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The invention of the wheel and its significance in the history of humankind is a story in itself. It has carried human progress through the dark ages to the modern era, and continues to help us go the distance even today. But the wheels that move the world today are no longer round cut pieces of wood and stone. They are marvels of engineering which complement a number of other equally complex systems.
In today’s post, we explain the workings of a car’s wheel and how it works in tandem with the engine and suspension to move your vehicle forward.
In its basic form, the wheel is a marvel of engineering. It allows us to overcome friction and facilitates movement. This happens because the circular shape of a wheel allows it to roll across a surface, minimising the contact area and thus reducing the force needed to propel it forwards or backwards.
A car wheel consists of several components, including the rims, the tyres and the hub.
Rims: The rims are the inner metal circles, which provide the core structure and foundation for the entire wheel. Rims are usually made from steel or aluminum alloys and the offerings depend on the vehicle manufacturer’s lineup.
Tyres: Next comes the tyre, a circular pneumatic structure that covers the rims to protect them from frictional forces and impacts. The tyre is primarily defined by its performance class and associated features such as vehicle segment, seasonal enhancements, speed rating and weight-bearing capabilities. For example, high performance tyres are made from higher quality rubber compounds and retain their structural durability and road handling features longer than regular car tyres. Additionally, the tread pattern, a complex arrangement of grooves and sipes, is a trademarked design that helps maximise grip in various weather conditions.
Hub: The hub is the central part of the wheel that houses the bearings and connects the wheel to the axle. The hub allows the wheel to rotate smoothly and freely around the axle, transferring power from the drivetrain to the road.
The wheel's diameter, width, and material composition all influence its performance characteristics. Larger diameter wheels can improve handling and aesthetics, while wider tyres provide greater grip. Lightweight materials, such as aluminum alloy, reduce unsprung weight, improving suspension response and overall performance.
The engine is the heart of the car. It converts energy from the internal combustion system or electric motor into rotational force and moves the vehicle. Internal Combustion Engines, or ICE as they are commonly known, have a more complex construction with more moving parts and systems moving the car and require regular maintenance or car service. Electric Cars are driven by an electric motor which has fewer components and uses electromagnetic power from a large battery pack.
Transmission: The engine’s power is transmitted to the wheels through the transmission or gearbox. It’s a system that allows you to adjust the engine’s power output speed and torque. Lower gears provide higher torque and acceleration while higher gears are used for cruising at higher speeds. Cars with manual transmission require the driver’s input for shifting gears, whereas automatic cars and EVs use a number of automated systems for automatically controlling the power output based on accelerator inputs.
Differential: The differential solves a physics problem and allows the wheels on the same axle to rotate at different speeds—an essential requirement for turning the vehicle around bends and corners. When a car turns, the outer wheel travels a longer distance than the inner wheel, and the differential allows for this difference in speed.
The suspension system is a set of springs, dampers, and linkages which act as a buffer between the wheels and the car’s body. The most commonly known part of a suspension system is the shock absorber. But the system has a few other elements that work in tandem to maintain your car’s stability, control its handling characteristics, and ensure a comfortable ride.
Springs: These are the primary components that absorb shocks and vibrations. Common types of springs include coil springs, leaf springs, and torsion bars. They store energy when compressed and release it gradually, preventing the car from bouncing uncontrollably.
Shock Absorbers: Also known as dampers, the shock absorbers work in conjunction with the springs to control their oscillation. They dissipate energy as the spring compresses and rebounds, preventing the car from bouncing or swaying excessively.
Linkages and Control Arms: These components connect the wheels to the car's body and control their movement. They allow the wheels to move up and down in response to bumps and dips in the road, while maintaining proper wheel alignment and stability.
Anti-Roll Bars (Sway Bars): These bars connect the suspension systems on either side of the car and resist body roll during cornering. They improve handling and stability by distributing the load more evenly between the wheels.
The true magic of a car lies in how these three systems – the wheels, engine, and suspension – work together seamlessly to create a controlled and enjoyable driving experience.
The engine and drivetrain generate the power needed for the vehicle to move, the wheels and tyres receive the rotational force and connect the car to the road for forward momentum, and the suspension system adapts to the road conditions, absorbing shocks and vibrations. The driver receives feedback from all these systems to feel the road and control the car with precision.
So, when considered in its entirety, driving does seem like an art form, a symphony of motion created by an orchestra of systems and human experience at its core. Apollo Tyres has been a part of this symphony for over four decades, driven by our motto - go the distance. We hope this overview helped you understand the complex systems that move your car’s wheels and make your rides enjoyable. For more informational blogs and guides, follow the Apollo Tyres blog and social media handles.