WHY CARS BREAK DOWN

INTERESTING POINTS IN THE R.A.C. ANNUAL ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES OF FAILURE

THE analysis of the causes of breakdowns in motor cars issued annually by the R.A.C. is now available. In 1932, the number of cases dealt with was 12,557, covering every type of car. It will be seen from the comparative figures given with the analysis that there is little variation from year to year, although there are two noteworthy instances where there has been a decline. The percentage of breakdowns due to accidents last year was 11.9, which is the lowest figure recorded since the analysis was first compiled. The number of breakdowns due to axle shaft failure also shows a considerable drop, and again is a new ” low record.” The principal cause of trouble continues to be ignition, and in the opinion of the R.A.C. this is not so much due to the weakness of this particular part of a car’s mechanism, but rather to neglect on the part of drivers and possibly lack of understanding of the electrical equipment of a car. It is of interest that, although the majority of cars are now fitted with coil ignition, there is little variation in the percentage of breakdowns compared with some years back when

magnetos were generally employed. The following are the figures for 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931 and 1932 respectively :