Understand How Your Car Works
Cars are incredible machines full of many intricate parts. Yet many of us who drive them daily, have no clue how they run. It’s important to have a basic understanding so you don’t get taken advantage of when taking it in for maintenance. That’s why we have compiled a list of 20 car parts everyone should know so that you can be a bit more informed about how your vehicle works.
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1. Engine
The engine is the most expensive part and the backbone of your car. It takes in fuel and creates the energy needed to make your vehicle move.
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2. Transmission
The transmission’s job is to change gears and control how much energy the engine delivers to the wheels. It helps your car maintain smooth acceleration and efficient use of power.
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3. Battery
All of your car's electric components are powered by the battery. The battery is required to get your car started as well as the maintain the many heating, cooling, and navigation functions.
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4. Alternator
The alternator's job is to keep your car’s battery charged while it’s in motion. It does this by converting your vehicle engine’s mechanical energy into electrical energy.
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5. Radiator
Engines get very hot so the radiator’s job is to help regulate its temperature and keep it cool. It controls a fluid called coolant that runs around the engine to help dissipate heat.
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6. Brakes
Brakes are quite necessary to help your car stop safely. As you put your foot on the brake, the brake pads are pressed onto the tires which slows them down.
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7. Suspension System
The suspension system's job is to keep your car steady on uneven terrain. The shock absorbers and springs relieve the pressure of the vehicle resulting in a smoother and stable drive.
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8. Exhaust System
The exhaust system’s job is to remove all the harmful gases and chemicals your car produces. It is there to help reduce emissions and minimize noise from the engine.
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9. Fuel Pump
The fuel pump’s job is to maintain the correct amount of fuel to the engine depending on your desired speed. It is constantly correcting its pressure to achieve smooth acceleration and engine performance.
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10. Air Filter
The air filter's job is to ensure that no dirt or debris ever enters the engine. Anything getting into the engine will result in a loss of performance and fuel efficiency. The air filter prevents this from happening.
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11. Oil Filter
The oil filter’s job is to remove any possible contaminants from entering the engine. The engine needs to be clean and lubricated at all times to run at full performance, the oil filter makes sure that happens.
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12. Timing Belt/Chain
The timing belt’s purpose is to sync up all of the engine's internal parts. The belt gets ground down from rotating and will need to be replaced periodically to avoid engine damage.
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13. Spark Plugs
The spark plug’s job is to get your car started. It creates a tiny ignition from air and fuel that provides the kickstart of the engine's cylinders.
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14. Starter Motor
Once the spark plug has been ignited, the starter motor's job is to get the engine rotating up to speed. Once the engine is running smoothly, its job has been completed.
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15. Drive Shaft
The drive shaft's job is to create torque. This helps the transmission reach the power needed for the differential to get the tires spinning.
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16. Axles
The axles’ job is to support the weight of the car and hold the wheels in position. They help maintain stability and control when driving.
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17. Differential
The differential is what delivers the energy of the car to its wheels. It can distribute different levels of power to each wheel for smoother driving and traction.
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18. Clutch
The clutch is only found on manual transmission cars. Its job is to connect the engine to the transmission. Standard vehicles do this automatically. It allows the driver to have more control of the gears and be more in tune with the movements of the car.
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19. Turbocharger
A turbocharger's whole purpose is to add a boost of power to the engine. It blows extra air into the engine system which improves the efficiency of the burned fuel.
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20. Tires
Tires keep you safe on the road. They are crucial for traction and stability when driving. They also require the most maintenance. Be sure your tires are at the optimal pressure for ideal safety and control.
