INTRODUCTION TO

AUTOMOBILE
10 marks
VEHICLE LAYOUT
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
-In this arrangement engine is fitted in the front of
vehicle and drive is given to front wheel.
-This arrangement provides good grip with road
surface due to engine weight at front.
-Absence of propeller shaft can decrease the
chassis height.
Rear wheel drive with engine at front
-In this type of arrangement engine is fitted at the front of
vehicle and drive is given to rear wheel.

Advantage:
-Component like engine, gearbox etc. can be easily mounted.
-Better traction while going up.
-Natural cooling.
Disadvantage:
-We required to use propeller shaft.
-length of transmission increases.
-Higher noise transmitted from engine to drivers cabin.
Rear engine rear wheel drive
Advantages:
-Due to the absence of the propeller shaft, the obstructed floor space
is reduced.
- The drive arrangement results a compact layout and short car.
-The exhaust gases, fumes, engine heat and noises are carried away
from passengers.
Disadvantage:
-Space for luggage is reduced.
- It is difficult to accommodate the liquid cooling of the engine.
-Natural air cooling is not possible because it requires a powerful fan.
All wheel drive
Four wheel drive also called 4X4 or 4WD refers to
a two axled vehicle drive train capable of
providing torque to all of its wheel simultaneously.

Advantages:
-4WD improves traction in dangerous driving conditions, such as
snow, ice, rocks.
-4WD is great for those who like off-roading.

Disadvantages:
-require more fuel, making them less efficient than 2WD.
-The main disadvantage of 4WD is added cost for purchase,
maintenance, and fuel.
Chassis:
Classification of chassis:
Advantage:
-improve acceleration on slippery surfaces.
-provide additional empty crush space in the front of the automobile.
-Simple front axle design.

Disadvantages:
-The fuel tank is difficult to address in safe zone.
-More engine noise transfer to passenger compartment
- Natural cooling is not possible.
Function of frame:
Types of frame:
1)Conventional frame
Conventional-frame is also known as non-load carrying frame. In this
type of frame, the loads on the vehicle are transferred to the
suspension by the frame. The frame supports the engine, power train,
and vehicle body.
This type of frame is not much suited to resist torsion. Use of tubular
or box section type frame improves the tortional strength.
Basic Body Nomenclature:
Body:
Types of body:
Aerodynamic
• The body of a vehicle is design to protect the
engine and accessories as well as passengers
from the resistance of air. There for it is shaped
to reduce the resistance to air as it moves
forward.
• The shaping of the car to reduce air resistance is
called Streamlining. It is done by
introducing aerodynamic shape.
• It makes the use of curves instead of angle and
flat surfaces.
Need of aerodynamic
• Aerodynamic is an important element in improving the overall
performance of vehicle.
• It influences fuel consumption and attain maximum speed of vehicle.

Feature of aerodynamic body shape of car to improve the average of

vehicle:
- Air drag force is reduce
- Aerodynamic lift is removed
- Air eddies are not form
- Best fuel economy is obtained
LPG (liquified petroleum gas):

• LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas and is a type

of 'liquid gas' that can be used as fuel for a variety of
purposes, including powering cars. Also referred to as
butane and propane gas, or autogas in motoring
circles it is the by-product of the processing of natural
gas liquids as well as the refining of crude oil
CNG (compressed natural gas):
• Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles operate much like gasoline-
powered vehicles with spark-ignited internal combustion engines. The
engine functions the same way as a gasoline engine.
• Natural gas is stored in a fuel tank, or cylinder, typically at the back of
the vehicle.
• CNG is odorless, tasteless and non-toxic, and is made up of 93.05%
methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, propane and traces of ethane. It
is an environmentally clean alternative fuel, as its combustion process
emits a lower percentage of greenhouse gases when compared to
other fuels.
Advantage over petrol engine:
• The fuel cost is less.
• Less pollution

Disadvantage:
-Large space is required
-More current rated battery is required