15 OCTOBER 1927, Page 37

While gear-changing is not nearly so frequent with the new

light multi-cylinder engines, still it has to be done. Gears should be marked, and should be simple to operate. There are plenty of makes in which gear-changing is simplicity itself —do not choose a car therefore which has a complicated or difficult change. The efficiency of the four-wheel brakes, and the tendency to skid must be tried on the road. Easy adjust- ment of brakes is important, and it should be remembered that brakes wear longest which have a large surface area. Shock-absorbers are now generally fitted all round. The degree of excellence or suitability of the springing can again only be discovered on the road.