Whether you are looking to buy or rent a car, you will want to make sure that you know what you are getting into. It is important to know what makes a vehicle run and how it is powered.
Modern cars are powered by a water-cooled, piston-type internal-combustion engine
During the 19th century, the design and manufacture of gasoline engines began to flourish. These engines became the standard prime movers in passenger cars. They were also used in light aircraft and locomotives.
The internal combustion engine consists of a piston, valves, a cylinder, a cylinder head, and a crankshaft. During the combustion process, a large quantity of thermal energy is released. The temperature of the combustion process depends on the chemical make up of the fuel.
Modern cars have steering wheel, pedals for operating the brakes and the car’s speed
Whether you are a new driver or have been on the road for a while, learning to use the brakes, the steering wheel and the speedometer is crucial for keeping your car on the road. The correct foot placement is also important to stay in control.
The steering wheel changes the direction of the vehicle, but it is the foot pedals that control the acceleration and braking. You can even have electronic controls on some modern cars.
Self-driving vehicles have been road-tested successfully since 2010
During the past two decades, researchers and companies have successfully tested self-driving vehicles on the road. While these vehicles have not yet been commercially available, the research has helped to pave the way for the future.
Self-driving vehicles promise to make driving safer and easier for the consumer. They also could lead to reduced local vehicle emissions. In a country where driving is the leading cause of death, a self-driving car could reduce traffic accident fatalities by up to 50 percent.
Alternative power systems for cars
Increasing oil prices and tightening environmental laws are leading to research and development of alternative power systems for cars. Currently, most cars are powered by internal combustion engines, which burn hydrocarbon fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. These engines contribute to global warming and air pollution. However, alternative fuels such as natural gas are gaining popularity. Similarly, plug-in electric vehicles are also becoming more popular.
Currently, the most common alternative fuels for cars are natural gas and hydrogen. However, future alternative forms of power include liquid nitrogen, compressed air, fuel cells and Stirling engines. In addition, hybrid and driverless cars are also being developed.
