Explained: The working of a car

The prerequisites to rational decision-making are information and knowledge. This is the reason why elderly people are considered 'wise'; we assume they must be having mountains of information and knowledge given the experience they have. However, what if I tell you, just information and knowledge are not enough? What is more important is 'context'.

Once you put the information and knowledge in the right context, then only can you make the right decisions. This blog is all about how your car works, so you can put this information in the context of maintaining it. Also, maintaining your car properly will not only enhance its performance but your experience too.

A car, in the simplest terms, is an energy-conversion machine. It converts the energy from the input (fuel) into a force that moves the wheels. A car consists of many essential components and systems that coordinate together to form a modern-privatised transportation machine.

Major systems of a car:

• Engine and transmission
• Braking
• Suspension
• Exhaust

For now, let's have a look at the Engine and Braking system.

Engine

When you open the hood of your car and view the engine, what you will see is a big jumble of metal, tubes, and wires. It is quite confusing. Let's see how it works.

The engine is the heart of your car. It does the primary function of converting heat energy into kinetic energy. In simpler words, the engine converts fuel into motion. This is done by burning the fuel inside the engine, hence the name 'internal combustion engine', signifying that the combustion takes place inside the engine. There are two important things to note here:

• There are various types of engines which have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, diesel engines, gas turbine engines, and HEMI engines.
• There is such a thing known as an 'external combustion engine'. The most relatable example is the steam engine.

How does internal combustion function?

The engine consists of combustion chambers, piston, crankshaft, intake valve, exhaust valve, and spark plug. The intake valve flows fuel and air into the combustion chamber, and the spark plug ignites it causing thousands of controlled explosions; the fuel expands due to the explosions and causes the piston to move. The piston is connected to a crankshaft. The crankshaft starts rotating due to motion. Hence, the engine converts heat energy into kinetic energy, or to be precise, fuel into motion. This is the motion the wheel requires to move. The transmission system moves the rotation power in the engine to the wheels. This is done through the clutch and the gearbox.

Now that we know how an engine functions, let's try to understand the possible problems you can face with it.

The big three problems

As said earlier, an engine is a big jumble of metal, wires, and tubes. Even minor maladjustment can create problems. However, there are usually three categories of problems that the engine faces- bad fuel mix, lack of compression, and lack of spark.

Bad fuel mix: This means the problem is related to fuel. There are a number of possibilities like:

• Your car is out of fuel
• Clogged air intake
• Fuel system supplying too much or too little fuel
• Impurity in the fuel

Lack of compression: When the explosions occur inside the chamber, it is necessary for the engine to compress those in order to move the piston. If the charge of air and fuel lacks compression, the combustion process will not be successful. Lack of compression can occur due to the following reasons.

• Worn out piston rings
• Intake or exhaust valves are not sealing properly
• Hole in the cylinder

Lack of compression can be caused due to a 'leak' in the engine system.

Lack of spark: The following are the possible reasons for a lack of spark.

• Worn out spark plug or wire
• Discrepancy in ignition timing
• Dead battery

There are other factors to keep in mind too. For example, how engine timing works, the cooling system, ancillary parts, and how or when the intake and exhaust valves are opening and closing.

Braking

The braking system can be considered the most vital in a car because it ensures your safety. However, how it functions is quite fascinating. Have you ever wondered how does a minute force on the brake pedal stop a car that is moving at a fast speed? The answer, again, is in energy conversion and multiplication. The braking system, like every other system in a car, uses basic principles of physics- hydraulics, and friction. There are different units in a braking system that work in coordination to multiply the force from you apply on a brake pedal. They are the following-

• Energy-supplying device
• Control device
• Transmission device
• The brake

Energy-supplying device: This device supplies and adjusts the energy required for braking. It uses force from the driver (when s/he pushes the brake pedal) and kinetic energy from the engine together. The braking force is assisted by atmospheric pressure, vacuum, or hydraulic pressure.

Control device: The brake pedal

Transmission device: This usually refers to the hydraulic system. A transmission device converts and multiplies the force being used.

Brake: A brake is a mechanical unit in itself. In simple words, the brakes use friction to stop the wheels. Let's try to understand the brakes in detail. It consists of a piston, callipers, brake pads, rotor, and hub. The piston is attached to the hydraulic system. So as we push the brake pedal, it causes the piston to move. This motion, in turn, makes brake pads (attached to callipers) to tightly stick with the rotor (which is connected to the wheel through a hub). The friction is the force that stops the motion of the wheels.

How to maintain the braking system?

Unless someone wants to risk an accident, it is wise to check and maintain the braking system regularly. Let's see how it can be done.

Brake callipers, pads, and rotors: The efficiency of the braking system mainly depends on how well the callipers, pads, and rotors work together. It is necessary to get them checked regularly considering the wear on the pads. Even though it depends on the usage of the car, one should know the average life of these parts.

Brake fluid: Good quality brake fluid is required for the hydraulic system (transmission) to work correctly. Check the brake fluid regularly and get it changed approximately every two years.

A leak in the hydraulic system: If there's a leak in the hydraulic system, there'll be a lack of compression, and hence, the piston won't move properly. Hence, get the hydraulic system checked if your brakes are not working properly.

Suspension

The suspension system is to provide safe handling and maximum traction while being able to sustain passenger comfort. This is the basic requirement expected out of a suspension system. To accomplish this, it uses various tools. For example, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, etc. All the components must work together to enhance the ride quality and handling characteristics that are expected by the driver and passengers.

Functions of the suspension system

• Reducing bump and shock
• Good handling and control
• Comfort of the driver and passengers

How does this happen? The tyres must be able to rise and fall relative to the body, in order to allow the springs and shocks to reduce the bump and road shock. Springs and shocks are installed to absorb energy that is created by a bump. They ensure a smooth ride while not allowing the uncontrolled movement of the tyres.

The suspension system also handles the movements caused due to acceleration, braking, and cornering. The springs also ensure an adequate height of the vehicle. Also, a crucial area concerning the suspension system is the alignment of the wheels. Any minor maladjustment in the suspension system can cause wear or damage to other parts of the car. We can say that the suspension system ensures balance and maintains the proper functioning of the car as a whole.

If you face problems with handling and control, or you feel that your vehicle is not able to absorb shocks, it's wise to visit your nearest garage. Carelessness with the suspension system can cost to a pretty penny.

Exhaust

The exhaust system has a relatively simple function, but it is vital for preventive measures and safety. There are a lot of harmful gases that are released due to the reactions in the engine. These gases need to let out of the vehicle safely . This is what the exhaust system does. It consists of an exhaust manifold, heat riser, exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.

Exhaust manifold: It collects the residue from the engine cylinders to direct them to the exhaust pipe.

Heat riser: It is a valve that transfers a small amount of exhaust gases to the heat stove. The heat stove provides help in vaporising the air/fuel mixture making through the intake manifold.

Exhaust pipe: The function of the exhaust pipe is to safely transfer the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter, and also, reducing noise.

Catalytic converter: This component is important for emission control. The catalytic converter converts harmful carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water vapour. Some converters also change nitrogen oxides into oxygen and nitrogen. By law, the catalytic converter must be installed on a vehicle.

Muffler: It reduces noise by letting the exhaust gases expand. The expansion flows and cools the exhaust gas flow. This reduces noise without obstructing the flow of gases.

If you hear unusual sporty noise while starting your vehicle, there's probably a leak in the exhaust system. Leaks can be dangerous, and it is wise to ask your mechanic to thoroughly check the exhaust system whenever you send your car for maintenance.

If you require Car Service Northampton, you can visit us at Jackson's MOT Centre.

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