The automotive industry

The automotive industry

Car components

Cars are complex machines with many parts, both inside and outside. Some parts make driving safe, others improve comfort, and some add modern features.

• The gear lever changes gears. In manual cars, you must press the clutch pedal first. Automatic cars don’t have a clutch; you just put the car in "drive."

• The brake pedal slows down and stops the car, while the accelerator makes it go faster.

• The steering wheel controls direction and usually has the horn, which makes a loud sound to warn others.

• The indicator switch signals when you change direction.

Multiple Choice

How is this component called?

• gear lever

• brakes

• accelerator

• horn

Multiple Choice

How is this component called?

• brake pedals

• indicator switch

• steering wheel

• gear level

Multiple Choice

How is this component called?

• clutch pedal

• indicator switch

• brake pedal

• engine

Cars have a dashboard panel with digital displays that show important information, like:

• Speedometer – shows speed.

• Rev counter – helps decide when to change gears for better fuel efficiency.

• Warnings for low oil or tyre pressure.

The windscreen is the large front window. Windscreen wipers keep it clean in bad weather. Many cars have a rear-view camera to help with parking.

Inside, cars have a glove compartment for small items like keys and documents. Some models include a smart key that locks, unlocks, and starts the car without inserting a key. Many modern cars have USB ports for charging devices and sat-navs for navigation, controlled by buttons or a touchscreen.

Multiple Choice

How is this component called?

• Wiper

• Smart key

• Windscreen

• Rev counter

Multiple Choice

How is this component called?

• dashboard panel

• wipers

• rear-view camera

• sat-navs

Engine classification

What is an engine? An engine is a device that converts fuel (like petrol or diesel) into motion by rotating the crankshaft; the movement is transferred through the drivetrain and turns the wheels. The most common engines are internal combustion engines because they are cheap and efficient. Electric and hybrid engines are also becoming popular.

How are engines classified? Engines are classified based on where the fuel is burned, fuel type, timing system, ignition type, cooling system, number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement.

Engine classification

• Where the fuel burns: It can burn inside (internal combustion, like in petrol engines, diesel engines, gas-turbine engines, rocket-propulsion systems) or outside (external combustion, like steam engines).

• Ignition type: Petrol engines use a spark plug and air mixture, while diesel engines use compressed air to ignite fuel and air mixture.
• Fuel type : In spark-ignition engines, petrol is used as a fuel; in compression ignition engines, diesel is used as a fuel.

• Types of engine: Two-stroke engines the pistons move twice in one power stroke, while in four-stroke engines the pistons move four times (two up, two down).

 • Cooling system: Engines can be air-cooled (using air pressure) or water-cooled (using water circulation). Water-cooled engines are quieter and perform better.

• Number of cylinders: Engines can have 1 to 16 cylinders. Four-cylinder engines are the most common in cars, while high-performance and high-end vehicles often have more (5-6).

 • Cylinder arrangement: Inline, V-type, Boxer, W-type.

Engine classification: Cylinder arrangement

 • Inline (straight): Cylinders are arranged side by side; it is the most common type; it's lighter, cheaper, and fuel-efficient.

• V-type: Helps balance the engine.

• Boxer: Cylinders are opposite each other, providing stability but not the best fuel efficiency.
• W-type: used in powerful, high-performance engines.

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
A rotating element in an engine that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion.
("albero motore")

• crankshaft

• drivetrain

• spark-plug

• power stroke

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The group of components in a vehicle that transmit power from the engine to the wheels
("trasmissione")

• crankshaft

• drivetrain

• spark-plug

• power stroke

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The phase in a internal combustion engine where the piston is propelled by the expansion of the gases
("fase di espansione")

• crankshaft

• drivetrain

• spark-plug

• power stroke

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
A device in an internal combustion engine that ignites the air-fuel mixture by creating a spark.
("candela di accensione")

• crankshaft

• drivetrain

• spark-plug

• power stroke

Internal combustion engines:

An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a machine with different parts working together to create controlled explosions. These explosions move the vehicle's wheels. The chemical process, called combustion or burning , happens inside the engine by burning fuel mixed with air. This releases energy, which the engine converts into movement.

how do they work?

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the cylinder?

(=cilindro)

• It's where fuel burns to create power. The piston moves up and down inside it.

• It creates a spark to ignite the fuel and start the combustion.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the intake valve?

(= Valvola di aspirazione)

• It moves up and down inside the cylinder to help create power for the engine.

• It opens to let air and fuel enter the cylinder.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the piston?

(= pistone)

• It moves up and down inside the cylinder to help create power for the engine.

• It controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the spark plug?

(= candela di accensione)

• it opens to let burned gases exit the cylinder.

• it creates a spark to ignite the fuel and start the combustion.

Multiple Choice

The __________ changes the up-and-down movement of the piston into a rotating movement.

• crankshaft

• cylinder

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the connecting rod?

(=biella)

• it links the piston to the crankshaft and helps transfer power.

• it controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.

Multiple Choice

The _____________ controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves.

• Crankshaft (Albero motore)

• Camshaft (Albero a camme)

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the exhaust valve?

(= valvola di scarico)

• it opens to let burned gases exit the cylinder.

• it is where fuel burns to create power.

Diesel and Petrol Engines Explained

Why are they called Diesel? Diesel engines are named after their inventor, Rudolf Diesel, who created the first prototype in 1893.

What is a diesel engine? A diesel engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses compression, instead of a spark, to ignite fuel and create motion.

Key differences between diesel and petrol engines

 1. Ignition System: • Petrol engines use a spark plug to ignite fuel.

 • Diesel engines use compressed air: the pistons compress the mixture of air and diesel fuel; the mixture explodes and forces the piston up and this creates a reciprocating motion. This is then transformed in a rotary motion by the crankshaft.

 2. Throttle Body: • Petrol engines use a throttle body (a butterfly valve that controls air and fuel intake; it opens when pressing the accelerator to let in more air and fuel, producing more power).

  • Diesel engines don’t have a throttle body; instead, fuel injectors control power by adding more or less diesel.

 3. Engine Braking:  • Petrol engines slow down when the accelerator is released because the throttle valve  closes, creating a vacuum between the valve and the cylinder.

 • Diesel engines don’t have a throttle valve, so they use a Jake Brake (retarder), which changes the operation of the exhaust valves to slow the vehicle. The engine is used as a power-absorbing air compressor.

Multiple Choice

Why are diesel engines called "Diesel"?

• Because they use diesel fuel

• Because they were invented by Rudolf Diesel

• Because they produce less pollution

• Because they don’t use a spark plug

Multiple Choice

How does a diesel engine ignite fuel?

• With a spark plug

• With a battery

• By compressing air and fuel

• By using a throttle body

Multiple Choice

What is the function of a crankshaft?

• To start the engine
  

• To transform reciprocating motion into rotary motion
  

• To inject fuel into the engine
  

• To open and close the valves

Multiple Choice

How does a diesel engine control power?

• With a throttle body
  

• By changing the amount of fuel injected
  

• By increasing the spark intensity
  

• By reducing air intake

Multiple Choice

What is a Jake Brake used for?

• To slow down a diesel engine
  

• To increase engine speed
  

• To add more fuel to the engine
  

• To start the engine

Motorcycles: basic components

A motorcycle has several important parts that play a key role: the engine powers the motorcycle.
• In inline engines cylinders are in a straight line along the crankshaft; they run smoothly and have high RPM (revolution per minute) capabilities.
• In V-twin engines there are two cylinders in a V-shape; they give strong performance and a distinctive rumble.
• Chassis (frame) is the motorcycle's structure, supporting the engine, suspension and other components. It affects handling characteristics and is made from materials like steel, aluminum or carbon fiber.
• Suspension: the front forks (= forcelle anteriori) and rear shock absorbers absorb bumps and keep the tyres on the road.
• Brakes are used for stopping and come in two main types: disc brakes (more common in modern motorcycles) and drum brakes.
• Wheels and tyres: the type affects grip, handling, and safety.
• Transmission: transfers engine's power to the rear wheel. Most motorcycles use a manual transmission with a clutch.
• Fuel system: includes the fuel tank, pump and injectors which deliver fuel to the engine.

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
These engines have cylinders arranged in a straight line. They are common in sport and touring motorcycles.
("motori in linea")

• V-twin engines

• Inline engines

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
A type of brake where brake shoes (= ganasce) press against the inside of a drum to stop the wheel.
("Freni a tamburo")

• drum brake

• disc brake

• Rumble

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The deep and loud sound that a motorcycle engine makes, especially with a V-twin engine.
("Rombo")

• wheels

• tyres

• rumble

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
These engines have two cylinders arranged in a "V" shape. They produce strong force and a deep sound.
("Motori a V bicilindrici")

• Inline engines

• Chassis

• V-twin engines

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The main structure of the motorcycle, which supports all other parts.
("Telaio")

• Chassis

• Brake

• Tyre

• Clutch

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The system that slows down or stops the motorcycle.

("Freni")

• Chassis

• Brakes

• Wheel

• Clutch

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The part that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the rider to change gears.

("Frizione")

• Chassis

• Brakes

• Wheel

• Clutch

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The round parts that allow the motorcycle to move. They include rims (=cerchioni) and tyres.

("Ruote")

• Chassis

• Brakes

• Wheels

• Clutch

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The rubber parts of the wheels that grip the road and provide traction.

("Pneumatici")

• Tyres

• Brakes

• Wheels

• Clutch

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The system that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, making the motorcycle move.

("Trasmissione")

• Tyres

• Suspension

• Clutch

• Transmission

Multiple Choice

The ____________ is the system that absorbs shocks from the road, making the ride more comfortable.

• Tyres

• Suspension

• Shock absorber

• Transmission

Multiple Choice

The __________ are parts of the suspension that help reduce bumps and vibrations.

• Tyres

• Suspension

• Shock absorbers

• Transmission

Multiple Choice

Match the definition with the correct word / expression:
The system that stores and delivers fuel to the engine for combustion.

("Impianto di alimentazione")

• Fuel system

• Rumble

• Shock absorbers

• Suspension

Multiple Choice

Small nozzles that spray fuel into the engine in precise amounts.

(iniettori)

• fuel tank

• pump

• injectors

Multiple Choice

The device that moves fuel from the tank to the engine.

(pompa)

• fuel tank

• pump

• injectors

Multiple Choice

The container that holds the fuel for the motorcycle. It supplies fuel to the engine through the fuel system.

(serbatoio)

• fuel tank

• pump

• injectors

Introduction to EVs

An electric vehicle (EV), like an electric car, uses one or more electric motors powered by a battery to move.

There are three main types:

 • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) → These cars have both a petrol/diesel engine and an electric motor. The battery charges while driving, so they don’t need to be plugged in.The electric motor can power the car alone for short distances.

 • Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) → Like HEVs, they have a petrol/diesel engine and an electric motor, but they have a bigger battery. You can charge them with a plug to drive longer on electricity.

 • Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) → These cars run only on electricity. They have no petrol/diesel engine and must be charged at a charging station.

There are also Mild Hybrid EVs (MHEVs), which are another type of hybrid. → These are a type of hybrid with a small electric motor that helps the petrol/diesel engine but cannot drive the car alone. It only assists the petrol/diesel engine, helping to save fuel and reduce emissions. The battery charges while driving, but it is smaller than in HEVs.

What is a Hybrid?

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) use two energy sources for better efficiency:

 • Electric power (stored in batteries)

 • Combustion energy (provided by petrol or diesel fuels)

Some type of hybrid systems, called range-extended vehicles or series hybrids, use the combustion engine only as a generator. The internal combustion engine doesn’t directly take part in the drive; only electric motors power the wheels.

Multiple Choice

What powers an electric vehicle (EV)?

• A petrol engine
  

• An electric motor powered by a battery
  

• A diesel engine
  

• A steam engine

Multiple Choice

Which statement is true about Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)?

• They only run on electricity
  

• They need to be plugged in to charge
  

• They have both an electric motor and a petrol/diesel engine
  

• They cannot use electric power alone

Multiple Choice

What is the main difference between PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) and HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles)?

• PHEVs have a bigger battery and can be plugged in to charge
  

• HEVs can only run on electricity
  

• PHEVs have no petrol/diesel engine
  
  

• HEVs use only petrol or diesel

Multiple Choice

Which type of EV runs only on electricity?

• HEVs
  
  Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• PHEVs
  
  Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

• BEVs
  
  Battery Electric Vehicles

• MHEVs
  
  Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the electric motor in Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs)?

• It powers the car alone for long distances
  

• It replaces the petrol/diesel engine
  

• It must be plugged in to charge

• It helps the petrol/diesel engine but cannot power the car alone
  

Multiple Choice

What do range-extended hybrid vehicles use the combustion engine for?

• To power the wheels
  

• Only as a generator to charge the battery

• To start the car
  

• To reduce battery usage