Vroom! Vroom! Yes, it's the sound we hear every day when the automobile's engine is firing to life. When you sit on the driving seat right behind the wheel, turn the vehicle on, and slip the transmission into the drive, the possibilities are endless.
Of course, in our daily life, we go to school, college, work, and grocery stores, but after a while, we hit the highway for an amazing getaway as a road trip. Just as some people love watching movies, others like reading books; there's a big percentage of people who are interested in cars. And for those, FAYVO has built a community.
All automobile lovers can join FAYVO to find people with similar interests and be friends with them. Discuss Tesla's new model or clear your confusion out; it is up to you!
When you are not in front of the steering wheel, chances are you won't pay much attention to the process and how the automobile works. But if you get a chance to open the hood or look underneath a vehicle, however, you'll be amazed to see how a modern automobile is an amazing combination of thousands and thousands of parts working together, coordinating with each other, and supplying power to all components.
Brief History:
When the vehicles on wheels were first invented, they were manufactured entirely by hand and under the supervision of a few workers. It was totally a manual process and was the beginning of a new era.
Today, we see millions and millions of cars vrooming on the roads, parked at the gas station, and crossing the highway. It is now obviously not possible for humans to build these super-fast and powerful machines all by hand. Otherwise, it would take years to complete one of the hundred thousand. The automobiles running today are incredibly complex and technologically advanced machines, and there are many components involved in their manufacturing. So, what are they?
We'll find out but before that, let's have a look at some of the most common car myths that'll make you giggle a little (if you believe them too.)
Common Myths About Automobiles:
With access to the internet, it is quite easy to get information on any car confusion you have. The issue is that the answers you get also contain some false facts. Here are 5 of them that people ACTUALLY believe are true, but let us clear your mind.
Electric Cars are Likely to Catch on Fire:
As electricity and short circuits are quite common to be discussed together, it has become a myth that electric cars catch fire more easily. There's nothing unusual in that. All the automobiles, note it down, ALL the automobiles start with ignition, and they are good to go after that.
Hybrids are Slow:
Whoever believes that hybrids are slow should be given a test drive. It is absolutely fake. Ask them to just take a look at the first Prius or Honda Insight for your proof. When hybrids were first launched, they didn't have as much power as they have right now. There are even some hybrid models that are faster than gas-powered vehicles. The real-life examples are Lexus 450h and RAV4.
High-Priced Car Seats are the Best Ones to Buy:
Of course, we all want comfort when buying luxury cars and aim for the best for our children, but it doesn't mean going for the most expensive car seat. Honestly, some of the car seat options in the market are insanely priced. The reality is that you have to find durable and safer options that save you money. All you have to do is research the car seats.
Old Cars Are Better:
People who believe that old cars are more efficient and better are not updated with the latest launches. Old cars were more durable because they didn't have much functionality, but the newer ones have sensors and the most advanced technology that makes the new cars better than ever.
Wider Tires Means Better Performance:
Wider tires are good for road grip, but they are not for every vehicle. Bigger vehicles like Landcruiser etc., need them to stay safe at high speeds. But there's no proof that wider tires are responsible for better performance. So, be aware of this myth.
So, now we come to the super interesting part of the blog post, and that is:
The Manufacturing of An Automobile:
From the design to the release of the automobile, it takes a lot of time. Roughly around, two to five years are required to complete it from scratch. This long timeline is a must to make sure its durability, safety, and functionality.
Before the designing phase, every new model is shown with several options to decide which one would get the most attention of the audience.
In 1908, when Henry Ford began production of the Model T automobile, it was considered one only method to build and assemble the cars. However, design and material have become more difficult and complex as technology develops and demand changes.
These days, almost every car manufacturer has its own process, but here we'll be talking about the standard one. From gathering raw materials to displaying the car on the sales floor, let's find out how it happens.
Step-by-Step Process: How a Car is Made!
RAW MATERIALS:
First things first, raw materials are needed to bring a car to life. It's like transforming an idea into a reality. There are plenty of options in raw materials, and many car manufacturers are looking for more sustainable, as well as lightweight, and cost-effective materials for their cars. With the demand to use greener products, we have to be more mindful in choosing the right material.
DESIGN & ENGINEERING:
When it comes to design, the automobile should resonate with the audience. It should be practical and according to the public's needs and desires for a car. Before finalizing the design, a prototype is made, and the structure is revised with many versions to perfect it.
Both the interior and exterior of the car should be considered important. The interior and exterior must be shaped well, so the car makes it to the potential buyers. Also, when the car is being designed, the aim is to add something new to it in addition to the old model's specifications. It is seen to include the innovative technologies that make the car newsworthy and competitive with other brands.
For small models, 2D and 3D designs are made, and for the bigger versions, 8D and 9D models are designed. Before moving forward with the manufacturing, engineers test the vehicle for aerodynamics, safety, hot and cold weather, fuel economy, electrical functionality, cost analysis, and more.
When this comprehensive process of design is approved, then the manufacturing process can begin.
MANUFACTURING:
Next comes the main step, the actual manufacturing and assembling process. The sheet metal parts for the bodywork are created, stamped, and aligned by robots. These parts form the side frames of the car and also make doors, hoods, and roofs. All the parts are created in this step which are later added to the mainframe of the car.
The next step is loading the car onto the production line. Once all the parts are made, they are moved forward for assembling. The cars move in the assembling line in a massive factory where robots and people work on them.
Here, different sections are made to do every task. Manufacturing plant workers will attach parts to the car and usually work together with robots for certain tasks. The regular robotic work includes welding, soldering, screwing, and gluing parts onto the car.
After that, there comes the time for detailing and finishing. When all the parts are combined together, the mechanics work on cleaning, layering chemical formulas for protection against corrosion and scratches, and painting.
Once the body is finalized, then the focus comes to fitting the engine, aligning axles, and putting exhaust systems. Also, the tires are furnished so the car can stand on its own.
TESTING & QUALITY ASSURANCE:
Now when everything is put together, and the car is ready to drive, it will be tested for quality assurance and safety. This step is very important. Before launching it out in the market, it should be tested comprehensively.
The automobile is checked for any imperfections, power failures, abnormalities, or inconsistencies in the interior and exterior design. The experts perform a number of tests to check functionality, design, system efficiency, etc.
The engine is started and stopped several times to check if it catches ignition every time or not. The steering alignment is adjusted, the headlights are tested for brightness and reach, and all the brakes are checked for proper safety and security.
Not only is the car driven and checked on the road, but it is tested in heavy water pressure to find leaks. The car's functionality is tested, and the electrical units are checked to work properly in case of an emergency.
In the end, crash testing is executed to observe how the car handles impacts. The team checks airbags and seat belt performance. After everything is checked for performance, it is marked as checked, and testing approved, or else it is sent back for further tweaks for safety.
LAUNCH:
After going through all the steps and checking the automobile to give a pass check, the car is brought into the market. The price is discussed, and it is sent to car dealerships and private dealers to sell to the public. The launch is usually at a very big scale, where multiple units are carried out of the same version.
Bottom Line:
Cars are essential for our everyday use and are fascinating. They have transformed the way we travel and cover distances. Understanding the process of manufacturing a car from design to launch will enable you to have a new perspective on the automobile industry.
The Future:
The development of electric cars with super-tech functionalities has been started launching already. Now the engineers aim to use solar/aeronautical methods, advanced satellites, and radar technology than traditional automotive design and construction.
Opposite to the lead-acid batteries of the past and present, future batteries will be environmentally safe and recyclable. Therefore, the possibilities are endless, and the future is exciting!
