Vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.)
Vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.)
Vehicle Systems
Engine System
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The engine is the heart of any transport vehicle, providing the power needed to move.
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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).
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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.
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An electric engine, on the other hand, is powered by electricity stored in batteries.
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Knowledge of engine maintenance and possible malfunctions is crucial in vehicle system studies.
Transmission System
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The transmission system is responsible for transferring the engine’s power to the vehicle’s wheels.
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It includes the clutch, the gearbox, the differential and the drive shafts.
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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
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The electrical system of a vehicle includes the battery, alternator, and starter.
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The battery provides the electrical energy needed to start the vehicle.
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The alternator, driven by a belt connected to the engine, then recharges the battery while the vehicle is running.
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Electrical systems also include all the vehicle’s lights, the ignition system, the cooling fans, and much more.
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Vehicles also contain a range of sensors and control units, forming part of the vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.
Brake System
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The brake system of a vehicle is critical for safety, allowing the driver to slow down or stop the vehicle.
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Key components include the brake pedal, the brake booster, the master cylinder, the brake lines and hoses, and the brake calliper and pads.
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Types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes.
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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.