1. Engine Combustion: When you press the accelerator pedal, it signals the engine to increase its power output. The engine responds by allowing more fuel and air into the combustion chambers. The spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture, creating controlled explosions that drive the pistons downward.
2. Power Transfer to the Transmission: The downward movement of the pistons generates a force that is transmitted to the crankshaft. The crankshaft converts this reciprocating motion into rotational motion. The power is then sent to the transmission, which selects the appropriate gear based on the car's speed and engine RPM.
3. Torque Conversion: The transmission changes the engine's torque and speed characteristics to match the requirements of the wheels. When you accelerate from a standstill or at low speeds, the transmission provides higher torque multiplication to help the car overcome inertia and gain momentum. As the car's speed increases, the transmission shifts to higher gears, reducing torque multiplication but increasing the speed at which the wheels turn.
4. Driveline Engagement: The transmission transfers power to the driveshaft, which is a long cylindrical shaft that connects the transmission to the rear axle (in a rear-wheel-drive car) or the front wheels (in a front-wheel-drive car). The driveshaft rotates, delivering power to the differential.
5. Differential Action: The differential is a set of gears that allows the wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds when cornering or turning. As the car accelerates, the differential ensures that power is distributed equally to both wheels, allowing them to maintain traction.
6. Power Delivery to the Wheels: The differential sends power to the wheels through the axle shafts, which are connected to the wheel hubs. The wheels receive rotational force, causing them to spin faster. As a result, the friction between the tires and the road surface propels the car forward.
7. Suspension and Chassis Response: As the car accelerates, the sudden increase in speed causes the weight of the vehicle to shift toward the rear. The suspension system, which includes springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars, absorbs these dynamic changes, maintaining stability, handling, and ride comfort.
8. Braking System Preparation: When you release the accelerator pedal, the engine reduces its power output, and the car starts to decelerate. The braking system is activated when you press the brake pedal, which engages the brake pads or shoes against the brake rotors or drums to slow down or stop the vehicle.
These processes happen in rapid succession when you accelerate your car, allowing it to move faster and overcome resistance from friction, air resistance, and gravity.
