Four Wheel Brakes Most Valuable Development

By Fred S. Duesenberg, Chief Engineer Duesenberg A. & M. Co.

I BELIEVE the adoption of four wheel brakes the most valuable of present-day developments as it is such a factor tending for greater safety to the motorist and of equal importance to the pedestrian. In rainy and icy weather, slippery streets cause many accidents. Four wheel brakes should tend to reduce at least 75% of these accidents, as the car can be stopped in one-third the distance and be kept where one wants it. Rear end collisions may increase for a time, but the car ahead and the pedestrian is saved, as in rainy weather, and particularly at night, it is very hard to get a clear vision of obstacles ahead, and since emergency stops can be made in one-third the distance than with two-wheel brakes, many serious accidents will be avoided.

The other outstanding factor, I believe, is the attention being given to easier riding, and it is my opinion that Balloon Tires will add more than can be gained by any changes in spring suspension type. However, a combination of all should be aimed for. Balloon Tires will also make possible lighter weights that can be had at the present time, and on account of the easier riding possibilities obtained by the use of Balloon Tires, I believe they will bring the lighter cars into greater favor with those who have heretofore bought heavy and more cumbersome models.

Better constructed and higher speed motors will also add much to the nice handling of the 1924 models. Chassis weights have been carefully cut down, but I believe that body manufacturers should realize that they are far behind in cutting down weight, and some extraordinary measure should be taken to produce light weight, rigidly constructed bodies so that light cars can be produced that will be uniformly light in body construction as well as chassis.

Related posts:

1. Balloon Tire Big 1924 Feature
2. 1920’s Automobiles
3. 1930 Automotive Developments
4. Steel Wheels for Cars 1925
5. 1930 Indianapolis 500 Rules

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 16th, 2006 at 3:22 am and is filed under 1920's, Automotive, Cars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Comments and pings are closed.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.