External Components of the Automobile
An automobile is composed of numerous parts that work in unison to create a cohesive system, each fulfilling a specific function. Below are some of the most critical external systems of a vehicle, in addition to its outer structure:
- Transmission.
- Brake system.
- Steering and wheel system.
- Electrical systems and wiring.
- Exhaust system.
How an Automobile Functions
The functionality of a vehicle is primarily centered around its engine, which serves as the heart of the car, enabling its movement. Most automobiles operate using what is known as internal combustion engines, where a mixture of fuel and air is ignited within a chamber known as the combustion chamber. This process is divided into four strokes, illustrating the reciprocating motion of the piston within the cylinder:
- Intake Stroke: During this phase, the piston moves from the top of the cylinder to the bottom, allowing the fuel-air mixture to enter the cylinder, facilitated by the opening of the intake valve.
- Compression Stroke: The piston then returns to the top, compressing the fuel-air mixture while both the intake and exhaust valves are closed.
- Power Stroke: In this stroke, the ignited fuel-air mixture generates thrust, pushing the piston downward in the cylinder.
- Exhaust Stroke: The piston moves back up again, forcing out the combustion byproducts into the external environment, accompanied by the opening of the exhaust valve.
The Inventor of the Automobile
There is considerable debate regarding the inventor of the automobile. The first three-wheeled vehicle was constructed by the Frenchman Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot in 1769. This steam-powered vehicle could operate continuously for twenty minutes at a speed of 3.6 km/h, with a capacity for four passengers. However, when discussing the creation of the first true automobile, credit goes to Karl Benz, who developed it in 1886.