System map
How the systems connect
Power leaves the engine and passes through the driveline to the wheels, while cooling, lubrication, fuel and the electrical system keep the engine running. Switch layouts to see how the path changes, and select any part to learn more.
- Power flow
- Branch (all-wheel drive)
- Connection
- Step in the power path
- Engine
- Driveline
- Wheels
- Chassis
- Electrical
- Engine support
Text version
Front-wheel drive (transverse), in words
Power flow, from engine to road
How the other systems connect
- Cooling system → Engine — Coolant carries surplus heat away
- Lubrication → Engine — Oil film between moving parts
- Fuel system → Engine — Fuel metered into the cylinders
- Engine → Exhaust — Burnt gas leaves the cylinders
- Engine → Air conditioning — Belt drives the compressor
- Air conditioning → Cooling system — Condenser sits ahead of the radiator
- Starter motor → Engine — Turns the crankshaft to start it
- Engine → Alternator — Belt drives the alternator
- Ignition → Engine — Spark lights the mixture
- Battery → Starter motor — Heavy current for starting
- Alternator → Battery — Recharges the battery while running
- Battery → Ignition — Powers the ignition
- Brakes → Wheels & tyres — A disc and caliper slow each wheel
- Suspension → Wheels & tyres — Locates each wheel and keeps the tyre on the road
- Steering → Wheels & tyres — Turns the front wheels