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About This Quiz
Did you know that cars are made up of thousands of pieces, each one with its own function that needs to work correctly with all others for your vehicle to even operate? Just imagine a bad wire, a twisted cord, or the damage that old or nonexistent lubrication can cause to a system. But, your no slouch mechanic when it comes to cars are you? You know the ins and outs of cars and what makes them run. Or, do you? This quiz has 50 essential car parts that most cars need to have to operate, or at least perform in tolerable conditions.ÂÂ
Do you think you can identify an AC Compressor from a blower motor just by looking at an image? You may know what an axle shaft is and what it does, but could you identify one? Do you know the difference between brake rotors and calipers? The door lock actuator is used everytime you enter and drive your car and is considered one of the best safety features every new vehicle should have. But, have you ever seen one before? Unless you've worked on a car, you may not have.ÂÂ
These are the parts that help your car run and keep you safe. How many do you think you can figure out from an image? Buckle up; this quiz is going to take you on a ride!
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Which car part corresponds with this image?
Air filter
Differential
AC compressor
The air conditioning compressor is at the heart of your climate control unit. It first pressurizes the refrigerant in the system and then circulates it through the system.
Carrier assembly
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Can you really and accurately name this car part?
Mounting
Brake rotor
This is a major component of the braking system for your vehicle. When you apply the brakes, the brake disks clamp to the rotor, slowing the car down.
Harmonic balancer
Air duct
n/a
What car parts are these?
Clutch disk and pressure plate
Simply put, a clutch is a connection between a vehicle's engine and its wheels. It transfers the power generated by the engine through the transmission to the wheels to make your car move forward. It also detaches the engine from the transmission when stopping.
Brake pedal
Grab handle
Hub cap
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n/a
Which car part is in this image?
Camshaft
An engine component, the camshaft is needed to open and close the engine valves. It consists of a metal shaft that is placed in line with the engine cylinders.
Crank case
Connecting rod
Engine block
n/a
Name this car part in the image.
Crankshaft
A critical part of the engine, a crankshaft transforms the reciprocating (up and down) motion of the pistons into rotational motion. This, in turn, moves your car forward.
Kingpin
Idler arm
Battery
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How about this car part?
Blower motor
A blower motor moves either hot or cool air (depending on your air-conditioning selection) through the vents of your car and into the cabin.
Coolant liquid
Tappet
Valve cover
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And how about this car part in the photo?
Slave cylinder
Clutch shoe
Driveshaft
The driveshaft connects the transmission of your vehicle with the differential. It rotates, which in turn powers the wheels through the differential to move your car forward.
Coil spring
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Can you name this familiar car part?
Flange
Overflow tank
Catalytic converter
Exhaust manifold gaskets
Exhaust manifold gaskets are necessary to provide a seal between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head.
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And this one in the image here?
Master cylinder
Rack end
Fan belt
Control arm
This is a suspension link (normally hinged) that connects the chassis of the car to the hub in which the wheel is connected.
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Identify this car part.
Glow plug
Fuse
Crankshaft seal
The crankshaft seal is a piece of rubber, found at the front of the engine. It seals the timing cover and the crankshaft's front section.
Door contact
n/a
And the one in this photo?
Engine contrl unit
The engine control unit helps to ensure that a car's engine is running optimally and efficiently at all times. It does this by using a number of actuators.
Air conditioning unit
Door switch
Fuse box
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What do you call this car part?
Door lock actuator
This is a tiny electric motor that locks or unlocks your doors. That's actually true.
Deck lid
Hinge
Slip rings
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And this image?
Fuel pump
Radiator
Manifold cover
Carburetor
A carburetor has three important functions. First, it mixes fuel and air to create a combustible mixture. Second, it controls the proportion of fuel and air. Lastly, it controls the speed of the engine.
Wiki commons
What term is used for this one?
Remote lock
Heater core
The heater core contains a winding tube that is filled with warm coolant liquid directly from the engine. This helps heat the interior of the car in cold conditions.
Fuel level sensor
Hydrometer
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What term is used to identify this car part?
Crankshaft oil seal
Head gasket
A head gasket is placed between the cylinder head and the engine block. It forms a tight seal to enclose the combustion process in the engine. It also stops oil and coolant fluid from mixing.
Valve cover
Brake piston
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And this one is called what?
Ignition coil
The ignition coil is found in a vehicle's ignition. It carries low volts from the battery and turns them into thousands of volts that cause a spark in the spark plug. This then ignites the fuel.
Ammeter
Voltmeter
Battery cable
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This not-so-strange-looking car part is known as what?
Mass airflow sensors
Intake manifold gasket
The intake manifold gasket produces a seal in the intake manifold. It ensures that the air-fuel mixture is directed to the correct cylinder, where it ignites and burns, creating engine power.
Interior harness
Roll cage
n/a
How about the term for this one?
Oil filter
Distributor cap
Ignition coil connector
Hoses (coolant , fuel, and more)
A range of hoses can be found all over a vehicle, including those that carry fuel, coolant and oil.
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How about this image?
Bell housing
Axle shafts
Axle shafts attach the car wheels to the gears and form part of the transmission, which allows the wheels to turn.
Universal joint
Transmission
n/a
If this is familiar, what's it called?
Slave cylinder
Flywheel
The flywheel is a heavy disk, connected to the crankshaft at the back of the engine. Its mass keeps a car's engine rotating between ignition strokes. It also provides the clutch something to latch on to, thus helping to deliver power through the transmission.
Transmission pan
Torque converter
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You know where it's found, but what is it called?
Piston rings
Piston rings serve three functions in an engine. They ensure the combustion chamber is sealed. They also increase the transfer of heat from the pistons to the cylinder wall. Finally, they help control oil consumption by collecting excess oil off the cylinder walls.
Brake piston
Engine valve
Poppet valve
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Wiki commons
You've cleaned one up before, so what do you call it?
Pit-man arm
Throttle body
Alternator
Alternators are used to charge the battery and power the electrical system whjen the engine is on.
Ball joint
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This integral car part is called what?
Load sensing valve
Metering valve
Rocker cover
Mass air flow sensor
The mass air flow sensor calculates the mass flow rate of the air passing into a combustion engine with fuel injection. This is critical information which allows the engine control unit to deliver the right amount of fuel to the engine.
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This long car part is known as what?
Exhaust manifold
Heat shield
Catalytic converter
Muffler
A muffler is mounted on the exhaust pipe in a vehicle. Its primary job is to lower the sound output of the engine.
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n/a
At the tip of your tongue, this one is called...?
Sump
Fuel tank
Oil filter
Radiator
The radiator is part of the cooling system that stops a vehicle's engine from overheating. It is filled with water.
Wiki commons
These parts unknown are termed as what?
Coil connector
Magneto
Spark plugs
The spark from a spark plug is key in starting an engine. This spark causes combustion of the fuel and air mixture, which then starts the engine and keeps it running.
Dynamometer
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What car part is shown in this image?
Cigarette lighter
Distributor cap
Camshaft position sensor
A camshaft position sensor is critical for the synchronization of injectors, as well as the proper sequence for coils to fire. They also are needed for establishing engine speed and RPM signals, as well as setting ignition timing.
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You know where it goes, but what is it called?
Power window switch
The power window switch moves the power windows in a vehicle to open and close them. Each door has a switch, but the driver can operate all of the windows as well.
Spindle
Combination valve
Fuel pressure sensor
n/a
What is this strange-looking car part?
Battery
Glow plug
Starter motor
The starter motor is usually a small 12-volt DC magnet motor that is essential in starting a car when the key is turned. It has a small gear that connects to another larger one on the flywheel, which helps to turn the engine over.
Solenoid
n/a
Its name is its function, but what is this car part called?
Thermostat
A thermostat is a small device between the radiator and the engine. It makes sure no coolant goes into the engine until it has warmed up enough.
Fuel cap
Radiator
Brake pump
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n/a
You know why it's there, but what is it called?
Fuel hose
Radiator hose
Sump
Water pump
A water pump moves coolant from the radiator through the engine's cylinder head, to keep it cool.
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You've held one already, but what is it termed?
Headlight
ABS control unit
An essential part of the braking system on your car, the ABS control unit continually scans the speed of all wheels and ensures that any wheels turning slower or faster either receive reduced or more braking force when the brakes are applied. This keeps traction even at all times.
Catalytic converter
Fuel pump
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Your mechanic knows it, so what's the name of this car part?
Alternator
Wiper motor
The wiper motor is a small motor that drives the windshield wipers on a vehicle. In Britain, this motor drives the windscreen wipers.
Oil pump
Hydrometer
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It's tricky to handle, but what's it called?
Steering angle sensor
The steering angle sensor forms part of the ESC system in a vehicle. It calculates both the steering wheel's position and its turn rate.
Fuel injector nozzle
Stub axle
Idler arm
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This lifeline of a car part is known as what?
Oxygen sensor
Mounted inside the exhaust manifold, the oxygen sensor calculates the amount of unburned oxygen that exits through the exhaust. This is used to determine the fuel mixture. Too much oxygen and the fuel mixture is too rich, too little and it is too lean.
Fuel injector
Spindle
Gear ring
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What is this car part usually called by mechanics?
Nut
Air spring
Resonator
Wheel speed sensor
The wheel speed sensor is part of the anti-lock braking system. It tells the A.B.S. unit how fast the wheels are turning and how much brake pressure to apply to stop the vehicle from veering out of control or skidding.
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These small car parts are known as what?
Rear reflectors
Tail lamps
License plate lights
License plate lights are a simple set of lights, either set above or below the license plate, designed to provide illumination in the dark.
Trunk reflectors
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Your engine needs to stay in place somehow. What part is this?
Transmission
Fan belt
Clutch disk and pressure plate
Motor Mount
Motor mounts secure the engine to the frame of the car.
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This car part isn't part of the engine, but is needed for most engines to function. What is it?
Manifold
Fuel pump
A fuel pump is the part of a combustible engine system (like a car) that pumps fuel into the engine and regulates fuel pressure.
Fuel filter
Exhaust pipe
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Wiki commons
It's tricky to reach, but what is it called?
Power steering assembly
Spiral spring
Steering rack
The steering rack connects to the steering wheel. It is a direct link between the tires and the steering wheel.
Carrier assembly
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These super-useful parts are known as what?
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers have two main functions. They keep all four tires on the ground and they control the movement of the suspension while driving.
McPherson strut
Steering arm
Stub axle
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And this one in the image?
Brake light switch
A brake light switch is a link between your brake pedal and your brake lights. Every time you press your brake pedal, the switch is activated. which then turns your brake lights on, alerting people behind you that you are slowing down.
Thermostat
Suspension coil
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You know why you need this, but what's it called?
Shoe web
Combination valve
Wheel stud
Brake clipper
Brake clippers are used mainly to stop your brake pads from rattling. They are snapped into place when replacing the brake shoes on your vehicle.
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You know what it does, but what is it called?
Beam axle
Fuel cell
Oil strainer
Oil cooler
This small radiator is essential in making sure the oil running through the engine is kept as cool as possible and at a regulated temperature. The oil cooler helps to ensure a smooth running engine.
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This car part is known as what?
Distributor
Fuel gauge
Ignition switch
The ignition switch is the master switch in a vehicle. It supplies all the electrical components, ECU, ignition systems, and fuel systems with power. It transfers power from the battery to the starter motor, which helps turn the engine over.
Fuel pressure sensor
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What do you think this car part is commonly called?
Fuel gauge
EGR valve
Temperature sensor
The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant running through the engine. That makes sense.
Clutch lever
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You know how to repair it, but what is its name?
Electronic timing controller
Solenoid
Pressure sensor
Pressure sensors are found throughout the vehicle. They measure fuel and oil pressure, for example.
Door switch
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If you know this, what do you call it?
Gas tank
Radiator cover
Gas cap
The gas cap covers the opening into the gas tank. It helps to prevent gas from evaporating out of the tank.
Fastener
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You Got:
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Marin Tomas/Moment/Getty Images