Inner CV joints connect the drive shafts to the transmission, while the outer CV joints connect the drive shafts to the drive wheels. The CV joints are needed to transfer torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed, while still accommodating the up-and-down motion of the suspension. Problems arise when the joint boot gets damaged. This allows grease to escape and dirt to get inside, which wears the joint out.
The Cabin Air Filter improves your car’s ventilation by removing particles such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. A clean air filter also aids the performance of your car’s air conditioner and heater. Air filters are inexpensive parts that should be replaced regularly.
The Catalytic Converter is a device that converts the toxic by-products in your exhaust into less toxic matter. This helps reduce the amount of pollution your car creates, making the exhaust less harmful to the environment.
The Carburetor manages the amount of fuel and air that goes into the engine. If your carburetor is experiencing a problem, it may only require simple adjustments to the choke or a change in the idle. However, if the carburetor has a leak or defective valve, you will likely have to replace the carburetor. Note: most new cars no longer rely on carburetors and instead use fuel injection.
Your car’s Clutch allows you to shift to a different gear, which changes the direction the wheels are rotating (forward or backwards), or increases or decreases the speed of rotation (go faster or slower). A clutch can last for a very long time, but driving on hills or carrying heavy loads will cause your clutch to wear out more quickly. If you notice the clutch sticking or slipping, your clutch likely needs adjustments or repair.
The combustion of gasoline in your car’s engine emits Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas associated with climate change, which is why automakers are invested in finding alternative fuel sources and engine designs that do not produce carbon dioxide gas.
Coolant (also known as antifreeze) helps prevent your car from overheating. This liquid breaks down over time, especially in hot environments, so it’s important to make sure your coolant level is sufficient and that it isn’t leaking. Leaks can damage other car parts as well as put you at risk of overheating.
There are several components to your car’s cooling system, including the cooling fan, which is controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer. When the temperature of the coolant rises above a set point, the fan turns on to cool the engine. If you find that your car is running too hot or overheating, your fan may not be working.
Cruise control is like an “auto-pilot” system where your car automatically maintains a steady speed, which you as the driver, can set. This feature is helpful when driving extensively on straight, uncongested highways because it not only prevents leg and foot fatigue from having one’s leg in the same position for a long period of time, it helps prevent you from exceeding the speed limit.
Unlike mechanical transmissions that have a fixed number of gear ratios, Continuously Variable Transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. As a result, CVT can provide better fuel economy than other transmissions by allowing the engine to run at its most efficient revolutions per minute (RPM) at any given vehicle speed.