Automotive Systems and Parts Flashcards

An appraiser inspecting a vehicle notices a sweet smell and white exhaust smoke at startup that persists after warm-up. Which component failure is most likely?

Answer: Leaking head gasket

A failed head gasket lets coolant into the combustion chamber, producing sweet-smelling white smoke that continues after warm-up.

Which part of a unibody vehicle, if damaged, typically has the greatest impact on its appraised value because it is integral to structural integrity?

Answer: Rear quarter panel and inner structure

On a unibody, quarter panels are welded structural members, so damage there requires sectioning and lowers value more than bolt-on parts.

A blue-gray smoke from the exhaust during acceleration most commonly indicates what condition?

Answer: Engine burning oil

Blue-gray smoke is the classic sign of oil being burned in the combustion chamber, often from worn rings or valve seals.

What is the primary function of a catalytic converter?

Answer: Convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions

The catalytic converter uses precious-metal catalysts to convert CO, HC, and NOx into CO2, water, and nitrogen.

A vehicle with a CV joint that clicks loudly during tight turns most likely has a problem in which system?

Answer: Front-wheel-drive axle

Clicking during turns is the classic symptom of a worn outer CV joint on a front-wheel-drive axle shaft.

Which type of suspension component is a MacPherson strut?

Answer: A combined shock absorber and coil spring assembly that also serves as a steering pivot

A MacPherson strut combines the damper and spring into one unit and acts as the upper steering pivot point.

When appraising a vehicle, uneven wear on the inside edges of the front tires most often suggests what issue?

Answer: Excessive toe-out or negative camber misalignment

Inner-edge wear typically results from alignment problems such as excessive negative camber or toe-out.