Automotive Systems and Parts Flashcards

Which engine component converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion?

Answer: Crankshaft

The crankshaft turns the up-and-down movement of the pistons, delivered through connecting rods, into rotation.

Failure of a timing belt on an interference engine typically results in what?

Answer: Valves contacting pistons, causing major engine damage

In an interference engine, valve and piston paths overlap, so belt failure lets them collide and bend valves.

When appraising a 4WD vehicle, which component lets the driver select between two-wheel and four-wheel drive?

Answer: Transfer case

The transfer case splits power between the front and rear axles and lets the driver choose drive modes.

What is the function of a differential in a vehicle's drivetrain?

Answer: Allow drive wheels to rotate at different speeds during turns

The differential lets the outer wheel travel faster than the inner wheel when cornering.

Which part supports the rotating drive wheel hub and, when worn, produces a humming noise that changes with vehicle speed?

Answer: Wheel bearing

Worn wheel bearings create a growl or hum that increases with speed and often changes when turning.

A hybrid vehicle's high-voltage battery condition is important to its appraisal because:

Answer: Replacement is costly and battery health strongly affects market value

Hybrid and EV traction batteries are expensive to replace, so their state of health significantly affects value.

Which component in a modern ignition system replaced the distributor by providing a dedicated coil for each cylinder?

Answer: Coil-on-plug ignition

Coil-on-plug systems mount an individual coil on each spark plug, eliminating the distributor and plug wires.