Vehicle Components and Systems

Purpose: Become acquainted with a vehicles

main systems and components in terms of their
purpose, safe and legal use, maintenance, and
certain economic considerations.
 Vehicle Systems and components

Vehicle frame and body:

The purpose of a vehicles
frame is to support the body,
engine, and other
components.
Vehicle Frame
The frame itself is supported
by the wheels and tires
through the vehicles
suspension system.
Vehicle Systems and components

The engine: Battery

When you start your car: (a) power
from your battery is used to operate
a small electric motor called the
starter motor, (b) the starter motor
Spark Plug
turns the flywheel and crankshaft of
the engine so that the engine can Crankshaft
attain sufficient momentum and
speed to start and run on its own,
(c) delivering rotational power to the
crankshaft which supplies power to
the remainder of the power train.

Engine
Vehicle Systems and components

The engine:
This power is ignited by exploding
gas inside cylinders which drives
pistons up and down, through
connecting rods. Inside the pistons
a mixture of compressed air and
gas is delivered to the cylinders by
a carburetor and intake manifold or
a fuel injection system.
The moving parts of the engine must
be lubricated. Oil which accumulates
in your engines oil pan is pumped by
the oil pump through an oil filter and
then through tubes that deliver the oil
Oil and Oil Filter
to the moving parts to be lubricated.
Vehicle Systems and components

The fuel system:

Fuel and air is delivered to the
engine through components
which include: (a) the fuel tank
which is used to store the gas,
(b) a fuel pump which pumps the
gas from the tank through a fuel
line and furl filter to a carburetor
or fuel injection system.
This fuel injection system or
carburetor delivers the proper mix of
air and gas to the cylinders by means Question: What is the name of
the system that moves the
of an intake manifold after passing
gasoline to the engine?
through an air cleaner.
Vehicle Systems and components

Vehicle maintenance: fuel system:

Leaks in your fuel system can cause

fires and expose you to toxic gases.
The leaks can occur in the fuel tank,
fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel
injector lines and even by not having
your gas cap secured attached.

If you smell gas you should

immediately stop the car, turn off the
engine and determine the problem.
Your fuel system should be checked
for leaks as part of regular Lets now consider
maintenance. the power train system

Vehicle Systems and components
The power train system:
A vehicles power train consists
of components that generate and
transmit power to the wheels.
In a rear wheel vehicle automatic
In a front wheel drive
vehicle, the power is
transmitted from the engine
through a combination
transmission-differential and
then to the front wheels.
Differential

vehicle, it includes: (a) the engine

which generates the force, (b) the
transmission which adjusts and Drive shaft

controls the engines RPM and Transmission

changes the gears, (c) the drive In a four-wheel drive vehicle,

shaft which transmits forces from power is transmitted from the
Question: What is the name of
the transmission to the rear of the transmission tothat
a transfer case
the system transmits
vehicle into the differential which which can transmit
power power to
to the wheels?
allows the axels and back wheels either the rear wheels only or to
to turn. both the rear and front wheels.
Vehicle Systems and components

Muffler
The exhaust system:
After gas is exploded in one of
Exhaust Pipes
the cylinders it is released into
an exhaust manifold which
collects it and passes it to a
catalytic converter which
chemically reduces the
quantity of harmful pollutants.
The gases are then passed by
exhaust pipes through a muffler Keep your exhaust system in
and resonator which reduce the good working
Question: Whatorder
is theby noticing
name of the
noise. changes in noise, fumes, and
system that removes the emission
The gasses are then moved to the rattling.
gases These allenvironment?
into the signal problems.
tailpipe which vents the hot air Eventually all vehicles need
replacement exhaust components.
away from the vehicle.

Vehicle Systems and components
The cooling system:
Heat caused by the friction of moving
engine parts and the explosion of
gasoline is removed through the
vehicles cooling system.
In this system, heat is absorbed by
coolant flowing through passages
inside the engine. The coolant is a
mixture of water and chemicals that
protect the cooling system from
corrosion, lubricate the water pump,
and prevent freezing.
It is stored in the radiator which
transfers the heat to the outside
environment.
The radiator is cooled by
a fan, and most have a
recovery tank to capture
coolant as it expands due
to the heat, and returns it to
the radiator when it cools.
Radiator
This coolant also allows
your engine to heat up
Question: What is the name of
to
theits proper
system operating
that prevents the
temperature
engine from and is
overheating?
controlled by a heat sensing
valve called a thermostat.
Vehicle Systems and components
Electricity is distributed
throughout your vehicle by
The electrical system: various electrical circuits for
The battery is your vehicles primary lighting, computers, radio,
source of electrical power. When you interior cooling, heating, etc.
turn on your ignition switch to start
your car, electricity is used to close
another switch called a solenoid that
transmits the large amount of current
needed to turn the starter motor.
Once your engine is running, power
is generated by the alternator, which These circuits have fuses
also keeps your battery charged. to disable a circuit that is
Then there is a voltage regulator, Question:
drawingWhat is the name
too much of
current
distributor, and coil which controls theso
system
as tothat startsathe
prevent firemotor?
and
the amount of electricity needed by protect the components
the spark plugs. that the circuit serves.
 When you turn the
Vehicle Systems and components steering wheel in a
power steering system,
the hydraulic fluid is
The steering system: compressed inside
A vehicles steering wheel is attached to a a cylinder.
steering column or shaft which terminates
in the steering box. Inside the steering
box, the turning motion of the column is
translated into lateral motion which is
passed on to the wheels through a series
of components which include ball joints,
the steering arm, and steering knuckle.
In power steering systems, turning the
steering wheel actuates a hydraulic
system which amplifies the force This compressed fluid
necessary to rotate and move the
is then transmitted by
linkages leading to the wheels.
Question: Whatlines
hydraulic is thetoname of
a piston
With power steering there should be no
the system
which that makes
amplifies it
the force
free play in the wheel.
possible
making ittoeasier
turn thetocar?
turn
the wheels.
 There are are different
designs for suspension
Vehicle Systems and components systems involving various
linkages, struts, joints,
torsion bars, and so on.
The suspension system:
The purpose of your vehicles
suspension system is to connect
the wheels to the frame and body
and keep the movement of your
wheels from being transmitted
fully to the body of the vehicle.
This allows you to maintain
control of the car in turns, when Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
you hit potholes, and on rough
roads. It makes riding in the car
more comfortable.
Question: What is the name of
As the up and down movement of your wheels is absorbed
the system by ease
that helps the
springs in your suspension system, yourthe
shock absorbers
jarring keep
effect of potholes?
the springs from continuing to bounce.
Vehicle Systems and components

The suspension system:

The purpose of your vehicles
suspension system is to connect the
wheels to the frame and body and
keep the movement of your wheels
from being transmitted fully to the
body. Lets now consider your
This allows you to maintain control vehicles braking system.
of the car in turns, when you hit
potholes, and on rough roads. It
makes riding in the car more
comfortable.
As the up and down movement of your wheels is absorbed by the
springs in your suspension system, your shock absorbers keep the
springs from continuing to bounce.
Vehicle Systems and components Hydraulic fluid is stored in
a brake reserve normally
The braking system: located in the engine
There are two independent braking compartment.
systems in your vehicle, the service
brakes and the parking brake (also
referred to as the emergency brake).
The service brakes are used to slow
your vehicle while you are driving.
The parking brake can also be used to
slow your vehicle in an emergency, but
is mainly used to hold your vehicle in
one place while stopped or parked.

When you press your brake pedal, a piston in your master cylinder
forces the brake fluid through the hydraulic lines to pistons in the
wheel cylinders at the wheels where additional pistons provide the
force to apply your brakes.
Vehicle Systems and components Your parking brake uses
a cable to engage the
The braking system: brakes or clamp down
There are two types of brakes: on the drive shaft, and
(a) drum brakes and (b) disc brakes will function even if your
Drum brakes slow your vehicle by service brakes fail.
the friction of a brake shoe pushing
against the drum which is rotating with
the wheel.
Disc brakes slow your car by the
friction of a caliper pressing against a
disc which is rotating with the wheel.
Both drum and disc brakes convert friction force to heat and if the
brakes get too hot, they cease to work because they cannot dissipate
enough heat.
For both types of brakes, your stopping time is roughly proportional
to the square of your speed. So, if you double your speed you
increase your stopping distance by four times!

Vehicle Systems and components
The braking system:
Brakes will only slow your car while
there is friction between the moving
parts of your brakes.
If the wheels are locked as in the
case of a skid, the drums or discs
are not moving and there will be no
friction.
With ABS: wheels do not lock upyou have steering control.
The purpose of the antilock braking
system is to prevent the brakes
from locking by first sensing that
they are locking then automatically,
rapidly releasing and applying
pressure. If you do not have
antilock brakes, you can avoid
having your brakes lock manually,
rapidly releasing and then reapplying
pressure to your brake pedal.

Lets now
consider
driver
controls

Without ABS: wheels lock upno steering control.

Vehicle Systems and components

Driver Controls:
The next several slides presents the most common driver
controls used in modern passenger vehicles. You should go into
your vehicle, identify them, know where they are typically
located, and what their purpose is. It is important to know their
location so as not to be distracted looking for them when driving.
Driver Controls:
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Driver Controls:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Indicator Lights, Chimes, and Gauges:
Item Typical Location Purpose Comments
Vehicle Systems and components

The instrument panel: lights, gauges and chimes:

Certain gauges and lights are more important than others.

An easy way to remember the most important one is to learn:
boil, oil, and coil.
The first and most important is the temperature or boil. When this warning
light is on or the gauge moves into the red, it means the temperature of the
engine is too high and the engine will overheat soon.
The proper
response is to pull
over and turn off
Question: What should
the engine so it can
you do if this needle
cool down. It would
goes into the red zone?
be good to then get
your cooling
system checked.
Red zone
Vehicle Systems and components

The instrument panel: lights, gauges and chimes:

Certain gauges and lights are more important than others.

An easy way to remember the most important one is to learn:
boil, oil, and coil.
Next, is the oil gauge or warning light. It signifies that the oil level is low.
Without oil, the parts that need lubrication would heat up, expand and not
move freely. This will cause permanent damage to the engine.

Question: What should The proper response

you do if this needle is to check and add oil
gets any lower? to the recommended
level. The vehicle
Its a good idea to should be checked
frequently check your out to find out why
oil level anyway. the oil level was low.
 Lets now consider the legal
Vehicle Systems and components use of safety equipment.

The instrument panel: lights, gauges and chimes:

Certain gauges and lights are more important than others.

An easy way to remember the most important one is to learn:
boil, oil, and coil.
Coil relates to the battery or alternator light or voltage gauge. If trouble is
indicated, it means the battery is not being charged. This is the least urgent
of the three warnings. The problem will eventually bring things to a stop,
but it does not require immediate or emergency attention.
The proper response
Question: What should is to get the system
you do if this needle checked out. It could
drops into the red zone? be a bad battery,
alternator, or other
Generally the needle
of a well charged related electrical
battery will be in the problem.
Red zone
center of the gauge.
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Lighting

The Vehicle Code specifies: (a) the brightness of vehicle lights,

(b) the number, color, and positioning of lights on vehicles, and,
(c) the distance ahead and behind that may be illuminated.
It is important that your tail, brake, headlights and turn signal lights be in
good working order. You should use your headlights: (a) when it is cloudy,
raining, snowing or foggy, (b) on frosty mornings when windshields may
be icy or foggy, (c) on country or mountain roads to make it easier for other
drivers to see you, (d) anytime it would help you to see and be seen better,
and, (e) no later than 30 minutes after sunset and at least 30 minutes before
sunrise.

It would be appropriate to flash

Question: What could you do, if at
your lights (low to high beams
night, a vehicle is approaching you
or quickly turn lights off and
without its headlights on?
then on) to get their attention.
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Head Lights

You should use your high-beam headlights whenever you are

having trouble seeing with your normal headlights, except:
(a) when it is rainy, foggy or snowing, or
(b) when it may blind other drivers.

Lets review . . .
As the sun begins to set, dont forget to:
_______________________
 In rainy weather you must
use your __________.

Also, what about your following distance in rainy

weather? __________________
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Hazard Lights

You can use your hazard warning light flashers:

(a) when your car breaks down on or near the roadway, and
(b) to warn following traffic that there is an accident or dangerous
condition ahead. If emergency flashers are not available, you can tap
your brake pedal so as to warn drivers behind you of a hazard ahead.

In addition to using the hazard flashers, raising the hood in a vehicle

breakdown situation will make your vehicle more visible to other
drivers who may not see the flashers.
 Quickly flash your high beams
then quickly lower them again.

How can you let an on-coming driver know

that their high beam headlights are on?
 This car has experienced a breakdown.
The 4-way hazard flashers are on and there are
lighted flares on the pavement to warn motorist.
What else could the driver have done to alert us?

Raised the hood of their car.

Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Backup Lights (white lights)

The purpose of
backup lights is to:
(a) help avoid
collisions while you
are backing up at
night by improving
visibility, and (b) alert
others to the fact that
you are backing up or
about to back up.

The driver of this car has shifted to reverse.

Where is the drivers right foot?
- To prevent your car from
being stolen: Anti-theft
steering wheel devices
- park
What in acan
well lit
youareado
near a will discourage thieves.
store entrance if possible.
- be
to
Car reduce
theft
sure is a very
doors
the
and big
problem
chance
windows all
that
are over
your
locked.
vehicle will
beany
- activate stolen?
anti-theft
devices you might have

- use the parking brake About 40% of stolen

(it will delay a thief who vehicles had at least
intends to tow your car) one unlocked door!
Vehicle Components
and Systems Unit 6

Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster

Jurisdiction laws provide specifications for

the safe use of sun screening devices and
tinting of windows.
When cars are manufactured they are in
conformance with these specifications.
Any change in tinting or the modification or
installation of sun screening devices must
be done in accordance to laws.

True or False: It is legal to tint the front windshield of you vehicle?

Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster

You must have mirrors which provide a

view for at least 60 meters to the rear of
your vehicle. Two mirrors are required on
all vehicles. A right side mirror is required
and either a a rear view or left side mirror.
You should properly adjust your mirrors
before starting to drive, to avoid being
distracted while attempting to adjust them
during driving.
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster
Maintaining good visibility requires that
you keep your windshield and mirrors
clean and free from obstruction.
If your windshield is cracked and obstructs
your view or that of your passengers, you
not be allowed to take your driving test.
You must not carry objects, inside or
outside, which obscure your view.

Its also illegal to drive a motor

vehicle equipped with a
television or similar device
that is visible by the driver
while operating the motor
vehicle.
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Horns

Vehicles are required to have a functioning
horn or other similar audible warning
device. While the noise level of you horn
must not be excessive, it must be audible
under normal driving conditions for at least
60 meters from your vehicle.
It is appropriate to sound your horn: (a) to avoid accidents by
alerting other drivers of your presence, (b) on narrow mountain
roads when you cannot see 60 meters ahead while driving as far
the the right as possible.
It is not appropriate to sound your horn: (a) because someone
is driving slowly, (b) to chastise other drivers who have made
a mistake, (c) because you are angry, (d) when by slowing or
stopping, you can avoid the dangerous situation, and (e) to get
the attention of friends who are pedestrians or in other vehicles.
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Tires

To avoid skidding, blowouts,
and unsafe handling, the
manufacturers
recommendations for your
vehicle should be followed in
selecting replacement tires.
The recommendations for tire
pressure should also be
followed. Either under or over
In addition, failing to
inflated tires:
maintain proper wheel
(a) reduces traction, increases balancing and
the likelihood of skidding, and suspension alignment
degrades the handling can lead to extreme
characteristics of a vehicle, and rapid tire wear and may
(b) leads to rapid tire wear. result in a blowout.
Vehicle Systems and components

The legal use of safety equipment: Tires

In addition, worn components True or False: Most passenger
in the suspension and steering vehicle tires should be rotated
systems of your vehicle can between 9600-16,000 kilometers.
cause you to lose control as
well as accelerate tire wear.
The purpose of rotating tires
is to prolong the life of the tires.
It should be done according to
the intervals and procedures
recommended by the
manufacture of your vehicle
Another cause of poor tire wear is peeling out or spinning your
tires on fast starts. This behavior can also waste fuel, is potentially
dangerous, and can lead to a citation for exhibition of speed.
Vehicle Systems and components

Comfort Devices
- electric seat adjusters (some with memory)
- electric mirror adjusters
- electric lumbar adjuster
- electric pedal adjustment

The purpose of these is to help make the driving experience

more comfortable and less fatiguing.
Pre-Driving checks outside of vehicle
2 most important

Walk around
vehicle checking
that nothing or
no one is
nearby.

Also inspect the tires, noticing if any appear to low.

Check lights and turn signals for breaks/cracks

Lets now consider the inside Pre-Driving steps

Inside Pre-driving: Starting Procedure
1) Key the ignition
2) Lock doors
3) Adjust seat
4) Adjust mirrors
5) Fasten seatbelt (check passengers)
6) Foot on brake, start vehicle
7) Shift to Drive
8) Signal if pulling away from curb
9) Check mirrors
10) Shoulder checkproceed
Vehicle Components and Systems

Review timelets see what you remember

1) The primary source of electrical power is from your
vehicles __________.
2) The moving parts of your engine must be lubricated
by ______.

3) What is the name of the system that moves the gasoline to

the engine? _______________.

4) This system transmits power to the wheels: __________.

5) The __________system removes spent fuel emissions into

the environment.
6) What is the purpose of the muffler? ______________.

7) The system that prevents the engine from overheating:

________________

8) The system that starts the motor: ______________

9) The steering system makes it possible to _____________.

10) This system makes riding in the car more comfortable:

____________________

11) There are two braking systems on vehicles. The

______________ are used to slow the vehicle when driving.
12) Considering braking distance, if you double the cars
speed, you will increase the stopping distance by ________.
13) True or False: The purpose of ABS is to help the vehicles
brakes more effectively lock up in emergency stops.______
14) This instrument panel light or gauge will warn you if
your engine is running too hot: _________________

15) This instrument panel light or gauge will warn your that
your lubrication resources are running low: _____________
16) If your battery or alternator light comes on, or the gauge
needle moves to the L (for low), this means that the cars
___________is not being charged.
17) True or False: You must have headlights on in the rain.
_________
18) If you have a car breakdown be sure you put on your
________________.
19) How can you let an on-coming driver know that their
high beam headlights are on? _______________________
20) When you see a vehicle with white rear lights on, the
driver has shifted to _______________.
21) True or False: It is illegal to have a TV set other video
device in view of the driver ________
22) True or False: Three mirrors are required on all vehicles.
The inside, and both outside mirrors. __________________
23) True or False: Peeling out or spinning your wheels for a
fast start can result in a exhibition of speed citation. ______
 Vehicle Components and Systems

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