Automobile Parts

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.

BodyThe 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.