Cadillac V-63 1923 Operator's Manual page 11

14
OPERATION
In crowded traffic do not apply the brakes suddenly unless it is abso-
lutely necessary. It may be that a following vehicle cannot stop as quickly
as you can.
On wet asphalt streets or slippery roads do not apply the brakes sud-
denly unless it is absolutely necessary. Cadillac four wheel brakes minim-
ize the possibility of skidding under these conditions but their effectiveness
should not induce anyone to drive less carefully.
Always signal vehicles at the rear, before turning. The law requires this
in most cities.
Slow down in passing vehicles going in the opposite direction.
One of the most essential things to remember is that you should never
"take a chance."
Coasting
To coast on the level, close the throttle and then release the main engine
clutch by pushing forward on the left pedal.
When descending grades a good method is to close the throttle and, with
the clutch engaged, allow the engine to do the holding back as much as
possible. This saves much wear on the brake band linings. The resistance
offered by causing the car to drive the engine when "high gear" or "direct
drive" is engaged is usually sufficient to control the speed. When the engine
does not offer sufficient resistance the speed may be checked further by
applying the foot brakes.
When it is necessary to descend a very steep grade it is best to engage the
intermediate or possibly the low speed gear before commencing the descent,
and if the resistance thus obtained is not sufficient, to supplement it by the
foot brakes. Bear in mind that the more the resistance of the engine is
used in coasting the longer the brake band linings will last and the longer
the brakes will retain their adjustment.
Do not switch off the ignition when coasting with the car driving the
engine. This does not appreciably increase the resistance and is liable to
injure 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 the pistons are lubricated. In time a sufficient
quantity of this unburned fuel would find its way into the crankcase to
dilute the oil supply and destroy its lubricating qualities.
DONT'S FOR GENERAL OPERATION
Don't fail to change the engine oil frequently.
Don't fail to push forward the carburetor enriching button as soon after
starting as possible.
OPERATION
15
Don't fill the lubricating system of the engine alone and neglect to lu-
bricate 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 permit filling station attendants to remove the strainer in the oil
filler before adding oil. This strainer, which is of fine mesh, is necessary to
insure against dirt or other foreign matter entering with the oil.
Don't allow the clutch to engage suddenly.
Don't prime the carburetor too much.
Don't attempt to shift from neutral to any gear, or from one gear to
another gear without first releasing 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 button when the engine is running.
Don't turn the steering gear when the car is standing. This is not only
unnecessary but is also bad practice. The front wheels pivot more easily if
they are rotating.
Don't fail to investigate any unusual sound which may develop in the
car. The car should be inspected at the service station of a Cadillac dis-
tributor or dealer.
Don't neglect to inspect the level of the acid in the storage battery every
500 miles and add distilled water if necessary. (See page 59.)
Don't turn corners at high speed.
Don't neglect to keep the cooling system filled.
Don't drive fast or attempt to stop suddenly on wet pavements.
Don't attempt to start the engine with the switch turned off, without
air pressure or without gasoline in the tank.
Don't neglect to keep the tires inflated properly.
Don'f race the engine when it is not driving the car There is no worse abuse.