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).
Complaint log detailing a customer's issues with tyre wear and engine heat, and the company's response.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 81\1\ scan0105 | |
| Date | 14th January 1914 | |
| R.R. 256. (5 Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}) (VV. 132. 27/11/13.) Bx. 7203366 G/COM4/HA14114. F.R. COMPLAINT. x914. Mr. Johnson. January 14th, 1914. 1913. Re Mrs. Cohen - Chassis No. 1992. September 5th. Customer writes W. that they are in despair with the tyres, and her driver and others consider they are under-tyred for the size and weight of the car, and they cannot take larger tyres as the rims will not allow it. Dunlops originally fitted did about 2,000 miles each, and Michelins since fitted about 3,000. This is most unsatisfactory, and it is all because of the weight. Customer states that she cannot understand why this should be so. She also states that the engine gets terribly hot, and it is most uncomfortable for those who sit in the front of the car. She states that perhaps Pa.{Mr Paterson} would call at her address any day after the 9th inst. when she could better explain the position. She mentions that the car is running perfectly, and she is delighted with it with the exception of the tyres and the engine heat. " 6th. W. acknowledge above letter, and state that they are communicating with Pa.{Mr Paterson} asking him to endeavour to fix up an appointment. Copy of customer's letter is sent to Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} and Na.{Mr Nadin} for their remarks, and also to Pa.{Mr Paterson} " 8th. Na.{Mr Nadin} reports that they should advise customer that if the weight of the car when loaded does not exceed 47cwt. the tyres with which the car is fitted will be found to give satisfactory results, and if they are wearing badly it is evidence of overloading. If average loads are used the best remedy is to reduce the weight carried to the figure above stated. If this cannot be done, it might be found advantageous to fit Michelin twin wheels on the rear axle, providing there is sufficient room in the bodywork to allow of this being done. " 9th. Wor.{Arthur Wormald - General Works Manager} reports that they suggest fitting Louvred side engine guards, for which work it will be necessary for the car to come to the Works for two or three days. Should this not prove sufficient to overcome the trouble, they could further relieve it by fitting Louvres in the bonnet. " " W. hand Pa.{Mr Paterson} copy of the above two reports, and state they would be pleased to hear from him after his visit to customer. " 13th. Pa.{Mr Paterson} reports he has seen customer, who has decided not to have the Louvred side engine guards fitted till next summer, as she thinks the heat will be comforting in the cold weather. Regarding the poor tyre mileages, Pa.{Mr Paterson} thinks there are two reasons that amply account for it, viz. - (1) The car is overloaded. (2) They go in for fast driving. Pa.{Mr Paterson} states that customer is going to fit a pair | ||