Parts
of an automobile
The Britannica encyclopaedia describes the automobile
as ‘a four-wheeled automotive vehicle designed primarily for
passenger transportation and commonly propelled by an
internal-combustion engine using a volatile fuel’. A regular
automobile roughly comprises of 14,000 parts that are again divisible
into other structural and mechanical subsystems.
 The
first in this list is the body of the automobile. It
contains the passenger and storage space and the engine compartment. It
is further classified according to the number of doors and the type of
roof it has (e.g., two-door hardtop) and is made of molded steel, which
is painted and treated to retard corrosion. The body rests upon the
chassis, which is a steel frame that supports the engine, wheels, axle
assemblies, transmission, steering mechanism, brakes, and suspension
members.
Most vehicles use the internal combustion gasoline engine
with reciprocating pistons and a four-stroke cycle.
A transmission includes shafts, gears and a clutch
and is installed between the engine and the driving wheels that allow
the engine to be disconnected when the engine ids started and idling and
to make the most efficient use of the engine’s power under varying
loads. There are two types of transmissions - those in which the gears
are shifted manually by the driver and those where the gears are shifted
automatically by such a device as a hydraulic torque converter.
A vehicle is equipped with steering and braking systems to control it
while in motion. The steering system comprises of a
series of linkages and gears that transmit the movement of the steering
wheel to the front wheels. One braking system employs
two semicircular “shoes” at each wheel that when activated
press outward against the inner surfaces of drums attached to each
wheel. In recent times, disk brakes, in which a clamp squeezes a disk
attached to the wheel, are used.
Automobiles use complex electrical systems. These
consist of a storage battery, alternator
(alternating-current generator), other devices for starting the engine
and for vehicle operation (e.g. headlights), and such accessories as
heaters and radios. The battery provided enough power to engage the
starting motor and to activate the ignition system. When the engine is
started, the alternator continually recharges the battery and supplies
power to other electrical equipment.
Apart from these, there are different subsystems that are equally
important. The fuel system provides storage space for
the fuel, transports it to the engine, and mixes it with air for
combustion in the engine. The exhaust system vents
exhaust gases by way of a muffler, which helps reduce engine noise. The
lubrication system keeps friction from wearing out
moving parts. The engine uses relatively lightweight motors oils, and
heavier weight oils and greases are used in the transmissions and wheel
bearings.
The cooling system prevents the engine from
overheating, generally by means of a liquid coolant, although many
engines are air-cooled. The suspension system
comprises of coil or leaf springs and shock absorbers, and combines with
the tires to cushion the vehicle from the shock caused by driving over
irregular surfaces. Tyres come in a variety of tread
designs to provide traction in all driving conditions.
An automobile goes through a number of steps before it is ready to come
on the roads. It involves a number of steps, like the manufacturing of
engines and transmissions, the stamping of body parts, the procurement
of batteries, tyres etc and culminating in the assembly of the vehicle
on a production line. The body and the chassis are the usual lines. The
stamped body parts are first welded together and painted, and items like
the windows and instrument panel are installed. On the chassis line,
meanwhile, the stamped body parts are first welded together and painted,
and such items as windows and the instrument panel installed. Finally,
the body is joined with the chassis, and the final work, including the
seat and wiring installation performed. A series of tests is then
performed, and the vehicle is finally ready to see the light of day.
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