: Often called the "heart" of the vehicle, it converts fuel into motion. Key internal parts include pistons , valves , and the crankshaft .

: Powered by the battery (starts the car) and the alternator (recharges the battery while driving).

: A gearbox that uses the engine's power to change gears and drive the wheels.

Modern vehicles are complex machines made of approximately 30,000 unique components. To understand how they work, it helps to break them down into their major systems.

: The chassis is the frame that holds everything together. The suspension system (including shocks and struts ) keeps the ride smooth by absorbing bumps. Vital Systems for Safety and Performance