The first production car was built at the beginning of the 20th century at the Ford plant. The first car was assembled in 1908. It was a Ford Model T. The car was produced until 1928 and became a legend.
Brilliant manager and mechanic Henry Ford always said, "A car can be any color as long as it's black." He made the main emphasis on the universality of the car, completely rejecting individuality. That is what killed him.
Despite the versatility of the Ford Model T car and its simple but reliable functionality, in the 20s it had a competitor in the form of General Motors cars. This company offered each customer a unique car with an unusual internal structure.
In those days, there were only manual transmissions and weak engines. The speed of cars rarely exceeded 50 miles per hour. Now everything has changed. Modern cars are a masterpiece of engineering, the insides of which are filled with the most modern electronics and highly complex control systems.
The technical parameters have long gone beyond fantasy. Now acceleration to 100 kilometers in 4 seconds is a reality that will not surprise anyone. At the same time, there are hundreds of companies on the market that sell a wide variety of cars. Nevertheless, despite all this diversity - the general arrangement of cars they have is very similar.
What is a car made of
Of course, the device of a modern machine includes a wide variety of components and parts, but even among them the main ones can be distinguished:
- transmission,
- body,
- chassis,
- control systems,
- electrical equipment.
Each of these elements plays an important role that is hard to overestimate. To understand how important the correct operation of each detail is, we will consider them in more detail.
Body
The body is the supporting part of the car. It is to it that all components and assemblies are attached. Now car manufacturers are trying to do everything possible to choose the most durable and lightweight composite spive that will serve as the basis of the product.
The fact is, ordinary metal weighs quite a lot. The increase in weight negatively affects dynamics, top speed and acceleration, and driving a heavy car is very difficult. As a result, non-standard approaches to the creation of bodies are now increasingly being used. For example, carbon fiber is used in the construction.
Perhaps the most striking car that used this technology was the Lykan Hypersport. You may have seen this car in Fast & Furious 7. The use of carbon fiber to create a body made it possible to greatly lighten the car, significantly increasing all its characteristics. By the way, the cost of the car is more than three million.
In fact, the body is a frame that holds the entire device of the car together. At the same time, it must have sufficient rigidity to withstand really heavy loads. At speeds over 200 kilometers per hour, the life of the driver depends on its strength.
The body used in the device of the car must not only be lightweight and durable, but also have the correct aerodynamic shape. The speed and control depend on how effectively the body of the machine will cut through the air flows.
Traditionally, the body, which is part of the car device, can be divided into the following elements:
- spars,
- roof,
- brakes,
- hinged parts,
- engine compartment,
- bottom.
In order to achieve greater rigidity, reinforcing elements are welded to the bottom of the car. They provide increased strength and greater safety of the entire structure.
Each of these elements is related to each other. So the spars are one solid structure together with the bottom. In some cases, they are welded to it. The main task of these parts in the device of the car is to create a support for the suspension.
If we talk about attachments, then wings immediately come to mind. Also, you can not ignore the trunk, doors and hood. They are attachments, but are very closely connected to the car body.
Attention! To achieve greater structural stability, the rear wings are welded to the body, and the front wings are made removable.
Such nuances must be taken into account if you want to tune your iron horse. Not only that, to modding parts are attached to hinged body parts. Suffice it to recall the same spoiler. Even neon inserts are mounted around the perimeter of the bottom.
Hull tuning gives the greatest visual effect. In addition, additional elements, such as a low-slung bumper, can provide designs with much better aerodynamic qualities.
No running anywhere
The chassis in the device of the car plays the role of the foundation. It is due to it that the car can move. For example, wheels, suspension and axles are all its elements. Without them, the movement itself would be impossible.
The system can have both front independent suspension and rear dependent. Now in most cars the first option is used, as it gives the best controllability of the vehicle.
The main difference between independent suspension is that each wheel is mounted separately. Moreover, in the device of the car, all wheels have their own mounting systems.
Dependent suspension is considered a kind of archaism in automotive circles. Nevertheless, some companies still use it in order to save money and simplify the car device as much as possible. Nevertheless, it provides high reliability of the structure. Moreover, the tricks of some manufacturers make it possible to achieve truly outstanding results using this outdated technology.
I would like to recall the same German concern BMW. This company has been producing cars for many years, in the device of which lies precisely the rear dependent suspension.
Nevertheless, rear-wheel drive cars of the German brand are famous all over the world. Not only that, many drivers buy these cars with a rear suspension device just for the pleasure that the driver gets while driving this monster.
Attention! Rear-wheel drive makes it possible to feel the real pleasure of driving a powerful, fast and predatory car.
Usually the rear suspension is a drive axle. In some cases, machine builders install a rigid beam, and this is quite enough to ensure optimal structural strength.
brakes
If the car itself and its entire device were located on the previous part, then the role of the brake system is completely different. Reliable brakes can prevent many accidents and save millions of lives.
Many automotive experts do not consider it necessary to single out this element in the car device. They just consider it part of the running gear. However, this is fundamentally wrong. After all, the importance of brakes in today's busy traffic is hard to overestimate.
Now, three elements of the brake structure are most often distinguished:
- Working - allows you to control the speed. This subsystem is responsible for a gradual decrease in speed up to a complete stop of the car.
- Spare - it is needed when the main system in the car device fails. Usually it is made completely autonomous.
- The parking brake is a hand brake that keeps the car in one place while you are away.
Modern brake systems use many additional devices that provide better brake performance. Of particular importance are a variety of amplifiers and anti-lock braking systems. These elements allow not only to increase the efficiency of the system several times, but also to increase its comfort for the driver.
Transmission
This device transmits torque from the shaft to the wheels. The design consists of the following elements:
- clutch,
- hinges,
- gearboxes,
- leading bridge.
Due to the clutch, the designers in the car establish a connection between the shafts of the engine and the gearbox. In turn, the gearbox greatly reduces the load on the engine, increasing its resource and providing the most rational fuel consumption.
It is worth recognizing that in recent years many variants of the gearbox have been invented. The first was the manual transmission. It was invented at the beginning of the twentieth century. The first car on which it was installed was the same legendary model of the American Ford company - T.
About 40 years have passed since then, and in the 50s the automatic transmission is invented. Now it is not the driver who decides when to engage a new gear, but the hydraulic system. The advantage of such a device lies in its simplicity, as well as smooth switching.
Finally, the robot becomes the third round of the evolution of the checkpoint device. This box combines all the advantages of mechanics and automatic. The thing is that the gears are switched by a smart program. It determines the time needed to an accuracy of a few tenths of a millisecond and makes the transition. As a result, the driver gets huge fuel savings.
Important! There is also a variator, but it is rarely used where.
Engine
Perhaps this is the most important part of the car - its heart. The speed and dynamics of the machine depend to the greatest extent on the power of this device. The essence of the principle of operation of this part is extremely simple. The engine converts thermal energy into electrical energy by burning fuel.
Electrical equipment and control systems
The fact is that every year these complexes of car devices are becoming more and more connected with each other. Smart systems manage wiring voltage, battery performance and power consumption. This approach turns cars into thinking devices that decide where the driver is best to park and monitor cars driving nearby.
Results
The device of the car is a complex system, the study of which takes years. Nevertheless, even a beginner can study and understand the general scheme and purpose of all nodes. This knowledge can help both on the road and in car maintenance.
Have you ever wondered what an alternator or water pump looks like in cars? Unfortunately, many vehicle owners are not familiar with the design of cars, not to mention its maintenance and repair. Yes, it is much more convenient to service the car in technical dealerships, where you do not even need to purchase spare parts yourself.
But we believe that every driver should know what the vehicle consists of, how certain components work. Thanks to this, each of you can independently buy spare parts without overpaying the dealer. Therefore, our online publication offers you a detailed guide to all the main components of most cars, from which you will find out what parts any car consists of and what each vehicle component is responsible for.
ABS control unit
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is designed to prevent the wheels from locking during braking, which reduces the vehicle's stopping distance and reduces the risk of skidding when braking hard on slippery or wet roads.
The main component of the ABS system is the anti-lock brake system control unit, which measures the pressure in the brake system and uses data on the speed of each wheel. This information, which the ABS unit processes, is necessary in order to regulate the required optimal speed of each wheel and the pressure in the brake system. It is this block that calculates that the car's wheel can lock up, which will either increase the braking distance of the car, or this will lead to the car skidding.
If the ABS control unit fails, then, as a rule, an error will appear on the dashboard indicating a malfunction of the ABS system (the ABS icon on the dashboard will light up).
True, before making sure that the malfunction is related to the block, it is necessary to check the wheel speed sensor and the brake pressure sensor.
The anti-lock brake system control unit is one of the expensive components of the brake system.
Air conditioning compressor
Summer is coming, and each of us does not want the interior cooling system (air conditioning) to not work in his car. Therefore, it is necessary to take care of the health of the air conditioner in the car in advance by making the appropriate diagnostics in a specialized service.
The most common problem with an air conditioner in a car is a refrigerant leak, without which the air conditioner cannot cool the warm air coming from the street. Also, a fairly common problem that owners of modern cars encounter is problems with the power supply of the air conditioning compressor. Like many car equipment, the compressor is powered by the vehicle's electrical network. In the event of an electrical problem, the air conditioning compressor may not receive enough electricity.
As a result, it will not be able to cool the air enough. Some air conditioning compressors have a shaft in their design that can wear out. Also, the compressor has various seals and seals, which can be damaged over time. As a result, the compressor can completely fail. In this case, you will have to purchase a new compressor.
Alternator
The task of a car generator is simple. It generates electricity in order to supply electricity to your car, keeping the voltage in the electrical circuit at a given level. The alternator also maintains the proper level of charge in the car's battery.
If the alternator fails, most often this will result in an icon (battery indicator) appearing on the instrument panel, which warns of a loss of battery charge. As a rule, as a result of this, the car stalls.
The worst thing is that it can happen unexpectedly at the most inopportune moment.
A common cause of alternator failure is component brush wear or alternator bearing failure. In this case, there are two types of solution to the problem - buying a new generator or repairing the old one. True, it is worth noting that the bulkhead of the old generator is not always possible and less reliable.
Drive shaft (axle)
A drive shaft or axle shaft is a vehicle component that transmits torque from a differential to the vehicle's front or rear wheels (depending on the type of drive used on the vehicle).
A common cause of failure of this component is damage to the rubber anthers. As a result, dirt, dust, etc. begin to enter the drive shaft mechanism. This leads to all sorts of problems associated with the operation of the axle shaft.
If you start to hear annoying clicks or crunches when cornering, one of the drive shafts in your car may have failed.
If, during suspension diagnostics, you are informed that rubber anthers are torn on the axle shaft, then they need to be replaced as soon as possible, since damage to them will lead to a fairly quick breakdown of the drive shafts.
Ball joint (ball)
The ball joint is the fulcrum for the suspension and steering. A ball joint is a rotational kinematic pair (a movable connection of two parts, which provides them with rotational movement around a common axis).
Over time, these components of the car wear out and fail (wear of the anther or wear of the mechanical part of the hinge).
As a rule, when the ball joint is worn, the driver begins to listen to a knock or creak on any bumps on the road.
So if you start to hear such knocks in the suspension, then diagnose the chassis as soon as possible and, if necessary, replace the ball joints with new ones. When choosing ball joints, give preference to original spare parts. Remember that if you save and buy non-original ball joints, then their service life will be much less.
Cabin blower motor
When the passenger compartment blower stops working, air stops flowing into the passenger compartment through the air ducts. In this case, the probable problem may be a malfunction of the interior blower fan motor.
The motor is usually located somewhere behind the glove compartment or behind the center console. Thanks to the motor, air from the street enters through the ventilation holes into the interior of the car.
Sometimes a motor malfunction can be a noisy blower. In order to establish a true malfunction, diagnostics of the interior ventilation system are necessary.
Stopping support
The brake caliper is one of the main components of the vehicle's braking system. In order to stop the car, the caliper presses the brake pads against the brake disc.
That is, as soon as you press the brake pedal, the caliper immediately begins to press the pads against the brake disc, and the car stops.
Like everything in any car, over time, the caliper wears out and fails. For example, the main symptom of a caliper malfunction is uneven wear of the brake pads, as well as traction (skidding) of the car in one direction during braking on dry pavement (to the right or left). As a rule, these signs indicate that the caliper does not decompress the pads in time.
In this case, it is necessary to replace the old caliper with a new one.
But not always similar symptoms are observed when the caliper malfunctions. Therefore, if you notice a malfunction in the brake system, it is necessary to check the reliability of the entire brake system, from checking the brake fluid level to checking the wear of the brake discs.
Stop lamp switch
This is one of the few components of cars, by the name of which you can understand without understanding the structure of the car, where it is used and what it is for. In front of you is a small brake light switch, which is installed behind the brake pedal. This component turns on the brake lights at the moment when we press the brake pedal if necessary.
If you are faced with a problem with a malfunction of the rear brake lights, and after diagnosing, you find out that the brake lights are in good condition, then there is a high probability that the cause of the malfunction is the brake light switches, which is located under the brake pedal in the car.
Brake discs
The brake disc is one of the key components of the vehicle's braking system. Just like everything else in a car, a brake disc can fail due to excessive wear or overheating.
The brake discs of a car are subjected to enormous overheating due to the heat that is generated as a result of the friction of the brake pads and brake discs during the braking process.
As we have already described, brake calipers press the pads against the brake discs, causing the car to slow down or come to a complete stop.
Naturally, over time, any brake discs wear out, as a result of which, when braking, you will feel vibration in the brake pedal. Also, the braking process will become ineffective.
Remember that the replacement of brake discs, as well as calipers, must be carried out in pairs (simultaneous replacement of the front brake discs or replacement of the rear brake discs on both sides of the car).
Camshaft (camshaft)
The camshaft is not a component that often fails. However, if it fails, you can run into costly problems. For example, if you are faced with a lack of oil pressure (or oil starvation of the engine), then you must first check the health of the camshaft.
The camshaft is needed in order to open and close the engine valves. An engine has both intake valves (which let fuel and oxygen into the engine) and exhaust valves (which release exhaust gases that are produced during the combustion of fuel in the engine).
Camshaft position sensor
When it comes to a malfunction of the camshaft, the first thing to check is the operability of the camshaft position sensor. This sensor tells the engine control unit how fast to rotate the camshaft in order to synchronize the operation of the engine block with the valves that supply fuel to the intake manifold.
That is, in other words, this sensor helps the engine control unit to report the information necessary to accurately determine the timing of fuel injection into the engine (according to information from the camshaft sensor, the engine control unit knows the exact location of each piston in the engine block).
If this sensor fails, "Check Engine" will appear on the instrument panel. If the camshaft position sensor fails, the vehicle will usually lose traction and consume more fuel. The fact is that if this sensor malfunctions, the engine control unit ceases to receive accurate and so necessary information for optimal fuel injection.
As a result, the engine control unit software begins to guess when the valves are in the open position in order to inject fuel into the engine.
Clutch
In vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the clutch is the key link between the engine and the transmission. Thanks to the clutch, engine torque is smoothly transferred to the gearbox, which in turn transmits torque to the wheels. The clutch also dampens torsional vibrations, as well as vibration when shifting gears. If there was no clutch, the car would not move. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and the clutch disc wears out over time.
Wishbone
Car suspension arms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These components are the parts that connect the car's wheels to the rest of the suspension. As a rule, the transverse levers (pictured) usually have several ball joints and bushings (silent blocks) in their design that soften the blows. Unfortunately, ball joints and silent blocks often wear out due to heavy loads and require replacement.
As we have already said, when the ball joints are worn, you will hear a knock on the bumps. Sometimes when ball or bushings are worn, your car can wander along the road when changing direction. This is due to backlash in the transverse levers. Backlashes are formed due to wear of ball or silent blocks.
Fortunately, in case of wear of ball or silent blocks, there is no need to purchase a new lever assembly. For example, ball and silent blocks can be pressed out from the lever and replaced with new ones. But sometimes such a repair will not help in case of severe wear of the lever. In this case, you will have to purchase a new lever assembly.
Crankshaft (Crankshaft)
The crankshaft is the place in the car where the force from the combustion of fuel transmitted from the engine block is converted into the rotating force needed to propel your car.
The crankshaft, like the camshaft, does not rotate on its own. The crankshaft receives energy for rotation due to the movement of the pistons in the engine block, which in turn move from the energy obtained by igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber of the power unit.
Unfortunately, the bearings on the crankshaft can fail (for example, they do not receive enough oil). As a result, due to bearing wear, not only the crankshaft can be damaged, but the entire engine can completely fail.
Depending on the design of the engine, the cost of a new crankshaft can be very high. For example, the cost of dismantling and installing a new crankshaft for a BMW M3 can be a huge amount.
Crankshaft oil seals
The most common failure of crankshaft components is oil seals, which act as seals to prevent oil from leaking from the engine.
As a rule, two oil seals are installed on the crankshaft. One front and one rear. The front oil seal is located behind the main engine pulley. The other oil seal is at the rear of the engine where the gearbox is bolted to the engine.
Sooner or later, these seals wear out, causing oil to leak from the engine.
Door lock drive
With the advent of central door locking in cars, the automotive industry began to use a door lock drive. This drive is responsible for the operation of all door locks in the car. The drive is powered by the machine's power supply.
Sometimes the drive may stop working. For example, due to worn electrical connections or poor wiring. The drive itself is very durable and its failure is a rarity.
cardan shaft
Unlike drive shafts (axles), the propeller shaft is the link between the gearbox and the rear differential in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
There are two places in the driveshaft where failure can occur. This is a U-connection (cross) and a bearing (outboard bearing of the cardan shaft). The support (pendant) bearing can be replaced separately. But if the U-connection (cross) fails, then this can lead to a complete failure of the cardan. Therefore, in the event of ringing, crunching or knocking that comes from the driveshaft, the task of the owner of the car is to fix the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, repairs can be too expensive.
The engine control unit
The engine control unit - also known as the engine control module (ECU, DME, DDE, etc.) is responsible for the efficient operation of the engine. Thanks to this module, electronic fuel injection into the engine is controlled.
The breakdown of this car unit does not happen so often. But, nevertheless, if the engine control unit fails, then this can cause a lot of trouble to the owner.
exhaust manifold gasket
The exhaust manifold gasket, which is installed between the engine block head and the exhaust manifold, can wear out over time and begin to leak exhaust gases. This is the very first place in the car that needs to be inspected in the event of an exhaust leak.
If the exhaust manifold gasket is worn out, your car will start to work too loudly, as the exhaust system will not be sealed.
Flywheel
The flywheel is the other half of the equation when it comes to transferring power from the engine to the gearbox. If the car is equipped with a manual transmission, then as soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the flywheel is connected to the clutch basket and the torque of the power unit begins to be transmitted from the flywheel to the transmission.
Over time, just like the basket and clutch disc, the flywheel wears out. Especially if the driver did not squeeze the clutch correctly and shifted gears at the wrong time. If the flywheel is worn out, the basket and clutch disc will not be able to connect with it, which will ultimately lead to the impossibility of transmitting torque from the motor to the gearbox.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to find out about flywheel wear until you remove the gearbox and clutch assembly from the car.
Fuel pump (fuel pump)
Fuel pumps are usually mounted inside the fuel tank (gas tank). There are also some car models in which the fuel pump is located under the car, where it is attached to the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine.
Over time, the fuel pump fails. Unfortunately, as a rule, this happens unexpectedly for the owner, since a worn-out fuel pump does not show any signs of malfunction in advance. Only on some cars, a faulty fuel pump may start to work loudly before completely failing.
Gas tank cap
We all know what a fuel tank cap (fuel filler cap) looks like. But many of us often forget about the importance of this seemingly trifling part of the machine. The fact is that the fuel tank cap must always be securely closed.
Sometimes at the gas station, we or the refuellers do not completely tighten the fuel cap, which leads to the appearance of the "Check Engine" icon on the dashboard. In this case, it is not uncommon for owners, having seen the indication on the "Check Engine" dashboard, go to a technical center for troubleshooting, where unscrupulous craftsmen start a long and unnecessary diagnostics, offering to subsequently change any expensive sensors, etc. And the reason, perhaps, is simple - the gas tank cap is not screwed up to the end.
Some automakers also equip their vehicles with a separate indicator on the instrument panel that alerts drivers to a leaky fuel cap.
Over time, the gas tank cap can harden or begin to break. As a result, the tightness of the fuel tank may be broken. In this case, the "Check Engine" or an icon warning about an open gas tank may also light up on the dashboard.
Fortunately, the tank cap is very cheap and any driver can easily replace it himself.
Head gaskets
The operation of the engine cylinder head is critical to the operation of the entire powertrain. The block head helps the engine maintain the required level of oil, coolant, and also closes the combustion chamber from the supply of unnecessary oxygen. Thanks to the block head, where the engine valves are located, fuel is supplied and supplied to the engine, and exhaust gases are removed from the engine after fuel ignition.
The most common cause of head failure is the gasket that holds the oil between the cylinder block and the head. Also, depending on the wear of the gasket, coolant may begin to enter the combustion chamber. As a result, their exhaust system will emit a large amount of white smoke.
A set of head gaskets is not very expensive. But in order to replace all the gaskets in the head of the block, it is necessary to do serious work, which will not be very cheap.
stove radiator
The heater core is usually a miniature radiator that is used to heat the interior of a car. This component is installed in the car behind the dashboard (usually not far from the engine). Therefore, in case of wear of this part, it will be very problematic to get the stove radiator.
As a rule, the stove radiator begins to leak over time due to depressurization of factory seams. Also, in some cases, the stove radiator may become clogged. In this case, the stove will not be able to transfer heat to the interior of the car.
Hoses, pipes (Fuel, coolant and others)
Any car has various hoses in its design, through which, as a rule, any liquids circulate. This means that sooner or later any hose or fitting can start leaking fluid.
Radiator hoses, fuel hoses, transmission coolant hoses, brake hoses, power steering hoses, etc. are all candidates for possible leakage due to damage.
The fact is that, like any rubber material, automotive hoses are prone to drying out and cracking over a long period of time.
Therefore, every car owner from time to time should inspect the engine compartment for leakage of fluids from all rubber hoses. It's also a good idea to inspect the road surface under the car every morning, because in the event of a fluid leak, you will see liquid stains under the car anyway.
Ignition coil
All modern cars have ignition coils that supply voltage to the spark plugs. Over time, ignition coils can wear out. As a result of a faulty ignition coil, the spark plugs may not receive the necessary voltage to produce the optimum spark to ignite the fuel.
As a result, misfires (misfires) can occur. Depending on the cost and model of the car, in some cases, even if one ignition coil has failed, automakers recommend replacing all other ignition coils.
ignition switch
After the massive press on General Motors' ignition switch recall (the largest ever factory recall for defective ignition locks), more people around the world are beginning to understand where that same ignition switch is located in modern cars.
As you can see, the ignition switch is linked to your ignition key. So in addition to natural wear and tear, in the automotive industry there are cases of factory defects of this component, which leads to serious accidents. So if your car is manufactured by General Motors, it's a good idea to check your model on the list that lists cars subject to factory recalls.
intake manifold gasket
Problems with the intake manifold gasket can result in several problems. Firstly, the engine of the car with a broken intake manifold gasket will not work correctly. For example, your engine control unit, with a problematic intake manifold gasket, will not be able to control the required amount of air entering the engine.
Because of this, incorrect fuel atomization into the combustion chamber occurs.
Secondly, with an excess supply of oxygen to the engine, the "Check Engine" indicator will light up on the dashboard. In order to identify problems with the intake manifold gasket, computer diagnostics are needed, which will allow you to find errors that affected the operation of the power unit.
For example, this will allow you to establish exactly where the air is leaking into the engine. True, it is worth noting that in order to install this, you will need to spend too much time for a thorough diagnosis of the machine.
Rear license plate light
We are all used to the fact that from time to time all the lighting bulbs in the car fail. Replacing them yourself is not difficult. But for some reason, many drivers forget about the rear license plate light, which, according to the law, must be illuminated.
Therefore, from time to time, check this bulb in your car and, if it malfunctions, replace it with a new one. Fortunately, you can do it yourself.
Mass air flow sensor
This sensor is also sometimes referred to as the Mass Airflow Sensor. This sensor measures the amount of oxygen consumed by the engine. Further, the sensor transmits information about this to the engine control unit, which regulates the required amount of fuel required to be supplied to the combustion chamber.
Over time, dirt and dust can contaminate the mass air flow sensor, causing inaccurate data to be sent to the engine control module.
It is also not uncommon for this sensor to fail completely. In this case, fuel consumption can seriously change and traction will disappear. In addition, in most cases, if the mass air flow sensor malfunctions, the "Check Engine" light on the dashboard will light up.
Motor Mount (Motor Mounts)
By the name of the car part, you can already guess that this is an engine fastener. Any car has an engine that must be fixed to the car body. For this, special fasteners "motor mounts" or "engine cushions" are used, which in their design use rubber seals to absorb engine vibrations and not transmit them to the body.
But like everything in a car, these engine fasteners can wear out over time. In this case, the ability of the engine mounts to stop the vibration is weakened, and you begin to feel a strange vibration in the car that passes through the entire cabin.
This is especially noticeable at idle, as well as at the moment of starting to move from a place. Depending on the configuration and design of your vehicle, engine mounts can be replaced fairly quickly and easily.
But more often than not, modern cars are designed in such a way that these components cannot be easily changed. As a result, despite the low cost of "motor mounts", the cost of replacing them can cost the owner of the car a round sum.
Muffler
The meaning of the muffler is simple. Engines, by their nature and because of their design, actually run very loudly. And the work of the silencer allows you to reduce the level of noise that is generated during the combustion of fuel in the engine.
Thanks to the muffler, which is installed on the exhaust system, the sound of the engine does not irritate our hearing.
Over time, rust will damage muffler welds. As a result, the muffler device depressurizes and the unmuffled sound of the car exhaust begins to enter the street.
There are two ways to solve this problem.
The first is buying a new muffler. The second repair of the old one with the help of welding works.
oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor is another important vehicle component that affects engine performance. The oxygen sensor is one of the components that helps the engine control unit regulate the level of fuel supply and the amount of oxygen supplied to the engine.
Oxygen sensors are installed on both sides of the catalytic converter. Their task is to monitor the level of exhaust gases. If the sensor detects too much oxygen in the exhaust gases, the engine control unit automatically changes the fuel mixture (fuel + oxygen) in order to adjust the efficient operation of the engine.
A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can result in inaccurate data being sent to the engine control module, which will affect the quality of the fuel mixture entering the engine.
oiled radiator
Oil coolers are used for both engine oil cooling and transmission oil cooling. Most often, such oil coolers are used on cars that are constantly subjected to heavy stress on the power unit and gearbox.
For example, this component is used on most sports cars. Cooling the oil in the engine or transmission keeps the oil at a certain temperature, which keeps the oil pressure at roughly the same level.
Also, oil-cooled oil coolers are used in many heavy trucks.
Most often in trucks, such radiators are installed on the gearbox. Unfortunately, sooner or later, due to wear and tear, such radiators can start to leak. As a result, you will have to buy a new oil cooler.
Piston rings
If gray smoke with a bluish tint is observed from the exhaust pipe of a car, then a clear sign that engine oil has begun to enter the exhaust system. As a result, due to its combustion in the exhaust system, a similar color of exhaust smoke is obtained.
In this case, there is a high probability that the piston rings in the car engine are worn out. Normal piston rings should not allow engine oil to pass from the engine block, which allows you to keep the combustion chamber in a closed position from the external environment. Unfortunately, to replace the piston rings, an extensive engine repair is required, which is associated with the dismantling of the power unit from the machine. Naturally, this repair is very expensive, as it is associated with a complete disassembly of the motor.
power steering pump
If the steering wheel becomes heavy and difficult to turn, and under the hood you start to hear some incomprehensible howl or whistle, then most likely your car's power steering is out of order. There are two options for a malfunction of the power steering (GUR) of the steering wheel. Either the power steering pump has lost all the power steering fluid, or the power steering pump has worn out.
Power window buttons
Power window switches are a very simple electronic component in modern vehicles. But due to their heavy use and exposure to dust and debris, this window control box often fails.
Pressure meter
Pressure sensors are installed in various places in the engine compartment of most vehicles. These types of sensors are able to control the pressure of any liquids, from engine oil pressure to fuel pressure in the system.
The main thing in any car is the oil pressure in the engine. Therefore, if the icon on the dashboard lights up, indicating low oil pressure in the engine, you should stop immediately, as low oil pressure can seriously damage the vehicle's powertrain. The next step is to carry out a thorough diagnosis of the vehicle.
Air cooler
The air cooler is the main and main component of the engine cooling system in any car. Unfortunately, radiators (especially in modern cars) tend to get damaged often, causing coolant to leak.
Some car owners, having noticed an antifreeze leak from the radiator, sometimes purchase various chemicals that can fix radiator leaks.
However, this does not help for long and only for small leaks.
Later, due to the use of such substances, the radiator may be clogged.
It is best if the radiator is depressurized and leaking, buy a new radiator.
shock absorbers
The main task of shock absorbers in a car is to soften the blows on pits, potholes, potholes and any other bumps on the road. As the shock absorbers reach the end of their service life, the suspension springs take over the main task of cushioning the bumps on the road.
As a result, a car with faulty shock absorbers begins to bounce and sway strongly (especially during heavy braking).
How to check shock absorber wear? There is a simple test. Rock the front of your car and take a close look at its bumper. Then, after releasing the car, notice how many times the body of the car lowered and rose. If more than two times, then, most likely, the shock absorbers are very worn out.
Spark plug
Spark plugs are the source of ignition for a car engine. Earlier, we already told you about ignition coils, which generate electricity that is supplied to spark plugs. As a result, a large amount of voltage passes through the spark plugs.
All this is done so that the candles produce a high-quality spark to ignite the fuel.
All spark plugs naturally wear out over time. Also often, spark plugs can be damaged by bad fuel and engine oil in case of fluid leakage from the engine.
As a general rule, spark plugs need to be changed every 30,000-50,000 km, depending on how much the vehicle is used and the type of fuel used.
Starter (starting motor)
If nothing happens when you turn the key in the ignition switch or when you press the "engine start" button, then there is a high probability that the engine starter has failed.
The starter is a powerful electric motor that starts the internal combustion engine.
The starter is powered by a battery. In most cases, in all modern cars, starters are quite reliable and durable. Especially in those cars that have a stop / start system that allows you to automatically turn off the engine when the car stops.
But, unfortunately, as is often the case, the starter fails at the most inopportune moment. Fortunately, the cost of the starter is not too high. True, in many cars it is difficult to replace it, since it can be hidden under numerous engine attachments.
Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor is an important factor for the normal operation of the traction control system. This sensor allows the electronic traction control system to know in which direction the vehicle is moving.
When the steering wheel is turned in one direction, but the car moves in the other direction, this is determined electronically as a loss of traction (skidding). In this case, the stability and skid control system is automatically activated and the electronics manage to avoid skidding, as well as return control to the driver.
This is achieved by automatic engine speed reduction and automatic braking.
Sometimes the steering angle sensor fails. In most cases, a sensor failure warning will appear on the dashboard. Usually, the ABS warning light or traction control system malfunction warning icon will also come on in this case.
steering rack
As we have already said, handling problems can occur when the power steering is malfunctioning. But that's not all the steering problems a driver may face.
A common cause of poor steering can be a faulty steering rack. This component links your steering wheel to the mechanism that sends power to the front wheels.
Over time, the steering rack mechanism can wear out. In this case, the steering rack must be replaced. Remember that in the event of play in the steering wheel, as well as in the presence of other signs of a malfunctioning steering rack, we do not recommend ignoring wear symptoms and replacing the rack with a new one as soon as possible.
Stabilizer's pole
The stabilizer links are the link of your suspension. These components reduce body roll when your car is cornering. Also, the stabilizer bars prevent the machine from rocking, from side to side, when cornering.
temperature sensor
Any car has several temperature sensors. The sensor can be installed both in the engine and in the gearbox. The main task of the temperature sensor is to control the power unit and transmission in order to avoid overheating.
Like all other vehicle components, the temperature sensor can fail. If the engine temperature sensor on the instrument panel is faulty, the engine temperature needle remains in the blue zone even when the engine is warm. Also, sometimes the temperature needle may remain in the red zone when, for example, the engine is cold.
Remember that engine temperature control is very important. Since overheating of the motor can completely fail. Therefore, do not delay replacing a faulty engine temperature sensor.
Thermostat
The thermostat performs an important function in the engine compartment of a car. This component opens or restricts the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator.
This is necessary to help the engine warm up faster, but at the same time protect the power unit from overheating.
Thermostats have two positions - the thermostat is open, the thermostat is closed.
The purpose of a thermostat is simple. To warm up the engine in cold weather, the thermostat is in the closed position and the engine starts to warm up quickly. But as soon as the engine reaches operating temperature (the temperature arrow on the dashboard is in the middle), the thermostat automatically opens and the engine temperature setting stops.
There are two types of thermostat malfunction:
- The first malfunction - the thermostat is stuck in the closed position. In this case, the engine may quickly overheat.
- The second malfunction - the thermostat is stuck in the open position. In this position, the engine cannot warm up for a long time.
Pomp (water pump)
In the automotive industry, two types of water pumps are used - mechanical and electric. But regardless of the type of pump used in the car, the pump may fail.
For example, electric water pumps tend to fail unexpectedly and with no prior indications of failure. Mechanical pumps, as a rule, make themselves known in advance before they fail.
First of all, the bearing can wear out in the pump, as well as other mechanical components of the pump. As a rule, in this case, either a coolant leak or a hum from the pump can be observed.
As you already understood, the pump plays an important role in the engine compartment. This is a pump that is responsible for the circulation of antifreeze or antifreeze in the engine cooling system. Without this important component, the car's engine would constantly overheat.
Wheel speed sensor
The wheel speed sensor is critical to the proper functioning of the ABS system, as well as to the full operation of the traction control system.
Unfortunately, wheel speed sensors are located on the wheel bearings, as a result of which they are constantly exposed to dust, dirt and other corrosive substances, which can damage them. The only plus is that the sensors are not expensive and they are quite easy to replace.
Wiper motor
We all know the important role wiper blades play in cleaning the windshield of a car from dirt and water. We especially understand this when it is raining heavily outside.
The wiper blades are mounted on leashes that are driven by an electric motor. Unfortunately, like other electrical components, sometimes the wiper blade motor stops working.
If you're lucky, the engine will start making a lot of noise before it fails. Then you will be able to replace it in time and will not encounter situations when the wiper blades failed in your car during a downpour.
Of course, within the framework of this guide to automotive parts, we have not given many other important car components, due to the fact that modern cars are very complex technical devices that contain thousands of different components, which cannot be described in one article.
Here we have also listed the most frequently worn components of modern cars, the breakdowns of which are most often encountered by vehicle owners.
As you have already understood, this guide is, of course, created for those who do not understand anything about the design of cars, but, nevertheless, want to find out in a simple and accessible form what are the most important parts of the vehicle that allow the car to work.
A modern car is crammed with many lotions and upgrades.. In this article we will try to understand the insides of the car, namely, its device and design. Which parts are for comfort, which are necessary for driving, and which are for safety. Below is a list of components into which all devices and car body parts can be divided:
- The supporting structure of the vehicle.
- Transmission.
- Electrical equipment.
- Engine.
- Vehicle control system.
General information about the device of the car
Car carrier system
It is the skeleton of the car, to which all the details are subsequently attached. It is on it that the service life of the car depends, and it is on the carrier system that all the loads that the car is subjected to during movement fall. Hence the price ratio, if we determine the cost of all vehicles at 100%, then 50% will fall on this system. Conventionally, it can be divided into several types:
- Frame carrier system. The advantage of this system is the simplicity of both production and repair. In addition, the frame carrier system allows you to produce chassis, different modifications of the car.
- Body carrier system. This system allows you to reduce the weight of the car, lower the center of gravity, and therefore increase stability when driving. Of course, she also has a drawback - this is a rather poor isolation of noise from the outside.
- Frame-body system. Applies exclusively to buses. Consists of interconnected parts of the frame and body. It is quite simple to repair and manufacture.
Importance of transmission
The next element we will look at is the transmission. This is a power transmission that interconnects the engine with the driving wheels of the car. There are several types of transmission: mechanical (most common), electric, hydrostatic and combined. Using the example of a mechanical transmission, consider the operation of the various components that make up its composition:
- Clutch. The main task is the soft connection of the flywheel, the input shaft of the gearbox. The clutch consists of the following composite basket and clutch disc, as well as the release bearing.
- Transmission. It is designed to convert torque and further transfer it to the cardan shaft. The engine is reinforced by the secondary shaft. Among the gearboxes there is a division into a mechanical and automatic type.
- Cardan shaft (for vehicles with rear-wheel drive), transmitting torque from the secondary shaft to the final drive.
- The connection of the differential and the final drive is a so-called bridge, which transmits the power of the engine to the wheels through the axle shafts.
- Axle (drive shaft) - a metal rod with a clutch device with a differential and a CV joint.
- The constant velocity joint (CV joint) supplies rotational force to the drive wheels.
- The distributing mechanism distributes the forces of the engine to the drive wheels. This unit is used in a car with a 4 * 4 wheel arrangement.
Scheme of electrical equipment of the car - VAZ 2109
Vehicle electrical equipment
Next comes the electrical equipment, which is a set of electrical appliances and apparatus that ensure the normal operation of the engine. Electrical energy is needed to start the car, ignite the combustible mixture, lighting, signaling, additional equipment. The composition of electrical equipment includes sources and consumers of current. The sources of electrical equipment are:
- Generator - serves to convert the mechanical energy received from the engine into electrical energy;
- Voltage regulator - performs the function of a stabilizer, keeps the voltage at a constant level, which is generated by the generator with a changing frequency of rotation of the engine crankshaft;
- Rechargeable battery (accumulator) - is necessary for converting chemical energy into electrical energy.
Current consumers are:
- Starter - serves to ensure the rotation of the crankshaft with the frequency necessary to start the engine;
- Ignition system - in the course of its operation, it ignites the fuel in the cylinders in the order of the engine operating mode;
- The lighting system is an auxiliary service that ensures the operation of the car in low visibility conditions;
- Alarm system - serves to ensure the safety of the car.
The next thing we'll look at is the engine. It is a complex of mechanisms that convert the thermal energy of the fuel burning in its cylinders into mechanical energy. The engine is divided according to many parameters. First, by type of fuel: gasoline and diesel. Secondly, according to the ignition of the combustible mixture: from an electric spark and from compression. Thirdly, according to the number of cylinders: 2, 3, 4, 5, as well as 6 and 8 cylinders and multi-cylinders. Fourth, according to the location of the cylinders: in-line and V-shaped. The working process of engines consists of intake, compression, power stroke and exhaust strokes.
Mechanisms and engine systems
Distribute the following mechanisms and engine systems. The working process of the engine is mainly carried out due to the operation of the crank mechanism. The opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves of the engine is carried out by the gas distribution mechanism. The oil supply to the rubbing parts of the engine is produced by the lubrication system. Cooling of very hot engine parts occurs due to a special cooling system that removes heat. The power supply system prepares the combustible mixture for the engine and provides exhaust gases from the engine. The ignition of the combustible and working mixture in the engine cylinders occurs due to the ignition system.
Chassis operation
Chassis is a complex of devices, the interaction of which moves the car along the road. This includes the wheels, as well as the rear and front suspension. Through the wheels, the vehicle is connected to the road. The main tasks of the wheels are to move on the surface and change the direction of movement. Wheels are distinguished by the type of construction (disk, diskless, spoke) and by purpose (leading, steered, combined, supporting). The wheels of the car can be with deep rims or fittings that look like discs and spokes. These same rims are needed to install a pneumatic tire. It is due to the hub that the wheel is attached to the bridge and its ability to rotate. Due to the suspension, there is an elastic connection between the wheels and the carrier system. The suspension has two functions. The first is to increase the safety of the car, and the second is the smooth running of the car.
suspension types
Pendants are divided into the following types:
- Dependent suspension is when the wheels of one of the axles are interconnected with each other by means of a rigid beam. Therefore, when moving, they are interconnected.
- Independent suspension is when the wheels of one of the axles are not connected to each other, but are suspended independently of each other, and therefore the movement of any of the wheels does not cause the movement of the other. The common parts of all pendants are:
- Elements that provide elasticity;
- Elements that distribute the direction of force;
- Extinguishing element;
- Elements stabilizing lateral stability;
- Fasteners.
Suspension work
Let's consider them in more detail. The elements that provide elasticity between the bumps in the road and the car body are, so to speak, a buffer. This includes springs, springs, torsion bars. The stiffness of the springs is constant and variable. The springs visually represent several metal plates mutually interconnected, and they are also quite elastic in properties. Torsins externally look like a metal pipe, and rods are located inside.
Force Distribution Devices
Devices that distribute the direction of force, in turn, perform several tasks. First, attaching the suspension to the body of the car. Secondly, the transfer of force to the car body. Thirdly, the correct location of the wheels in relation to the body in the horizontal and vertical planes. The task of the damping element is to counteract the elements of elasticity, or to be more precise, to smooth out the elasticity. Stabilization devices of transverse elasticity distribute the lateral load of the car when changing the trajectory of movement. All components of the suspension are attached to the body base and to the supporting parts of the wheels.
Vehicle control system
The system itself is understood as a set of devices and mechanisms designed to change the speed of a car and change the direction of movement. Under the devices for changing the direction of movement, there is nothing more than the steering used for the normal control of the car. The speed change system, in turn, refers to the braking system, which is the main safety unit for the driver and passengers. The steering system includes:
- Steering wheel;
- A steering shaft with a cross, which on one side has pins for fixing the steering wheel, and on the other, pins for attaching to the steering column;
- Steering column, a device assembled in one housing, which includes a worm drive gear and a driven gear, steering rod, consisting of a tip and a pendulum.
Steering gear operation
Let us consider in more detail the steering mechanism in operation: during the rotation of the steering wheel, the rotation of the worm gear of the column increases, which, in turn, begins to rotate the driven gear, which drives the steering arm. It is attached to the middle steering rod, and the other end of the rod is connected to the pendulum arm. It is mounted on a support and has a rigid attachment to the car body. Side rods depart from the bipod with the pendulum. The tips are connected to the hub. The steering arm, when turned, sends force directly to the side rod and the middle arm. The middle lever, in turn, gives rise to the action of the second lateral thrust, as a result of which the hubs turn, and, consequently, the wheels along with them. The main task of the braking system is the ability to control the speed of the car.
Braking systems
There are three options for the braking system: working, parking, spare. The main unit of control of the car and keeping it safe is the service brake system. In order to avoid arbitrary movement of a car during a long parking on sections with a slope of the road, a parking brake (handbrake) is used. Relatively young is the spare brake system used for braking due to a malfunction of the service brake system. Due to the fact that the use of the handbrake while driving is excluded, the driver, using the lever of the spare system, easily blocks the wheels, and the vehicle stops.
The principle of operation of the brake system
This braking system may be a separate unit or part of the service braking system. The vehicle braking system is based on the effect of friction. It is due to friction between a moving and stationary part that a phenomenon such as braking occurs. Below we will consider directly the process of the brake. During the braking process, there is a friction effect between the brake pads and the brake disc or brake drum that is in motion. As a result, it has become customary to divide brake systems into disc and drum brakes. In our time, it has become accepted to use the result of the symbiosis of these braking systems, namely, their combination. Although, it may be different, it all depends on the decision of the designers.
Here, in principle, and all the main devices and designs of the car. Of course, you can still mention and remember a lot of little things and details, but it is the above-mentioned devices and structures that are the main ones in a car.
Even if you try very hard, it is difficult to imagine a modern reality without cars. By and large, they set the pace of our whole life. But among the drivers there are hardly many of those who, even at the level of "dummies", would understand their device.
Of course, you ask, why know what a car consists of, if, at almost every step, you can find service stations. They will fix any issue as soon as possible. You may not believe it, but even the most superficial knowledge of the structure of your car can help you save a lot of money on its maintenance. After all, there are also unscrupulous mechanics who are ready to repair non-existent breakdowns, just to earn extra money. And they thrive precisely because of the ignorance of the drivers, for whom any lie will come down to face value.
Therefore, whatever one may say, everyone who sits in the driver's seat needs to know what the car consists of. In driving schools, several hours are allocated to study this topic. But, it is unlikely that everyone is serious about mastering the subject. Usually, drivers already later, so to speak, in the process, come to the conclusion that they still need to study the structure of the car.
It seems that this topic is of interest to many. So, let's figure out what kind of "miracle of technology" takes us to work every day. Of course, we will not go deep into the jungle of physics and mechanics. This, of course, let the professionals do.
We will make for ourselves a general idea of \u200b\u200bthe systems, components and assemblies of the car, and also we will figure out what kind of force makes it move. Do you agree? Well, let's get started then. We will consider, by default, what a passenger car consists of. It is he who is in the possession of the bulk of drivers who are eager to know him, so to speak, from the inside.
The car consists
- from the body;
- running gear;
- transmissions;
- engine;
- power systems;
- cooling systems;
- electrical equipment;
- lubrication systems;
- control systems.
car body
The body is called the supporting part of the car. It is to the body that all the main components and assemblies are attached. Its design depends on the type and brand of the machine. But, basically, the body is a stamped bottom, to which, by welding, the front and rear spars, the engine compartment, and the roof are attached. And, also, various attachments (doors, fenders, hood, trunk lid, etc.).
Chassis
As the name implies, this group of units and mechanisms is responsible for the movement of the car. You yourself probably guessed that it includes wheels, suspension, front and rear axles. Depending on which drive the machine has, both the front and rear axles can be driving.
Transmission
And this group of mechanisms is the link between the engine and the chassis. Torque is transmitted from the motor shaft to the gearbox shaft. The clutch makes this transmission smooth. The gearbox changes the torque ratio and reduces the load on the engine. The cardan drive connects the gearbox to the drive axle or to the wheels of the vehicle. Thus, the energy obtained from the combustion of fuel and converted by the engine into torque causes the wheels to rotate.
Engine
Many people call the engine the heart of the car or its soul. Probably, if the machine were a living being, then it would be so. It is in the engine that gasoline burns. As a result of this combustion, energy is released, which is converted into torque. If you study everything that a car engine consists of, then a day will not be enough for us. Therefore, we will name only its main components. Namely: piston group, head, crank mechanism, shaft, flywheel, etc. Engines are divided depending on the number of cylinders and their location, as well as on the fuel injection system (injection and carburetor).
Listing what the car consists of, we can distinguish the main systems of mechanisms and auxiliary ones that ensure the smooth operation of the main ones. Above were named those without which the car will not go in any way. Now let's look at the so-called service (auxiliary) systems.
Supply system
Of course, the power supply system begins with a gas tank, where we refuel gasoline. The fuel pump pumps it into the carburetor (injector), which regulates the injection of fuel into the pistons, where it burns out.
Cooling system
To ensure that the engine does not overheat during its operation, its water cooling is provided. At the front of the car is a radiator into which water is poured. It circulates through pipes located around the engine and cools it.
electrical equipment
It needs a spark to start the engine. And it doesn't come from nowhere. Therefore, the car has a constant renewable source of electric current - the battery. This is what makes the engine start. But, in the course of work, the car can provide itself with energy for lighting, heating, glass cleaning, etc. using an alternator.
Lubrication system
You probably know that, periodically, in a car you need to change the oil or add it. Why is it needed? And everything is very simple. Engine oil reduces frictional resistance, thereby lowering temperatures and extending the life of vehicle parts. All mechanisms are designed to be constantly lubricated. That is why the lubrication system in a car is compared to the circulatory system in the human body.
Control system
And, of course, the "steel horse" needs to be managed somehow. To do this, it has a steering mechanism. And in order to restrain its impulses, the braking system is usually activated.
That's basically it. Our sightseeing tour has come to an end. If you need more detailed information, get ready for the fact that it will take quite a lot of time to master it. After all, a car is a complex system of mechanisms that is being improved and modernized every year. And it is in your own interests to be aware of what the car consists of, and what advanced technologies are being introduced in new models, even if it is overview. This will save you money as well as your safety. Yes, and such information is simply interesting, so to speak, for the general development and broadening of one's horizons.
Any passenger car is built on the basis of the body, and this is the largest part of the car, which performs many functions. The special body structure allows the car to withstand the stress of driving and absorb impact energy in the event of an accident. Also, this part of the machine serves as the base on which all functional parts and assemblies are mounted. Car manufacturers produce a wide variety of body styles, which makes each model unique in appearance. However, the same manufacturers adhere to the basic parameters in the manufacture, which characterize the type of body and its version.
Main types
Before you disassemble what the body of a car consists of, you need to highlight the main types of its execution. Passenger cars of mass production are produced in the following main types:
- sedan;
- hatchback;
- wagon.
There are other types, but these three are the main and most common.
The sedan body type is the most popular. The serial sedan has four doors for passengers, an engine compartment and a luggage compartment. This type of body is the most optimal for transporting passengers and small luggage.
A hatchback is a car with two doors for passengers, an engine compartment and a luggage compartment that is not separated from the passenger compartment. This type has restrictions on the transported cargo, and is also not very convenient for transporting passengers. However, this implementation has its advantages. Cars in this type of body have a lower weight and dimensions, which has a positive effect on its efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
Station wagon cars are designed for heavy loads. The luggage compartment of such cars is characterized by an increased volume, which does not prevent the interior from remaining in full size. The station wagon device makes it possible to further expand the luggage compartment by folding the rear passenger seats.
Material and manufacturing technology
The body of a modern passenger car is made of high-strength steel, which goes through several stages of processing. The small thickness of the metal used makes it possible to significantly reduce the overall weight of the machine, which has a positive effect on its dynamics and efficiency. Despite the small thickness of steel, the body structure is designed in such a way that it is both light and strong.
On most modern cars, body parts are fastened together by spot welding. This makes it possible to ensure the reliability of the connection of elements and to reduce the number of edges and sharp corners, which are most vulnerable to corrosion. In the future, the automotive industry will use laser welding of parts. This approach minimizes the presence of bulges and depressions at the seams, and the body structure will become simpler and more reliable.
General body structure
To figure out what the body of a car consists of, you should consider the main parts that are included in its device. For a simpler understanding, the device of the car body can be divided into three compartments. What is the body made of? The general layout of the parts is as follows:
- motor zone - designed to locate the power unit and additionally performs the function of passive vehicle safety;
- passenger part - needed to accommodate passengers and vehicle controls;
- luggage compartment - used for luggage;
Consider what each of these elements consists of in more detail.
The motor part consists of the following main parts:
- front upper and lower crossbars;
- front spars;
- lower cross member for engine location.
The scheme of the engine compartment is designed in such a way that in the event of a collision, the spars and the front beam take over the impact energy. Deforming, they reduce the load on the passenger compartment. This design increases the chances of the driver and passengers to protect themselves from injury in an accident.
The layout of the parts of the passenger compartment of a passenger car is as follows:
- lower front beam under the windshield;
- front and rear cross members of the roof;
- side roof spar;
- front, side and rear racks;
- thresholds;
- bottom;
- reinforcing structures of the bottom.
In other sources, the names of body parts may differ slightly, but this does not change the essence of the matter. The above diagram allows you to understand in general terms what the body consists of and what its structure is.
All parts of the passenger compartment of a passenger car have the necessary rigidity, which ensures reliable fastening of facing and functional parts. In addition, the design of the passenger part is made in such a way as to provide maximum passive protection in the event of side collisions.
The luggage compartment of a passenger car consists of a rear panel and fenders. The layout of this compartment is designed in such a way that its structure allows it to withstand the loads from useful luggage, as well as provide passive safety in the event of impacts to the rear of the car.
The structure of the car body depends on the model, manufacturer and other details. However, in most mass-produced cars, the arrangement of body parts is approximately the same. Only sports cars and prototypes of conceptually new models, produced in the amount of several units, have a sharp difference. The body of such machines may have a different design.
