change down from second to first, " double declutch " and accelerate.

Do not allow the car to be run at high speed or the engine raced for the first 500 miles. Never leave the ignition switch on for any lengthy period while the engine is not running. The warning lamp on the switchboard will remind you of this.

After the first few days use, tighten all nuts, particularly those on the engine cylinder head. These may loosen a little because of the heat generated, but if they receive this attention, both they and the head will remain secure against air or water leaks or loss of compression.

Starting Difficulties.

After the foregoing instructions have been carried out, should the engine fail to start, the cause will come under one of the headings below.

If upon operating the starter switch the starter does not revolve, the starting system is out of order. See " The Electrical Equipment."

If the starter does not turn the engine over readily, depress the clutch pedal before switching on. This will lessen the starting load and so help the starter to turn the engine at higher speed.

If the engine revolves and the petrol supply is satisfactory and yet the engine does not fire, it is evident that the ignition system is at fault. See "The Ignition System."

If the items already mentioned are in order, but the engine does not start, or runs very erratically, it is probable that the carburetter is out of adjustment. See "The Carburetter." An aid to easy starting is to refill the radiator with warm water. Avoid over enriching the mixture by using the air strangler when restarting a hot engine.