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Automotive Topics (167)
Fuel Systems Automotive
0

Some fuel systems use a "fuel return line" to send excess fuel back to the tank, preventing overheating and improving fuel economy. elaborate

Aerodynamics Automotive
1

The dimples on a golf ball are aerodynamic features that reduce drag and increase lift, allowing it to travel further. elaborate

Hybrid Vehicles Automotive
2

Hybrid vehicles often have regenerative braking, meaning they recapture energy during braking and store it in the battery, improving fuel efficiency. elaborate

Braking Systems (ABS, Disc, Drum) Automotive
3

Drum brakes, while older technology, can actually perform better than disc brakes in very muddy or snowy conditions because the mud/snow can be packed into the drum, increasing braking friction. elaborate

Autonomous Driving Automotive
4

Autonomous driving systems often rely on incredibly detailed 3D maps, sometimes containing more data than the entire Library of Congress. elaborate

Steering Systems Automotive
5

The first documented use of a steering wheel in a vehicle was in a steam-powered carriage in 1770. elaborate

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Automotive
6

The first four-wheel drive vehicle wasn't a rugged off-roader, but rather a steam-powered tractor. elaborate

Turbochargers & Superchargers Automotive

Superchargers are driven by the engine's crankshaft, while turbochargers are driven by exhaust gases. elaborate

Motorcycles Automotive
8

The first motorcycle, invented in 1885, was powered by a steam engine. elaborate

DIY vehicle maintenance Automotive
9

Regularly checking and topping off your windshield washer fluid is crucial, not just for visibility, but also to prevent the pump from burning out due to running dry. elaborate

Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS) Automotive
10

Nitrous oxide systems (NOS) aren't just for cars; they're also used in dentistry as a sedative. elaborate

Air Conditioning (AC) Systems Automotive
11

The first room air conditioner was invented in 1902 by Willis Carrier, originally designed to control humidity in a printing plant. elaborate

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Automotive
12

AWD systems don't necessarily provide better braking than two-wheel drive (2WD) systems; braking performance depends more on tire quality and the anti-lock braking system (ABS). elaborate

Suspension Systems Automotive
13

Some early suspension systems used leather straps as springs. elaborate

Tire & Wheel Systems Automotive

The invention of the pneumatic (air-filled) tire significantly reduced the vibrations and jolts felt while riding, leading to a much more comfortable experience for cyclists and later, automobile drivers. elaborate

Exhaust Systems Automotive
15

Exhaust systems on some older cars used to contain asbestos for insulation. elaborate

Ignition Systems Automotive
16

Some early ignition systems used a magneto, a self-contained generator that produced high voltage directly, eliminating the need for a separate battery. elaborate

Vehicle Types & Systems Automotive

Some early automobiles used steam power, not internal combustion engines. elaborate

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) Automotive
18

Some ADAS features, like lane keeping assist, can be surprisingly susceptible to being tricked by things like strong sunlight or even strategically placed stickers on the road. elaborate

Electric Vehicles (EVs) Automotive
19

The electricity used to charge an EV can come from renewable sources, making them potentially much cleaner than gasoline-powered cars. elaborate

Infotainment Systems Automotive
20

The term "infotainment" itself is a portmanteau of "information" and "entertainment," highlighting the dual purpose of these in-car systems. elaborate

Electrical Systems Automotive
21

The electrical system in a modern car has more computing power than the Apollo 11 mission's guidance computer. elaborate

Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) Automotive
22

The first practical internal combustion engine to be successfully mass-produced was a two-stroke engine, not a four-stroke. elaborate

Cooling Systems Automotive
23

Early automobiles used gravity to circulate coolant, relying on the fact that hot water rises and cold water sinks, before pumps became standard. elaborate

Transmission Automotive
24

Transmission, the BitTorrent client, was originally written in Python. elaborate

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