THE AUTOMIBILE: A REVOLUTIONARY INVENTION

Modern cars are the result of a long process of evolution. In 1796 the French engineer the first self-
propelled road vehicle, a tractor powered by a steam engine. In a steam engine, the burning fuel heats the
water in a boiler, thus generating steam. The steam expands and pushes pistons which turn a crankshaft,
which then turns the wheels. These engines were very heavy, so they were used in locomotives. Around
1830 Robert Anderson built the first electric carriage. This vehicle had an electric motor and rechargeable
batteries but was heavy and very slow. In 1876, Nikolaus August Otto built the first four-stroke internal-
combustion engine. The first petrol-powered vehicles were developed by Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz.

CAR EVOLUTION
The first mass-produced automobile in the United States was the 1901 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, built by
Ransome Eli Olds. Olds invented the basic concept of industry. Henry Ford installed the first assembly line
with conveyor belt in 1913, this brought many advantages. Ford's most famous car was the Model T which
was produced in numerous quantities. Most automakers around the world are trying to reduce toxic
emissions from their car tailpipes to less than five percent compared to 25 years ago.

THE FUEL ENGINE

In an internal combustion engine, the combustion take places in a confined space, producing expanding
gases that are used to provide mechanical power. These engines can be 2-stroke or 4-stroke. The four-
stroke cycle is also known as the Otto cycle, after Nikolaus Otto, who invented it in 1876. The Otto cycle
consists of four beats.

1 Intake stroke – The intake valve draws the mixture into the cylinder. The piston moves down and the
air/fuel mixture is forced into the cylinder by atmospheric pressure.

2 Compression stroke – Intake valve closes. The air/fuel mixture is compressed by the upward moving
cylinder, and this increases the pressure and temperature in the cylinder.

3 Power Stroke – At this point the spark plug ignites the mixture with a spark. The mixture burns in the
combustion chamber and the pressure in the cylinder increases, pushing the piston down. The movement
of the piston turns the wheels.

4 Exhaust stroke – When the piston reaches the bottom of the cylinder again, the exhaust valve opens to
allow the burnt gases to leave the cylinder through the exhaust port.

TWO-STROKE ENGINE
In a two-stroke internal combustion engine There are no valves. Intake and exhaust take place through
ports, special holes cut into the cylinder wall. A two-stroke engine has a reed valve between the air-fuel
intake and the crankcase. The fuel-air mixture enters the crankcase when the piston is pushed down,
allowing the hot exhaust gases to leave the cylinder. When the piston begins to rise, the ports are closed
and the air/fuel mixture is compressed and ignited. The hot gases increase the pressure, pushing the piston
down to start the cycle. The four stroke cycle is more efficient than the two stroke cycle and is more cost
effective used for automotive and industrial purposes. The two-stroke type of internal combustion engine is
employed in utilities that require small, inexpensive engines such as chainsaws or small motorcycles.

THE DIESEL ENGINE

Diesel engine was developed by German engineer Rudolph Diesel in 1893. Diesel engine is heavier and
more powerful than petrol engines. And they are widely used in heavy machinery, locomotives, ships, and
automobiles. A diesel engine is very similar to a petrol engine and is based on the same four-stroke cycle
system. The main difference in a diesel engine is that it has no spark plug to ignite the fuel this because it
takes advantage of the extreme heat generated by compression. In fact, the compression ratios of diesel
are much higher. Diesel engines are heavier than petrol engines as they run at a much higher pressure than
petrol engines.

ENGINE SUBSYSTEM
THE IGNITION SYSTEM
The ignition system produces a high voltage electric charge and transmits it to the spark plugs via
ignition wires.
THE COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system in most cars consists of a radiator and a water pump. This system is used to
avoid overheating and damaging the engine.
THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM
Most cars normally draw air flowing through an air filter directly into the cylinders or into a
turbocharger. This increases the power and performance of the engine.
THE STARTER SYSTEM
The starting system consists of an electric starter and a starter solenoid. When you turn the
ignition key, the starter motor cranks the engine to start the combustion process.
THE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
The lubrication system ensures that every moving part of the engine receives oil so that it can
move easily. The two main parts that need oil are the pistons and any bearings.
THE FUEL SYSTEM
The fuel system pumps gasoline from the tank and mixes it with air so it can flow into the
cylinders. Fuel is delivered in three common ways: carburation, port fuel injection, and direct fuel
injection.
THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
The exhaust system consists of the exhaust pipe and the silencer. The muffler dampens the sound.
THE ELECTRICAL PLANT
The electrical system consists of a battery and an alternator. The alternator is connected to the
engine and generates electricity to recharge the battery.

TYRES
Tires are covered around the rim of a wheel usually made of reinforced rubber. The main purpose is to
absorb shock and provide a cushion between the vehicle and the road. The tread is the grooved outer layer
that is in direct contact with the road. The rubber is designed to grip the road, resist wear, and tear and
withstand the high temperatures generated by friction. The grooves and sipes of the tires are designed to
channel water away from the tire surface, in order to guarantee maximum wet grip.

THE BRAKING SYSTEM

When you push the brake pedal, the force you apply is applied a master cylinder which uses a piston to
pressurize a network of hydraulic brake lines that lead to all the wheels of the vehicle. Drum brakes use a
drum-shaped assembly that spins with the wheel, but they overheat easily. A significant advancement has
come in the form of disc brakes featuring a metal disc and a fixed caliper that compresses the disc. These
brakes are vented so they are less likely to overheat. All vehicles are also equipped with a handbrake, also
called an emergency brake. This brake acts only on the rear wheels and is mechanically operated.

ABS
A vehicle's tires generate maximum deceleration when braking power is applied. Once the brakes lock up
and the wheels spin, deceleration is reduced and directional control is lost. ABS works by limiting the
pressure on any wheel that decelerates too quickly, preventing it from spinning and allowing the driver to
steer the vehicle.