Car Technology and Innovations

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What is an internal combustion engine?

An internal combustion engine burns fuel within a cylinder to produce power.

What does ABS stand for in car technology?

ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, which prevents the wheels from locking up during braking.

What is the function of a catalytic converter in a car?

A catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by converting exhaust gases into less harmful substances.

How do electric cars differ from gasoline cars?

Electric cars use electric motors and batteries for propulsion, while gasoline cars rely on internal combustion engines.

What do headlights and taillights do on a car?

Headlights illuminate the road ahead, while taillights alert other drivers to the car's presence and movement.

What advancement did Tesla's Autopilot bring to cars?

Tesla's Autopilot introduced advanced driver-assistance features, including lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control.

What safety feature did Volvo introduce with the 1959 PV544?

Volvo introduced the three-point seatbelt in the 1959 PV544.

What is the purpose of car suspension systems?

Car suspension systems provide comfort and stability by absorbing shocks from rough road surfaces.

Why are airbags important in vehicles?

Airbags provide additional protection for passengers by cushioning impacts during collisions.

How does a turbocharger enhance a car's performance?

A turbocharger increases engine power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.

What is meant by a car's fuel efficiency?

Fuel efficiency measures how far a vehicle can travel on a specific amount of fuel.

What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive?

All-wheel drive powers all wheels for better traction, typically full-time, while four-wheel drive is often part-time, used in rough terrain.

What role does a car's transmission play?

A car's transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels, adjusting the speed and torque.

What is regenerative braking?

Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into electrical energy to recharge the battery in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Why are modern cars designed with crumple zones?

Crumple zones are designed to absorb impact energy in a crash, protecting occupants by reducing the force on them.