Chassis (Car chassis)

Keywords

What is a chassis?

A chassis is the structural framework of a vehicle that supports all of its components.

This includes the engine, transmission and body shell.

It's the foundation for the vehicle's strength, stability, and overall performance. It integrates the suspension system, ensuring alignment and balance when tackling corners.

Related Jargon

What is a front-wheel-drive car?

A car with front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the engine and gearbox are connected directly to the front wheels only.

What is a 4x4 car?

A 4x4 car is one that is fitted with four-wheel drive, which means that the power created by the engine is sent to all four wheels.

What is all-wheel drive?

An all-wheel-drive (AWD) system sends the power of the engine to both the front and rear wheels all the time so if one or more wheels is stuck, or can’t get any grip on the road, the other wheels are still driving the car forward.

What is an automatic transmission?

Automatic transmission changes gears as the vehicle moves, without the driver having to do anything themselves.

What is an SUV?

Sport utility vehicle - or SUV - a type of car fitted with four-wheel drive, which was built for use off-road.

What is a continuously variable transmission?

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic gearbox that can change seamlessly through a range of gears.

What is a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and how does it work?

A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is a type of gearbox that uses two separate clutches and sets of gears, with one set for odd gears and another for the even ones.

What is rear wheel drive in a car?

A rear wheel drive car is one where the power generated by the engine is sent to the rear wheels, which then ‘push’ the car along.

What is a car transmission?

A transmission is another name for a car’s gearbox.