| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Catalytic Converter, Crankshaft, Exhaust Stroke, Half Shaft, Independent Suspension |
The catalytic converter converts pollutants in exhaust gas into less pollutant substances like carbon dioxide and water.
The crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion that's used to power the vehicle and its components.
During the exhaust stroke, just before the piston reaches bottom dead center the exhaust valve opens. The resulting gases from combustion are then pushed out through the exhaust valve as the piston travels up the cylinder to top dead center, completing stroke four of the four-stroke piston cycle.
A half shaft is a drive axle that extends from a transaxle or differential to one of the drive wheels. There are two half shafts per drive axle, one for each wheel, each doing "half" the job.
Most modern cars use an independent suspension system on the front wheels. This setup allows each of the wheels on an axle to move independently in response to road level variations. Independent suspension offers much better handling and stability when compared to a rigid axle suspension at the cost of being structurally weaker and more costly to maintain.