Overview of Automotive Systems

Next Section Basic Engine Operation

The average automobile is made up of hundreds of different parts, all working together to make the vehicle run. It's easier to understand the functions of all these parts if we discuss them in groups. The many parts of an automobile can be grouped into seven basic operating systems. These seven systems are:

• The Engine
• The Brake System
• The Suspension and Steering System
• The Transmission and Transaxle
• The Drive Train
• The Electrical and Electronic System
• The Heating and Air Conditioning System

Note that these same seven systems will be covered in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification examinations (in addition to the topic of overall engine performance). Since our program is designed to cover these seven systems, your learning will be very useful if you eventually decide to take the ASE certification examination.

Later in the program, you'll be learning about each of these seven automotive systems in great detail. We'll examine the parts that make up each system, how the systems operate, how they're repaired, and how they relate to each other. As you proceed through the program, you'll quickly come to understand how each of these systems contributes to the overall performance of an automobile. For now, however, let's start with a brief review of the function of each of these operating systems to familiarize you with them.