Main Parts of Automobile | Basic Components of Car.

40 Basic Parts of a Car Explain with Name & Diagram

Do you ever think about how your car works? Do you know which car parts are most important? It’s essential for a responsible vehicle owner to have basic knowledge and understanding of the vehicle he or she drives.

Here are the most important car parts you should educate yourself about in case you run into some unexpected issues, or even worse, a car accident.

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Car Parts Name

These are the main parts of car:

Car Parts Diagram

Parts of a Car Diagram

Parts of a Car

An automobile has several numbers of parts. But there are four essential parts of an automobile. These are:

The Chassis.

The Engine.

Transmission System.

Body.

Apart from these four essential parts of an automobile, there are controls and auxiliaries. The controls are meant for controlling the movement of the vehicle. The auxiliaries are additional components meant for providing comfort to the user of the automobile.

Let’s Discuss one by one part of a car:

1. The Chassis

The chassis of an automobile has the frame, suspension system, axles, and wheel as the main components. The frame could be in the form of a conventional chassis or unit construction may be adopted.

In a conventional chassis frame, the frame forms the main skeleton of the vehicle. The frame provides a foundation for the engine and the body of the vehicle. The frame is constructed from square or box-shaped steel members strong enough to support the weight of the body and other components.

The automobile frame is usually made up of a number of members welded or riveted together to give the final shape. The engine is mounted on the frame with rubber pads which absorb vibrations and also provide damping of these vibrations. Absorption and damping of vibrations protect passengers from discomfort caused by shocks.

The frame is supported on wheel axles by means of springs. This whole assembly is called the chassis.

2. Engine

The engine is a power generator/power plant or a motor, which provides power to drive the automobile.

The engine is the heart of your car. It is a complex machine built to convert heat from burning gas into the force that turns the road wheels. It consists of two basic parts: the lower, heavier section is the cylinder block, a casing for the engine’s main moving parts; the detachable upper cover is the cylinder head.

In most automobile engines, the explosive power of the mixture of air and gasoline drives the pistons. The pistons turn a crankshaft to which they are attached. The rotating force of the crankshaft makes the automobile’s wheels turn.

Some automobiles are powered by another kind of engine, known as the rotary valve, rotating combustion engine, or Wankel engine. The rotary valve engine also draws in a mixture of air and fuel, which is then compressed and burnt.

A motor revolving in an elliptical chamber is connected to a shaft, which finally drives the rear wheels. In most automobiles, the engine is mounted at the front end of the car, with the clutch and gearbox immediately behind it; the engine, clutch, and gearbox are assembled into a single unit.

A number of systems are necessary to make an engine work. A lubrication system is needed to reduce friction and prevent engine wear. A cooling system is required to keep the engine’s temperature within safe limits. The engine must be provided with the correct amount of air and fuel by a fuel system.

The mixture of air and fuel must be ignited inside the cylinder at just the right time by an ignition system. Finally, an electrical system is required to operate the cranking motor that starts the engine and to provide electrical energy to power engine accessories.

3. Transmission System

The main function of the transmission is to provide the necessary variation to the torque applied by the engine to the wheels. This is achieved by changing the gearing ratio between the engine output shaft and the drive shaft.

A car transmission is a vehicle’s gearbox. It’s roughly analogous to the gear shifter and chain system that bicycles use.

These components are always mounted straight on the engine so that their attached belt and gear system can effectively convert the combustion power produced by the engine into physical momentum.

A transmission changes gears depending on car speed and accelerator input how far down you push the pedal of your car) so that the engine’s RPM or “revolutions per minute” are kept appropriately low.

This provides two benefits: Fuel consumption is decreased, and The turning gears do not overload your engine.

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4. The Car Body

The main purpose of the bodywork is to provide accommodation for the driver and passengers, with suitable protection against wind and weather. The degree of comfort provided depends upon the type of car and its cost.

The body on the first automobiles was little more than a platform with seats attached. It gradually developed into a closed compartment complete with a roof and windows. The modern automobile body is constructed of sheet steel formed to the required shape in giant punch presses.

Most of the body components are welded together to form a light rattle-free unit. Automobiles may also be classed on the basis of their body style.

The Parts of a Car

5. Steering system

The steering system is used for changing the direction of the vehicle. The major requirements in any steering mechanism are that it should be precise and easy to handle and that the front wheels should have a tendency to return to the straight-ahead position after a turn.

A gear mechanism, which is known as steering gear, is used in this system to increase the steering effort provided by the driver. This system makes the car steering very easy as the driver does not have to put in much effort.

Car steering is not only required on a curved road but also while maneuvering on busy traffic roads. The steering system allows the vehicle to be guided, to be turned left or right.

Modern steering wheels also often have accessory functions built-in, such as cruise control, audio system selection, and volume. Some steering wheels are even electrically heated.

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6. Lubrication System

An engine has many moving parts which eventually develop wear, as they move against each other. The engine circulates oil between these moving parts to prevent the metal-to-metal contact that results in wear. Parts that are oiled can move more easily with less friction and hence power loss due to friction is minimized.

The secondary function of a lubricant is to act as a coolant and also as a sealing medium to prevent leakages. Finally, a film of lubricant on the cylinder walls helps the rings in sealing and thus improves the engine’s compressions.

7. Cooling System

Due to the combustion of fuel with air inside the cylinder, the temperature of the engine parts increases. This increase in temperature directly affects the engine performance and the life of the engine parts.

The cooling system keeps the engine operating at an efficient temperature. Whatever the driving conditions, the system is designed to prevent both overheating and overcooling.

8. Ignition System

The purpose of the ignition system is to provide assistance for the combustion of fuel either by a high voltage spark or self-ignition in each of the engine’s cylinders at the right time so that the air-fuel mixture can burn completely.

The fuel supplied to the combustion chamber must be ignited to deliver power. In a spark-ignition engine, an electric spark is used for this purpose. The compression-ignition engine does not require a separate ignition system because the ignition is affected by the compression of the mixture to high pressure.

9. Electrical System

The engine’s electrical system provides energy to operate a starting motor and to power all the accessories. The main components of the electrical system are a battery, an alternator, a starting motor, an ignition coil, and a heater.

10. Battery

Your car battery provides the zap of electricity needed to put electrical components to work. Talk about a pretty huge responsibility. Without battery power, your car, as you’ve probably noticed, won’t start.

Let’s take a look at how that powerful little box works:

A chemical reaction puts your car in action: Your battery converts chemical energy into the electrical energy necessary to power your car, delivering voltage to the starter.

Your battery converts chemical energy into the electrical energy necessary to power your car, delivering voltage to the starter. Keep the electric current steady: Not only does your battery provide the energy required to start your car, but it’s also stabilizing the voltage (that’s the term for the energy supply) in order to keep your engine running. A lot’s riding on the battery. Call it the ‘little box that could.’

11. Alternator

While the battery is essential for starting your car when it’s off, the alternator keeps your car alive when the engine is running.

The alternator powers most car’s electronic components while you’re driving around or idling, including your headlights, electric steering, power windows, windshield wipers, heated seats, dashboard instruments, and radio.

The alternator supplies all of them with direct current (DC) power. Your alternator is also responsible for charging your car battery while driving.

The alternator works by turning mechanical energy into electrical energy. When your engine is on, it powers a drive belt that rests on a pulley attached to the alternator. The pulley turns the alternator’s rotor shaft, which spins a set of magnets around a coil.

These spinning magnets generate alternating current (AC) around the coil, which is then channeled to the alternator’s rectifier. The rectifier converts that AC power into DC power, which activates your car’s electrical systems.

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12. Radiator

A radiator helps to eliminate excess heat from the engine. It is part of the engine’s cooling system, which also includes a liquid coolant, hoses to circulate the coolant, a fan, and a thermostat that monitors the coolant temperature.

The coolant travels through the hoses from the radiator, through the engine to absorb the excess engine heat, and back to the radiator.

Once it returns to the radiator, thin metal fins release the heat from the coolant to the outside air as the hot liquid passes through it.

Cool air flows into the radiator through the car’s grille to aid in this process, and when the vehicle isn’t moving, such as when you’re idling in traffic, the system’s fan will blow air to help reduce the heated coolant’s temperature and blow the hot air out of the car.

13. Power Train

The power train carries the power that the engine produces to the car wheels. It consists of the clutch (on cars with manual transmission), transmission (a system of gears that increases the turning effort of the engine to move the automobile), driveshaft, differential, and rear axle.

14. Clutch

A clutch is required with the manual transmission system to temporarily disconnect the engine from the wheels. Such disengagement of the power train from the engine is essential while changing the gear ratio or while stopping the vehicle.

15. Drive Shaft

The drive shaft or propeller shaft connects the gearbox and the differential unit. The driveshafts have universal joints at their ends.

16. Differential

The function of the differential is to split the power received from the propeller shaft to the rear axle shaft. It allows the rear wheels to be driven at different speeds when the vehicle takes a bend or falls into a ditch.

17. Axles

Axles are the shafts on which road wheels are mounted. The road wheels are provided with the required drive through these axles.

Front Axle. It’s a part of the suspension system, Located in the front of the vehicle, this axle is responsible for assisting with steering and processing shocks from the uneven surface of the road. They have four main parts, which are the beam, the swivel pin, the track rod, and the stub axle.

It’s a part of the suspension system, Located in the front of the vehicle, this axle is responsible for assisting with steering and processing shocks from the uneven surface of the road. They have four main parts, which are the beam, the swivel pin, the track rod, and the stub axle. Rear Axle. The rear axle is located between the differential and the driving wheels and transmits power between the two. The rear axle is actually two halves – connected by the differential – with each part known as the half shaft.

This axle is responsible for delivering power to the driving wheels. It comes in two halves, which are connected by the differential. In most vehicles, the rear axles rotate with the vehicle’s wheels.

18. Suspension System

The function of the suspension system is to absorb vibrations due to the up and down motion of wheels, caused by the irregularities in the road surface. The springs, connecting linkages, and shock absorber comprise the suspension system of a vehicle. The suspension system is of two types:

Rigid system

Independent system

In the rigid system, the road springs are attached to a rigid beam axle. It is mostly used in the front axle of commercial vehicles and in the rear axle of all types of vehicles. The independent system does not have a rigid axle. Each wheel is free to move vertically without any reaction on its mating wheel. The independent system is mostly used in small cars.

19. Shock Absorber

Shock absorbers are hydraulic (oil) pump-like devices that help to control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle’s springs and suspension.

Along with smoothening out bumps and vibrations, the key role of the shock absorber is to ensure that the vehicle’s tires remain in contact with the road surface at all times, which ensures the safest control and braking response from your car.

20. Braking System

Brakes are required for slowing down or stopping a moving vehicle. The braking system is essential for the safety of passengers, and passers-by on roads. The braking system may be operated mechanically or hydraulically. 95 percent of the braking systems in use today are of the hydraulic type.

All brakes consist of two members, one rotating and the other stationery. There are various means by which the two members can be brought in contact, thus reducing the speed of the vehicle.

The major components of the braking system are the brake pedal, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake drum, brake pipe, brake shoes, brake packing plant, and linkages.

As the load on the vehicle and the vehicle speed has increased according to recent trends, in modern days, the importance of the brake system has also increased and power brakes are now being preferred. Power brakes utilize vacuum and air pressure to provide most of the brake-applying effort.

Shock absorbers do two things. Apart from controlling the movement of springs and suspension, shock absorbers also keep your tires in contact with the ground at all times.

At rest or in motion, the bottom surface of your tires is the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road. Any time that a tire’s contact with the ground is broken or reduced, your ability to drive, steer, and brake is severely compromised.

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21. Wheel/Tire

Every car has four wheels. The black part of the wheel, which is made out of rubber with air inside, is called a tire.

They’re where your tires are actually attached. The inner part of your car tire is attached to the rim. You’ll often hear people use “rims,” and “wheels,” interchangeably, whereas decorative wheels are called rims. Some people may also say “tire,” when they actually mean wheel.

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22. Speedometer

A speedometer, an instrument that indicates the speed of a vehicle, is usually combined with a device known as an odometer that records the distance traveled.

A speedometer or a speed meter is a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed of a vehicle. Now universally fitted to motor vehicles, they started to be available as options in the early 20th century, and as standard equipment from about 1910 onwards.

Speedometers for other vehicles have specific names and use other means of sensing speed. For a boat, this is a pit log. For an aircraft, this is an airspeed indicator.

23. Seat Belt

A seat belt (also known as a safety belt, or spelled seatbelt) is a vehicle safety device designed to secure the driver or a passenger of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop.

A seat belt reduces the likelihood of death or serious injury in a traffic collision by reducing the force of secondary impacts with interior strike hazards, keeping occupants positioned correctly for maximum effectiveness of the airbag (if equipped), and preventing occupants from being ejected from the vehicle in a crash or if the vehicle rolls over.

When in motion, the driver and passengers are traveling at the same speed as the car. If the driver makes the car suddenly stop or crashes it, the driver and passengers continue at the same speed the car was going before it stopped.

A seatbelt applies an opposing force to the driver and passengers to prevent them from falling out or making contact with the interior of the car (especially preventing contact with, or going through, the windshield).

Seatbelts are considered Primary Restraint Systems (PRS), because of their vital role in occupant safety.

24. Gear Shift

The gearshift is used to move a vehicle forward, in reverse, or remain neutral. On cars with a manual transmission, the gearshift is actually a stick shift.

A gear stick, gearshift, or shifter, more formally known as a transmission lever, is a metal lever attached to the transmission of an automobile.

The term gear stick mostly refers to the shift lever of a manual transmission, while in an automatic transmission, a similar lever is known as a gear selector.

A gear stick will normally be used to change gear whilst depressing the clutch pedal with the left foot to disengage the engine from the drivetrain and wheels.

Automatic transmission vehicles, including hydraulic (torque converter) automatic transmissions, automated manual and older semi-automatic transmissions (specifically clutchless manuals), like VW Autos, tick, and those with continuously variable transmissions, do not require a physical clutch pedal.

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25. Windshield/Windscreen

The windshield or windscreen is the front window, which provides visibility while protecting occupants from the elements.

Modern windshields are generally made of laminated safety glass, a type of treated glass, which consists of, typically, two curved sheets of glass with a plastic layer laminated between them for safety, and bonded into the window frame.

Motorbike windshields are often made of high-impact polycarbonate or acrylic plastic.

Windshields protect the vehicle’s occupants from wind and flying debris such as dust, insects, and rocks, and provide an aerodynamically formed window towards the front. UV coating may be applied to screen out harmful ultraviolet radiation.

However, this is usually unnecessary since most auto windshields are made from laminated safety glass. The majority of UV-B is absorbed by the glass itself, and any remaining UV-B together with most of the UV-A is absorbed by the PVB bonding layer.

26. Windshield Wipers

A windscreen wiper or windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain, snow, ice, washer fluid, water, and/or debris from a vehicle’s front window so the vehicle’s operator can better see what’s ahead of them.

Almost all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, train locomotives, and watercraft with a cabin, and some aircraft are equipped with one or more such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement.

A wiper generally consists of a metal arm; one end pivots and the other end has a long rubber blade attached to it. The arm is powered by a motor, often an electric motor, although pneumatic power is also used for some vehicles.

The blade is swung back and forth over the glass, pushing water, other precipitation, or any other impediments to visibility, from its surface. On vehicles made after 1969, the speed is normally adjustable, with several continuous speeds, and often one or more intermittent settings.

27. Headlights

A headlamp is a lamp attached to the front of a vehicle to illuminate the road ahead. Headlamps are also often called headlights, but in the most precise usage, headlamp is the term for the device itself and headlight is the term for the beam of light produced and distributed by the device.

Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by the great disparity between daytime and nighttime traffic fatalities: the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that nearly half of all traffic-related fatalities occur in the dark, despite only 25% of traffic traveling during darkness.

28. Tail Lights/Turn Signal

Tail Lights are mounted to the rear of the car above the bumper. They are red in color and have accompanying white lights beside them to indicate when the vehicle is in reverse.

When you’re on the road, tail lights make another car aware of your presence so that you can travel safely in the dark.

Direction-indicator lamps or turn signals, informally known as “directional signals”, “directional”, “blinkers”, or “indicators”, are blinking lamps mounted near the left and right front and rear corners of a vehicle, and sometimes on the sides or on the side mirrors of a vehicle, activated by the driver on one side.

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29. Car Hood

A car hood also referred to as a bonnet in some other countries is the hinged cover that rests over the engine of a front-engine vehicle. Its purpose is to provide access to the engine for repair and maintenance.

A concealed latch is typically used to hold down the hood. On vehicles with an aftermarket hood and on racecars, hood pins may be used to hold down the car hood.

Hoods sometimes also contain a hood scoop, wiper jets, power bulge, and/or hood ornament. Car hoods are typically constructed from steel and sometimes from aluminum.

More Resources: What is Car Hood?

30. Trunk

Typically, a car trunk is the primary storage area for cargo or luggage in a sedan, coupe, or convertible. The word “trunk” is used primarily in North America, while the word “boot” is often used in other English-speaking countries.

Prior to the introduction of automobiles, the boot was a compartment that was built into a horse-drawn carriage. It was usually used as a seating area for the coachman. Later, it was used for storage purposes.

The car trunk is typically located in the rear of the car in most models. In some vehicles in which the engine is located in the middle of the rear of the vehicle, the trunk is located at the front. In some models, there have been two trunk compartments.

31. Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emission control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction.

Catalytic converters are usually used with internal combustion engines fueled by petrol or diesel, including lean-burn engines, and sometimes on kerosene heaters and stoves.

32. Muffler

Mufflers are part of your vehicle’s exhaust system and are located at the rear, the bottom of your vehicle. They aid in dampening vehicle emissions and engine noise.

They are made of steel and are coated with aluminum to provide protection from the heat and chemicals released from the exhaust system. Mufflers are used mainly to dissipate the loud sounds created by the engine’s pistons and valves.

33. Tailpipe

The Tail Pipe is part of your car’s exhaust system. Like a chimney on a house, it is designed to release exhaust away from the vehicle and into the air. Exhaust pipes connect to the muffler and are often attached to the rear end of the car with a bracket.

Exhaust pipes are susceptible to damage from rear-end collisions, failed brackets, broken seals, and corrosion from age.

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34. Fuel Tank

The fuel tank on your car is typically located under the rear or middle of the vehicle. There can be a number of reasons why you would need to remove it; the most common reason is needing to replace the fuel pump.

This tank can be filled from the outside via a small hole that is sealed with a gas cap when not in use. The gas then goes through a few steps before it reaches the engine. The pump pushes gasoline into the fuel lines.

There are hard metal fuel lines in most vehicles that run the fuel from the tank towards the engine.

35. Fuel gauge

A fuel gauge is a device that measures the fuel level present in the vehicle. It consists of a sensing or a sending unit that helps to measure the amount of fuel.

A gauge or indicator which is placed outside the fuel tank uses the information from the sensing unit to give the measure of fuel.

The lines on the gas gauge are increments of 1/4 representing your gas tank’s fuel level. Anything between 2 lines would be an eight. If the needle were between 1/2 and 3/4, this would mean you have 5/8 of gasoline in your tank.

More Resources: What is a Fuel Gauge And How to Fix Bad Fuel Gauge?

36. Temperature gauge

The temperature gauge in your vehicle is designed to measure the temperature of your engine’s coolant. This gauge will tell you if your engine’s coolant is cold, normal, or overheating. It is an important dial that is located on the dashboard of your vehicle.

When the engine is functioning, and the coolant is doing its job, the temperature gauge needle should be somewhere in the middle between the hot and cold indicators.

“Normal” temperature reading can vary from vehicle to vehicle so don’t be alarmed where yours settles.

37. Car trip meter

A Trip meter is an instrument used for measuring the distance traveled by a vehicle, such as a bicycle or a car.

That is most likely the trip odometer showing the miles traveled for trip A. Push the button there near the speedometer and it should show mileage traveled for trip B. Push it again and it should show the current ‘overall mileage’ on the vehicle.

To read an odometer, look for the small rectangle usually containing five or six numbers. It is typically located near the speedometer. If your vehicle is newer, it may be digital. If your vehicle is older or less luxurious, it will be a physical, mechanical set of numbers.

38. Rev counter

A tachometer (revolution-counter, tach, rev-counter, RPM gauge) is an instrument measuring the rotation speed of a shaft or disk, as in a motor or other machine. The device usually displays the revolutions per minute (RPM) on a calibrated analog dial, but digital displays are increasingly common.

A rev counter simply shows the number of revolutions an engine’s crankshaft (that’s the rotating bit which converts the reciprocating motion [in a car’s case, the up and down motion of the con-rods and pistons] to circular motion) is revolving per minute (RPM) – usually divided by 1000.

39. License Plate/Bumper Stickers

The license plate in the picture is a blue and white sign. Every car must have a license plate for identification. This car also has many bumper stickers. These are decorations you can put on your car.

This is a list of automotive parts, mostly for vehicles using internal combustion engines which are manufactured components of automobiles.

40. Accessories

The modern automobile uses a wide variety of accessories to make driving safer and more comfortable. Typical examples are self-starter driving and signaling lights such as headlights, tail lights, brake lights, parking lights, windshield wipers, horns, indicators, radio, heating, air conditioning systems, power steering, etc.

Car Parts Video

FAQs.

What are the main parts to a car? Putting it all Together

1. Engine. The heart and soul of your vehicle is the internal combustion engine.

2. Transmission.

3. Battery.

4. Alternator.

5. Radiator.

6. Front Axle.

7. Front Steering and Suspension.

8. Brakes. What are the fundamental parts of a car? (i) A steel frame, which is a major part. body and other accessories, which are not involved in the movement of the vehicle. (ii) Other major components include the engine, transmission system, front and rear axle, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires, and brakes. What are the Parts of a Car? These are the main parts of car:

1. Engine

2. Transmission

3. Battery

4. Alternator

5. Radiator

6. Front Axle

7. Front Steering and Suspension

8. Brakes What is the most important part of a vehicle? Engine: It is one of the most important components of a vehicle, and the performance of the vehicle depends on it. It can be said that it is the heart of every vehicle. It is a complex machine built to convert heat from burning gas into the force that turns the road wheels.

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References:

List of auto parts: Major Systems and Components of an Automobile: What are the Parts of a Car?

10 Car Parts Most Important To Your Safety

Your car is likely your main transportation method, a sizable expense, and perhaps your pride and joy. But it it can also be a 4,000 lb. dangerous weapon if not maintained and used properly. While not changing your oil can lead to engine damage over time, there are certain aspects of your car that, if neglected, can put your life, and the lives of those around you at risk.

1) Brakes - The only thing stopping your 4,000 lb. car from a collision is your vehicle's braking system. If there's one part of your car that needs function perfectly for you to be safe, this is it. Frequently check all of your brake components to make sure that they aren't worn, or defective. If you experience any strange noises, vibrations, or anything else out of the ordinary when slowing or stopping, take your vehicle to a mechanic immediately. Your anti-lock braking system (ABS) is another braking feature that's vital to safety, especially in low-traction situations. If your ABS light comes on in your car, make sure to have your car inspected immediately, as a vehicle with a malfunctioning ABS system is more vulnerable to accidents.

2) Mirrors - Visibility is a huge aspect of safe driving. Advancements in technology are developing a method to allow you a 360 degree view of what's around your car within the next decade. Not being able to see what's around and behind you creates the possibility of an accident due to unsafe lane changes, turns, and not seeing cars or emergency vehicles around you. Astute drivers use their mirrors and are aware of their surroundings, and state laws typically require mirrors to be installed in vehicles in order to become registered. Not adjusting your mirrors, or using them for visibility is risky, and as anyone who has been cut off in traffic before knows that it's incredibly dangerous as well.

3) Lights - Unless you have night vision, you need your headlights to see what's in front of you. But these aren't the only lights important to safety. Your brake lights let you know the people behind you that you're preparing to stop, and help you avoid getting rear-ended, while your turn signals (if you're one of the people who actually uses them) warn other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians of your intentions to make a turn. Your dashboard lights are also important, as is your interior dome light. The only light you may not care about is your license plate light, but the police sure do. Always make sure your lights are working properly, since it's when you need them the most that you will regret neglecting them. You can also be sure that the police will be happy to let you know when your lights aren't working, only they'll probably let you know with a citation.

4) Steering - Losing control of your steering is a nightmare that no driver ever wants to experience. Power steering has made steering itself nearly effortless through adding controlled energy to the steering mechanics of the car. However, power steering has also made the entire steering system more complicated, and expensive to repair. As with brakes, if you feel anything at all that's off with your steering, you need to get to a mechanic as soon as possible. If the steering feels like it's not completely in your control, have your vehicle towed to a mechanic shop. Do not, under any circumstances attempt to drive.

5) Airbags - In addition to being literal life-savers, airbags are one of the most frequently stolen items from cars due to their resale value. The airbag was first patented by American John W. Hetrick who came up with the idea after getting in a car accident due to a big rock laying in the middle of the roadway. He wondered why there wasn't some way to come up with a device to block the driver or passenger from hitting things inside the vehicle after an accident. The technology of the day was limited, and it took decades before the airbag was universally adopted in the automotive industry. Again, if you have any warning indicators whatsoever that your airbag isn't functioning properly, you need to have it checked, as it could mean the difference between life and death. Also be mindful if ever buying a salvage vehicle, or a vehicle where the airbags have been deployed, and make sure that there are fully-functioning airbags which have been installed since.

6) Ignition - This is included in the list due to the 2014 General Motors recall. GM's vehicles had a faulty ignition switch, which apparently caused the engine to shut off while driving and therefore preventing the airbags from going off. Your ignition system turns your vehicle on by igniting a fuel-air mixture, but in GM's case, it has been linked to 13 deaths and 31 crashes, and that's according to GM's own numbers. While this hasn't been a part typically linked to safety failures, GM has shown the need for manufacturers to check this part which has the potential to turn your vehicle off while on the road.

7) Tires - We cannot stress enough how important your tires really are. They are literally the only connection between your car and the road, with you in it. Bald, worn, defective, warped, deflated, over-inflated tires are all severe safety risks. This applies for your entire wheel as well, always make sure that your wheels are properly inflated, undamaged, have lots of tread on them, and if experiencing a problem such as vibration, or poor handling, or anything that differs from the norm, immediately bring your vehicle to an auto or tire shop for inspection.

8) Seat belts - Seat belts are completely unnecessary if you never get in a car accident. However, there is no doubt that they save lives in the quite possible event that you do experience one. Seat belts are actually so obvious, that they were invented in the early 19th century. It was in the late 1940's that a doctor who owned a neurological practice and had lots of patients with severe head injuries from automobile accidents lobbied the automotive industry to adopt retractable seat belts. It would be impossible for us to imagine a new vehicle that didn't come equipped with seat belts, and most of us feel uncomfortable if we don't buckle up since we've become so used to it, and that's a good thing.

9) Windshield / windshield -wipers - Your windshield keeps you protected from the elements and also allows you proper visibility when it's not neglected. Your windshield wipers allow you to drive through rain, snow, sleet, mud, and anything else mother nature can hurl at you, which is why it's mind-boggling to see how some people can continue to drive they cars with cracked or shattered windshields or ripped or broken wiper blades. This would be like running on the sidewalk with cracked, foggy glasses and hoping that nothing bad happens; it's not realistic. If your windshield is cracked, have it replaced or sealed before a small crack gets worse. If your wipers are falling apart, replace them, don't play games.

10) You - Technically you're not a car part, we understand that. But you are arguably the car's most important safety feature, since it's completely in your control. Becoming a safe, cautious, and smart driver is the single most important thing you can do to minimize your chances of hurting yourself or someone else with your vehicle, short of not driving altogether. Proper head checks, signaling, braking, being aware of your surroundings, obeying traffic laws, and, very importantly, keeping track of the condition of your vehicle and all of the other safety features we just mentioned. Drive safely, make sure your vehicle is safe, and your safety, and that of your family and anyone else driving with you will be assured.

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Main Parts of Automobile | Basic Components of Car.

In this article, you will learn in details about the components and parts of automobile. Keep reading.

Components, Parts of Automobile.

An automobile has several numbers of parts. But there are four essential components of automobile. These are:

1. The Chassis.

2. The Engine.

3. The Transmission System.

4. The Body.

Apart from these four essential parts of automobile, there are controls and auxiliaries.

The controls are meant for controlling the movement of the vehicle. The auxiliaries are additional components meant for providing comfort to the user of the automobile.

1. The Chassis.

The chassis of an automobile incorporates all the major assemblies consisting of an engine, components of transmission system such as clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, axles, a control system such as brakes and steering, and suspension system of the vehicle.

In other words, it is the vehicle without its body.

The chassis of an automobile has the frame, suspension system, axles, and wheel as the main components. The frame could be in the form of conventional chassis or unit construction may be adopted.

In a conventional chassis frame, the frame forms the main skeleton of vehicle. It supports engine, power transmission, and car body.

The frame is supported on wheels and axles through springs. The frame carries the weight of the vehicle and passengers, withstands engine, transmission, accelerating, and braking torques.

It also withstands the centrifugal forces while cornering and takes up stresses due to the rise and fall of axles.

In the unit construction type, there is no frame. The structure of the body of the automobile is first formed, and then different components such as the engine, transmission system, and other parts are placed at suitable places in the body structure.

The transmission system itself consists of a number of parts such as clutch assembly, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential, and axles.

The other parts include the interior details which are utilized by the passengers and driver of the vehicle. Through suitable designing, the parts are so arranged that they provide maximum comfort and make journeys in the automobile enjoyable.

The other parts of the chassis are suspension system, axles, and wheel. The suspension system absorbs the vibrations due to up and down movement of wheels.

Springs and shock absorbers connecting the frame and the axle perform this function. The springs can be leaf spring, coil spring, or torsion bar. Even rubber or air can form the material of springs.

The wheels of the vehicle can be suspended independently on springs or on spring-suspended axles. The axle may be ‘live’ if power from the engine is transmitted to it.

It may be a ‘dead’ axle if no power is supplied to it and it is just supporting the weight of the vehicle. In ‘four-wheel drive,’ the power is supplied to both the axles and therefore both the axles are ‘live.’

In addition to providing support to the weight of the vehicle, the axle also resists the stresses due to braking and driving torque.

2. The Engine.

The engine is the source of motive power to an automobile. Obviously, it is a very important part of the automobile because in the absence of an engine, the automobile may not move at all, and its basic function of transporting passengers or goods would be defeated.

The power of the engine determines the working of the automobile. In the same manner, the efficiency of the engine determines the efficiency of an automobile.

The engine, nowadays, is invariably an internal combustion engine. This may be a spark-ignition engine consuming petrol as fuel.

Alternatively, it could be a compression ignition engine using diesel as fuel.

The engines used are multi-cylinder engines. A single-cylinder engine, though capable of providing the desired power may become very heavy and therefore may be unsuitable.

In a multi-cylinder engine, each cylinder handling a smaller amount of power may keep engine light in weight. In an internal combustion engine, total heat produced by the burning of fuel is not converted into work.

Part of it causes over-all heating of engine which is undesirable. This heat is to be dissipated properly. Coolant in the form of air or water may be used to take away this heat.

So an engine can be air-cooled or water-cooled. These days some chemicals have been developed which have a cooling property, and these remain unaffected for a longer period of time.

These chemicals are being used as coolants, and these do not require frequent replacement. Apart from their long life, they are more efficient also.

Similarly, lubrication is another aspect to be taken care of in an engine requiring periodic attention from the user.

The moving parts in an engine need regular lubrication to reduce unwanted friction. The chemistry of lubricant is now highly developed. There is a standard rating for lubricants and for every purpose a specific lubricant is available.

3. The Transmission System.

The transmission system transmits power developed by the engine to the road wheels. The power available as output from the engine is in the form of rotation of the crankshaft.

This movement is to be transferred to the road wheels to cause their rotary motion. Their rotary motion makes possible the movement of the vehicle.

The transmission system consists of different parts. These include clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential and axle, live axle to be more precise.

The road wheels are at the ends of the axle. The motion is transmitted through these parts. Every part of the transmission system performs its own function.

i. Clutch.

The clutch, part of the transmission system is next to the crankshaft. It is a mechanism enabling the rotary motion of one shaft transmitted to the second shaft ‘at will.’

When the engine starts, it should not be connected to road wheels, these should not start moving as soon as the engine starts.

Secondly, this motion should be smoothly transferred so that passengers in the car do not feel discomfort, and its mechanism is not spoiled.

In the case of vehicles used for the transportation of goods, the smooth transmission process is essential as otherwise, it may cause damage to goods.

ii. Gearbox.

The gearbox is the component of the transmission system next to the clutch. It has got a gear train, and it provides different gear ratios. These ratios determine the rotary speed of output shaft from the gearbox.

The torque transmitted to the road wheels gives rise to a propulsive force or (tractive effort) between these and the road. When starting from rest, a large tractive effort is required.

This makes essential the introduction of considerable ‘leverage’ between the engine and the wheels so that torque from the engine, which is almost constant, produces the large tractive effort.

This ‘leverage’ is provided by the gearbox.

Different gear ratios available in the gearbox can provide the required tractive effort to overcome the resistance faced by the automobile under different conditions.

Propeller shaft transmits the output from the gearbox to the axle. This axle may be in the rear or in the front or in some cases both the rear and front axle may receive output from the gearbox.

The output from the gearbox is in the form of rotary motion of the shaft, and this motion is transferred to the axle.

iii. Differential.

The differential is the next component of the transmission system. The motion of propeller shaft is fed to the differential which turns it through 90 degrees. This is essential as the axle is at 90 degrees to the propeller shaft.

The function is performed with the help of a pinion and a gear. Another important function of the differential is to reduce the speed of inner wheels and at the same time, enhance the speed of outer wheels by the same amount.

This is required when the automobile is moving on a curved path. On a curved path, the outer wheels are required to traverse a circle of a bigger radius than the inner wheels.

This means that the outer wheels are required to traverse larger distance as compared to inner wheels. As the automobile is to move as a single unit, all the four wheels must travel together.

Therefore, the outer wheels should travel larger distance and inner wheels should travel smaller distance in the same time period.

Hence, the variation in the speed of inner and outer wheels is needed. This is performed by the differential with the help of sun and planet gear system.

iv. Axle.

The axle is the next component of the transmission system. The axle receiving power from the engine is termed as ‘live’ axle. It is in two halves.

The ends of the axle have road wheels connected to it. These road wheels are in direct contact with the road surface. The body of the automobile is above the axle.

The axle also takes up the various loads including the weight of the automobile. It also transmits motion to the road wheels.

4. The Body.

The use of a separate frame to which the body structure is attached is now almost obsolete except for some applications for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

Many heavy vehicles now use ‘sub-frames’ of simple construction to which the engine and gearbox are attached.

The sub-frame is supported on the mainframe and is fixed on it through some suitable rubber connections to isolate the engine vibrations.

Due to development in spot welding and sheet pressing techniques, most of the vehicles have integral construction. All the assembly units of the vehicles are attached to the body, which also acts the frame.

It makes the vehicle compact, lightweight, and also its cost is reduced. Some intermediate designs using a light chassis and a pressed steel body are also in use.

The light chassis, in such designs, is strengthened by using platform made of a sheet of steel. Apart from the four basic components described above, the automobile has the control systems and auxiliaries.

The control systems are used to control the motion of an automobile and therefore are essential in an automobile. These include;

i. The steering system, and

ii. Braking system or brakes.

i. Steering system.

The automobile, while moving, may be required to traverse a circular path. It has to be turned through some angle if the path is not straight.

There may be other situations also when the road is turning towards left or right, and an automobile is required to turn to left or right.

This turning of the automobile towards left or right or on the curved path is provided through steering mechanism.

The steering system is required to be quite accurate as the automobile should turn accurately along with the path.

ii. Braking system.

This causes a reduction in speed of the vehicle and brings it to rest when necessary. Bringing an automobile to rest is as important as its movement.

Obviously, when we have reached our destination, we would like to stop; and therefore, the vehicle should come to rest.

Also, there may be some kind of emergency and vehicle may be required to slow down or stop on the way. At that time, also its motion is to be controlled.

This control on the motion is provided with the help of brakes.

5. The Auxiliaries.

These are the components of an automobile which may not be essential, but it can make the driving more comfortable.

The fact is that with the passage of time, some auxiliaries become essential. A few years back, the indicators—to indicate the turning vehicle—were not used. But now these have been made mandatory by the government.

Though air-conditioner is not essential and is just to provide comfort conditions, now it is provided in every vehicle in developed countries and is being adopted by more and more people.

The study of automobile engineering involves going through an in-depth study of all the components and parts of automobile.

These include engine, transmission system, control, and auxiliaries system.

The engine used in an automobile is an internal combustion engine. The transmission system consists of a number of parts, the introduction of which has already been presented.

Suspension systems, wheels, and tires are also important components, parts of automobile. Study of steering mechanism and brakes is also important as these form the control system in an automobile.

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