Drive like Moss!

8 November 2019

Mechanical sympathy is good for your car and wallet

Sir Stirling Moss was testing the Aston Martin DB3S at Silverstone one day when he pulled into the pits asking that the left-rear tyre be inflated three PSI.

The crew pretended to pump-up, then let Moss go. When he promptly returned demanding his wishes actually be obeyed, the crew realised Moss knew his stuff.

That’s called mechanical sympathy.

Moss had it in spades. And, while you may not be a knighted British racing driver, there are some simple steps you can take to improve yours.

Tyre pressure not only impacts your ride, having tyres correctly inflated can improve fuel efficiency.

Rotating them occasionally and getting a wheel alignment will also pay off in extended tyre life too.

Check your fuel gauge regularly and top up before you hit empty. Fuel tanks can contain dirt and other nasties at the bottom, don’t let these get into your engine.

And use the correct fuel, as indicated in your vehicle’s handbook.

If you drive a manual car, get your hand off the gear lever while driving. You could be wearing out the synchros. And remember that the clutch is not a footrest.

Use your gears – manual and automatic – to induce engine braking on steep declines, which will lessen reliance on brakes. And get into a lower gear when ascending big hills. It’s not good for the engine, chugging uphill in top gear.

Following this advice won’t win you a Formula One championship, but it will save your vehicle, and some money to boot.

Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun 8 November 2019.

Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au