Classic’s Automotive Terminology Decoder: 8 Essential Vehicle Parts You Should Know

Oct 4, 2023

We’re back with another fun edition of Automotive Terminology, where we demystify vocabulary, phrases, and terms used by industry professionals. We understand that buying, selling, and fixing cars is not a part of most of our customers daily or even weekly lives, so we’re here to help take the stress out of selecting or repairing your vehicle!

Through our Classic Auto Group Decoder series, we’re giving you the tools to decode and navigate conversations with automotive professionals be they salesperson or mechanic. And of course, if you have any questions or something you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll keep it in mind to answer for future posts!

Today, we’re going back to basics and taking a look at the 8 most essential parts of a vehicle and their functions. We’re going to learn about the engine, transmission, front and rear axle, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires, and brakes. Let’s break it down into easier to digest parts so you can get a good understanding of what each of them does.

The Engine: The engine’s job is to transform fuel into energy. This includes three primary categories: Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Engines (internal combustion + electric), and Electric Engines. Internal combustions work by taking in a mixture of fuel and air, compressing the air and fuel in the cylinder, which causes a small explosion that generates energy and expels the waste fumes as exhaust. The Electric Engine gets its energy from being plugged into a charging point, storing that energy in rechargeable batteries that power the motor and turn the wheels; they can accelerate much faster than conventional engines! The Hybrid combines the best of both worlds, utilizing the internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors; these do not usually require being plugged in, as the battery is usually charged by regenerative braking.

The Transmission: This is one of the most essential components of your vehicle, as it’s what moves the power from a vehicle’s engine to its wheels. It helps ensure that your engine spins at the proper rate without going too fast or too slow at a given speed. The transmission fluid inside it is a special oil that cools and lubricates the gears, and functions as a source of hydraulic pressure to shift the gears. Parts that help your automatic transmission function include transmission fluid, torque converter, oil pump, planetary gear set, clutch pack, brake band, output shaft, oil pan, and valve body.

Front and Rear Axle: These parts are responsible for rotating the wheels. Most vehicles have a front and rear axle, but some vehicles that are larger may have more. The Front Axle is responsible for assisting your steering and processing shocks as you drive along the uneven roadways; it has four major components: the beam, swivel pin, track rod, and stub axle. The Rear Axle is designed to deliver power to the driving wheels; it has two halves also known as half shafts which are connected by the differential.

Steering System: A vehicle’s steering system includes not just the obvious steering wheel and steering shaft but also: ball joints, bushings, sway bar links ,center links, idler arms/pitman arms, rack and pinion units, tie rod ends/sleeves, CV Joints/boots, CV Axle Half shafts, shock absorbers, struts/cartridges. Electric power steering is most commonly used in modern vehicles because it does not require steering fluid and thus has less maintenance requirements. Some systems use electric assist, and others like hydraulic steering systems require power steering fluid.

Suspension System: This system helps provide stability and performance of your vehicle by absorbing bumps in the road to provide you with a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride. This includes the tires, air springs, sway bars, struts, shock absorbers, and linkages which connect the vehicle to its wheels. It’s responsible for keeping the car in control as you drive, supports weight, and helps maintain tire contact with the road.

Wheels and Tires: The wheels are spun by an axle powered by your vehicle’s engine. A vehicle’s tires wrap around the rim which acts as a framework of support and form, so that when you fill it with air it keeps its shape. Rims are usually made from steel or aluminum. These in turn work together to help you turn and propel your vehicle forward using friction and constant ground contact.

Brakes: The brakes help you apply friction, leverage, and hydraulic force to bring your moving vehicle to a stop or slow in speed. When friction is applied, your brakes get hot from the kinetic energy converted from the wheel’s motion! The brakes system includes the brake pedal, brake fluid, brake booster, master cylinder, brake lines and brake hoses, disc brakes (caliper, brake pads, brake rotor), drum brakes (brake drum, wheel cylinder, brake shoes.)

It’s important to bring your car in for regular maintenance and scheduled repairs as soon as possible. Your local mechanic, like those at the Classic Body Shop, can help keep your ride in tip top shape, ensuring the safety of you, your passengers, and fellow drivers on the road.