Automobile, its systems and parts

TEXT I

Automobile

I. Read and translate the text.

Automobile is a self-propelled vehicle used primarily on public roads but adaptable to other surfaces. Automobiles changed the world during the 20^thcentury, particularly in the United States and other industrialized nations. From the growth of suburbs to the development of elaborate road and highway systems, the so-called horseless carriage has forever altered the modern landscape.

The manufacture, sale, and servicing of automobiles have become key elements of industrial economies. But along with greater mobility and job creation, the automobile has brought noise and air pollution, and automobile accidents rank among the leading causes of death and injury throughout the world. But for better or worse, the 1900s can be called the Age of the Automobile, and cars will no doubt continue to shape our culture and economy well into the 21^st century.

Automobiles are classified by size, style, number of doors, and intended use. The typical automobile, also called a car, auto, motorcar, and passenger car, has four wheels and can carry up to six people, including a driver. Larger vehicles designed to carry more passengers are called vans, minivans, omnibuses, or buses. Those used to carry cargo are called pickups or trucks, depending on their size and design. Minivans are van-style vehicles built on a passenger car frame that can usually carry up to eight passengers. Sport-utility vehicles, also known as SUVs, are more rugged than passenger cars and are designed for driving in mud or snow.

In 2001 manufacturing plants in more than 35 countries produced 39.5 million passenger cars. About 7.3 million passenger vehicles were produced in North America in 2001.

The automobile is built around an engine. Various systems supply the engine with fuel, cool it during operation, lubricate its moving parts, and remove exhaust gases it creates. The engine produces mechanical power that is transmitted to the automobile’s wheels through a drivetrain, which includes a transmission, one or more driveshafts, a differential gear, and axles. Suspension systems, which include springs and shock absorbers, cushion the ride and help protect the vehicle from being damaged by bumps, heavy loads, and other stresses. Wheels and tires support the vehicle on the roadway and, when rotated by powered axles, propel the vehicle forward or backward. Steering and braking systems provide control over direction and speed. An electrical system starts and operates the engine, monitors and controls many aspects of the vehicle’s operation, and powers such components as headlights and radios. Safety features such as bumpers, air bags, and seat belts help protect occupants in an accident.

II. Learn the vocabulary to the text:

To propel	продвигать вперед
Suspension system	подвесная система
Spring	пружина,рессора
Elaborate	сложный,комплексный
Shock absorber	aмортизатор
Highway system	магистраль/транспортная артерия
Cushion	подушка,смягчать
To alter	изменять(ся)
Bumps	столкновения
To rank	выстраивать в ряд ,ставить в порядке
To rotate	вращать, приводить в движение
Injury	повреждение
Steering system	рулевая система
Intended use	назначение
Headlights	фары
Van	фургон
Van style vehicle	трейлер
Axles	оси, мосты
Differential gear	коробка передач
Frame	база
Drive train	ходовая часть
To transmit	передавать
Driveshaft	карданный вал
Mud	грязь
To lubricate	смазывать

III. Match the word combinations.

suspension system	авария
exhaust gases	самодвижущееся транспортное средство
Drivetrain	подвесная система
Driveshaft	оси
Accident.	магистраль
Steering system	пружина, рессора
Self-propelled vehicle	карданный вал
Axles	выхлопные газы
Highway system	рулевая система
Spring	ходовая

IV. Try to guess the meaning of the following words and word combinations:

Adaptable to, providing control over direction and speed, braking system, for better or worth, no doubt, helping protect occupants in an accident, air bags, producing a large number of omnibuses, having fastened seat belts, removing in the atmosphere exhaust gases, bumpers, rotating axles.