How Your Car Works

Arvid Linde is a car enthusiast and appreciator of eccentric design ideas. He has an MSc in Car Engineering, and currently works as a journalist and author. Arvid now edits an independent green motoring blog at electriccarnews.co.uk, where he tries to unravel the question of whether the electric car is the answer to the green motoring needs of the 21st century, or just another gimmick. Arvid is also DIY enthusiast, and is trying to encourage people to become more familiar with their cars.

Introduction 1. Car types, construction & body styles Car types Construction types Body styles 2. Propulsion Internal combustion engines Turbochargers and superchargers How an internal combustion engine works Electric propulsion Hybrid propulsion Alternative propulsion systems Starting system Charging systems Fuel system Fuel injection system Engine idle speed control system (petrol/gasoline engines) Air intake system Fuel system of a diesel engine Ignition system Cooling system Lubrication system Exhaust system 3. Drivetrain Clutch Gearbox (transmission unit) Drive types Wheels and tyres (tires) Suspension system Steering system Braking system 4. Electronics and safety Car electronics Safety features 5. Help yourself 6. Glossary of terms and units Index