In brief, November 2008
* Former Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti will return to the IRL Indycar Series in 2009 after a disappointing attempt to break into the NASCAR Sprint Cup. The 35-year-old Scot…
EASY STARTING ON COLD MORNINGS
W.. oil is one of the commonest causes of troublesome starting in winter-time, A change in the ” thickness ” or viscosity of the lubricating oil at this time of the year may mean as much to the engine as a change in weight of underwear does to the driver. On more than a dozen of the best-known British makes of car owners are advised to change to Castrol A.A., a light winter grade, while for several well-known makes a still lighter grade, Castrol C.W., is advised. These two grades will remain
fluid at temperatures far below freezing point, and are specially designed to give at the same time efficient lubrication at high working temperatures. Naturally a lighter oil gives easier starting, but this in itself is no indication of merit. A very easy start could be obtained with paraffin Or eucalyptus oil ! The ideal oil is one which gives not only easy starting but protection to the engine at high speeds ; and, in proof of the fact that this is both possible and easy, Castrol C.W. was on one occasion used in a
successful attempt on the world’s hour record. This oil was also used by Captain G. E. T. Eyston in setting up a world speed record for 100 kilometres in an 8-cylinder Panhard at Montlhery a few weeks ago.
Draining the crankcase and re-filling with fresh oil is no extravagance. The improvement both in starting and in running more than justifies the cost of the new oil, while on a large number of cars the oil is probably in any case due for replacement.