An Analysis of the Causes of Breakdown.
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A LL those who are members or associate members of _tithe Royal Automobile Club will be aware of the fact that the Club provides for their benefit a free relief car under its " Get-you-home " Service in the case of breakdowns and accidents. Some of them, however, may not know that in every case in which assistance is given a voucher has to be completed giving the cause of the breakdown. From these returns much useful information is to be obtained, and for this reason the R.A.C. undertakes the classification of the details and issues them in the form of an annual analysis. The figures for the year 1925 have just been issued and, as in past years, the' causes of breakdown are classified under eight different main headings, these being as follow :-Power unit, engine, transmission and brakes, back axle, front axle and steering, road wheels and SlliPPDA011, lighting failures and accidents. The most important of these sections are subdivided as shown in the accompanying summary.
The figures are based on thousands of cases dealt with throughout ths sear, and the percentages are, therefore, quite reliable. We would, at this point, call our readers' attention to the fact that the information deals with private cars, although the figures should prove of considerable interest to commercial-vehicle users and makers inasmuch as they show the most fruitful sources of trouble and, therefore, serve as a useful guide to those who would seek to secure immunity from road troubles. The figures for the year 1924 are given alongside those for this year in order that a useful comparison can be made.
The R.A.C. has a record covering the whole of the breakdowns since the inception of its" Get-you-Rome" Service after the war, and these show that the variation in the causes of breakdown and accident is almost negligible. Ignition troubles have invariably headed the list, back axles have always been second, whilst defects in other parts of the car which have resulted in the R.A.C. service being called upon have been maintained in practically the same proportion during every year. The most fruitful cause of trouble during 1925 was ignition, with 22.7 per cent, of the total. The percentages of breakdowns through various causes fit both 1924 and 1925 are given below:-.