Vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.)

Vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.)

Vehicle Systems

Engine System

  • The engine is the heart of any transport vehicle, providing the power needed to move.

  • Engines can be divided into two main types: internal combustion engines (used in most cars, motorcycles, and trucks) and electric engines (used in electric vehicles and hybrids).

  • An internal combustion engine operates by burning fuel (such as petrol or diesel) inside the engine’s cylinders, which then moves pistons, turning the vehicle’s wheels.

  • An electric engine, on the other hand, is powered by electricity stored in batteries.

  • Knowledge of engine maintenance and possible malfunctions is crucial in vehicle system studies.

Transmission System

  • The transmission system is responsible for transferring the engine’s power to the vehicle’s wheels.

  • It includes the clutch, the gearbox, the differential and the drive shafts.

  • It can be categorised into two types: manual (which requires the driver to change gears manually) and automatic (the vehicle changes gears automatically depending on speed and engine load).

Electrical System

  • The electrical system of a vehicle includes the battery, alternator, and starter.

  • The battery provides the electrical energy needed to start the vehicle.

  • The alternator, driven by a belt connected to the engine, then recharges the battery while the vehicle is running.

  • Electrical systems also include all the vehicle’s lights, the ignition system, the cooling fans, and much more.

  • Vehicles also contain a range of sensors and control units, forming part of the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.

Brake System

  • The brake system of a vehicle is critical for safety, allowing the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle.

  • Key components include the brake pedal, the brake booster, the master cylinder, the brake lines and hoses, and the brake calliper and pads.

  • Types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes.

  • Advanced vehicles may also have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Remember to keep a broad understanding of how these systems interact and complement each other for the efficient running of a vehicle.