The Engine

A vehicle’s engine is the source of its power. That is, the engine does the basic work needed to operate all the other parts of the vehicle. Almost all automobiles contain four-stroke, gasoline-burning engines. Although automotive engines come in a wide variety of sizes, models, and designs, the basic operating principles of all engines are the same. In this program, we’ll discuss how basic four-stroke engines work, as well as the operation of a variety of engine designs. Naturally, we can’t cover every possible type and design of engine in this unit. However, once you thoroughly understand the operation of a typical engine, you’ll easily be able to apply that knowledge to virtually any type of automotive engine you may come across in the future. ... Read More...

The Brake System

We all know that an automobile’s brake system is used to slow or stop its wheels. However, you may not be aware that almost all brakes can be classified into two categories: drum brake systems and disc brake systems. ... Read More...

The Suspension and Steering Systems

A vehicle’s suspension and steering systems allow the driver to properly control the automobile on the road. The steering system allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle’s motion, while the suspension system keeps the tires in contact with the road (even while the vehicle is traveling over rough road surfaces). ... Read More...

The Transmission and Transaxle

An automobile must be able to reach a wide variety of speeds over varying terrain. A car must be able to travel at slow speeds through city streets, at high speeds along expressways, and at steady speeds when traveling uphill. The automobile’s transmission system helps the vehicle change speeds to operate efficiently under all these conditions. ... Read More...

The Drive Train

The drive train is the system that connects the engine and the transmission to the wheels. There are three basic categories of drive train systems: front-wheel drive systems, rear-wheel drive systems, and fourwheel drive systems. Each system is named according to the wheels that are driven by the engine. Let’s look at each of these drive systems. ... Read More...

The Electrical and Electronic Systems

The electrical and electronic systems are the “brains” of the modern automobile. For many years, a car’s electrical system contained only a battery, a battery charging system, and the lights or accessories on the vehicle. Today, almost every part of a vehicle is somehow powered by or controlled by an electrical or electronic system. Electrical and electronic systems control everything from engine operation to the temperature inside the car. ... Read More...

The Heating and Air Conditioning Systems

Not all automotive systems are involved in making the car run—some systems are designed simply to enhance passenger comfort. The heating and air conditioning system is an example of a passenger comfort system that the passengers can control. Almost all vehicles contain some sort of heating system, and many contain air conditioning systems as well. ... Read More...

Automotive Tools

This section will introduce you to some of the many different types of tools you’ll use every day as an automotive technician. Auto technicians use literally thousands of different tools to perform the wide variety of repair jobs they need to complete. In addition to the standard hand and power tools you’re probably familiar with, a wide variety of specialized engine repair tools are also available. The type of tools you’ll use will depend on the type of vehicles and specific systems on which you work. ... Read More...