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).
Correct use of snow chains and recommendations for updating the instruction book.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 113\3\ scan0054 | |
| Date | 6th November 1932 | |
| X3594. By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} A.W.N c to R.R. c to W.R. c to Ms. ✓ Re USE OF CHAINS ----------------- During the Winter we frequently receive enquiries in regard to the use of chains on our cars, and we think that the information contained in the Instruction Book on this subject might be modified with advantage. When we receive enquiries from Customers on the subject we give them the following information: "If the car is to be driven over ice or snow it is dangerous to fit chains to the rear wheels only as control of the steering will almost certainly be lost, because it is possible to lock the front wheels due to greater adhesion of the rear wheels. We recommend that chains should be fitted to both rear wheels and also one on the nearside front wheel, making three chains in all. We do not recommend that a chain should be fitted to the off-side front wheel as there is a danger, particularly if the chain is loosely fitting, of it fouling the side steering tube. Circumstances may arise when it is desired to use the car over frozen roads and only two chains are available; if so the chains should be disposed one on the offside rear wheel and one on the nearside front wheel. This arrangement will be perfectly satisfactory except that when travelling up hill the nearside rear wheel may have insufficient adhesion and the differential would allow the wheel to spin, thus losing a greater proportion of the tractive effort available." We suggest that something on the lines of the above be included in the Instruction Book, preferably taking the form of a separate chapter rather than being included in the section dealing with the care and adjustment of the four wheel brakes. Hd.{Mr Hayward/Mr Huddy} SB{Mr Bull/Mr Bannister} | ||