Car Maintenance
Car Operation and Maintenance
Knowing the basic mechanics of your vehicle is not just a matter of passing the exam; it is vital to increase safety, reduce pollution, and save fuel. A properly maintained car lasts longer and works better.
Below, we break down the main systems you must know for your driving license.
1. The Engine
The engine is the heart of the vehicle, responsible for generating power to move it. There are two main types you must differentiate for the exam:
| Engine Type | Fuel | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Explosion | Petrol (Gasoline) | The mixture of air and petrol explodes via a spark generated by spark plugs. |
| Combustion | Diesel (Gasoil) | Air is compressed highly and heats up; when injecting gasoil, it self-ignites (without spark plug). |
Exhaust smoke: What does it tell us?
The color of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe is an excellent indicator of engine health. This is a frequent exam question:
| Smoke Color | Meaning / Probable Breakdown |
|---|---|
| White | Cold engine (water condensation) or coolant in combustion chamber. If disappears when heating, it's normal. |
| Black | Bad combustion due to excess fuel or lack of air (dirty filter). |
| Bluish | Engine is burning oil. Means internal wear. |
| Gray | Injection system problems. |
2. Lubrication System (Oil)
Its function is to create a thin film of oil between metal parts to prevent them rubbing against each other, reducing wear and helping cool the engine.
- Key components: Oil is stored in the sump (cárter). The pump sends it under pressure and it passes through a filter to clean it of impurities.
- Maintenance:
- Check level periodically with dipstick (cold engine and flat ground).
- Change oil and filter as indicated by manufacturer.
- The warning light on dashboard indicates lack of pressure, not necessarily lack of quantity.
3. Cooling System
Prevents engine from overheating, maintaining it at optimal temperature (approx. 95ºC).
- Elements: Radiator, fan, water pump, and thermostat.
- Coolant: Level must be checked in expansion tank.
- Maintenance: Replace liquid every 2 years approximately and check condition of belts moving the pump.
4. Exhaust and Pollution System
Burnt gases must exit outside causing minimal possible damage.
- Catalytic Converter: Fundamental element that reduces harmful gases via chemical reactions (converts carbon monoxide into less dangerous gases).
- Watch out for exam: Do not start car by pushing, as unburnt petrol can reach catalyst and break it.
- Silencer (Muffler): Reduces noise of engine explosions. If car makes much noise ("free exhaust"), it's usually due to breakage of this element.
5. Electrical System
Responsible for supplying energy for starting, ignition, and accessories (lights, radio).
- Battery: Stores energy. If maintaining, check electrolyte level (add distilled water if low) and keep terminals clean and greased.
- Alternator: Electricity generator. Charges battery when engine is running. If its light turns on with engine started, means battery is not charging.
- Starter motor: Consumes much energy from battery to start engine movement.
6. Transmission System
Carries engine power to drive wheels.
- Clutch: Allows disconnecting engine from gearbox to change gear. When pressing, we declutch (separate discs). Clutch discs wear with use.
- Gearbox: Allows selecting necessary force or speed.
- Low gears (1st, 2nd): Have much force but little speed.
- High gears (5th, 6th): Have little force but much speed.
7. Suspension and Steering
These systems are vital for active safety (avoid accidents).
- Suspension: Maintains wheels in contact with ground and absorbs irregularities.
- Shock absorbers: Prevent spring from bouncing uncontrollably. Shock absorbers in bad condition increase braking distance, cause instability, and fatigue driver. Are not repaired, get replaced.
- Steering: Orients steered wheels (usually front).
- Most have power steering to reduce driver effort. Check steering fluid level if hydraulic.