Automotive lingo might seem like a new or foreign language for some of us, requiring translation. However, it is crucial to have a better understanding of our car’s components and the role they play in keeping the vehicle running smoothly.
Apart from giving us a feeling of confidence, understanding our vehicle’s components will also help us to know when to do repairs. Here are some of the components that experts at D Wells Auto say we need to understand:
Crankshaft & Camshaft
The crankshaft, a shaft often connected to pistons, changes linear piston force into rotational energy and sends it to the transmission for control.
On the other hand, the camshaft controls the timing of valves in the engine, thus orchestrating the inflow of fuel and air and the outflow of waste/exhaust gas, ensuring good performance.
Normally, the camshaft is connected to the crankshaft through a timing chain or belt from its placement in the head of the cylinder. This keeps the two synchronized for great performance.
Engine
Many modern cars are powered by ICEs, which generate energy by igniting a fuel-air mixture. Electric motors, too, store energy in a rechargeable battery.
A car with an electric engine often accelerates faster than a vehicle with a fuel-powered engine. Whether your vehicle has an electric or traditional engine, it won’t run without this important car component.
Exhaust System
Like our bodies that expel waste, vehicles require a system to get rid of combustion byproducts. For this, our cars require an exhaust system that starts at our engine’s combustion chamber and goes all the way to the tailpipe.
Its key function is to eliminate waste gas to ensure the safety of a car while minimizing emissions and noise. Tailpipes, mufflers, and catalytic converters are all important parts of an exhaust system.
Cylinder Block & Pistons
The cylinder block of a car’s engine is one of the solid structures acting as the vehicle’s powerhouse. It has individual cylinders that allow controlled combustion.
Pistons are often securely held in place by piston rings in cylinders. They play an important role in changing explosive energy into a driving force, thus propelling the car forward.
The interaction between cylinders and pistons is important, making them the key components liable for generative automobile power.
The Chassis
The automotive chassis incorporates every major assembly, including the suspension system, steering, axles, propeller shaft, gearbox, and clutch engine. In simple terms, it is a car without a body.
The major components of the chassis are a wheel, axles, suspension system, and frame. The frame is often a conventional chassis.
Battery
Without a battery, your car can’t move. This is because the battery provides power to the motor, which starts the car engine. In addition, it provides the car’s air conditioner and other parts of the vehicle.
The bottom line is that understanding a car’s anatomy will improve our appreciation for automobile engineering. Moreover, it can help us maintain our cars efficiently, ensuring smoother and safer journeys on different roads.
