From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The benefits of the Stabifix device, including its performance with broken springs, tyre saving properties, and anti-skidding capabilities.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 15\6\ Scan157 | |
| Date | 1st January 1931 guessed | |
| -5- a broken spring is almost impossible. Should, however, a break occur, owing to a flaw in the metal, there is no need to break the journey; owing to the peculiar load transference of the shears the work of the broken spring will be carried on by the unbroken one. In such cases it is advisable to tighten the nut a little. One can then complete the journey undisturbed and select the best garage for repairs. Recently, one of our representatives had a broken spring, broken, in fact, before the Stabifix was fitted. After fitting the device he was able to cover another 425 miles without repairs. 5. Stabifix saves your Tyres. Skidding propensities under all circumstances mean heavy wear on the tyres. When the tendency to skid is checked by front wheel friction, the rear wheels slip, and if the skid develops they slide laterally, side slip, both effects being damaging to the tyres. As the Stabifix device prevents skidding, and partial slipping also, these heavy abnormal demands on the tyres are eliminated. It is estimated that the saving in tyres effected by Stabifix is as high as 30%. In addition to the proved effectiveness of the Stabifix device as a safeguard against skidding, there is the very considerable psychological effect it has on the driver. It gives him a feeling of absolute security and control in every conceivable circumstance. The elimination of side slip and rolling of the body makes the taking of bends much easier for the beginner, to whom the roll of the body readily suggests the beginning of a turn-over. The driver's impulse then is to lean over to the other side, and in the confusion of the moment he is very apt to switch about in an endeavour to check the movement he fears. In so doing perhaps he does not actually cause a disaster, but as the Stabifix device keeps the body always parallel to the rear axle, the driver, with a sense of equilibrium, now has direct control over the rear axle, and can no longer be irritated by any particular movement of the body. The above remarks apply to cars with longitudinal springing. It goes without saying of course that they are equally applicable (with the appropriate alterations) to cross sprung Cars. ---ooo--- | ||