As a car owner, it is vital to be conversant with parts of your car to make informed decisions when maintaining or repairing your vehicle. This article will give you more information about different car parts and their functions.

1. Engine

The engine is the heart of your vehicle. It powers the car. An engine powers the automobile with the help of gasoline and other controlled explosions inside a cylinder. This power is sufficient enough to turn the crankshaft and move the wheels. Without the engine, your car is simply a metal lying around, thereby defeating the purpose for which it was created.

The power and efficiency of the engine determine the working efficiency of the automobile as a whole. Modern engines are internal combustion engines that could be spark-ignition or compression-ignition, and as such, they use either petrol or diesel respectively as fuel.

2. Radiator

The radiator prevents the engine from overheating by removing excess heat from the engine. The radiator allows the coolant to exchange heat with the passing air. We recommend checking your coolants levels at least twice a year for general maintenance on your radiator.

3. Battery

A car battery powers every electrical component in the vehicle and is essential to the vehicle’s full functionality. Chemical energy is stored in the battery, releasing electricity to run these electrical systems. It is considered the live wire of the car.

The alternator supplies electricity along with the battery. It generates electricity by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy in alternating current. The alternator also performs the role of recharging the battery by using mechanical energy generated when driving.

4. Brakes

Putting the car to a halt is as crucial as moving it. The brakes reduce the automobile’s speed and bring it to a halt when required. The braking system is composed of materials that slow down the metal discs connected to the car wheels. So, when you step on the brake pedal, it creates enough friction to stop the car’s movement.

5. Transmission 

The transmission is a gearing device that connects the vehicle’s wheels to the engine. It controls the power that is transferred from the engine to the wheels. The driver can control the gears manually, or the engine computer can control them automatically. The transmission allows the driver to optimize driving conditions without working the engine too hard. That way, power sent to the wheels is effectively used.

6. Axles and Differentials

The axles are part of the transmission system. They send power from the engine through the transmission to the wheels. The front and rear axles convert the mechanical energy derived from the spinning driveshaft to the left and right wheel for movement.

A differential is attached to the axels. It allows the wheels to move at a different speed as required. The axels and differential combine to ensure effortless control of your steering.