The Basics of the Basic Systems

Duxler Complete Auto Care is pleased to share the second part of our series on the basic components of your vehicle. This series is aimed at helping car care novices demystify how their vehicles work. We hope that through this education, consumers will feel knowledgeable about their cars and what we do with them.

Today we focus on the steering, suspension, and electrical systems.

In its most basic form, the steering system consists of the steering column, the steering gear, and the steering linkage. What about the steering wheel? The steering wheel is part of the steering column. When you turn your steering wheel, the steering gear transfers your turning of the wheel to the steering linkage, which actually moves the vehicle's wheels left and right. In most cars today, this type of steering gear is called a rack-and-pinion system. The ease with which we can turn our cars is possible by power steering, which uses hydraulic fluids pumped through the steering system to set the mechanical parts of the system in motion.

Given the number of potholes and bumps we face driving in Chicagoland, the ride we experience can be quite smooth. This comfort is created by the vehicle's suspension. Struts or shocks are attached to each wheel at one end and the car's body at the other. Constructed with heavy duty spring assemblies, the coils absorb the bumping and bouncing of each wheel and help hold the vehicle's body in place, thereby creating the comfortable ride we often take for granted.

To operate today's vehicles, computers and other electrical components are relied upon. As such, the electrical system is another major system of your car. The most basic function of this system is to start the engine. The four primary components of the electrical system include the primary on-board computer, battery, alternator, and starter motor. Putting your key in the ignition and turning the switch starts the computer and sends power from the battery to the starter. While the starter initiates the rotation of the engine, the computer signals the spark plugs to begin firing which, as we noted in last week's article, ignites the fuel vapors which moves the pistons enabling the engine to run. The alternator regenerates the power to the battery.

In our next part of this series we will start focusing on the preventative maintenance required to help you keep your car running well.

To learn more about Duxler, please visit any one of our 5 locations on Chicago's North Shore or on the web at duxlertire.com. You can also stay in touch with me on Facebook by becoming a friend of Duxy Duxler or a fan of Duxler Complete Auto Care.