Page:Dorothy Levitt - The Woman and the Car.pdf/92

 speed is obtained. When you hear the engine beginning to "race" (run very fast), slightly throttle again and push the gear-lever into third speed—away from you, the same position as for "first," though, of course, in this instance it is unnecessary to touch the righthand pedal, which, you must remember, is only used for lowest speed. You are now on third (or top) gear and will find that unless the country is very hilly you will usually be able to keep the car running on this gear for a long time, varying the speeds from 10 to 28 miles an hour by deftly manipulating the ignition, air and throttle.

Changing speed on the car illustrated is an easy task, and that is why I have taken the De Dion car as an object-lesson. With the majority of cars there is a deal of "arm work" necessary, and in many cases not a little strain, this strain very often counteracting the benefits otherwise derived from the driving.

In changing speed always remember to throttle slightly, whether in changing from first or second to top, or in slackening speed, from top to second or first.