The Automotive Industry consists of the production of motor vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the world, employing millions of people. Automotive engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design, manufacture and operation of motor vehicles, including the component systems and subsystems of the vehicles.
There are many specialized terms used in automotive engineering. Some of these terms are related to the design, manufacturing and operation of motor vehicles, and some of these terms are specific to certain types of motor vehicles. The following is a list of some of the most commonly used terms in the automotive industry:
Axle: The part of the vehicle that supports the wheel and enables the vehicle to move.
Bore: The interior diameter of the cylinder, usually measured in millimeters.
Brakes: A device used to slow or stop the vehicles motion.
Camshaft: The part that allows the intake and exhaust valves to be opened and closed at the appropriate time in the combustion cycle.
Carburetor: The device which mixes the fuel and air in the proper ratio for combustion.
Chassis: The frame of the vehicle, which supports the weight and provides a platform for the suspension, fuel tank, engine, and other components.
Clutch: The device that allows the driver to select which gear the vehicle will be in.
Combustion: The process in which fuel is burned in order to produce energy.
Cylinder: The chamber in the engine in which the fuel and air are compressed and then ignited, creating combustion.
Driveshaft: The part that connects the transmission to the wheels.
Electrics: The electrical components and systems of the vehicle, such as the battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, wiring, lighting and gauges.
Ignition: The system that provides a spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinder.
Manifold: The pipe(s) that convey the exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust system.
Gearbox: The part that controls the transfer of power from the engine to the wheels.
Piston: The part of the engine which moves within the cylinder and is responsible for compressing the fuel and air mixture for combustion.
Suspension: The system of springs, shock absorbers, and other components that support the vehicle and its occupants, absorbing bumps and turning forces.
Transmission: The device that controls the timing and speed of the power transfer from the engine to the wheels.
Turbocharger: A device which forces more air into the engine, increasing the power output of the engine.
Valve: A component in the engine which controls the flow of gases into and out of the cylinder.
Wheel: The metal disc that is connected to the axle and provides the contact between the vehicle and the road.
These are only some of the terms used in the automotive industry. There are many more specific terms related to particular types of vehicles and components that are not included in this list.
