Major components of Automobile

Major components of Automobile

1.     Basic structure

2.     Power plant

3.     Transmission system

4.     Auxiliaries

5.     Controls

1)    Basic structure- This is nothing but a unit on which the remaining units are required to be mounted. It consists of- frame, suspension system, axles, wheels, and tires.

1.1Frame-

 It is generally a steel structure to which all mechanical units are attached and on which the body is superimposed.

Location- Frame is the most supportive part of an automobile and fixed at the bottom.

1.2Suspension system-

It prevents vehicle components and occupants (passengers) from road shocks. It maintains the stability of the vehicle in dynamic conditions.

Location- This system is situated dependently or independently near the wheels.

1.3Axles-

As the axles are weight carrying elements, they are considered as supported beams. Axles are normally carrying a vertical load, torque reactions, side thrust, etc.

Location- Axles are bonding two wheels together indirectly hence located at the lower side near wheels.

1.4Wheels and tires-

The basic purpose of wheels and tires is to provide the ride with safety. Generally, natural rubber is the main component in tire manufacturing.

Location- The part of the vehicle which comes in direct contact with the road surface is tire. And tire is like a cover to wheels. Wheels are located at the endpoints of axles.

2)    Power plant- Engine is the power plant of an automobile. Basically, the engine provides motive power to the various components of an automobile. This motive power will ultimately drive the vehicle. The most promising future power plant is the one based on fuel cells, which would give zero-emission vehicles.

Location- Power plant (engine) is mounted on a chassis at the frontal side (generally) of vehicle.

3)    Transmission system- It consists of the clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, universal joints, differential, axles etc.

     Functions-

i)                   to disconnect the engine from the road wheels whenever required

ii)                to connect the engine to the driving wheels without shocks

iii)              to turn the drive through 90 degrees

Location- Transmission the line starts from the clutch and ends up with differential. Generally, it is situated at the bottom side of an automobile.

4)    Auxiliaries- All electrical systems in an automobile are collectively called as auxiliaries. It consists of mainly- Battery, generator, starter, electrical ignition system, lighting system, music system, etc.

Location- Electric ignition system is fixed at engine side while music system is the part of vehicle interior.

5)    Controls- Steering system and brakes are two controlling units of an automobile. The steering provides directional stability while braking contributes to safety.

Location- Steering system is located at the frontal side while the braking system is at wheels.