Like the human body, a car can be thought of as having systems with different functions, all working together to make the vehicle operate effectively.
The modern vehicle is made up of a variety of parts and components all working together to achieve a final product: “The Car”. These parts and components are assembled in groups to perform various tasks. These groups are referred to as systems. There are many systems that make up the modern vehicle, some working with others to perform a larger, sometimes more complex, task and others working individually in order to accomplish an individual job. The following is a list of the major systems that make up the modern vehicle.
- The Engine – including lubrication and cooling.
- The Fuel System – including evaporative emission.
- The Ignition System
- The Electrical System – including starting and charging.
- The Exhaust System –including emission control.
- The Drive Train – including the transmission.
- The Suspension and Steering Systems
- The Brake System
- The Frame and Body
There are many other systems which contribute to the modern vehicle such as the Supplementary Restraint System (seat belts and air bags), Climate Control System (designed to provide passengers with a comfortable environment in which to ride) and everybody’s favourite the Sound System.
THE ENGINE
The engine is the vehicle’s main source of power. This is where chemical energy is converted into mechanical energy. The most popular type of engine is referred to as the Internal Combustion Engine. This engine burns an air/fuel mixture inside itself in order to drive a series of pistons and connecting rods that in turn rotate a crankshaft providing us with a continuous rotating motion with which to drive the vehicle and other components. The engine also incorporates others systems, including the lubrication system and the cooling system, all working efficiently together. The cooling system maintains the engine at an ideal operating temperature while the lubrication system ensures that all the moving parts are kept well-oiled in order to provide a long serviceable life.
Electrical system
As well as moving the wheels, the engine also powers an alternator, or dynamo, which generates electrical current. This current is stored in the battery. This supplies energy for the car’s lights, windscreen wipers, radio and such features as electric windows.
Suspension system
The suspension is a system of springs and shock absorbers that prevents every jolt caused by an uneven road surface being felt by the driver and passengers inside the car.
Transmission system
The transmission system consists of the crankshaft, gears and the differential. This is a system of gears on the axles that allows the wheels to travel at different speeds when going round corners, when the outer wheel travels further than the inner one.
Braking system
Each wheel has a brake unit, connected to the brake pedal by a tube full of brake fluid. Pushing the pedal forces the fluid down the tube, causing a brake shoe to press against a metal disk or drum on the inside of the wheel. Friction causes the wheels to slow and stop.
Picture Credit : Google