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Start the motor as instructed on page 15.
See that the spark lever is set in Position 3 inches from the top of the quadrant. The throttle lever should be
open just enough to permit the engine running without danger of stalling it through injudicious use of the clutch.
Depress the clutch pedal with the left foot and hold it in its position while putting the gear shift lever in the
"first speed" notch. Let in the clutch gently. As you let in the clutch, press slightly on the accelerator pedal with
the right foot so as to give the motor sufficient throttle to pick up the load when the clutch is engaged.
Run the car in first speed for a few blocks until you have learned something about steering it
Get used to the operation of the brakes. For a beginner, it is advisable able to release the clutch every time the
foot brake is applied. This is not necessary to an experienced operator, the reason for which is explained in detail
in another part of this book. Get used to operating the brakes so that you have confidence in being able to stop the
car at will. Know where the hand brake lever is without having to look for it every time.
On no account should you look at the gear shift levers when changing speed. This takes. your eyes off the
road and destroys your confidence in being able to control the car. Practice as much as you please with the car
standing still or when running slowly in first speed, but on no account take car in traffic or out on to the country
roads until you have learned to change all the speeds without taking your eyes off the road, This lever is right at
hand and there is no more reason for looking at it than there is for looking for your pocket when you take out your
watch.
When you have mastered these things, you may take the car out and drive it faster. As you gain confidence in
your ability to operate the car, you will find that it steers easily and is no more difficult to run than a bicycle. The
actions of shifting gears and operating the clutch and brake in perfect harmony, will all come to you mechanically
if you follow our instructions.
In changing from first into second speed, there will be a tendency to clash the gears if you endeavor to make
the change too quickly. Wait a few seconds after the clutch has been released before moving the lever through the
H-plate into the second speed position. DO NOT FORCE THE LEVER IN. If the gears do not mesh easily, it is
because you have not yet learned to judge the correct car speed at which to make the change. The same rule
applies. in changing from second into high.
In changing from high to second or from second to first, in other words, changing down to a lower speed, it is
necessary to make the change more quickly. This can be facilitated by giving the accelerator a tap sufficient to
speed up the motor a little at the moment the clutch is depressed. The reasons for this involve an explanation too
technical to occupy a position in this part of the Reference Book. We can assure you, however, that if you will
follow this principle, you may soon learn the art of silent gear changing and thus prolong the life of the gears in
the transmission and afford yourself the satisfaction of being considered a competent driver.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO PUT IN THE REVERSE GEAR WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION. BY SO
DOING, YOU WILL INVARIABLY STRIP THE GEARS.
Learn How to Drive Your Hudson Car Properly
21
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