discharge is equal to the force required for running the car on a level road. See that the commutator is not worn.
(7) Second-hand steam cars of American make are worth little. Beware of them. Second-hand Serpollets are probably out of date. There are many about, and my experience proves them to be worthless. In the new type (issued since September 1901) see that the boiler tubes are in good order, and have not been scraped for effect. See also that there is no play on the bearings of the cam shaft.
(7) Generally speaking, approach second-hand cars with grave suspicion. My remarks will be unpalatable to dealers therein, but this book is not written for them. It would be grossly unfair to a respectable body of tradesmen to stigmatise them as dishonest, but there are unfortunately many black sheep in the fold.
MOTOR ENGINEERS
A prime difficulty of the establishment of a motor-car is the chauffeur or engineer.
The perfect motor servant should be a combination of gentleman and engineer. He is a new type of man, and will require the wages of other engineers. I do not think that a competent, cool-headed, skilful, well-mannered engineer will ever be obtainable for 30s. a week. On the other hand, the simplification of the motor engine and the establishment of garages will render the employment of highly educated engineers unnecessary in private establishments. As to public garages, some are well managed, others are not. Beware of those which offer to house your car very cheaply. They will make up the deficiency by overcharging you for repairs.
