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3 Complete the advice to motorists with the verbs from the box. Some verbs can be used more than
once.
1 2 3 4
screwdriver
5 6 7 8
6 Study the language box. Then complete each sentence with a pair of verbs or a single verb.
You can inflate a tyre using a foot pump.
by using
by means of
adjust, check / attach, clean / brush, loosen, measure / look, put / use, raise, tighten / use J7276
PEARSON Technical English
1 You tighten the wheel nuts using a box spanner. Automotive Industries
aw_01_01
Word List
7 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS NOUN PHRASES
ADJECTIVE
specialist
PHRASE
in contact with
5 6 7 8
a) In drilling, a hole is made in a material by a rotating e) In filing, a file is moved forwards and backwards
drill. The rotating drill is lowered onto the material across a material. The teeth of the file make the
under pressure. As chips of metal are cut away by the material smooth.
drill, these are removed from the hole.
f) In grinding, a rough wheel without teeth is rotated
b) In planing, the cutting tool is at 90o to the material. The and the material is pushed against it. In this way,
tool moves in a straight line. In some planing machines, the right amount of material is carefully removed.
the tool moves forwards and backwards. In other Grinding is a finishing treatment that is usually
J7276
machines, the material moves and the cutting tool stays carried out at the end. PEARSON Technical English
still. Automotive Industries
g) In chiselling, the chisel is driven into the face of the
aw_02_01
c) In milling, the material is shaped by a rotating cutter. material by repeated blows. Chiselling is used to cut
The teeth of the cutter cut away pieces from the pieces out of a material in straight lines. The blade of
material. Usually, the milling machine stays still, while the chisel can be flat, rounded or triangular.
the material is pushed against it.
h) In turning, the material is fixed in a machine called
d) In broaching, a hole is cut through a material. The hole is a lathe and rotated. A cutting tool is placed against
made by pushing or pulling the broach through the hole. the rotating material and cuts it. This is a way of
The teeth at one end of the broach are wider than at the reducing the diameter of a cylinder by cutting away
other end. First, the smaller teeth make the cut. Then the material from the outside.
larger teeth make the finished hole the right size.
3 Write sentences about changes to the duty roster in a car parts factory.
8.00 – 12.00 12.30 – 16.00
BERNARD plane flat workpieces chisel screw-heads
mill brake disks file brake drums
PEDRO turn bolts turn drive shafts
plane gear wheels chisel nuts
MICHAEL grind exhaust pipes grind valves
turn crankshafts turn connecting rods
WAYNE file engine blocks drill engine blocks
turn pistons grind gear wheels
1 Bernard usually planes flat workpieces in the morning and chisels screw-heads in
the afternoon. But today he’s milling brake disks in the morning and filing brake
drums in the afternoon.
2 Pedro
.
3
.
4
.
4 Read the three job adverts and part of Kurt’s CV. Choose the best job for him. Circle A, B or C.
A B C
MAXIMA PARTS L&M COMPONENTS KC METALS
Vacant positions for operators at Immediate vacancy for Milling Manufacturer of industrial kitchens
expanding supplier to the automotive Machine Operator to work in growing requires experienced Metalworker
industry. Duties include all types of company supplying components to the for immediate start. Responsibilities
machining and some welding. Must oilfield industry. Duties include setting include reading technical drawings,
have qualification and experience up, operating and maintaining machine broaching, cutting, sawing, welding
in setting up and operating welding tools. Must have HNC in Mechanical and polishing. Must have ONC in
robots. ONC in Mechanical Engineering or similar. Should have Sheet Metalwork or equivalent. Must
Engineering (minimum) required. post-qualification experience of basic be skilled in basic welding.
drilling and milling.
From 2004 until 2006, I (1) worked at A&E Gearboxes as a full-time machinist. I (2) the
company in 2006 and (3) a full-time student. From 2006 to 2007, I (4) Mechanical
Engineering at Glasgow Polytechnic. In 2007 I (5) my HNC in Mechanical Engineering.
Then in August 2007 I (6) work as a Milling Machine Operator at Clyde Outboard Motors.
Unfortunately, six months later the company (7) out of business. That is the reason why I
(8) for employment and am able to start work immediately. I (9) my CV, which
(10) full details of my training, qualifications and work experience.
5 Complete Kurt’s CV in 4 with verbs from the box in the correct form.
award / become / enclose / give / go / leave / look / start / study / work
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS gear wheel
blow post-qualification
experience
broaching
screw-head
chip
VERBS
chiselling
broach
crankshaft
chisel
drilling
drill
filing
file
grinding
go out of business
lathe
grind
milling
maintain
piston
mill
planing
set up
polishing
turn
sawing
ADJECTIVES
turning
equivalent
vacancy
expanding
welding
rotating
NOUN PHRASES
rough
connecting rod
smooth
drive shaft
vacant
engine block
exhaust pipe
D E F
load
4.6 m 5m
drawbar
150 mm 150 mm
length
2.5 m 4.9 m
25 m
1 The distance from the point of articulation at the front of a semitrailer to the furthest projection must
be inside a radius of 1.9 m.
2 The distance between the coupling pivot point on the drawbar of a dog trailer, and the centre of the
front single axle of the trailer, must not be over 5 m.
3 A load on a vehicle must not project more than 1.2 m in front of a vehicle.
4 The distance from the point of articulation at the front of the trailer to a) the rear overhang line must J7276
not be over 9.5 m, and to b) the rear of the trailer must not be over 12.3 m. PEARSON Technical English
Automotive Industries
5 On a trailer carrying cars on more than one deck, the distance between the rear overhang lineaw_03_01
and
the rear of the rearmost car on the trailer must not exceed 4.9 m. A vehicle that is built to carry cars on
two or more decks must not be over 4.6 m high when laden.
6 A vehicle must not be more than 2.5 m wide. A load on a vehicle must not project more than 150 mm
from the outermost part of either side of the vehicle.
2 Check the survey summary about owner satisfaction. Which of the three SuperMini cars has the
best owners’ comments?
3 Complete the dialogue about the cars in 2 using the words in brackets.
A: I’m thinking of buying a Ransom because it’s (1 cheap) the cheapest car of these three.
B: Don’t! It’s (2 bad) of the three cars! Its petrol engine is (3 noisy) of
the three. It has the (4 little) space in the front and the rear. And it’s much
(5 comfortable) to drive than the other two.
A: But I drove a Ransom a few days ago, one with a petrol engine. Its performance is (6 good)
than the Winton’s.
B: But it’s still not very fast and it’s (7 economical) than the Seden. Have a look at
the Seden. I think it’s (8 good) SuperMini on the market. It’s got the (9 much)
space in the front and rear seats. The build quality is (10 high) than
the other ones. And the owners in the survey say it’s (11 reliable) of the three.
A: I’ve never driven a Seden.
B: Then book a test drive! I think you’ll find the ride (12 comfortable) than in the
Ransom. And it’s not much (13 expensive) .
5 Read the text in 4 again. Mark these sentences true (T) or false (F).
1 A petrol engine is lighter than a diesel engine of the same size.
2 A petrol engine runs further on a litre of fuel than a diesel engine of the same size.
3 Petrol burns more easily than diesel oil.
4 It is more expensive to manufacture a petrol engine than a diesel engine.
5 A petrol engine produces more power than a diesel engine of the same size.
6 Heavier engines produce more power than lighter engines.
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS NOUN PHRASES
SUPERLATIVES VERBS
furthest generate
outermost project
rearmost
1 Read the article. Write the correct headings above each section.
Bus manufacture
1 Bus chassis
The bottom part of the bus is manufactured outside the factory. It includes the chassis, the wheels, the engine, and
the driveline and differential, which turn the rear wheels. It is delivered to the bus factory by a driver, who sits in the
open on a temporary seat bolted to the chassis.
2
differential
Steel coils are delivered to the factory. These are lengths of
sheet steel wound onto a hollow core. From the delivery area chassis
they are taken to the panel-pressing part of the factory. engine driveline
steel coils
3
The steel coils are unrolled in the panel-pressing shop. They are cut and pressed into body panels. (1) Then
some of the body panels are welded together.
4
The frame of the bus is welded together by robots on the body assembly line. Sheets are welded together to make
the sides. Ribs are welded to the base to support the roof. The front and rear ends of the bus are also assembled.
(2) , the complete roof is lowered onto the body and welded and riveted into place.
(3) , the body is known as a ‘body in white’.
5 P
(4) painting, it is important to ensure that the body is clean, dry and dust-free. So the body is sanded,
then washed, then cleaned. In the paint-shop, the body is spray-painted by robots. The roof is painted white to reflect
the heat of the sun. The painted body is (5) moved on two trolleys into the bake oven, where the paint
is dried at a temperature of 110o C. (6) , the body is an empty, painted shell, dry to the touch.
J7276
PEARSON Technical English
6 Automotive Industries
aw_04_01a
(7) painting and baking, the body moves to the trim line. Here the floor covering is installed,
the windows are put in, and the lighting is installed. Insulation is added to keep the bus warm in winter.
(8) it is on the trim line, the floor level is raised. This makes it easier for workers to install high-level
fittings. (9) , the floor is lowered again and the seats are bolted to it. Seats make it difficult to move
around the interior. For this reason, they are installed (10) .
7
(11) , the bottom part of the bus, which was kept in the delivery area, is brought to the final
assembly line. Here the body of the bus is lowered onto the chassis. Joints are sealed, and all the electrical and heating
systems are connected up. The windscreen is installed (12) . From here, the bus is driven off the
final assembly line. All the electrical, heating, lighting and safety systems are tested. (13) , the bus is
test driven on the highway.
3 Complete the text in 1 with the linking words from the box.
At the same time / While / at this point / After / Before / Last of all / Finally / Finally /
Lastly / Then / next / At the end of this process / At the end of this stage
5 Read the web page. In what ways is the airside bus different from a normal bus? Use your notebook.
Example: It is longer …
Word List
7 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS VERBS
base assemble
cockpit board
coil bolt
core ensure
differential install
driveline minimise
insulation reflect
interior rivet
ramp sand
rib seal
shell support
trolley unroll
indicator board
infant pushchair
paint shop
panel pressing
terminal building
trim line
1 Read the text and label the diagram with the words in bold.
10
1
steering shaft
coupling
9 2
7 track rod
6 4 ball joint
5
8
5
2 Write sentences from the table that describe the diagram in 1. You can use more than one adjective
in a sentence.
Example: A steering column is a long round shaft that is rotated by the steering wheel.
3 Complete the text with words and phrases from the diagrams. Some are used more than once.
Power assisted steering (PAS)
The (1) PAS pump supplies (2) to a (3) . Movement from the
steering column operates this (4) . When the steering is in a straight-ahead position
(Figure 1), the (5) is in the neutral position. (6) then flows through the
two (7) to each side of the (8) in the (9) .
When the car is turning, the steering column moves the (10) (Figure 2) and closes
one of the two (11) in the control valve. (12) flows out through the
other (13) , passes to one side of the (14) and pushes it along the
(15) .
Figure 1 PAS pump Figure 2 PAS pump
oil oil
port port
control valve control valve
port port
4 Complete each sentence with the most suitable ‘type’ noun from the box.
device / generator / handbook / instrument / machine / person / system / system / tool / vehicle
5 Combine each pair of sentences in 4 into a single sentence in the form of a definition. Use which,
who or that. Use your notebook.
Example: 1 An HGV is a (heavy goods) vehicle that is used to transport goods.
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS VERBS
alternator disengage
crankshaft engage
impact link
maintenance propel
manual ADJECTIVES
pinion independent
rack sealed
autobody technician
PAS pump
rack-and-pinion steering
safety coupling
steering column
suspension arm
track rod
universal joint
1 Match the safety principles with the check questions. Then complete the questions with
‘Is there … ? / Are there …?’
Safety principle Check questions
V Ventilation a) Are there any flammable substances in unsuitable containers?
d lidded containers that can help to prevent spillages from
spreading?
I Ignition b) flammable substances in the workshop? Are they
stored and used well away from other storage areas and other areas of use?
C Containment c) anything that can set fire to liquids or gases? Sparks
from welding and cutting tools, and open flames are all possible causes of
ignition.
E Exchange or d) plenty of fresh air where flammable liquids or gases
Elimination are stored or used? Good ventilation disperses vapours from spillages, leaks
and processes.
S Separation e) a less flammable substance that can be used? Can you
carry out the process without using any flammable substances?
2 Study the pictures. Add ‘Do’ or ‘Don’t’ to the list of safety procedures for petrol handling.
7 use containers large enough to hold the contents of the fuel tank.
8 use any electrical equipment while draining fuel. This includes inspection lamps
and phones.
9 use fuel containers unless they are marked with hazard labels.
10 work on a fuel tank until all the fuel is removed.
11 add drained fuel to the waste-oil tank.
12 If you need to transfer fuel back to the vehicle, follow the same safety procedures.
5 Complete the advice sheet for laying up a car. Use should and the passive, with or without not.
Up to three months
The following procedures should be carried out:
1 The insides of the wheel arches should be sprayed with water to remove mud. The car
to dry before putting it away.
2 The battery and the battery terminals .
3 The battery every four to six weeks.
4 The wiper blades to rest on the front or rear screens.
5 The windscreen washer bottle .
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS NOUN PHRASES
hazard VERBS
ignition build up
leak disconnect
separation disperse
spark lubricate
spillage slacken
substance spray
vapour spread
ventilation transfer
trickle-charge
ADJECTIVES
dust-free
flammable
lidded
suitable
1 Study the language box. Then rephrase the diagnoses for the warning lights on the dashboard,
using this language.
Diagnosing a problem
Present possibility The petrol pump may / could / might be broken.
The engine may / could / might be overheating.
Present certainty The level in the screen washer reservoir must be running low.
Past possibility The alternator may / could / might have failed.
Past certainty Water must have got into the fuel filter. (diesel engine only)
1 Oil pressure
If the light comes on during a journey, it’s possible that the oil level is too low.
Example: If the light comes on during a journey, the oil level might be too low.
2 Coolant temperature
If the light comes on during a journey, it’s possible that the coolant temperature is too high or the
coolant level is too low. If the coolant level is satisfactory, the radiator fan has probably failed.
3 Battery charge
If the light comes on during a journey, there is definitely a fault with the charging system. Perhaps the
battery terminals are slack, or the alternator drive belt is loose or broken. It’s also possible that the
alternator has failed.
4 Brake system
If the light stays on after releasing the handbrake, the brake fluid level is probably too low.
5 Brake wear monitor
If the brake wear monitor lights come on, the front brake pads have definitely reached their maximum
wear level. It’s possible that the rear brake pads have also reached their maximum wear level.
6 ABS (anti-locking brake system)
If the warning light comes on when driving, there is possibly a malfunction with the system. If the ABS
warning light comes on together with the brake system warning light, it’s certain that both systems are
defective.
2 Match these pictures with the problems in 1. Write the number of the problem next to the picture.
Some sections are matched with more than one picture.
A
5 B C
D E F
3 Suggest solutions for the problems in 1. Use these phrases: Try (doing) … / Why don’t you (do) … ?
/ You could/should do … .
Example: Try switching off the engine and checking the oil level.
1 Switch off the engine and check the oil level (try).
2 First, check the coolant level (why). If the coolant level is correct, check the radiator fan fuse and
renew if necessary (could).
3 First, switch off the engine. Then check the battery terminals and alternator drive belt (could).
4 Check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary (why). If the brake fluid level is correct, take the
vehicle to a garage for checking (could).
5 Take the vehicle to a garage (why). Ask the garage to check the rear brake pads at the same time
(could).
6 Take the vehicle to a garage as soon as possible (should).
4 Rewrite the check list as a list of work done, using the past passive.
1 Top up oil level. The oil level was topped up.
2 Renew radiator fan fuse.
3 Tighten battery terminals.
4 Replace alternator drive belt.
5 Reset engine management system (EMS).
6 Top up brake fluid level.
7 Replace front brake pads.
8 Check rear brake pads.
5 Make suggestions for starting a car with a flat battery in these situations. Use the language in 3 and
the phrase in brackets. Use your notebooks.
Example: Try freewheeling down the hill.
1 The driver is alone in a car at the top of a hill. (freewheel downhill)
2 The driver is with two passengers on a flat road. (passengers / push-start the car)
3 The driver is alone in her car, and there is another driver with his car. (tow-start the car)
4 The driver is alone in her car, and there is another driver with his car. (use jump leads)
5 The car with the flat battery has an automatic gearbox. (use jump leads)
6 The battery is old and doesn’t work. (buy a new one)
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS
coolant
dashboard
fuse
malfunction
reservoir
NOUN PHRASES
automatic gearbox
brake pad
jump lead
VERBS
freewheel
overheat
push-start
release
renew
tow-start
ADJECTIVES
defective
monitor
1 Read the text. Label the diagrams of brake systems with the words in bold.
2 10
1 3
7 5
Mechanical parking brake system
6
Most light vehicles have a hydraulic brake operating system. In this system, the disk brakes on the front wheels and
the drum brakes on the rear wheels are operated by a single-line hydraulic layout. Each of the brakes is supplied
with brake fluid from a master cylinder. The pressure of the fluid in the master cylinder is controlled by the driver
by means of the footbrake. There is a brake fluid reservoir above it which holds an extra supply of brake fluid. When
the pedal is depressed, this forces fluid along the pipes to the four brakes and applies them. Greater pressure on the
J7276
footbrake increases the operating pressure in the brakes. PEARSON Technical English
Automotive Industries
Regulations require that a separate mechanical parking brake (handbrake) must be provided which operates on
aw_08_01a
at least two wheels of the vehicle. This holds the vehicle stationary while it is left unattended. The parking brake
can also function as a handbrake if there is a major failure with the main braking system. Normally, the handbrake
operates on the rear drum brakes and is linked to them via a cable. The handbrake mechanism is operated by a lever,
which is held in the ‘on’ position by a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
3 Complete the descriptions of drum brakes and disk brakes with words from the diagrams.
Drum brakes consist of two (1) shoes , which are fixed to a (2) , which is fixed to
an (3) . (4) are riveted to the outer faces of each shoe. When the brake
pedal is operated, this increases the hydraulic pressure in the (5) to the hydraulic cylinder and
forces the two (6) into contact with a rotating (7) , which is fixed to the
wheel hub by the wheel nuts. When the wheel rotates freely, the brake drum rotates with it, but the brake shoes do
not move. The inner surface of the drum is ground smooth, so that the shoe linings can rub against it. This can cause
overheating, which reduces friction, and can cause the drum brakes to fade and lose braking efficiency. Drum brakes
are fitted to the rear wheels of many vehicles.
Disk brakes consist of an exposed (8) disk , which is bolted to the wheel hub and which rotates
between two (9) . When the brake pedal is operated, this increases the hydraulic pressure in
the (10) and forces the two (11) into contact with the rotating brake
(12) . An (13) ensures that the two (14) force the
friction pads onto the rotating disk at the same time. Friction between the pads and the disks slows the rotation of
the disk. The surface of the disk is exposed to the air, which cools the disk while the car is moving. Disk brakes are
fitted to the front wheels of most vehicles, as most of the braking power is required there.
back-plate
shoes
pistons
axle tube
interconnecting
pipe
supply pipe
drum
supply pipe from
friction pads master cylinder
Word List
5 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS VERBS
cable depress
disk expose
drum fade
footbrake rivet
friction ADJECTIVES
handbrake exposed
lining hydraulic
reservoir interconnecting
shoe mechanical
axle tube
back plate
brake fluid
disk brake
drum brake
friction pad
wheel hub
1 Complete the description of a parking distance warning system with words or phrases from the box.
2 Complete the description of a cruise control system with words or phrases from the box.
less than / more than / more than / the desired speed – SET
B A
3 Write about the systems in 1 and 2. Replace the phrases in italics, using the words in brackets.
1 The parking distance warning system calculates the distance of the obstacle. (how / far)
Example: 1 The parking distance warning system calculates how far away the obstacle is.
2 You can tell your distance from the obstacle by listening to the speed of the audible warning signal.
(how / far / how fast)
3 The functioning of the system depends on the driver’s speed of reversing. (how / fast / driver)
4 The functioning of the reversing sensors depends on their cleanliness. (how / clean)
5 The functioning of the cruise control system depends on your driving speed. (how / fast / drive)
6 The cruise control system measures the time that you are driving at a speed of more than 10 kph over
the stored speed. (how / long)
7 You can decide the manner of your deceleration by pressing or holding the rocker switch. (how /
decelerate)
1 A 4-cylinder petrol-engine car is in the garage for its 120,000 km service. Should the camshaft drive
belt be checked or replaced?
2 A car is two years old and has done 57,000 km. Should it be serviced now? If so, what work should be
carried out?
3 An automatic car has done 120,000 km. What work should be done at this service that is not done for
manual cars?
4 A diesel car has done 120,000 km. What extra work should be done at this service that is not done for
petrol cars?
5 A manual car with a 4-cylinder petrol engine has done 180,000 km. What parts should be replaced?
5 Complete the advice checklist with the expressions in the box. Some alternatives are possible.
as necessary / at recommended service intervals / before any long journey / every fortnight /
fortnightly / once a year / over time / regularly
1 Tyres: Check the tyre pressures at least fortnightly using a garage air line.
2 Engine oil: Check the dipstick at least and .
3 Engine oil: Have the oil and filter changed .
4 Water: Check the coolant level and top up .
5 Windscreen wipers: Wiper blades become worn . Replace them at
least .
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS ADJECTIVES
bumper audible
coolant constant
deceleration continuous
element ADVERBS
gearbox briefly
housing gradually
memory promptly
obstacle
NOUN PHRASES
rocker switch
tensioner roller
warning sensor
VERBS
approach
deactivate
depend
ensure
maintain
recommend
reset
1 Read the descriptions of the electrical components and complete the table.
Conductors
A component which allows the flow of an electrical current through it is called a conductor. A conductor can be a
wire or a bar. Some materials have properties that allow electricity to pass very freely through them. These materials
are said to be ‘good conductors’ with ‘low resistance’. Examples of good conductors are: copper, platinum, gold
and silver.
Several factors affect the resistance of a conductor, for example. the material, length and temperature of the
conductor. Some conductors become more resistant as the temperature rises; other conductors become less resistant
as the temperature rises.
Insulators
A component which resists the flow of an electrical current through it is called an insulator. Good insulating materials
include glass, plastic, rubber and porcelain.
Electrical cables are covered in an insulation material, like PVC or rubber. The current runs along the wire inside the
cable.
Semiconductors
A component that allows some electricity to flow through it, but which offers some resistance, is called a
semiconductor. Semiconductors are materials which have a resistance value higher than a good conductor, but lower
than an insulator.
Silicon and germanium are two materials used in semiconductors. By themselves, they do not conduct electricity,
but when mixed with other materials they do.
The resistance of semiconductors can change when the temperature rises or falls, or when exposed to light. An
example of a semiconductor is the temperature sensor. When the temperature rises, this affects the electrical current
in a circuit, and indicates a change in temperature.
3 Complete the text with words or phrases from the box and the diagrams.
blade connectors / blown fuse / conductor / current / fuses / higher / lower / overheat /
plastic housing / resistance / signals
conductor blown fuse
plastic
housing
blade
connectors
Wire: Some wires in a car carry very little (1) current . They carry (2) from
switches and sensors. Other wires carry a lot of current, for example, to power the starter motor. Each
type of wire has a certain amount of (3) per metre. The longer the wire, the
(4) the resistance. Automotive wire is made from strands of copper. The finer the
strands, the (5) the resistance.
Fuses: If too much current goes through a wire, it can (6) and melt. Then the wire has
to be replaced, which is a difficult job. To prevent this from happening, (7) are included
in an electrical circuit. Automotive fuses have two (8) which complete the circuit. Inside
the (9) is the (10) , which carries the current. The conductor has a lower
melting point than the wire of the circuit. If the wire carries too much current, the heat of the current
melts the conductor and ‘blows’ the fuse. A (11) must be replaced with a good one. Then
the electrical circuit will work again.
4 Replace the word(s) in italics with the word(s) in brackets. Make any necessary changes in J7276
punctuation and word order. Use your notebook. PEARSON Technical English
Automotive Industries
Example: 1 The driver left the headlights on, so the car had a flat battery. aw_10_01
1 The car had a flat battery because the driver left the headlights on. (so)
2 The driver tried the starter motor again and again, and as a result the battery became flat. (since)
3 Since the driver didn’t have a spare fuse, he couldn’t replace the blown fuse. (therefore)
4 The wrong fuse was used and therefore the wire in the circuit melted. (since)
5 The mechanic couldn’t repair the car as he didn’t have a wiring diagram for it. (and as a result)
6 The current in the circuit was too high and as a result the fuse blew. (because)
7 The rear windscreen heater was broken, so the driver couldn’t see out of the rear window. (as)
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS ADJECTIVES
conductor durable
copper fade-resistant
fuse fine
germanium impact-resistant
gold shock-absorbant
housing skid-resistant
insulator VERBS
platinum affect
semiconductor melt
silicon overheat
silver power
strand
NOUN PHRASE
blade connector
leaf-type spring
resistance value
temperature sensor
D E F
1 In a roller bearing, the wheel hub doesn’t 4 In taper roller bearings, the rollers and the
touch the axle. Between them is a set of grooves in which they move are both conical.
rollers in a groove that rotate with the hub. They are capable of supporting considerable
As the wheel moves, the rollers rotate and loads. A single roller bearing can only support
circulate around the axle. thrust in one direction, so a second row with the
taper facing the opposite direction is provided.
2 Spherical roller bearings rotate in twin
grooves and can carry greater loads. Because 5 If a bush bearing cannot be fitted around a shaft,
J7276
the bearing is self-aligning, the shaft in the then a split bearing must bePEARSON
used. Two halves of
Technical English
centre need not be precisely at 90o to the a bearing are held together by bolts and nuts, or
Automotive Industries
aw_11_01
bearing’s housing. screws.
3 The simplest type of bearing is the plain bush 6 In a ball bearing, spherical balls are used
bearing. A shaft rotates inside a sleeve, called instead of cylindrical rollers. Double-row bearings
a ‘bush’. When friction wears away the bush, of this type can carry heavier loads. Bicycles use
it can be replaced. ball bearings, not roller bearings.
be of aluminium or bronze.
4 Read the product description of a tracked earthmover and complete the specification table (A).
1 The aim of the design was to produce a tracked earthmover with greater power than earlier models. The
designers considered the needs of users, for example, construction sites, quarries and landfill sites.
2 The new design has an 8.8 litre six-cylinder engine, with a top speed of 10 kph in the ‘travel’ mode.
The alternative ‘work’ mode allows slower speeds. Independent power is provided to each track, so
the driver can control each track separately and turn the machine easily.
3 The earthmoving bucket has a width of 3.3 m and a capacity of 4.7 m3.
4 The powerful engine is located at the rear, and therefore acts as a counterweight. Another advantage
is that the radiator, placed at the rear, is kept clear of earth-moving operations. The electronic fuel
injection system delivers multiple injections of fuel during the engine’s compression stroke, which
improves fuel combustion. The turbocharger, driven by the exhaust, results in increased power,
improved combustion and reduced exhaust emissions.
5 The design uses strong, rigid box-sections, which resist torsional forces. The steel frame provides
flexibility, durability and resistance to high load forces. The multi-purpose bucket made of high-
strength, low alloy steel resists dents and damage.
6 The cab is designed for comfort and ease of operation. AC and heating are standard features. The
dashboard has two groups of instruments: one with four gauges (fuel level, etc) and another with
warning indicators (low alternator output, etc).
5 Read the specification table (B) for an articulated dump truck. Use your notebook. Write a product
description using the guide phrases.
1 The aim of the design … ; The designers considered …
2 The new design has …
3 The truck has a maximum payload capacity …
4 The powerful engine drives … ; One main advantage is … ; The design uses … ; In addition there is …
5 The design uses … ; The advantage of the …
6 The redesigned driver’s cab features …
Word List
6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS NOUN PHRASES
sleeve VERBS
stability circulate
turbocharger ADJECTIVES
vibration self-aligning
visibility torsional
1 Read the article. Label the diagrams with the word(s) in bold.
Lithium-ion batteries
1 Operation: Lithium-ion batteries (li-ion, for short) are a type of rechargeable battery. During discharge, a lithium
ion moves from the anode to the cathode. While charging, a lithium ion moves from the cathode to the anode.
2 Applications: Li-ion batteries are used in consumer electronics such as laptops and mobile phones. They are also
used in other applications, for example in the automotive and aerospace industries because of their high energy-
to-weight ratios.
3 Components and Materials: The three main functional components of a li-ion battery are the anode, the cathode
and the electrolyte. Different materials can be used for their manufacture.
4 Advantages: Li-ion batteries are popular for several reasons. They have a high energy density. They lose charge
slowly when not in use: a li-ion battery pack loses about 5% of its charge per month, compared with a nickel-metal
hybride battery, which loses 20%. They have no memory effect. In other words, you do not have to discharge them
completely before recharging them.
A A B B
5 Energy-density: A typical li-ion battery can store approximately 150 watt-hours of electricity in 1 kg of battery. A
nickel-metal hybride battery pack can store about 60–70 watt-hours per kg. A lead-acid battery can store only
25 watt-hours per kg. So, lead-acid technology needs six times more battery weight than li-ion technology to
+ ++ ++ ++ +
1 1 2 2
Charging
AA BB C C D D4 4 5 5
+ ++ ++ ++ +
– –– – – – – –
1 1 2 2
3 3 6 6
CC DD 4 4 5 5
2 Read the article again and complete the table.
5 Read the FAQs from a press release about a new hybrid car. Then match the questions to the
correct answers below.
6 Complete parts of the vocabulary table with words from this unit. Use your notebook.
NOUN VERB ADJECTIVE
recharging recharge 1
storage 2 applicable
3 apply 4
function function
popularity 5 6
density popularise
Word List
7 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS VERBS
aerospace discharge
anode extract
application insert
cathode ADJECTIVES
density hybrid
discharge luxury
effect optimum
electrolyte previous
extraction rechargeable
forecast
insertion
necessity
revs
standstill
NOUN PHRASES
lead-acid
lithium-ion
nickel-metal hybride