Also available in PL · DE · UA · RU
Look under the hood
Curious how a car really works? Explore every part through clear diagrams, cutaways and simple, jargon-free explanations.
The car with no secrets
See a car in cross-section — from engine to suspension
- 1 Engine
- 2 Transmission
- 3 Cabin
- 4 Fuel tank
- 5 Exhaust system
- 6 Suspension & brakes
- 7 Airbags
The full diagram is available for ICE, hybrid, and electric cars
See all parts in cutawayCatalog sections
Pick a section to explore the car's construction in detail
Start here
Powertrain
Engine: construction and types
Engine types and how they are built: cylinders, pistons, valves, plus the fuel, cooling and lubrication systems.
Open sectionFuel & exhaust systems
How fuel travels from the tank to the injectors, and how the exhaust is cleaned and silenced on its way out: the pump, filter, catalytic converter, particulate filter, AdBlue and muffler.
Open sectionCooling & thermal management
How engines, batteries and motors stay at the right temperature: the radiator loop, thermostat, pumps and fans — and the chiller that cools an EV's battery.
Open sectionTransmission: construction and types
Manual, automatic, dual-clutch gearboxes, CVT, and the EV reduction gear.
Open sectionElectrical
Chassis & steering
Suspension: types and construction
Suspension parts: shock absorbers, springs, control arms and stabilizers.
Open sectionSteering system
How the wheel turns the road wheels: rack-and-pinion, power assist, tie rods and steering knuckle.
Open sectionBrake system: construction and types
Disc and drum brakes, hydraulics, ABS and supporting systems.
Open sectionTires & wheels
Tire types and tread, wheel rims, and how grip changes with road surface and weather.
Open sectionBody & structure
What a car is built on: the shell or frame, pillars, floor, doors and hood, the steels and aluminium they are made from, and how it is all joined and protected from rust.
Open sectionSafety & cabin
Safety & driver assistance
Airbags, belts and crumple zones, ABS and ESP, and the radar and cameras behind modern driver aids.
Open sectionInterior layout
Dashboard, seats, controls and comfort features.
Open sectionClimate & HVAC
How the cabin gets cooled, heated and dried out: the refrigerant loop, the blower and vents, and why EVs increasingly use a heat pump.
Open sectionNot sure what a part is called?
Search the Glossary: hundreds of car parts named in all five languages of the site — handy at a garage or parts shop abroad.
Open the Glossary →About this project
A free, illustrated guide to how cars work — no ads, no trackers, no sign-up. Written in plain language for people who are curious rather than trained.