A vehicle operator must know the critical components, especially when dealing with emergencies. The most common essential elements include the following:

1. Engine

2. Gearbox

3. Transmissions 

4. Battery

5. Alternator

6. Drive Axle

7. Steering and Suspension

8. Exhaust System

9. Cooling System

10. Brakes

Note: The In-Car instructor will teach visual and detailed explanations as part of the In-Car lesson.

Engine

The engine is the most critical part of a vehicle; some call it the heart of the automobile.

The engine provides power for all facilities, including the ability to drive.

The vehicle's performance is dependent on its engine. A car with a more powerful engine is, by all means, more powerful.

Engines come in all sizes and are powered by different types of fuels, more importantly. It is essential to note the types of fuel that a car requires before using it.

The main types of fuels include:

• Diesel
• Petrol (gasoline)
• Electricity
• Hydrogen
• Ethanol

The engine is a moving part and is subject to wear and tear. Therefore, it is essential to occasionally change the engine oil and oil filter to keep it lubricated.

Gearbox

The gearbox sends power from the engine to the wheels.  As the vehicle accelerates, it will shift through various gears to keep up with its speed.

Transmissions

Transmission in a vehicle comes in two types;

• Automatic

This transmission automatically changes gears as the driver accelerates without input from the driver. The driver only has to select between Drive and Reverse.

• Manual

This transmission needs input from the driver in the clutch pedal and the shift lever to shift into appropriate gears.

Battery

The battery enables you to turn on the car in the first place.

Batteries provide the initial jolt of electricity necessary to start the engine and power the vehicles' electrical components, such as the lights and music systems.

It is essential to switch off all electrical accessories before exiting the car; failure to do so could drain the battery and require a 'jumpstart.'

A jumper cable and another Battery, possibly from another vehicle, are required to' jumpstart' the battery. Take the jumper cable, connect the cable's red clamp to the (+) terminal and the black cable clamp to the (-) terminal, and start the car.

Alternator

The alternator is critical; when the engine is on, it charges the battery and powers the car's electrical components.

It only works when the engine runs and ensures the battery does not die.

Drive Axle

It is the part responsible for transferring power to the wheels from the engine. It is attached to the wheels and vital to steering, braking, and bearing the vehicle's weight. It is a large bar that connects the two wheels.

If the axle is damaged, it will make loud noises and cause severe vibrations in the car. In this event, stop as soon as possible and have the vehicle professionally checked before continuing driving.

Steering and Suspension

These two systems work together to support the vehicle's weight, keep the car under control, and ensure a comfortable ride.

The steering wheel is the main component in controlling the vehicle. Its rotation corresponds to the wheels' turning, and where the wheel turns is where it spins.

Power steering is either an electric or hydraulic system that reduces the wheels' effort, making steering easier.

On the other hand, the suspension is necessary to smooth the ride, absorb impacts such as potholes, and control the car. A flawed suspension system can reduce friction between the tires and the road and lead to poor handling. Make sure to check the suspension systems regularly.

Exhaust system

When fuel burns in the engine, harmful gases are released. These gases pass through the exhaust pipes and then through;

• The catalytic converter
  It is an emission control device responsible for reducing the number of harmful gases that leave the car.

• Muffler
  A muffler converts all the thousands of explosions in the engine into a muted purr. It ensures that the sound emitted by the exhaust system is quiet and within legal limits.

Cooling System

The cooling system controls the car from overheating and stalling when the engine burns fuel and heat up.

• The radiator

The radiator is near the engine and contains coolant liquid flowing through the vehicle. The liquid attracts heat and dissipates it in the radiator, keeping the engine from overheating.

Suppose the liquid is dripping under the front of the vehicle. It may mean that the radiator is damaged and needs to be checked before the engine overheats and gets damaged further.

• AC compressor

Necessary during the summer seasons, this component pumps coolant through the system to cool the car's interior.

Brakes

Now that the engine has set us in motion, we must stop. That is where the brakes come in. The brakes use friction, which generates much heat, to eventually bring the car to a halt.

Pushing the brake pedal forces hydraulic fluid to move against pistons, which clamp the brake pads against the disk.

Since braking relies heavily on friction, the braking system undergoes significant wear and tear. Thus, it is vital to maintain and change brakes regularly.

A good pair of brakes are fundamental to safety. They will ensure that a vehicle comes to a stop quickly and safely in an emergency.

During braking, the wheels can lock up, leading to car skidding. To prevent this, cars have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This system effectively prevents the brakes from locking up by slightly releasing them when it detects that they are locking. When purchasing a car, it is good to check if it has ABS, as this system can save lives.