Automotive History
Who is credited with building the first practical motorcar?
Carl Benz
What law explains how energy is converted but not destroyed in a vehicle?
Law of Conservation of Energy
What does VIN stand for?
Vehicle Identification Number
What is the most common engine configuration in 4-cylinder passenger vehicles?
Inline
What system controls the vehicle’s directional movement?
Steering system
What innovation did Henry Ford introduce to reduce production time?
The moving assembly line
What are the four strokes of a spark ignition engine?
Intake, Compression, Power (Combustion), Exhaust
Where can you find the VIN on a vehicle?
On the dashboard (driver’s side) and inside the driver’s doorjamb
What does engine displacement measure?
Volume displaced by pistons during one stroke multiplied by number of cylinders
What system reduces heat and wear using oil or e-fluids?
Lubrication system
What was the name of Ford’s first mass-produced car?
Model T
What is the difference between torque and horsepower?
Torque is twisting force; horsepower is the rate of doing work
What does the “make” of a vehicle refer to?
The brand or division of the manufacturer
What is the formula for calculating work?
Work = Force × Distance
Name two careers in automotive manufacturing.
Engineers, assembly line workers
What type of engine did Rudolf Diesel invent?
Compression ignition engine
What component converts reciprocating motion into rotary motion?
Crankshaft
What is the difference between model year and date of manufacture?
Model year is the year of pollution standard conformance; date of manufacture is when it was built
What is the compression ratio range for diesel engines?
14:1 to 23:1
What system removes exhaust and reduces pollutants?
Exhaust and emission system
What was the significance of the 1895 Chicago Times-Herald Race?
It was the first American auto race and helped launch the hand-built auto industry
What are three main requirements for efficient combustion in an ICE?
Correct air-fuel mixture, sufficient compression, and ignition source
What does the trim level of a vehicle indicate?
Equipment and feature level of a specific model
What are the steps in power transfer from fuel to wheels?
Fuel stored → pumped → mixed with air → ignited → piston moves → crankshaft turns → transmission → wheels
What workplace skills are essential in the automotive industry?
Personal standards, work habits, ethics