THE AUTOMOBILE 



281 



speed is indicated by a speedometer, and the distance 

 traveled is registered on a cyclometer. 



The average car has an engine of from 25 to 50 horse power, 

 enabling one to attain a speed of 30 miles an hour or more. 

 On racing cars, engines of tremendous horse power are used. 

 Speeds have been attained exceeding that of the locomotive. 

 Special racing cars have traveled at the rate of a mile in less 

 than half a minute. 



fffvers, 

 fedel 



FIG. 109. Control of automobile. 



Stopping the car. There are several means used to stop 

 the car : shutting off the supply of gasoline, throwing out 

 the clutch, and applying the brakes. The most common 

 kind of brake is a band brake, which works on the hub of 

 the rear wheels. This is operated by means of a foot pedal. 

 The brake may also be attached to a drum on the driving 

 shaft. Frequently another brake is provided, known as the 

 emergency brake. This is usually operated by hand by 

 moving a lever. 



Warning signals. Warning signals may take a great 

 variety of forms ; but the most common types are the bulb 

 horn operated by hand, the exhaust whistle, which is at- 

 tached to the exhaust pipe and operated by the escaping 



