Automobile Work

Section A. Interior Components of a Car

Unit 8. Automotive Components

I. Read the text “Automobile Work” and say what systems and working units are necessary for a good performance of a car.

Notes:current, n.–ток

to lubricate –смазывать

clutch, n.–сцепление

gearbox, n.-коробка подач

steering, n.-рулевое управление

suspension, n.–подвеска

bump, n.–столкновение

jolt, n.–удар

flywheel, n.–маховое колесо

crankshaft, n.- коленчатый вал

springings, n. – рессоры

charging rate, n.–скорость заряда аккумулятора

ignition system, n.-система зажигания

baring surfaces, n.–трущиеся поверхности

An automobile is composed of many different working units and parts. To provide the energy to make it move a car has an engine which in turn needs electric current, petrol and air. The engine also needs cooling so it does not become too hot and oil to lubricate the baring surfaces. There is the transmission system of a clutch, gearbox, propeller (cardan) shaft and axles which transmits power from the engine to wheels to move the car along the road. The steering mechanism is needed to guide the car in the right direction, brakes – to slow it down and stop it, and suspensions – to smooth out most of bumps and jolts.

Automobiles are trackless, self-propelled vehicles for land transportation of people or goods, or for moving materials. There are three main types of automobiles: passenger cars, buses and trucks. The automobile consists of the following components: a) the engine; b) the framework; c) the mechanism that transmits the power-engine to the wheels; d) the body.

An automobile, powered by a petrol engine, begins to operate when the driver turns a flywheel connected to the engine crankshaft. As the crankshaft revolves, a mixture of fuel and air is drawn from a carburettor into the engine cylinders. The ignition system provides the electric sparks that ignite this mixture. The resultant explosions of the mixture turn the crankshaft, and the engine starts moving.

Cooling, electrical, ignition and lubrication systems are of great importance for the good performance of a car. The lights, radio and heater add to the comfort and convenience of the car. The indicating devices keep the driver informed as to the engine temperature, oil pressure, amount of fuel, and battery charging rate.

Brakes are of drum, and disk types. The steering system consists of a manually operated steering wheel, which is connected by a steering column to the steering gear from which linkages run to the front wheels. It is difficult to turn the steering wheel, and special hydraulic power mechanisms are used to lessen this effort. Suitable springings are used against shocks. These are leaf springs, coil springs, torsion bars and air suspensions.

II. Answer the questions:

1. What components does the automobile consist of?

2. When does the engine start moving?

3. What systems are of great importance for the good performance of a car?

4. What do the indicating devices do?

5. What can you say about the steering system?