Drivers Edge: Interactive slides and videos®
CATEGORY: Copyrighted Driver Education School Literature
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Vehicle Components and Systems
Purpose: Become acquainted with a vehicle’s main systems and
components in terms of their purpose, safe and legal use,
maintenance, and certain economic considerations. Includes
vehicle purchase issues.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
Vehicle frame and body:
The purpose of a vehicle’s
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 Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The engine:
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
turns the flywheel and crankshaft of
the engine so that the engine can
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.
Battery
Spark Plug
Crankshaft
Engine
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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 engine’s oil pan is pumped by
the oil pump through an oil filter and
then through tubes that deliver the oil
to the moving parts to be lubricated.
Oil and Oil Filter
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
of an intake manifold after passing
through an air cleaner.
Question: What is the name of
the system that moves the
gasoline to the engine?
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The power train system:
A vehicle’s power train consists
of components that generate and
transmit power to the wheels.
In a rear wheel vehicle automatic
vehicle, it includes: (a) the engine
which generates the force, (b) the
transmission which adjusts and
controls the engine’s RPM and
changes the gears, (c) the drive
shaft which transmits forces from
the transmission to the rear of the
vehicle into the differential which
allows the axels and back wheels
to turn.
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
Drive shaft
Transmission
In a four-wheel drive vehicle,
power is transmitted from the
Question: What is the name of
transmission
tothat
a transfer
case
the system
transmits
which can
transmit
power to
power
to the wheels?
either the rear wheels only or to
both the rear and front wheels.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The exhaust system:
After gas is exploded in one of
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
and resonator which reduce the
noise.
The gasses are then moved to the
tailpipe which vents the hot air
away from the vehicle.
Muffler
Exhaust Pipes
Keep your exhaust system in
good working
noticing
Question:
Whatorder
is theby
name
of the
changes
in
noise,
fumes,
and
system that removes the emission
rattling.
allenvironment?
signal problems.
gases These
into the
Eventually all vehicles need
replacement exhaust components.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
proper
operating
theits
system
that
prevents the
temperature
is
engine from and
overheating?
controlled by a heat sensing
valve called a thermostat.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
Electricity is distributed
throughout your vehicle by
various electrical circuits for
lighting, computers, radio,
interior cooling, heating, etc.
The electrical system:
The battery is your vehicle’s primary
source of electrical power. When you
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
Question:
is the name
of
drawingWhat
too much
current
Then there is a voltage regulator,
theso
system
startsathe
as tothat
prevent
firemotor?
and
distributor, and coil which controls
protect the components
the amount of electricity needed by
that the circuit serves.
the spark plugs.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The steering system:
A vehicle’s steering wheel is attached to a
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
necessary to rotate and move the
linkages leading to the wheels.
With power steering there should be no
“free play” in the wheel; and no more than
2 inches with cars without power steering.
When you turn the
steering wheel in a
power steering system,
the hydraulic fluid is
compressed inside
a cylinder.
This compressed fluid
is then transmitted by
Question: What is the name of
hydraulic
to a piston
the
system lines
that makes
it
which amplifies
the
force
possible
to turn the
car?
making it easier to turn
the wheels.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The suspension system:
The purpose of your vehicle’s
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
you hit potholes, and on rough
roads. It makes riding in the car
more comfortable.
There are are different
designs for suspension
systems involving various
linkages, struts, joints,
torsion bars, and so on.
Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
Question: What is the name of
As the up and down movement of your wheels
is absorbed
by the
the system
that helps
ease
jarring
effect of potholes?
springs in your suspension system, yourthe
shock
absorbers
keep
the springs from continuing to bounce.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The suspension system:
The purpose of your vehicle’s
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
you hit potholes, and on rough
roads. It makes riding in the car
more comfortable.
While thinking about the
suspension, can anyone
explain how potholes are
formed, which inflict
significant strain on the
suspension?
Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
Let’s now consider your
vehicle’s braking system.
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 Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The suspension system:
The purpose of your vehicle’s
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
you hit potholes, and on rough
roads. It makes riding in the car
more comfortable.
Hydraulic fluid is stored in
a brake reserve normally
located in the engine
compartment.
Question: What is the name of
the system that stops the car?
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 Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The braking system:
There are two types of brakes:
(a) drum brakes and (b) disc brakes
Drum brakes slow your vehicle by
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.
Your parking brake uses
a cable to engage the
brakes or clamp down
on the drive shaft, and
will function even if your
service brakes fail.
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 Components
and Systems
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.
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.
With ABS: wheels do not lock up…you have steering control.
Let’s now
consider
driver
controls
Without ABS: wheels lock up…no steering control.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
Driver Controls:
If a gauge or panel light is not working or does not appear to be
providing correct information, it should be immediately repaired
or replaced.
Failure of instrument panel indicators can lead to incorrect
decisions on your part which can cause an accident, breakdown,
being stranded, and damage to your engine and other components
which could have been avoided.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
maintenance.
Let’s now consider lights,
gauges and chimes
in more detail.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
the engine so it can
cool down. It would
be good to then get
your cooling
system checked.
Question: What should
you do if this needle
goes into the red zone?
Red zone
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
you do if this needle
gets any lower?
It’s a good idea to
frequently check your
oil level anyway.
The proper response
is to check and add oil
to the recommended
level. The vehicle
should be checked
out to find out why
the oil level was low.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
Let’s now consider the legal
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.
Question: What should
you do if this needle
drops into the red zone?
Generally the needle
of a well charged
battery will be in the
center of the gauge.
Red zone
The proper response
is to get the system
checked out. It could
be a bad battery,
alternator, or other
related electrical
problem.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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,
(e) no later than 30 minutes after sunset and at least 30 minutes before sunrise.
Question: What could you do, if at
night, a vehicle is approaching you
without its headlights on?
It would be appropriate to flash
your lights (low to high beams
or quickly turn lights off and
then on) to get their attention.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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.
You must: (a) dim your high beams for on-coming vehicles by
the time they are within 500 feet of your vehicle, and (b) dim your
high beams when the vehicle you are following is within 300 feet.
In addition, it is illegal to drive with just your parking lights on.
Let’s review . . .
As the sun begins to set, don’t forget to:
_______________________
In rainy weather you must
use your __________.
Also, what about your following distance in rainy
weather? __________________
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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 Components
and Systems
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 driver’s right foot?
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Other visibility requirements
You should never
drive a vehicle loaded
in such a manner
that: (a) you cannot
see ahead or to the
sides, or, (b) impairs
your ability to stop or
safely maneuver at
highway speeds.
Does the driver of this
vehicle have a problem?
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Other visibility requirements
You should not carry objects
on a passenger vehicle that:
(a) extend beyond the fender
line on the left side, (b) extend
more than 6 inches beyond the
fender line on the right side,
or (c) extend more than 4 feet
from the rear of the vehicle,
unless during the day you
have attached a 12-inch red
or fluorescent orange flag
or during the night, have
attached two lights.
Does the driver of this
vehicle have a problem?
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster
If you are towing a
trailer or another
vehicle, it must also
have its own tail,
brake, and turn
signals that function
simultaneously with
those of your vehicle.
Let’s now consider other safety equipment required on your vehicle
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster
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 the law.
True or False: It is legal to tint the front windshield of you vehicle?
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Windows, mirrors, and defroster
You must have mirrors which provide an
adequate view for 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 Components
and Systems
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.
Over time windshield wipers lose their ability to effectively clean your
windshield by cracking, loosing their flexibility, becoming dirty and
getting out of adjustment. It is a safe practice to change them yearly.
Temperature and humidity conditions may change rapidly causing
frost and condensation to form on the windshield. For this reason it
is important to keep the defroster in good operating condition.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of fenders and mudguards:
Laws also provide specifications
for fenders and mudguards on
your vehicle.
Before modifying these features
of your vehicle, you must check
the requirements listed in the
code.
Illegal modification of these components could result in a citation
and result in throwing rocks or debris at the car behind you.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
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
200 feet (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 200 feet (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 Components
and Systems – Unit 6
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Tires
The minimum legal tread depth
for tires is 1/32 of an inch for
most passenger vehicles.
For most buses, trucks and
trailers it is 4/32 of an inch.
It is 6/32 for snow tires.
If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is
always covered by the tread, you have
more than 6/32” of tread depth remaining.
Place a penny into several tread
grooves across the tire. If part of
Lincoln's head is always covered
by the tread, you have more than
2/32" of tread depth remaining.
If part of Washington's head is always
covered by the tread, you have more
than 4/32" of tread depth remaining.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Tires
To avoid skidding, blowouts,
and unsafe handling, the
manufacturer’s
recommendations for your
vehicle should be followed in
selecting replacement tires.
The recommendations for tire
pressure should also be
followed. Either under or over
inflated tires:
(a) reduces traction, increases
the likelihood of skidding, and
degrades the handling
characteristics of a vehicle, and
(b) leads to rapid tire wear.
In addition, failing to
maintain proper wheel
balancing and
suspension alignment
can lead to extreme
rapid tire wear and may
result in a blowout.
Vehicle Components
and Systems
Vehicle Systems and components
The legal use of safety equipment: Tires
In addition, worn components
in the suspension and steering
systems of your vehicle can
cause you to lose control as
well as accelerate tire wear.
True or False: Most passenger
vehicle tires should be rotated
between 6,000-10,000 miles.
(9600-16000 kilometers)
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 Components and Systems
Review time…let’s see what you remember…
1) The primary source of electrical power is from your
vehicle’s __________.
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 car’s
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 you 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 car’s
___________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: There are specific legal restrictions as to
tinting of windows. ________
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