AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

PRASHANTH B N
Assistant Professor
Department Mechanical Engineering
Amrita School of Engineering
 Introduction
 We are truly living in a “world of wheels”.
 Every day, millions of people depend on their cars,
trucks, vans, and sport-utility vehicles as their primary
means of transportation.
 As a result, economic experts predict a strong demand for
skilled automobile technicians and related professionals
for the foreseeable future.
 Heat engine is a system that converts heat or thermal
energy - and chemical energy - to mechanical energy,
which can then be used to do mechanical work.
Introduction
 Introduction
 The term automobile is derived from the Greek word
autos, which means self, and the French word mobile,
which means moving.
 Today’s “self-moving” vehicles are engineering surprise
of safety and dependability.
 Over the last century, engineers and skilled workers all
over the world have used all facets of technology (the
application of maths, science, physics, and other subjects)
to steadily give us a better means of transportation.
 Today, failure of one system can affect the operation of a
seemingly unrelated system.
 This makes a thorough understanding of how the whole
automobile works especially important.
 Parts, Assemblies, and Systems
 A part is the smallest removable item on a car.
 A part is not normally disassembled.
 The word component is frequently used when referring
to an electrical or electronic part. For example, a spark
plug is an ignition system component that ignites the fuel
in the engine.
 An assembly is a set of fitted parts designed to complete
a function. For example, the engine is an assembly that
converts fuel into useable power to move the vehicle.
 Technicians must sometimes take assemblies apart and
put them back together during maintenance, service, and
repair operations.
 Parts, Assemblies, and Systems

An assembly is a group of parts that work together to perform a function.

For example, an engine is an assembly that contains pistons, which convert the
fuel’s heat energy into useable kinetic energy (motion).
 Parts, Assemblies, and Systems
 An automotive system is a group of related parts and
assemblies that performs a specific function (job or task).
 For example, your vehicle’s steering system contains the
steering wheel, steering shaft, steering gears, linkage
rods, and other parts.
 These parts allow you to control the direction of the
wheels and tires for maneuvering (turning) your vehicle.
 Another example of a familiar system is the brake
system.
 This system is a group of parts that performs a very
important task - slowing and stopping your vehicle
quickly and safely.
Major Systems of a Vehicle
 Major Systems of a Vehicle
Automotive parts and systems can be organized into various
major categories:
Body and Frame - Support and enclose the vehicle.
Engine - Provides dependable, efficient power for the
vehicle.
Computer Systems - Monitor and control various vehicle
systems like anti-lock brakes, air bag systems, keyless entry
or a security system etc.
Fuel System - Provides a combustible air-fuel mixture to
power the engine.
Electrical System - Generates and/or distributes the
power needed to operate the vehicle’s electrical and
electronic components like battery, alternator, starter,
headlights and other exterior lights windshield wipers etc.
 Major Systems of a Vehicle
 Throttle Valve: Regulates the supply of a fluid (as steam
or gas and air) to an engine for the combustion engine.
 Fuel Filter: A fuel filter is a filter in the fuel line that
screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel, normally
made into cartridges containing a filter paper. 
 Exhaust Manifold: An exhaust manifold collects the
exhaust gases from multiple cylinders into a smaller
number of pipes – often down to one pipe.
 Intake Manifold: The primary function of the intake
manifold is to evenly distribute the combustion mixture
(or just air in a direct injection engine) to each intake port
in the cylinder head(s).
 Cooling & Lubrication Systems - Prevent engine
damage & wear by regulating engine operating
temperature & reducing friction between IC engine parts.
 Major Systems of a Vehicle
 Exhaust and Emission Control Systems - Quiet engine
noise and reduce toxic substances emitted by the vehicle.
 Catalytic Converter: Exhaust emission control device
that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust
gas from an internal combustion engine to less toxic
pollutants by catalyzing a redox reaction (an oxidation
and a reduction reaction).
 Muffler (Silencer): Device for decreasing the amount
of noise emitted by the exhaust of an IC engine.
 Drive Train Systems - Transfer power from the engine
to the drive wheels.
 Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems - Support and
control the vehicle.
 Accessory and Safety Systems - Increase occupant
comfort, safety, security, and convenience.
 Frame, Body, and Chassis
 The body and frame are the two largest sections of a
motor vehicle.
 The frame is the strong metal structure that provides a
mounting place for the other parts of the vehicle.
 The frame holds the engine, transmission, suspension,
and other assemblies in position.
 The body is a steel, aluminium, fiberglass, plastic, or
composite skin forming the outside of the vehicle.
 The body is painted to give the vehicle an attractive
appearance.
 The term chassis is often used when referring to a
vehicle’s frame and everything mounted to it except the
body—tires, wheels, engine, transmission, drive axle
assembly, and frame.
Frame, Body, and Chassis

Body-over-frame Construction.
The chassis parts bolt to a strong perimeter frame.
The body bolts to this thick steel frame.
 Frame, Body, and Chassis

Unibody Construction.
Unibody vehicles do not have a separate perimeter frame.
Chassis components bolt directly to the unibody assembly.
 Frame, Body, and Chassis
Body-over-frame Construction
In Body-over-frame construction, the frame consists of
thick steel members.
The chassis parts and the body bolt to this frame.
Also called full frame construction or perimeter frame
construction, this design is heavy but strong.
Body-over-frame construction is used on full-size cars,
vans, pickup trucks, and sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).
 Frame, Body, and Chassis
Unibody Construction
With unibody construction, sheet metal body panels are
welded together to form the body and frame.
Also called space frame construction or unitized
construction, this is the most common type of configuration
used to build small and medium passenger cars.
Unibody construction reduces weight, improves fuel
economy, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
However, unibody vehicles are not as strong as those with
body-over-frame construction.
 Body Types
 Automobiles are available in several body types,
including the sedan, hardtop, convertible, hatchback, and
station wagon.
 In addition, the minivan, the sport-utility vehicle, and the
pickup truck have become increasingly popular.
 Body Types
Sedan
A sedan is a car that has front and back seats and will
carry four to six people.
It has center body pillars, or “B” pillars, between the front
and rear doors.
Both two-door and four-door sedans are available.
 Body Types
Hardtop
A hardtop is similar to the sedan, but it has no “B” pillars.
Hardtop vehicles are also available in both two and four-
door models.
 Body Types
Convertible
A convertible has a vinyl or cloth top that can be raised
and lowered.
A convertible has no door pillars, and its strength is
designed into the frame or floor pan.
Although most convertibles are two-door models, a few
four-door convertibles have been produced.
 Body Types
Hatchback
A hatchback, or liftback, has a large rear door for easy
access when transporting items.
This style car is available in three- and five-door models.
 Body Types
Station Wagon
A station wagon has a long, straight roof that extends to
the rear of the vehicle.
Station wagons have large rear interior compartments and
come in two- and four-door models.
Some station wagons have space for up to nine
passengers.
 Body Types
Minivan
The minivan is similar to the station wagon, but it has a
higher roofline for more headroom and cargo space.
Most minivans are designed to carry seven passengers.
 Body Types
Sport-utility Vehicles
Sport-utility vehicles are often equipped with four wheel-
drive systems and have a tall body design.
They provide the comfort of a passenger car, the interior
space of a station wagon, and the durability of a truck.
Common Names for Various Automobile
Body Parts
 Engine
 The engine provides the energy to propel (move) the
vehicle and operate the other systems.
 Most engines consume gasoline or diesel fuel.
 The fuel burns in the engine to produce heat.
 Heat causes gas expansion, creating pressure inside the
engine.
 Pressure moves internal engine parts to produce power.

An automotive engine commonly burns

gasoline or diesel fuel to produce power.
(Suzuki)
 Engine
 Engine is usually located in the front portion of the body.
 Placing the heavy engine in this position makes the
vehicle safer in the event of a head-on collision.
 In a few vehicles, the engine is mounted in the rear to
improve handling.

The engine can be located in the front

or rear of the vehicle.
Basic Parts of a Simplified One-cylinder
Engine
Basic Parts of a Simplified One-cylinder
Engine
 The block is metal casting that holds all the other engine
parts in place.
 The cylinder is a round hole bored (machined) in the
block. It guides piston movement.
 The piston is a cylindrical component that transfers the
energy of combustion (burning of air-fuel mixture) to the
connecting rod.
 The rings seal the small gap around the sides of the
piston. They keep combustion pressure and oil from
leaking between the piston and the cylinder wall (cylinder
surface).
 The connecting rod links the piston to the crankshaft.
Basic Parts of a Simplified One-cylinder
Engine
 The crankshaft changes the reciprocating (up and down)
motion of the piston and rod into useful rotary (spinning)
motion.
 The cylinder head covers and seals the top of the
cylinder. It also holds the valves, rocker arms, and often,
the camshaft.
 The combustion chamber is a small cavity (hollow area)
between the top of the piston and the bottom of the
cylinder head. The burning of the air-fuel mixture occurs
in the combustion chamber.
 The valves open and close to control the flow of the air-
fuel mixture into the combustion chamber and the
exhaust gases out of the combustion chamber.
Basic Parts of a Simplified One-cylinder
Engine
 The camshaft controls the opening of the valves.
 The valve springs keep the valves closed when they do
not need to be open.
 The rocker arms transfer camshaft action to the valves.
 The lifters, or followers, ride on the camshaft and
transfer motion to the other parts of the valve train.
 The flywheel helps keep the crankshaft turning smoothly.
It also provides a large gear for the starting motor.
 Four-Stroke Cycle
 Automobile engines normally use a four-stroke cycle.
 Four separate piston strokes (up or down movements) are
needed to produce one cycle (complete series of events).
 The piston must slide down, up, down, and up again to
complete one cycle.
Four-Stroke Cycle
 Four-Stroke Cycle
Intake Stroke
The intake stroke draws the air-fuel mixture into the
engine’s combustion chamber.
The piston slides down while the intake valve is open and
the exhaust valve is closed.
This produces a vacuum (low-pressure area) in the cylinder.
Atmospheric pressure (outside air pressure) can then force
air and fuel into the combustion chamber.
Compression Stroke
The compression stroke prepares the air-fuel mixture for
combustion.
With both valves closed, the piston slides upward and
compresses (squeezes) the trapped air-fuel mixture.
 Four-Stroke Cycle
Power Stroke
Power stroke produces the energy to operate the engine.
With both valves still closed, the spark plug arcs (sparks)
and ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture.
The burning fuel expands and develops pressure in the
combustion chamber and on the top of the piston.
This pushes the piston down with enough force to keep the
crankshaft spinning until the next power stroke.
 Four-Stroke Cycle
Exhaust Stroke
The exhaust stroke removes the burned gases from the
combustion chamber.
During this stroke, the piston slides up while the exhaust
valve is open and the intake valve is closed.
The burned fuel mixture is pushed out of the engine and
into the exhaust system.
 Four-Stroke Cycle
 During engine operation, these four strokes are repeated
over and over.
 With the help of the heavy flywheel, this action produces
smooth, rotating power output at the engine crankshaft.
 Obviously, other devices are needed to lubricate the
engine parts, operate the spark plug, cool the engine, and
provide the correct fuel mixture.
 Automotive Engines
 Unlike the basic one-cylinder engine just discussed,
automotive engines are multi-cylinder engines, which
means they have more than one piston and cylinder.
 Vehicles commonly have 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-cylinder
engines.
 The additional cylinders smooth engine operation
because there is less time (degrees of crankshaft rotation)
between power strokes.
 Additional cylinders also increase power output.
Automotive Engines
 Computer Systems
 The computer system uses electronic and electrical
devices to monitor and control various systems in the
vehicle, including the fuel, ignition, drive train, safety,
and security systems.
 The use of computer systems has improved vehicle
efficiency and dependability.
 Additionally, most of these systems have self-diagnostic
capabilities.
 There are three major parts of an automotive computer
system: Sensors, Control and, Actuators.
 Computer Systems

Computer-controlled lock system automatically locks the doors as soon as the vehicle starts moving.
When the gear shift sensor and the vehicle speed sensor send the correct signals to the control module, the
module energizes the solenoid (actuator).
The solenoid then converts the electrical signal from the control module to a linear motion, locking the doors.
 Computer Systems
Depending on how expensive the car is, there can be all sorts
of other computers. For example:
There is probably a computer controlling the automatic
transmission.
If the car has anti-lock brakes, there is a computer reading
the wheel speed and controlling the brakes.
Many air bag systems have their own computers.
A car with keyless entry or a security system has a
computer for these systems.
Advanced climate control systems often have computers.
Some cars now have motorized seats and mirrors that can
remember the settings for multiple drivers, and these contain
computers.
Any radio or CD player with a digital display contains a
computer of its own.
Parts of an Automotive Computer
Systems
Sensors
Input devices that can produce or modify electrical signals
with a change in a condition, such as motion, temperature,
pressure, etc.
The sensors are the “eyes, ears, and nose” of the computer
system.
Control Module
Computer (electronic circuit) that uses signals from input
devices (sensors) to control various output devices.
The control module is the “brain” of the computer system.
Parts of an Automotive Computer
Systems
Actuators
Output devices, such as small electric motors, that can
move parts when energized by the control module.
The actuators serve as the “hands and arms” of the
computer system.

A modern car can have several control modules and dozens

of sensors and actuators.
 Fuel System
 The fuel system must provide the correct mixture of air
and fuel for efficient combustion (burning).
 System must add the right amount of fuel to the air
entering the cylinders.
 Ensures that a very volatile (burnable) mixture enters the
combustion chambers.
 The fuel system must also alter the air-fuel ratio
(percentage of air and fuel) with changes in operating
conditions (engine temperature, speed, load, and other
variables).
 There are three basic types of automotive fuel systems:
Gasoline injection systems, Diesel injection systems, and
Carburetor systems.
 Fuel System
Gasoline Injection System
 Modern gasoline injection systems use a control
module, sensors, and electrically operated fuel injectors
(fuel valves) to meter fuel into the engine.
 Fuel injectors are the most common type of fuel system
on gasoline, or spark ignition, engines.
 Fuel System
Gasoline Injection System
 An electric fuel pump forces fuel from the fuel tank to
the engine.
 The control module, reacting to electrical data it receives
from the sensors, opens the injectors for the correct
amount of time.
 Fuel sprays from the open injectors, mixing with the air
entering the combustion chambers.
 A throttle valve controls airflow, engine speed, and
engine power.
 When the throttle valve is open for more engine power
output, the computer holds the injectors open longer,
allowing more fuel to spray out.
 Fuel System
Gasoline Injection System
 When the throttle valve is closed, the computer opens the
injectors for only a short period of time, reducing power
output.
 The throttle valve (air valve) is connected to the
accelerator pedal.
 When the pedal is pressed, the throttle valve opens to
increase engine power output.
 Fuel System
Diesel Injection System
 A diesel fuel system is primarily a mechanical system
that forces diesel fuel (not gasoline) directly into the
combustion chambers.
 Unlike the gasoline engine, the diesel engine does not use
spark plugs to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
 Instead, it uses the extremely high pressure produced
during the compression stroke to heat the air in the
combustion chamber.
 The air is squeezed until it is hot enough to ignite the
fuel.
 When the mechanical pump sprays the diesel fuel into a
combustion chamber, the hot air in the chamber causes
the fuel to begin to burn.
 Fuel System
Diesel Injection System
 The burning fuel expands and forces the piston down on
the power stroke.
 Electronic devices are commonly used to monitor and
help control the operation of today’s diesel injection
systems.
 Fuel System
Carburetor Fuel System
 The carburetor fuel system uses engine vacuum
(suction) to draw fuel into the engine.
 The amount of airflow through the carburetor determines
the amount of fuel used.
 This automatically maintains the correct airfuel ratio.
 Fuel System
Carburetor Fuel System
 Either a mechanical or an electric fuel pump draws fuel
out of the tank and delivers it to the carburetor.
 The engine’s intake strokes form a vacuum inside the
intake manifold and carburetor.
 This causes gasoline to be drawn from the carburetor and
the air entering into the engine.
 Electrical System
 The vehicle’s electrical system consists of several
subsystems (smaller circuits): Ignition system, Starting
system, Charging system, and Lighting system.
 Each subsystem is designed to perform a specific
function, such as “fire” the spark plugs to ignite the
engine’s fuel mixture, rotate the crankshaft to start the
engine, illuminate the highway for safe night driving, etc.
 Electrical System
Ignition System
 An ignition system is needed on gasoline engines to
ignite the air-fuel mixture.
 It produces an extremely high voltage surge, which
operates the spark plugs.
 A very hot electric arc jumps across the tip of each spark
plug at the correct time.
 Causes the air-fuel mixture to burn, expand, and produce
power.
 With the ignition switch on and the engine running, the
system uses sensors to monitor engine speed and other
operating variables.
 Sensor signals are fed to the control module.
 Electrical System
Ignition System

The ignition system is used on gasoline engines to start combustion.

The spark plug must fire at the correct time during the compression stroke.
A crankshaft position sensor or a distributor operates the ignition module.
The module operates the ignition coil. The coil produces high voltage for the spark plugs.
 Electrical System
Ignition System
 The control module then modifies and amplifies
(increases) these signals into on-off current pulses that
trigger the ignition coil.
 When triggered, the ignition coil produces a high voltage
output to “fire” the spark plugs.
 When the ignition key is turned off, the coil stops
functioning and the spark-ignition engine stops running.
 Electrical System
Starting System
 The starting system has a powerful electric starting
motor that rotates the engine crankshaft until the engine
“fires” and runs on its own power.
 A battery provides the electricity for the starting system.
 When the key is turned to the start position, current flows
through the starting system circuit.
 The starting motor is energized, and the starting motor
pinion gear engages a gear on the engine flywheel.
 This spins the crankshaft.
 As soon as the engine starts, the driver must shut off the
starting system by releasing the ignition key.
Electrical System
Starting System
 Electrical System
Charging System
 The charging system is needed to replace electrical
energy drawn from the battery during starting system
operation.
 To re-energize the battery, the charging system forces
electric current back into the battery.
 When the engine is running, a drive belt spins the
alternator pulley.
 The alternator (generator) can then produce electricity to
recharge the battery and operate other electrical needs of
the vehicle.
 A voltage regulator, usually built into the alternator,
controls the voltage and current output of the alternator.
Electrical System
Charging System
 Electrical System
Lighting System
 The lighting system consists of the components that
operate a vehicle’s interior and exterior lights (fuses,
wires, switches, relays, etc.).
 The exact circuit and part configurations will vary from
one model to another.
 The exterior lights typically include the headlights, turn
signals, brake lights, parking lights, backup lights, and
side marker lights.
 The interior lights include the dome light, trunk light,
instrument panel lights, and other courtesy lights.
 Cooling and Lubrication System
 The cooling and lubrication systems are designed to
prevent engine damage and wear.
 They are important systems that prevent the engine from
self-destructing.
 The cooling system maintains a constant engine
operating temperature.
 It removes excess combustion heat to prevent engine
damage and also speeds engine warm-up.
 The water pump forces coolant (water and antifreeze
solution) through the inside of the engine, hoses, and
radiator.
 The coolant collects heat from the hot engine parts and
carries it back to the radiator.
 Cooling and Lubrication System

The cooling system must protect the engine from

the heat of combustion. The lubrication system uses oil to reduce friction and wear.
Combustion heat could melt and ruin engine parts. The pump forces oil to high-friction points.
The system must also speed warm-up and maintain
a constant operating temperature.
 Cooling and Lubrication System
 The radiator allows the coolant heat to transfer into the
outside air.
 An engine fan draws cool air through the radiator.
 The thermostat controls coolant flow and engine
temperature.
 It is usually located where the top radiator hose connects
to the engine.
 The lubrication system reduces friction and wear
between internal engine parts by circulating filtered
engine oil to high-friction points in the engine.
 The lubrication system also helps cool the engine by
carrying heat away from internal engine parts.
Exhaust and Emission Control Systems
 The exhaust system quiets the noise produced during
engine operation and routes engine exhaust gases to the
rear of the vehicle body.
 Various emission control systems are used to reduce the
amount of toxic (poisonous) substances produced by an
engine.
 Some systems prevent fuel vapors from entering the
atmosphere (air surrounding the earth).
 Other emission control systems remove unburned and
partially burned fuel from the engine exhaust.
Exhaust and Emission Control Systems

The exhaust system carries burned gases to the rear of the vehicle. It also
reduces engine noise. (Nissan)
 Drive Train Systems
 The drive train transfers turning force from the engine
crankshaft to the drive wheels.
 Drive train configurations vary, depending on vehicle
design.
 The drive train parts commonly found on a front engine,
rear-wheel-drive vehicle include the clutch, transmission,
drive shaft, and rear axle assembly.
 The drive train parts used on most front-engine, front-
wheel-drive vehicles include the clutch, transaxle, and
drive axles.
 Drive Train Systems

The drive train transfers engine power to the drive wheels.

A—Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle. B— Front-engine, front-wheel-drive vehicle.
 Drive Train Systems
Clutch
 The clutch allows the driver to engage or disengage the
engine and manual transmission or transaxle.
 When the clutch pedal is in the released position, the
clutch locks the engine flywheel and the transmission
input shaft together.
 This causes engine power to rotate the transmission gears
and other parts of the drive train to propel the vehicle.
 When the driver presses the clutch pedal, the clutch
disengages power flow and the engine no longer turns the
transmission input shaft and gears.
 Drive Train Systems
Transmission
 The transmission uses various gear combinations, or
ratios, to multiply engine speed and torque to
accommodate driving conditions.
 Low gear ratios allow the vehicle to accelerate quickly.
 High gear ratios permit lower engine speed, providing
good gas mileage.
 A manual transmission lets the driver change gear ratios
to better accommodate driving conditions.
 An automatic transmission, on the other hand, does not
have to be shifted by the driver.
 It uses an internal hydraulic system and, in most cases,
electronic controls to shift gears.
 The input shaft of an automatic transmission is connected
to the engine crankshaft through a torque converter
(fluid coupling) instead of a clutch.
 Drive Train Systems
Transmission

A manual transmission uses gears and shafts to achieve various gear ratios.
The speed of the output shaft compared to the speed of the input shaft varies in each gear position.
This allows the driver to change the amount of torque going to the drive wheels.
In lower gears, the car accelerates quickly.
When in high gear, engine speed drops while vehicle speed stays high for good fuel economy. (Ford)
 Drive Train Systems
Transmission

An automatic transmission serves the same function as a manual transmission.

However, it uses a hydraulic pressure system to shift gears. (Ford)
 Drive Train Systems
Drive Shaft
 The drive shaft, or propeller shaft, transfers power from
the transmission to the rear axle assembly.
 It is a hollow metal tube with two or more universal
(swivel) joints.
 The universal joints allow the rear suspension to move up
and down without damaging the drive shaft.

The drive shaft sends power to the rear axle assembly.

 Drive Train Systems
Rear Axle Assembly
 The rear axle assembly contains a differential and two
axles.
 The differential is a set of gears and shafts that transmits
power from the drive shaft to the axles.
 The axles are steel shafts that connect the differential and
 drive wheels.

The rear axle assembly contains the differential and two axles that turn the rear drive wheels. (Lexus)
 Drive Train Systems
Transaxle
 The transaxle consists of a transmission and a differential
in a single housing.
 Although a few rear-wheel drive vehicles are equipped
with transaxles, they are most commonly used with front-
wheel-drive vehicles.
 Both manual and automatic transaxles are available.

Front-wheel-drive vehicles do not have a drive shaft or a

rear drive axle assembly. The complete drive train is
in the front of the vehicle. (Ford) A transaxle contains a transmission and a differential in one housing. (Ford)
 Drive Train Systems
Front Drive Axles
 The front drive axles connect the transaxle differential to
the hubs and wheels of the vehicle.
 These axles are equipped with constant-velocity joints,
which allow the front wheels to be turned to the left or
right and to move up and down.
Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems
 The suspension, steering, and brake systems are the
movable parts of the chassis.
 They bolt or anchor to the frame and provide important
functions.
Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems
Suspension System
 The suspension system allows the vehicle’s wheels and
tires to move up and down with little effect on body
movement.
 This makes the vehicle’s ride smooth and safe.
 The suspension system also prevents excessive body lean
when turning corners quickly.
 Various springs, bars, swivel joints, and arms make up
the suspension system.
Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems
Steering System
 The steering system allows the driver to control vehicle
direction by turning the wheels right or left.
 It uses a series of gears, swivel joints, and rods to do this.
Suspension, Steering, and Brake Systems
Brake System
 Brake system produces friction to slow or stop the vehicle.
 When the driver presses the brake pedal, fluid pressure
actuates a brake mechanism at each wheel.
 These mechanisms force friction material (brake pads or
shoes) against metal discs or drums to slow wheel rotation.

When the brake pedal is pressed, pressure is placed on a confined fluid.

The fluid pressure transfers through the system to operate the brakes.
An emergency brake is a mechanical system that applies the rear wheel brakes.
A—Complete system. B—Close-up. (Cadillac, Nissan)
 Accessory and Safety Systems
 Common accessory systems include the air conditioner,
sound system, power seats, power windows, and rear
window defogger.
 Common safety systems include seat belts, air bags, and
security systems.

Various safety systems are used on modern vehicles to protect both the driver and the passengers.
This vehicle is equipped with both front and side-impact air bags. (Audi)