In this day and age, transportation plays an essential role in our daily life. That’s why many choose to have private cars for personal use. But to make the most out of your vehicle, you should know what makes it work. We’ve all been there; maintaining a vehicle in tip-top shape can be an overwhelming experience. But do you know what else is more challenging? It is the lack of basic knowledge about car parts.
Although auto mechanics can help you repair your car, it is still better to have sufficient knowledge and skill set, especially when it comes to minor repairs. If you know the basics, you won’t have to spend more than necessary.
Basic Car Parts
It isn’t easy to comprehend what each element works for with hundreds of components in most vehicles. Nonetheless, knowing where the problem is might help diagnose the parts that need replacement or repair.
Below are the main components of your automobile, along with their importance to the car as a whole.
Engine
The heart of your car is the engine. It is a critical part of the automobile. Among the different car parts, it is one of the most expensive pieces to be replaced.
The primary function of an engine is to convert gas from the rotational force of the wheels. Starting your car begins by giving spark to the engine and let fuel be burned. After which, the compressed air produced is the force that will turn the engine to start. Due to the constant release of pressure in the engine, pistons move to convert pressure to kinetic energy. The cost of this part depends on how durable and how fast it gives a large amount of force in a short period.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain of a car is the part that controls the application of power. It regulates both the speed and torque of the automobile. We often see the transmission as the gearbox that indicates the car’s speed and torque vice versa. One of the most common problems in vehicles rests on this part, mainly because of the incompatibilities. Each vehicle has different brands and models, as well as the year of manufacture.
Battery
The battery causes the engine to start, and it provides constant energy to the car’s electrical components. It usually has a lifespan of three to five years, depending on the usage and handling of the owner.
Factors affecting the battery’s life expectancy rely on temperature, moisture, corrosion, and use. These can significantly decrease the battery’s shelf-life due to decreased functioning of the engine. Thus, making the recharging of the battery slower and making it work harder than the engine.
Radiator
Due to the increased energy produced, a radiator is necessary. The function of the radiator is to provide coolant to the system to prevent it from overheating. Having the coolant flow through thin tubes, air from the outside can easily pass through and helps dissipate heat.
Front and Rear Axle
The axles of a car are responsible for transmitting power from the gearbox to the automobile’s two sets of wheels. And when the driveshaft spins backward, the two axles transfer that energy to the left and right wheels, allowing them to move.
Steering and Suspension
Steering is what you handle to turn the wheels to your desired location. The suspension will receive the impact of the road and dissipate the agitation of the car body. Usually, the suspension needs to be replaced before its specific life expectancy because of safety hazards.
Brakes
From the name itself, the brakes are what make the car stop. The brake pads and caliper will get tighter to control the rotational action of the wheel axles. Your car brakes should have a superior stopping force. Failure to increase the frictional force will result in a disaster.
Muffler
A minor part is a muffler which will reduce the sound of the engine. It is part of the exhaust system, which is the last part that will cancel most of the sounds that the machine will make. It also helps to let the flow of air into an orderly fashion.
Wrapping Up
A vehicle is more like a living creature than a machine. Each wheel receives energy from the pounding engine, and each vehicle has its driving personality. You’ll recognize what every sound and vibration signifies if you know the car you’re driving.
Learning the time required to reach a complete stop and how quickly you can get to a maximum speed will enable you and your vehicle to operate as a team. When you make an effort to learn about your car, you will become a lot better driver.
Meta title: The Basic Parts of Cars
meta desc: You can’t truly appreciate how an automobile works until you understand how it operates on a fundamental level. Knowing what each component does and how it works can help you identify issues easier.
