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Being a responsible car owner means staying proactive with maintenance. While understanding all the key mechanical parts of a car can feel overwhelming, it’s essential for making informed repair decisions.
Most importantly, you should know which car parts pose safety risks if they malfunction and which ones are relatively inexpensive to maintain.
- Cylinder Block and Pistons: The cylinder block forms the engine's foundation, housing cylinders where combustion occurs. Pistons convert combustion energy into motion, driving the vehicle.
- Crankshaft and Camshaft: The crankshaft converts piston motion into rotational energy, while the camshaft ensures precise valve timing for smooth combustion and propulsion.
- Intake and Exhaust Manifolds: Acting as the car’s lungs, the intake manifold supplies oxygen for combustion, and the exhaust manifold expels gases. These are absent in electric vehicles.
- Manual Gearboxes: Require the driver to manually engage gears using a clutch, offering precise control based on driving conditions.
- Automatic Gearboxes: Shift gears automatically via a torque converter, simplifying driving with smooth transitions.
- CVTs: Use pulleys and belts for seamless gear changes, optimizing fuel efficiency and adapting to driving conditions dynamically.
- Differential and Driveshaft: The driveshaft transfers power from transmission to wheels, while the differential distributes it evenly for smooth turns.
- Clutch and Torque Converter: The clutch manages gear engagement in manuals, while the torque converter ensures smooth power transfer in automatics.
- Fuel Injection System: Delivers precise fuel amounts to cylinders, replacing carburettors for improved efficiency, performance, and lower emissions.
- Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils: Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mix, while ignition coils amplify voltage, ensuring quick and efficient combustion.
- Throttle Body and Air Intake System: Manage airflow into the engine, enhancing power, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.
- Radiator and Cooling Fans: Prevent engine overheating by dissipating heat and enhancing airflow.
- Water Pump and Hoses: Circulate coolant to regulate engine temperature.
- EV Battery Cooler System: Keeps electric vehicle batteries and motors at optimal temperatures, preserving longevity and efficiency.
- Oil Pump and Oil Filter: Maintain lubrication and filter impurities to extend engine life.
- Battery: Provides initial energy to start the engine and power electrical functions; needs replacement if faulty.
- Alternator: Converts engine motion into electrical energy to recharge the battery, power components, and regulate voltage.
- Starter Motor and Solenoid: Work together to start the engine by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion.
- Wiring Harness and Fuses: Distribute electricity and protect against overloads, ensuring safe and efficient power flow.
- Shock Absorbers and Struts: Absorb shocks and provide stability, enhancing ride comfort and managing vertical wheel movement.
- Control Arms and Bushings: Connect suspension to the frame, absorb road impacts, and maintain tyre alignment for smooth handling.
- Power Steering Pump and Rack: Work together to deliver responsive and effortless steering for precise manoeuvrability.
- Brake Pads: Press against rotors to create friction for deceleration, ensuring reliable braking but prone to wear over time.
- Brake Callipers: Clamp brake pads onto rotors with hydraulic pressure, providing precise and responsive braking.
- Catalytic Converter: Converts harmful gases into less harmful substances, reducing emissions for cleaner air.
- Muffler and Resonator: Reduce and fine-tune noise, enhancing driving comfort and adaptability.
- Oxygen Sensors: Monitor exhaust oxygen levels, ensuring efficient fuel injection and reduced emissions.
- Seats & Belts: Seats offer comfort and support; belts ensure safety with features like pretensioners.
- Dashboard & Steering: Dashboard displays key info; steering integrates power assist and controls for indicators, wipers, and multimedia.
- Features & Controls on Doors: Include electric window controls, door locks, mirror adjustments, keyless entry, and power-operated doors, enhancing convenience and safety.
Types of tyres and their functions
Type of tyre | Function |
Summer tyres | Crafted for warm weather, and excelling in both dry and wet conditions with optimal grip and precise handling. |
Winter tyres | Engineered for cold climates, featuring specialised treads for improved traction on snow and ice-covered roads. |
All-season tyres | Versatile performers suitable for various conditions, balancing traction and durability in both wet and dry weather. |
Performance tyres | Designed for sportier driving, prioritising handling, grip, and responsiveness at higher speeds. |
Off-Road tyres | Built for challenging terrains, featuring rugged treads and reinforced sidewalls for enhanced traction and durability. |
Run-flat tyres | Equipped with reinforced sidewalls, enabling drivers to continue at reduced speeds for a limited distance even after a puncture. |
Touring tyres | Focused on a smooth and comfortable ride, ideal for long-distance journeys with low road noise and good handling. |
- One-Piece Construction: Made from a single piece of alloy or steel, common for both types of wheels.
- Two-Piece Construction: Consists of a center and outer rim, often found in performance or custom wheels.
- Three-Piece Construction: Composed of three separate pieces, allowing for customization, popular in the aftermarket scene.
- Forged Construction: Made from solid metal under high pressure, offering strength and lightness, typically used in high-performance applications.
- Multi-Piece Construction: Includes multiple components for size and customization flexibility.
Material Choices:
- Alloy Wheels: Lightweight, typically made from aluminium or magnesium, providing better heat dissipation and improved appearance.
- Steel Wheels: Heavier and more durable, ideal for rugged conditions, and cost-effective.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Continuously monitors tyre pressure and issues warnings when pressure deviates, promoting safety, fuel efficiency, and extending tyre lifespan.
- What parts are under a car?
Key components include the engine, transmission, suspension, exhaust system, and fuel system, all working together for optimal vehicle performance.
- How many car parts are on a car?
Modern vehicles have over 30,000 parts, with EVs having fewer due to simpler engines.
- What are the important parts of a vehicle?
Critical parts include the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and electrical systems, essential for safety and functionality.
- What parts of a car can be sold separately?
Engine, transmission, body parts, and electrical components can be sold individually for repairs or upgrades.
- Why is there a shortage of car parts?
Shortages can result from supply chain disruptions, high demand, manufacturing issues, or global events impacting production and distribution.
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