Text 8

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A car engine looks like a large block of metal. And it is. It is a
large block of cast iron. In this block there are round holes. These
holes are the cylinders. The cylinder block of a car usually has four or
six cylinders. In the cylinder the power of petrol is controlled. In each
cylinder there is a piston. It can move up and down inside the
cylinder. Its shape is like the bottom half of a bottle. It has cast iron
rings round it. These piston rings help it to fit tightly inside the
cylinder. A connecting rod comes from inside the piston. The top of
each cylinder is covered. There are three holes in the top. Two are for
valves which open and shut. These are the inlet valve and the exhaust
valve. The other hole is for the sparking plug. The sparking plug ignites (fires) the mixture of air and petrol by
means of a spark and causes it to explode.
When the inlet valve opens, a mixture of air and petrol is sucked
into the cylinder.
The mixture fills the space above the pistons. When the inlet valve
is open the exhaust valve is closed.
Smoke and gases remain after the explosion of the petrol and air
mixture. When the exhaust valve opens, the smoke and gases are
pushed out of the cylinder.

THE FOUR-STROKE CYCLE

To complete
the firing cycle
the piston must move along the cylinder four times. These
movements called strokes.
The suction (drawing in, intake) stroke.
In this stroke the piston is moving down the cylinder. The
inlet valve is open. A mixture of air and petrol is drawn
into the cylinder above the piston.
The compression (pressing together) stroke.
In this stroke the piston is moving up the cylinder. Both
valves are closed. The piston moves up as far as it can. It
pushes the mixture of air and petrol in front of it. It
compresses it into the space above the cylinder.
The explosion (firing, power) stroke.
In this stroke, the spark fires the mixture and it explodes. The energy released by the burning mixture forces
the piston down the cylinder.
The exhaust (emptying out) stroke.
In this stroke the piston is moving up the cylinder. The exhaust valve is open. Smoke and gases remain after
the explosion. The piston pushes them in front of it. They are pushed through the exhaust valve opening. They
leave the cylinder through the pipe. Now the cycle begins again.

a) Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:
1. The company CAV ……… (never/to manufacture) 5 million engines a year.
2. She ……… (to be) to London four times. We ……… (to go) there by plain.
3. Our company ……… (to employ) over 1000,000, ……… (to operate) in many overseas markets and
……… (to offer) a wide range of hi-tech products for the 21st century.
4. I’m afraid Mr Bansall can’t see you right now. He’s ……… (to interview) someone.
5. A: Is John feeling OK? He ……… (to look) very red in the face.
 6. B: Yes, I know. I ……… (to look for) the doctor’s phone number now.
7. A: ……… (you/to have) a car?
8. B: Yes, but I …..... (to have) some problems with it, so it …..(to be) at the garage now.

Text 9
THE CARBURETOR

The carburetor has two main parts. There is a container

(the chamber) which controls the flow of petrol. The
pump forces the petrol through a pipe into the chamber.
If the chamber is full, the float rises. This causes the
needle valve to close. Petrol cannot enter. As the
chamber empties, the float sinks. The valve opens.
More petrol enters the chamber. There is also a choke
tube. This tube is open at the top so that air can be
sucked in. Pipes lead from the bottom of the tube to the
inlet valves of the cylinders. The air and petrol mixture
is sucked into the cylinder. This flow of mixture is
controlled by a throttle valve. This is a round piece of
metal like a large coin. It is moved by the accelerator
pedal.
A small pipe leads from the chamber to the choke tube.
The petrol flows through this. There are very small
holes (jets) at the end of the pipe. As the induction
stroke sucks air down the tube, it also sucks petrol
through these jets. The petrol is broken up into
thousands of very small drops to form a vapor. It mixes with the air. The mixture is sucked into the cylinders.
When the accelerator pedal is pushed down, the throttle is opened. More air is sucked into the carburetor.
More petrol and air mixture goes to the cylinders. The explosions in the cylinders are stronger. The car goes
more quickly. When the pedal is let out, the throttle closes. There is less mixture. The explosions are weaker.
The car goes more slowly.

1. Translate the following text into Ukrainian in written form

The carburetor. Gasoline in its raw liquid form will not burn satisfactory to operate an internal-combustion
engine. It must first be broken up into small drops, or atomized. After being atomized, the gasoline is
vaporized and mixed with air in proper proportions for combustion. While these proportions vary slightly for
different makes of engines, one part of gasoline to fifteen parts of air by mass is the average mixture used. The
carburetor, therefore, is a device which automatically vaporizes and mixes the gasoline and air in the proper
proportions necessary for starting, idling, acceleration, and power at various speeds.

2. Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:
1. Every time we ……… (to buy) a foreign car we ……… (to put) someone else out of work. (Woodrow
Wyatt)
2. Money ……… (to talk), they ……… (to say). All it ever said to me was “Goodbye”. (Cary Grant)
3. Politicians are the same all over. They ………. (to promise) to build a bridge even where there is no
river. (Khrushchev)
4. In a hierarchy every employee ……… (to tend) to rise to his level of incompetence. (Laurence J. Peter)
5. While my father …… (to repair) his car last morning, my brother and I …… (to improve) the interior
of it. Everybody …… (to like) our work.
6. I ……… (never/to have) any trouble with getting the car started.
7. Due to the establishment of new bus and city train routes the passenger service ……… (to be
improved).
8. In spite of all my protests, Bill ……… (to go) home ten minutes ago.
 9. My sister ……… (to lose) the ignition key. She can’t find it.
10. The temperature ……… (to be maintained) at the point of 20 degrees since the beginning of the
experiment.
11. The new apparatus ……… (just/to be installed) in the laboratory. The delegation will arrive to check it
in two weeks.
12. While using this type of equipment, they ……… (not/to receive) any good results this month.
13. Ann ……… (not/to want) to explore that lonely island as the trip ……… (to be) too dangerous and
expensive.
Text 10
THE CRANKSHAFT

The piston goes up and down but the car

wheels go round. So something must change the up-
and-down movement. The connecting rod is
connected to the piston. The connecting rod can
swing from side to side. The big end is connected to
a shaft (the crankshaft). The crankshaft can move
round inside the big end. As the piston goes up and
down, the connecting rod causes the crankshaft to go
round.
When you ride a bicycle, your legs go up and
down. The pedals and the chain wheel go round. The
movement of the connecting rod is like your leg
movement. So the connecting rod causes the
crankshaft to go round. This circular movement goes
through the gears to the car wheels.

THE CAMSHAFT
As the crankshaft turns, it turns another shaft. This is the
camshaft. There is a wheel with teeth at one end of the
crankshaft. This wheel is connected by a chain to a bigger
wheel. This bigger wheel is at the end of the camshaft. So
when the crankshaft turns, the camshaft turns too. The
camshaft has cams for each cylinder. They open and close the
inlet and exhaust valves on each cylinder.
The cams turn with the shaft. As the high part of the cam
comes up, it pushes up a rod. This rod pushes up one of a
lever (the rocker arm) the other end of the lever pushes down
the valve and opens it.
On each valve there is a strong spring. As the lower part of
the cam comes round, the spring forces the rocker arm up. This closes the valve. The turning of the shaft is set
in a certain way. It makes the inlet and exhaust valves open and shut at the right time.
There is a gear wheel in the middle of the chamber of the camshaft. It
does two things. It turns the distributor. It works the oil pump.
The camshaft turns the distributor. The distributor distributes
electricity to the sparking plug. The sparking plug fires the petrol and
air mixture in the cylinder, at the right time in the firing cycle. So the
camshaft controls the firing cycle.

THE IGNITION SWITCH

The ignition switch is an electrical switch that turns the current off or
on in the ignition circuit. It operates in the same manner as the light in
your home. It is usually located on the instrument panel and is operated by a key, so that only the person who
has the key can turn on the switch. The ignition switch, in addition to completing the ignition circuit, usually
has additional terminals which complete the circuits to the instruments or warning lights (fuel, temperature, oil
pressure, charging), to the accessories (heater, radio, etc.) and to the starting motor. The ignition, instrument,
and accessories circuits are connected when the switch is turned to the accessories position. Only the starting
circuit is connected when the ignition switch is in the start position.

Text 11
THE BATTERY AND COIL

The battery is used to store electricity. The electrical

pressure (voltage) of a car battery is only 12 volts. When
high voltage electricity jumps a space between two points
it causes a spark. This happens in the sparking plug. A
voltage of about 7,000 volts will cause a good spark. How
do we get 7,000 volts from a 12-volt battery?
The coil does it. The coil is really two coils of wire: the
primary coil and the secondary coil. The electricity (12
volts) from the battery flows through the primary coil.
Suddenly stopping the flow to the primary coil causes a
very strong flow in the secondary coil. The flow through
the primary coil is stopped by the contact breaker.

THE CONTACT BREAKER AND THE DISTRIBUTOR

The contact breaker stops or breaks the flow of electricity in the primary
coil. The distributor distributes the high voltage electricity to the sparking
plugs.
The electricity from the primary coil flows through the centre of the
distributor. This rod is turned by the camshaft. There are points in the
contact breaker. The points can be opened so as to break the flow of
electricity to the primary coil. The points are opened by a cam. They are
closed by a spring.
The cam of a four-cylinder engine fits on the rod from the camshaft. It
turns when the rod turns. Each corner of the cam presses on the contact
breaker. This opens the points of the contact breaker. (A condenser stops
any spark at these points) Now high-voltage electricity flows through the
secondary coil to the distributor rotor arm.
The rotor arm is above the contact breaker cam. It is turned by the same
rod from the camshaft. As the rotor arm goes round it touches points.
Each of these leads to a sparking plug. Each time the arm touches a point
the contact breaker points are also open. Then high-voltage electricity
flows from the secondary coil to the rotor arm. From the rotor arm it goes
to the sparking plug. This causes a spark.
Let us look at this again. The cam opens the points. The flow of electricity to the primary coil stops. High-
voltage electricity flows in the secondary coil. It flows through the rotor arm to the sparking plugs. The cam
turns. The points close. Electricity flows again into the primary coil. The rotor arm turns also. Contact with the
sparking plug is broken. All this is controlled from the camshaft.
1. Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:
1. It ……… (to get) dark. Shall I turn on the light?
2. You ……… (to make) a lot of noise. Could you be quieter? I ……… (to try) to concentrate.
3. The library ……… (to open) at 9 o’clock and ……… (to close) at 6 every day but weekends.
4. Bad driving ……… (to cause) many accidents.
5. The economic situation is very bad and it ……… (to get) worse.
6. Julia is very good at languages. She ……… (to speak) four languages fluently.
7. Don’t put the dictionary away. I ……… (to use) it.
8. Don’t put the dictionary away. I ……… (to need) it.
9. It was hard work carrying the bags. They ……… (to be) very heavy. I could hardly put them into the
boot of my car.
10. When I was young, I ……… (to want) to be a bus driver.
Text 12
THE COOLING SYSTEM
When the engine is working, it gets hot. The
heat comes from the explosion in the
cylinders and from friction. How is it kept
cool? This is usually done with water. The
water flows from the radiator. It flows through
holes in the cylinder block. The water enters
the bottom of the block. When it is hot it rises
to the top of the block.
From there it flows back into the top of the
radiator. A small pump helps it to flow. The
hot water from the engine flows slowly
through the radiator. The air makes the water
cool again. The flow of air is helped by a fan.
The fan is moved by the crankshaft.
Some engines are cooled by air only, not by
water.

THE LUBRICATING (OILING) SYSTEM

There are many places in an engine where metal rubs against

metal. For example, the piston rings rub against the cylinder
walls; the crankshaft rubs against the inside of the big end.
When this happens, the metal gets hot. This rubbing together of
metal (friction) and the heat cause the engine to wear. This
friction can be made less by using oil. There is a large container
(the sump) at the bottom of the engine. The sump holds over 1
gallon (4.5litres) of oil. Many pipes and holes go from the
sump. The oil flows through these to places where there is
friction; the cylinder, the crankshaft. A pump in the sump
pumps the oil to these places. The pump is worked by the
camshaft.

1. Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:

1. I ……… (to think) of selling my car. Would you be interested in buying it?
 2. I used to drink a lot of coffee but these days I ……… (to prefer) tea.
3. We couldn’t afford to keep our car, so we ………. (to sell) it last year.
4. Jill is interested in politics but she ……… (not to belong) to any political party.
5. I haven’t seen Alan for ages. When I last ……… (to see) him, he ……… (to try) to find a good, well-
paid job in London.
6. Look at the river. It ……… (to flow) very fast today – much faster than usual.
7. I ……… (to have) a headache earlier but I feel fine now.
8. The police ……… (to arrest) three people but later they let them go.
9. What do you think of my English? Do you think I ……… (to improve) it?
10. There was a new sports car outside. It ……… (to look) so smooth and shiny.
11. Many people are skeptical about advertizing promises. They ……… (not to believe) them.
12. None of the students ……… (to show) any interest in extra functions of this apparatus yet.
13. Amanda ………. (to look) a bit depressed last week as her car had been stolen.
14. I can’t make a decision, I ……… (not to receive) all the data.
15. The distributor............... (to distribute) the high voltage electricity to the sparking plugs.

Text 13

THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

The transmission system carries (transmits) the movement of the crankshaft to the wheels. It has three main
parts: the change gears; the clutch; the rear axle gears.
A gear is only a strong steel wheel with teeth. If a small gear with 25 teeth turns twice, it will turn a gear with
50 teeth once. This is a low gear. If a large gear with 50 teeth turns once, it will turn a gear with 25 teeth twice.
This is a high gear. Gears can have as many teeth as are needed.
The crankshaft of a car engine can turn as fast as 6,000 times a minute. One turn is a revolution. So that is
6000 revolutions per minute (rpm). This speed is too great to transmit straight to the wheels. It is made less by
two things:
1. The change gears.
2. The differential gears in the back axle.
Let us look first at the change gears.
The change gears
In the gearbox there are three shafts: 1. the driving shaft is turned by the crankshaft. It has a fixed gear wheel
near its end. 2. The driven shaft leads to the back axle. On this shaft there are two gears. One gear is larger
than the other. These gears can move along the shaft in grooves. They can move backwards and forwards.
They are moved by the gear lever. 3. The lay shaft. Four gears of different sizes are fixed on this shaft. The
largest always meshes with the gear on the driving shaft. So, when the engine is running the lay shaft must be
turning. It must also turn more slowly than the driving shaft. Its gear is larger.
The gear box is about half full of oil.
First of bottom gear
First gear: The large gear on the driven shaft meshes with the smaller forward gear on the lay shaft. The
engine is running fast but the driven shaft and the wheels turn slowly. This gear is used to start the car moving.
Second gear
Second gear: The smaller gear on the driven shaft mashes with the second largest gear of the same size. The
one on the lay shaft is only a little smaller. This gear is used to increase the speed of the car.
Top gear
Top gear: the driving shaft joins straight on to the driven shaft. The car is now moving very fast. There is little
difference between the engine speed and the speed of the wheels. If the car has to slow down, the driver will
have to change to a lower gear.

NEUTRAL GEAR

Neutral gear. The driving shaft is turning but it is not transmitting any movements to the driven shaft. The
gears are not meshing. The engine is running but it is not turning the car wheels. This gear is used when the
car stops for a short time, like at traffic lights. It is also used when the engine is first started.
Reverse gear (In this gear the car moves backwards).
The fourth gear on the lay shaft meshes with the larger gear on the driven shaft. It does this through a small
third gear. This gear reverses the movement of the driven shaft. This is how it does it:
The driving shaft is turning clockwise (CW). This turns the lay shaft anti-clockwise (ACW). The lay shaft
turns the third gear clockwise. The third gear turns the driven shaft anti-clockwise. So it reverses the driven
shaft’s movements. The car is driven backwards.

Text 14
THE CLUTCH

The clutch helps when the driver changes gear. Strong springs press it
against the flywheel. These springs push against the cover plate. Round
the inside of the clutch plate there is rough material. This does not slip
easily. So, when the flywheel turns, the clutch plate turns too. This
movement goes to the gears. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the
clutch plate is pulled away from the flywheel. There is a space. The
crankshaft is turning but the movement is not going to the gears or the
wheels. Now the gears can be changed. When the clutch pedal is let out
the springs push the clutch plate against the flywheel again. The
movement of the crankshaft now goes through the gears to the wheels.
Note. Automatic cars do not have a clutch like this. They have no clutch
pedal.

REAR AXLE GEARS

1. From the change gears the movement is transmitted to the back

axle by the propeller shaft. At the back end of this shaft is a fixed
gear (the pinion).
2. The back axle has two halves. A strong gear (bevel wheel) is
fixed to each half.
3. A strong box covers the bevel wheels. This box turns when the
axles turn.
4. To one side of this box is fixed a large gear (the crown wheel).
When it turns, it turns the box and the axles.
5. The pinion meshes with the crown wheel. When the pinion
turns, it turns the crown wheel and the box and the axles.
Round the inside of the box are fixed four small gears (differential
pinions). Each pinion can turn freely. These pinions mesh with the
bevel wheels on the axles. The differential pinions do not turn
when the car is going straight. They make the bevel wheels and the axle turn at the same speed.
The outside wheel has farther to go when the car is turning. So it must move faster than the inside wheel. So
the differential pinions turn when the car is turning. Now the outside wheel can travel faster than the inside
wheel. So the differential pinions allow the two wheels to turn at different speeds when the car is turning.

1. Translate the text in written form

When the vehicle goes over a bump, the spring compresses and expands and will continue to compress and
expand several times before returning to its original position. A similar action is seen when a rubber ball is
dropped on the floor. This additional action is undesirable and results in an uncomfortable ride. To reduce this
additional action shock absorbers are fastened between the axle and the frame. Most late-model shock
absorbers consist of a telescoping tube partially filled with a fluid that can pass through a restricted passage
from one part of the tube to the other. When the tube is compressed or expanded, the fluid causes a showing
down action on the telescoping tube.

2. Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:

a) Last summer some friends and I arranged to go camping. We ……… (to look forward) to going for
weeks when finally the date of departure ……… (to come). We ……… (to load) the car with our
luggage and ……… (to set off) early in the morning. The weather was perfect, the sun ……… (to
shine) brightly and the wind ……… (to blow) gently. There ……… (not to be) a cloud in the sky.
Shortly afterwards, while we ……… (to travel) along the motorway, we ……… (to notice) that the car
……… (to make) a strange noise. Peter, who ……… (to drive) very fast, suddenly …….. (to stop) the
car. To our surprise the boot was wide open and all our things ……… (to fall out).

Text 15
THE BRAKES

When the brake pedal is pushed down, it

forces oil (hydraulic fluid) through small
pipes. These pipes lead to the brakes. A
drum is fixed to each wheel. This goes
round with the wheel. The fluid forces
the brake shoe to rub against the drum.
There are also disc brakes. A metal disc
is fixed to each wheel. The fluid forces a
pad to rub against the disc. The friction
between the brake shoe and the drum, or
the pad and the disc, slows down the
wheel.
Springs on the axles give a smooth
movement to the car body. Two kinds of
springs are used. They are leaf springs
and coil springs. Leaf springs are
unusually on back axles. Coil springs are
on front axles.
Shock absorbers filled with oil also help. These go in and out telescopes.

SOME DIFFERENCES
Alternators: Many modern cars do not have a dynamo. They have an alternator. The alternator is usually in
the same place as the dynamo. The fan belt turns the alternator. The flow of electricity from a dynamo is direct
current (DC). From an alternator it is alternating current (AC). The alternating current is changed to direct
current for the battery. The current from an alternator is very strong. Its flow to the battery is controlled by a
regulator.
Diesel four-stroke cycle
Diesel engines: many lorries and some cars have diesel engines. The diesel engine has no carburetor and no
electrical system to make a spark. It has no sparking plugs. One piston stroke sucks air only into the cylinder.
The next stroke compresses the air in a small combustion chamber. The air is very hot. A drop of oil is forced
into the chamber. It mixes with the hot air and burns. The energy released, forces the piston down. The next
stroke is the exhaust stroke.
Front wheel drive: in some cars the engine turns the front wheels. Rear engine car: in some cars the engine is
at the back (rear) of the car. Both cars have the usual transmission system. They have no long propeller shaft
because the engine is close to the wheels.

1. Complete the sentences with the active form of the verb in brackets:
1. Bill was painting his front door when the telephone ……… (to start) ringing. He ……… (to answer) the
phone and ……… (to speak) to his friend. Later he ……… (to notice) that he ……… (to leave) red
fingerprints all over the phone.
2. Last Friday I ……… (to walk) to work when I ……… (to see) an old friend I ……… (not to see) for a long
time. I ……… (throw) my arms around him. He ……… (to stare) at me with an open mouth. To my
horror I ……… (to realize) I ……… (to mistake) him for my friend.
3. Fill in “since” or “for”.
Sue Wilson has been involved in sports … for … more than 25 years. Her first interest was gymnastics,
which she has been actively involved in ……… she was ten, but she has also been interested in other forms of
sport ……… many years. She has been a keen cyclist ……… 1980 when she made her first bicycle tour of
Europe and ……… her marriage to all-round sportsman Tom Wilson in 1985, she has tried her hand at
climbing, sailing and skydiving. Her talent as a writer has kept her busy ……… the past ten years and she has
become familiar to TV viewers as a sports commentator ……… her first TV appearance in 1988. Her plans
for the future? “I’ve been interested in the role of women in sports ever ……… I was a teenager. Now, after
being so busy ……… all these years, I’ve decided to take some time off so I can write a book about it. “Since
Sue has been part of the sporting world ……… so long, her book should be fascinating.
Text 16

1. Put the missing prepositions into the questions. Ask them your partner:
a) Do you often go ________ the speed limit?
b) When you see an amber light, do you step ________ the gas or the brakes?
c) Do you become very annoyed and angry when you are stuck ________ traffic?
d) Have you ever gone ________ a red light?
e) Do you always slow ________ for pedestrians?
f) Do you often honk your horn ________ other drivers?
g) Do you always look both ways before you turn ________ intersections?
h) Do you always remember to turn ________ your turn signal when you are making a turn?

2. Match the headings with their extracts.

Engineers use theory (ideas about engineering) to produce practical answers. The
Engineering is design solution must be a reasonable price, safe and reliable. A new idea that is
everywhere expensive, dangerous or doesn’t always work is not a good solution.
This method of problem-solving is useful in everyday life. For example, you can
use the five steps next time you prepare for a test.
 Define the problem: I want to pass my test next week.
 Design a solution: I will study for three hours a day.
 Test the solution: study for three hours a day and take the test.
Engineering is both  Evaluate the solution: Have I passed the test with a good mark? (Yes=a
theoretical and good solution. No=a bad solution, so think of a better one.)
practical  Communicate the solution: Tell your friends about your test-passing
 technique.
Generally, engineers solve problems in a methodological way. They: define the
They use different problem, design a solution, test it and evaluate the solution. If the solution isn’t
methods right, the process is repeated.
Almost everything we use in modern life is made by engineers. For example, if a
Anyone can use manufacturer wants a faster car or a better pen, they will ask a design engineer to
engineering ideas find a practical solution.

THE CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

In the past, automotive engineers were closely associated with the field of mechanical engineering.
After all, most automotive engineers dealt with topics such as gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions,
suspension systems, chassis, door handles, seats, etc. A few ventured off into new developments such as
turbine gas engines, continuously variable transmissions, or even Sterling engines. Some dealt with plastics
and painting systems. The vast majority of knowledge needed by the automotive engineer of the past was
mechanical in nature.
The reality of today is that the automotive engineer is expected to know about far more than just
mechanical engineering. To attract the best and brightest, the industry needs to project an image of the
automotive engineer as someone with skills and knowledge beyond mechanical engineering.
The modern automobile has often been described as a computer on wheels. It is that and more —
much more. Electronics control component systems such as the engine, transmission, and brakes. Those
controls have become not just add-ons but integral parts of the operation of each system and the whole
vehicle. A focus is on intelligent vehicle technology, which highlighted the integration of more electronics into
the vehicle.
No longer can design engineers "throw their designs over the wall" to the manufacturing engineer.
The design engineer must know enough about the manufacturing capability of his/her organization or
supplier, and the manufacturing engineer must be an early participant in the design team. Competitive
quality and cost require that the design specifications match the manufacturing capability. Empty promises
by manufacturing ("give us a design and we will build it") are no longer accepted.
Software development is not only necessary to achieve optimum operation of each vehicle computer,
but vehicle performance evaluation prior to design is becoming standard practice. Computer simulation for
demonstrating compliance with regulations will probably be widely accepted in the not-too-distant future.
3. Here are the answers to some questions. What are the questions?
b) Gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, suspension systems, chassis, door handles, seats, etc.
c) Plastics and painting systems.
d) Mechanical majority of knowledge in nature.
e) A computer on wheels.
f) Intelligent vehicle technology.
g) "Throw their designs over the wall".
h) "Give us a design and we will build it".
i) Software development.

4. Put each of the following words or phrases in correct sentence below.

Overtake, mpg (miles per gallon), rear, reverse, petrol tank, vehicle, fuel consumption, body,
performance, instruments, indicate.

a) The amount of petrol a car uses is called the ________ and it is measured in ________. The petrol goes
in the ________.
b) The way a car behaves (speed, brakes, acceleration etc.) is called the car’s ________.
c) We can talk about the back of a ________ (car, bus, lorry etc.) but more often we use the word
________.
d) The speedometer, fuel gauge and so on are called ________.
 e) To ________ means to pass another vehicle going in the same direction.
f) If you have to go backwards, you ________.
g) The outside surface of the car, made of metal or fiberglass, is called the ________.
h) Make sure you ________ before turning left or right.

5. Find the words hidden in the jumbles. Translate the sentences.

a) Both in the past and today …………… work at the problem of getting lower
specific fuel consumption. SREDNEGIS
b) Many cars are not really new, but are successors to or derivatives of existing DOMLSE
……………
c) Although these technical options are promising, cost-benefit analysis is
needed to understand the environmental and consumer benefits they offer LCEHEVI
compared to other potential …………… LOTEESNOCHIG
d) An unsafe vehicle is a source of constant danger in a road …………… NONASTPORTATIR
system of the world.
e) The cost of a heavier …………… is less than that of a lighter one. LEUF
f) A final marketing clinic is carried out to confirm …………… and market PEIRC
positioning.
g) The fuel consumption of a diesel is much less than that of gasoline EENNIG
…………….
h) The …………… is to have a long life with maximum of time between GENINE
overhaul periods.
i) One of the most important problems worked at by the designers is the engine ALITIBIRELY
……………
j) The higher the ………, the higher the temperature. SUSERREP

6. Complete the sentences with the passive form of the verb in brackets:
a) This model is produced in the new factory in Poland.
b) German cars ………… (sell) all over the world.
c) The orders ………… (can / place) by fax or online.
d) The cars ………… (assemble) by robots and by hands.
e) Spare parts …………. (can / buy) from your local dealer.
f) The interiors ………… (design) by computer.
g) Tires ………… (should / replace) before they wear down completely.

Text 17

1. Complete the table with these phrases used to talk about the future. Can you add any more?
Without doubt, is expected to, I’m absolutely certain, there is a good chance,
it is quite likely, you may feel, there’s no doubt that, we are convinced,
it’s highly probable.
certainty probability possibility

Now use the phrases from Exercise 1 to discuss these statements in small groups.
In the next five / ten / twenty years ………
a) India will be a major automotive market in the world.
b) Cars will use only one liter of petrol per 100km.
c) Sports cars will have a top speed of more than 300km/h.
d) Cars will be like offices with on-board computers and email facilities.
 e) Cars will have an auto pilot.
f) Cars will be 100% recyclable.
g) Environmentally-friendly cars will be more important and popular.
h) There will be a lot of hydrogen fueling stations.

THE CAR OF THE FUTURE

It is a cold winter morning but your car is waiting for you, warm and comfortable, at exactly the
temperature you like. You open the door by pressing your finger against the lock and your car greets you with
a friendly ‘Hi, how are you?’ You seat down and the computer reminds you of the schedule. You start the car.
You now have a joystick, steering-by-wire. The old mechanical parts of the past are gone.
As you back out of your driveway, warning sensors warn you about objects and pedestrians in your
way. Using voice commands you programme your route, check your emails and dictate answers, ask for local
and international news, look up phone numbers and play music. The car also looks after your health. Sensors
in your seat and armrest tell you your weight and blood pressure, while sensors in the dashboard notice if you
are drowsy and vibrate the joystick to wake you.
Many of the old worries associated with driving are gone. Traffic jams don’t happen anymore because
your car automatically avoids crowded roads. Collision avoidance sensors prevent accidents. Speeding tickets
are also a thing of the past – sensors pick up signals from traffic signals and automatically adjust your speed or
stop your car. And breaking down is no longer a problem. Your car diagnoses any potential faults or worn
parts and warns you and the service station. When you arrive at the service station, the spare parts are already
waiting for you. Your car can even park itself. Just stop at any parking space (your car knows if parking is
permitted here) and operate the automatic parking system. The car scans the size and shape of the available
space and then reverses in.

2. Are these sentences about the text true (T) or false (F)?
a) You’ll still need a key to open the car door.
b) You’ll no longer have a steering wheel.
c) Sensors in the dashboard will measure your blood pressure.
d) You won’t be able to fall asleep while driving.
e) You won’t need to read traffic signs any more.
f) You’ll still need good parking skills.

3. Find words and expressions in the text which match these definitions:
a) spoken instructions to the car
b) possible problems
c) a recognition system which stops your car from hitting another car
d) slightly sleepy
e) congested roads
f) a list of your appointments for the day
g) fines for driving too fast
h) people on foot
4. Find the words hidden in the jumbles:
b) place for stowing baggage KRUNT
c) apparatus at the front and rear of a vehicle that protects the body from minor MERPUB
bumps
d) plastic or metal decoration over the radiator GIRLL
e) opening used to enter the passenger compartment ROOD
f) window pane situated approximately above the rear wheel RETRAUQ
NIWWOD
g) piece of metal that carries a number used to identify the automobile NECSELI TELAP
h) movable device made partly of rubber that wipes the windshield and rear DWINSILHED
window of a car. PERIW
i) cover of the engine compartment at the front of a car DOHO
 5. Put the verb into the correct tense form in Passive.
a) Studies have shown that 86% of serious accidents ___________ (to cause) by drivers.
b) All the companies investigating diesels are trying to reduce noise and smoke, but the problems _____
yet entirely _____ (not / to solve).
c) Suppliers ____________ (usually / to give) about two weeks to move from design to production of a
new item.
d) The road to be repaired __________ (to destroy) many years ago by heavy vehicles.
e) This method __________ (to introduce) in the factory next year to achieve better results.
f) Goods to be transported to the North __________ (to store) at the station.
g) He __________ (to present) BMW X5 some months ago.
h) The goods __________ (normally / to deliver) in time.

6. Prepare a report or presentation of your own, describing the car of the future. Try to think about
a new model of your own. You may also use drawings and pictures.

Text 18
1. Read and discuss the following famous words:
 The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only a page. (Saint Augustine)
 A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. (George Moore)
 As machines get to be more and more like men, men will come to be more like machines. (Joseph
Wood Krutch)
2. Have you ever travelled by ship / plane / train? Tell the group mates about your experience.
What kind of transport do you consider to be the best and why?
3. What problems might a person have while travelling?
4. How has transport changed in the last 100 years? If you could live at any time of history when
would it be and why? Exchange your thoughts with your friends.
5. What effects does transport have on your neighborhood? Consider parking, pollution, congestion, safety,
services that car needs. If you had a car would you give it up or limit its use in order to help the environment?

ALTERNATIVE VEHICLES
At the present rate of production oil supplies will run out rather soon, and we will have to look for other
sources of energy. What kind of vehicle will then dominate? Nowadays car makers discuss four promising types
of cars: fuel cell cars, electric cars, hybrid cars, and solar electric cars.
The electric car has a long history. The first electrical cars were built at the end of 19th century, but they
could not compete against the internal combustion engine. Success of the electric car depends on light weight
battery, capable of being recharged quickly, and the availability of electric energy. Several companies already sell
electrics. For example, Solar Electric Engineering of Santa Rosa, California, offers Solar Electric's Destiny
2000 which includes an array of solar cells which provides a tiny bit of power and extends battery life. With its
lightweight fiberglass body, it can travel 40 to 60 miles on a charge and cruises at 60-70 mph.
There are many different electric cars around the world. They are used for local deliveries, post offices
and the services. But will the electric car ever become a universal means of transport? Today there are several
hundred million cars in the world not to mention millions of motorcycles. It is estimated that if these changed
over to electricity, they would require six million kilowatt hours, and all the power stations in the world now
generate only a little over a third of that.
The hydrogen/air fuel cells look very hopeful. These do not have to be charged, they generate their own
energy from a chemical reaction. They convert fuel energy to electrical energy with better than 80%
efficiency. But at present the fuel cells prove too expensive. A hybrid system where electric batteries for city
driving would be recharged in highway driving with gasoline fuel is an alternative to the totally electrical
system.
The use of fuel cells promises a reduction in environmental pollution from car exhaust emissions and
the end of our dependence on oil for fuel. A fuel cell produces an electric current and heat by converting
hydrogen and oxygen into water. When many cells are combined into a stack, enough energy is produced to
power a 50kW engine. The fuel cell has the highest efficiency in power generation, reaching over 60%,
compared to a gasoline-powered car which has 20%. Pure hydrogen could be stored on-board the car, but this
would use too much space. Alternatively, car makers could use reformer technology to convert gasoline or
methanol into hydrogen, but this would reduce the efficiency of the cell.
There are many practical considerations for drivers. Fuel cell-powered cars are neither as fast nor as
quiet as gasoline- or diesel-powered cars. At present there are very few hydrogen fueling stations, so refueling
could be a problem. Fuel cell cars are very expensive to develop and produce, which means they will also be
expensive for the customer. Many drivers will not pay extra for ‘green’ car technology. Nevertheless, the race
is on to produce the first fuel cell-powered family car with CO2 emissions of 90g/km.

6. Answer these questions:

a) What kind of vehicle will dominate in the nearest future?
b) What do you know about electric cars?
c) How does fuel cell technology work?
d) What are the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cell-powered cars?
e) How important do you think fuel cell cars are or will be?
f) Fuel cell cars are very expensive to develop and produce, aren’t they?
g) Would you buy a fuel cell car? Why or why not?
h) What do you know about new automotive technologies?

7. Make sure that you know these terms:

To put into mass production, to subject to tests, to meet up-to-date demands (requirements), source of power,
accessories, by means of, recharge, to trace the fault, fastening bolts, ……………….

8. Match these English phrases with their equivalents in Ukrainian:

A
emission requirements, weight reduction, storage compartment, manually adjustable system, flyover, total
vehicle emissions, base curb weight, auxiliary mechanism, rust, to recycle, air changeover, can of fuel, a
reduction in environmental pollution, to reduce the efficiency.
B
естакада, каністра з паливом, зменшення забруднення навколишнього середовища, переробляти,
циркуляція повітря, гранична вага бази авто, вимоги щодо викидів, зменшення ваги, зменшити
ефективність, відділення для запчастин, допоміжний механізм, сумарні викиди авто, механічно
регульована система, іржа.

9. Match words from the two boxes to make expressions.

absolutely, best, car, dotted, venture, development, line, competitor, option,
highly, joint, main, significant. probable, ownership, certain.

10. Now use the expressions above to complete the sentences and translate them into Ukrainian:
a) We have a number of choices, but our __________ is to lower fuel consumption.
b) On the next side, the __________ indicates the money saved by using recycled materials.
c) At the beginning of the year we formed a __________ with a company in Africa. We’re __________
that this was the right decision.
d) The most __________ last year was in the lowering of emissions.
e) ___________ is clearly rising in the Far East as more and more people can afford vehicles and fuel.
f) I am not 100% sure, but it is __________ that our __________ is coming out with an environmentally-
friendly model within the next five years.

Text 19
 1. According to the safety precautions it is necessary to keep your car in good condition and well-
repaired. Complete this report by the car mechanic (M) to his supervisor (S). Act out the
dialogue with your partner.
S: Have you checked the tires yet?
M: Yes, we’ve checked all the tires first thing this morning and we ______ (find) that the rear tire was worn.
So we ______ (replace) it.
S: What about the tire pressures? Have you adjusted them yet?
M: Yes, we ______ (adjust) them when we ______ (put) the tires on. Then, at about 10 this morning, we
______ (examine) the fuel system. We ______ (take) it apart and ______ (unblock) the fuel pipe.
S: Good have you repaired the damaged paintwork on the door?
M: Yes, we ______ (strip) off the damaged paint just before lunch and then we ______ (clean) the door,
______ (repair) it and ______ (repaint) it.
S: What about the air conditioner? Have you checked it?
M: Yes, we checked it. Then we ______ (pump) some new fluid into the air conditioning system.
S: What about the oil leak under the car? Have you had time to look at that yet?
M: Yes, we ______ (do) that about an hour ago.
S: Thank you guys. You are the best.

2. Match the words and phrases to the correct headings.

After sales care, consumer satisfaction questionnaire, compensation, faults, monitoring,
defects, flaws, inspection, minimum standard, warranty, zero defects.

problems quality control customer service

routine checks

A CAR SAFETY PROGRAMME

Good morning everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Gordon Waters. I’m here
to talk about the New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP). First of all, I’m going to tell you something about
the history of the NCAP. Then I’ll talk about its passive vehicle safety programme. There’ll be time for
questions at the end.
So, firstly, let’s look at the NCAP’s history. It was founded in 1997 and brings me on to my next point
– the passive vehicle safety in Europe and America. Its aim is to provide the customer with an opportunity to
compare passive vehicle safety in different car models. Just so that everyone’s clear about the terminology,
when I say passive vehicle safety, I mean those features used if an accident happens. Features which are used
to avoid an accident are referred to as active vehicle safety. One important feature of the programme is tests
themselves. As you can see in this side, the programme first tested vehicles in a head-on collision with a rigid
wall at 64km/h. in this side-on crash, a 1.5m wide deformable barrier weighing 950kg is rammed into the side
of the car at 50km/h. A vehicle can be awarded up to five stars, depending on how it performs in the tests.
Four dummies are used inside the car in the test. The driver and front passenger dummies not only
measure the usual injury criteria, such as head, thorax, pelvic acceleration and thigh pressure, but also neck
pressure, thorax deformation, knee displacement and lower leg pressure. At the rear are two smaller dummies
in children’s seats. A further test assesses the injury risk for pedestrians. So, I think that covers everything
about the tests.

3. Try to answer these questions asked by people in the audience.

a) Did you say that the NCAP tests active and passive vehicle safety?
b) Who does the NCAP provide information for, exactly?
c) What did you say the crash speed in the frontal crash is?
d) Did you say tested vehicles are given a percentage rating?
e) Am I right in thinking the tests assess the risk of injury to the whole body?
 f) So these tests only assess the risk of injury to passengers, is that right?

4. Put the safety features into the correct column. Which of these safety features does your or your
parents’ car have?
ABS, adaptive cruise control, crumple zone, highly rigid roof, automatic emergency braking, seat belt, airbags,
ESP (Electronic Stability Program), retractable steering wheel, shatterproof windscreen, lane departure
warning system, xenon headlights.

active safety passive safety

5. Use the words in the box to complete the flow chart.

identified, re-launched, reliability, modified, durability, tested, failed, recalled.

a) The product was launched two years ago.

b) Shortly after that, complaints were received about its ________ and ________.
c) Because of market feedbacks, it was ________ so that any faults could be investigated. At the same
time, it was withdrawn from sale.
d) After extensive tests, a fault was ________ by engineers.
e) As a result, they were able to correct the fault and the product was ________.
f) It was then ________ under controlled conditions.
g) Finally, the redesigned product was ________ in the market.
h) Unfortunately, it ________ due to lack of consumer confidence caused by bad publicity.

6. Complete the text about car recalls with words from the box below. Translate the sentences.
charge, dealer, fail, fault, fitted, handbrake, injuries, recall.
A leading car manufacturer is recalling 70,000 models in the UK to check for a potentially life-threatening
________.
The brake pedal on the top-selling small MPV can ________ suddenly.
The problem affects all UK cars sold since the launch in July 2000 except those delivered in recent weeks. A
small clip – if incorrectly ________ – can allow the pedal to detach from the rest of the braking system.
If this happens on the move, the driver is reduced to using the ________ and gears to bring the car to a halt.
The car manufacturer says a small number of owners have experienced the problem but no ________ have
been reported.
The manufacturer says it has written to every owner asking them to take the car to their ________.
Any work needed will be carried out free of ________.
Since only 85% of owners respond to ________ notices, 10,000 potentially dangerous models could still be
left on UK roads.

7. Match the questions (1 – 7) with their answers (a – g):

1. Where is the windscreen washer a) You look at the level at the reservoir.
container?
2. Do I have to wear protective b) The cooling system is filled once at the factory and
clothing when I work on the battery? never has to be changed.
3. Do I have to change the coolant in c) It is good to check the oil level every time you put fuel
the cooling system? in the car.
4. How do I check how much brake d) You needn’t go to a service station for a brake fluid
fluid I have? change. This can do any competent person with the
help of necessary tools.
5. Do I have to go to a service station e) Under normal conditions it’s not necessary to anything
 to change my brake fluid? with the battery, but check the electrolyte level
occasionally.
6. How often do I need to check the oil f) It is the plastic rectangular container next to the power
level? steering reservoir.
7. Do I have to do anything with the g) You mustn’t work on the battery without wearing eye
battery? protection and gloves.
8. Imagine you are a transport consultant brought in to advise it on how to make cars safer.
Prepare and deliver a presentation of your recommendations to the representatives of the design
department.
Pay attention to the following: ABS, adaptive cruise control, highly rigid roof, automatic emergency
braking, seat belt, airbags, retractable steering wheel, shatterproof windscreen, lane departure warning system,
xenon headlights, …

Text 20

1. Find someone in your class who:

 Has a car with GPS navigation system and air conditioning;
 Has soft toys and cushions in the car;
 Needs plenty of legroom;
 Needs a big CD changer;
 Wants to have a cup holder in his/her car;
 Wants to have a TV set in his/her car;
 Doesn’t need sun visor;
 Doesn’t allow smoking in his/her car;
 Cleans his/her car every weekend;
 Has a lot of garbage in his/her glove compartment.

AIRBAGS
Until a short time ago, most of the progress made in auto safety was in front and rear accidents, even
though 40% of all serious injuries from accidents are the result of side impacts and 30% of all accidents are
side-impact collisions.
Many car makers have reacted to these statistics and new standards of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) by making doors, door frames and floor and roof sections stronger. But cars
that now offer side airbags represent a new type of occupant protection.
Engineers say that designing effective side airbags is much more difficult than designing front airbags.
This is because much of the energy from a front-impact collision is absorbed by the bumper, hood, and engine,
and it takes almost 30 to 40 milliseconds before the impact reaches the car’s occupant. In a side impact, only a
relatively thin door and a few inches separate the occupant from another vehicle. This means that door-
mounted side airbags must begin deploying within 5 or 6 milliseconds. It takes a collision of about 19kph to
trigger side airbags.
The seatbelt airbag is intended to give back-seat passengers the same level of protection as front-seat
occupants. The airbag is incorporated in the rear-seat seatbelt and inflates forward on impact.
Bosch has developed an airbag control unit with extended functional range for highly precise triggering
of airbags and belt tensioners. According to the company, the system detects the impact speed of a frontal
collision at a very early stage with the help of two ‘upfront’ sensors. The central crash sensor’s information
ensures good decision precision. Depending on the type of accident, the occupant restraint system can be
triggered either in one or two phases.
The new system has two acceleration sensors which transmit signals, from which the electronic control
unit calculates early and precisely the energy absorption as well as the velocity of vehicle deformation. After
only 15ms, it is clearly recognizable whether it will be a minor crash without the actuation of the airbag of a
serious crash with triggering of the necessary passive safety system.
The side impact is detected by means of four side-impact sensors, the signals of which are checked for
plausibility against those of the central sensors in the airbag. This concept ensures triggering of the side airbag
for optimum protection of head and chest in a lateral collision.
Airbags, though, do not always save lives, they sometimes kill people who are too small or are in the
wrong position when the airbags deploy. To prevent this from happening, car makers and suppliers are
developing occupant-sensing systems. The three leading technologies for smart airbags are weight-sensing in
the seat, position sensing within the car and camera monitoring. These detection systems can automatically
deactivate the airbags if the situation is dangerous.

1. Answer the following questions:

1. Do you know anyone who has been saved by an airbag in an accident?
2. Which other safety features are car manufacturers working on?
3. Which features do you think will be developed in the future?
4. What do you remember about Bosch airbag control unit? How does it work?
5. How safe do you feel when driving your car?
6. Designing side airbags is more difficult than designing front airbags, isn’t it?

2. Make sure that you know these terms:

Auto safety, side impacts, side-impact collisions, occupant protection, door-mounted side airbags, to absorb, to
deploy, to trigger, seatbelt airbag, level of protection, airbag control unit, extended functional range, to detect
the impact speed, to transmit signals, to calculate, the energy absorption, velocity of vehicle deformation,
actuation of the airbag, occupant-sensing system.

3. Fill the missing words in. The first one has been done for you. Use them in the sentences of your
own.
VERB NOUN ADJECTIVE
require requirement required, requiring
deploy
operator, operation
increase
active
extension
use
restrict
absorption
response

4. Complete the adjectives with –ed or –ing. Make some sentences of your own using them.
shocking story reserved seat cream__ children satisfy__ customer
frighten__ film exhaust__ walk disgust__ meal confus__ explanation
tir__ journey disturb__ news thrill__ story unexpect__ surprise
relax__ holiday promis__ start disappoint__ result well-behav__ child

5. Read and translate this extract in written form:

To really enjoy the thrill of relaxed motoring, you need a car with safety systems you can always rely on.
So in the BMW 7 Series supreme safety starts with the body shell offering the very best in strength and
stiffness. The body of the car is supplemented by a safety system responding more quickly than a human being
ever could.
This intelligent system intervenes in the interest of superior safety only where and to the extent actually
required, but also ensuring that the correct airbag is activated at the right time. Sensors determine the specific
status of the car and the airbag(s) required – with a total of eight airbags on board: driver airbag, front
passenger airbag, head airbags (2), side airbags (4). The airbag control unit can be activated to separate the
starter cable from the battery in the event of a collision.
 6. Rewrite the sentences with a participle clause instead of a relative one.
a) Can you see the woman who’s dressed in red over there?
Can you see the woman dressed in red over there?
b) People who live in blocks of flats often complain of loneliness.
_________________________________________________
c) Letters that are posted before 5p.m. should arrive the next day.
__________________________________________________
d) The train that is standing on platform 5 is for Manchester.
______________________________________________
e) Firemen have rescued passenger4s who were trapped in the accident.
______________________________________________________
f) They live in a lovely house that overlooks the River Thames.
________________________________________________
g) It took workmen days to clear up the litter that was dropped by the crowds.
__________________________________________________________
7. Prepare a short report or presentation to persuade your group mates that the model of car you
like most of all is the safest in the world. Act out a meeting to negotiate automatic emergency
braking, seat belts, airbags, ABS and other safety features.

Text 21

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

 Transport is an important part of life.
 Drivers who have just passed their test should have learner plates on their car for the first six months.
 Driving and drinking should be strictly against the law.
 Safety features like ABS are dangerous – they give drivers a false sense of security and encourage
them to take more risks.
 Drivers should be required to have headlights on during the day.
 Transport is a push to economic activities.
 Kyiv city transport system is better than London one.
 Life would be impossible without transport.
 People shouldn’t be required to wear seat belts in cars with airbags.
 Car manufacturers could make cars much safer if they wanted to.

SENSORS AND THE AUTOMOBILE

In the 1960s, vehicles were equipped with oil pressure, fuel level and temperature coolant sensors.
Their outputs were connected to analogue gauges or "idiot" lights. As we entered the 1970s and emissions
became a driving factor, more sensors were added to help control the power train. With the addition of the
catalytic converter, electronic ignition and fuel injection a number of sensors came required to help maintain
tight air/fuel control and exhaust emissions. In 1980s, safety became a factor with anti lock brakes and airbags.
Today sensors are everywhere. In the power train area, sensors are used to measure the temperature
and pressure of most of the fluids (air temperature, manifold absolute pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel
injection pressure). Speed and position sensors are connected to most moving parts (vehicle speed, throttle
position, camshaft, crankshaft, transmission shift position, valve position and transmission speed sensors).
Others measure knock, engine load, engine misfire and oxygen level in the exhaust. Climate control requires
the use of various sensors in the air conditioning system to determine refrigerant pressure and temperature
and interior air temperature.
Sensors have been added to the interior to determine seat position. With the addition of anti lock
braking and suspension control a number of sensors have been added to determine wheel speed, ride height
and tire pressure. As airbags were added for frontal and side impact, more crash sensors and accelerometers
were added to control airbag deployment. As the concern for front seat passengers has grown so has the need
for sensors to determine if the passenger airbag needs to deploy.
 Occupant position sensors, passenger weight sensors and others have been developed to ensure the
correct deployment of the front passenger airbag. Other sensors are being added as car manufacturers add side
impact bags, roof airbags and sophisticated side impact head protection airbags.
As engineers have moved beyond anti lock braking and traction control into electronic stability control,
more sensors are required. Yaw rate, steering wheel angle and collision avoidance sensors, such as radar sensors
or sensors to determine the proximity of other vehicles, will be added. Additional sensors to help control or
determine lateral acceleration speed of each wheel and engine torque will be needed.
Control of the vehicle's braking system is tied into the stability control system. The first oil pressure
and coolant temperature sensors were set up to work independently of each other. In fact some of them were
nothing more than switches that were activated at certain maximum or minimum levels. As more sensors
become electronic or digital, they are interconnected and their output is used for more than one vehicle
system. Thus sensor manufacturers are searching for better ways to design and manufacture sensors.

2. Complete the sentences with the information from the text:

a) In the 1960s, vehicles were equipped with …………
b) In 1970s emissions became a driving factor and …………
c) In the power train area, sensors are used …………
d) Speed and position sensors are connected to …………
e) Climate control requires the use of …………
f) With the addition of anti lock braking and suspension control …………
g) ………… the correct deployment of the front passenger airbag.
h) Other sensors are being added as …………
i) Collision avoidance sensors, …………, will be added.
j) As more sensors become electronic or digital …………

3. Which instrument shows you:

 how fast the car is travelling? _________________________________
 warns you if the engine lubrication system gets too hot? ____________
 shows that you are indicating to turn left or right? _________________
 shows you how often the engine is turning over? __________________
 shows you how much petrol you have in the tank? ________________
 indicates the voltage of the car’s electrical system? ________________

4. Match each abbreviation with its meaning:

FWD a) rear-wheel drive
bhp b) grams per kilometer
GDI c) miles per gallon
rpm d) brake horsepower
RWD e) front-wheel drive
SI f) turbo direct injection
TDI g) Gasoline Direct Injection
mpg h) spark ignition
g/km i) revolutions per minute
mph j) miles per hour

5. Translate the following extract in written form:

A COCKPIT FOR BUSINESS CLASS

Only individuals who set high standards will reach demanding targets. This also applies to the world of
technology and to cars, especially to the BMW 7 Series. As this car meets demanding requirement to impress
dedicated motorists it is perfect. Ease of control is ensured by clearly structured instruments and switches.
This car is known for the superiority and comfort of ergonomic design, where you find just what you need
without even having a look. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road.
 A new dimension is oriented towards the driver. The controls and instruments are exactly where they
should be. The iDrive Controller is on the centre console. The Control Display forms one line with the circular
instruments within the driver’s vision. The interior follows the principle of horizontal balance. All controls and
instruments are arranged on two levels guiding your eye and creating a perfect aesthetic structure inside the
car. All this ensures spontaneous, simple and straightforward handling.

6. Complete the sentences with a verb from the box in its participle form.
feel, borrow, explain, say, study, finish, take, know, steal

a) Joe was in bad mood for the whole week, completely ruining our holiday.
b) After _________ her exams, Maggie went out to celebrate.
c) Jewelery _________ in the robbery has never been recovered.
d) I got a letter from the Tax Office _________ that I owe them $100.
e) _________ hungry, I decided to make myself a sandwich.
f) Books _________ from the library must be returned in two weeks.
g) Not _________ what to do, she burst out crying.
h) I had a long talk to Jack, _________ why it was important to work hard.
i) _________ everything into consideration, I’ve decided to give you a second chance.
j) With both children _________ at university, the house seems really quiet.

7. What are your predictions for the next ten years for instruments and switches of the car?
Prepare a short report or presentation.

1. Read the text below

THE CHANGING EXPECTATIONS

OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS

In the past, automotive engineers were closely associated with the field of mechanical
engineering. After all, most automotive engineers dealt with topics such as gasoline and
diesel engines, transmissions, suspension systems, chassis, door handles, seats, etc. A few
ventured off into new developments such as turbine gas engines, continuously variable
transmissions, or even Sterling engines. Some dealt with plastics and painting systems. The
vast majority of knowledge needed by the automotive engineer of the past was mechanical in
nature.
The reality of today is that the automotive engineer is expected to know about far more
than just mechanical engineering. To attract the best and brightest, the industry needs to
project an image of the automotive engineer as someone with skills and knowledge beyond
mechanical engineering.
The modern automobile has often been described as a computer on wheels. It is that
and more — much more. Electronics control component systems such as the engine,
transmission, and brakes. Those controls have become not just add-ons but integral parts of
the operation of each system and the whole vehicle. A focus is on intelligent vehicle
technology, which highlighted the integration of more electronics into the vehicle.
No longer can design engineers "throw their designs over the wall" to the
manufacturing engineer. The design engineer must know enough about the manufacturing
capability of his/her organization or supplier, and the manufacturing engineer must be
an early participant in the design team. Competitive quality and cost require that the design
specifications match the manufacturing capability. Empty promises by manufacturing ("give
us a design and we will build it") are no longer accepted.
Software development is not only necessary to achieve optimum operation of each
vehicle computer, but vehicle performance evaluation prior to design is becoming standard
practice. Computer simulation for demonstrating compliance with regulations will probably be
widely accepted in the not-too-distant future.

1. Here are the answers to some questions. What are the questions?

8. Gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, suspension systems, chassis, door handles,
seats, etc.
9. Plastics and painting systems.
10.Mechanical majority of knowledge in nature.
11.A computer on wheels.
12.Intelligent vehicle technology.
13. "Throw their designs over the wall".
14."Give us a design and we will build it".
15.Software development.

2. Put each of the following words or phrases in correct sentence below.

Overtake, mpg (miles per gallon), rear, reverse, petrol tank, vehicle, fuel
consumption, body, performance, instruments, indicate.

8. The amount of petrol a car uses is called the ________ and it is measured in ________.
The petrol goes in the ________.
9. The way a car behaves (speed, brakes, acceleration etc.) is called the car’s ________.
10.We can talk about the back of a ________ (car, bus, lorry etc.) but more often we use
the word ________.
11.The speedometer, fuel gauge and so on are called ________.
12.To ________ means to pass another vehicle going in the same direction.
13.If you have to go backwards, you ________.
14.The outside surface of the car, made of metal or fiberglass, is called the ________.
15.Make sure you ________ before turning left or right.

3. Complete the text ‘A handmade car’ with the following words.

Craftsmen, highly-skilled, skills, traditional, unique.

A HANDMADE CAR

The Morgan is a ________ car: is made in Britain by a family-owned company and it is

handmade. Each Morgan is made individually. Modern materials and up-to-date
manufacturing technology are combined with 100-year-old ________.
 There are no assembly lines because each stage of the manufacturing is done by ________
craftsmen. For example, the wooden frame is made in the same way as the first Morgan in
1909, upholsterers make the leather seats and sheet metalworkers make the panels by hand.
In contrast to all these ________ skills, Morgan engineers make precision mechanical
components using modern Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery so Morgan driver
has a state-of-the-art engine in a traditionally-made car.
It takes a long time to make a car by hand. The Morgan factory produces about 500 cars a
year. Buyers put their name on a waiting list and then wait for the factory to tell them that their
car is finished. The shortest wait is about two years and sometimes it is five years.
Like proud parents-to-be, people on the waiting list can visit the factory to see their car
being made and to talk to the ________ doing the work.

4. Are the following statements about the text true (T) or false (F)?
a) The Morgan is made by machines.
b) Old and new ideas are used to make Morgan cars.
c) Morgan cars aren’t made on an assembly line.
d) Morgan engines are old-fashioned.
e) You can walk into the Morgan factory, buy a car and drive it home.

5. Translate this extract in written form:

As automobiles changed through the years, mechanics or automobile service technicians,

as they are now called, have kept them running. The “Big Three” (Ford, GM and Chrysler)
automobile makers produced millions of cars for a public eager for freedom and mobility the
automobile promised. With the ill-prepared roads suddenly overrun by inexperienced drivers,
accidents and breakdowns became common. People were not only unskilled in driving but also
were ignorant of the basic maintenance and service the automobile required. It suddenly
became apparent that a new profession was in the making.
Automobile service technicians maintain and repair cars, vans, small trucks and other
vehicles. Using both hand tools and specialized diagnostic test equipment, they pinpoint
problems and make the necessary repairs or adjustments. In addition to performing complex
and difficult repairs, they perform a number of routine maintenance procedures, such as oil
changes, tire rotation and battery replacement. Technicians interact frequently with customers
to explain repair procedures and discuss maintenance needs.
 1. Here are some factors people consider when buying a car. Match the factors with
the definitions.

1. price a) the amount of money you get when you sell

your car
2. resale value b) how much petrol or diesel the car uses
3. size c) when customers always buy their cars from the
same manufacturer
4. interior features d) the amount of money you pay when you buy a
car
5. fuel consumption e) the car’s capacity to go fast and accelerate
quickly
6. performance f) how big the car is

7. brand loyalty g) items inside the car

Match the abstract nouns with their meanings:

1) efficiency  using styles that are different from traditional

styles
2) modernity  the process of becoming an area that has a lot of
industry
3) optimism  working well without wasting time or energy
4) consumerism  the belief that good things will happen
5) streamlining  improving the shape of something so it moves
more easily
6) industrialization  the buying and selling of goods and services

1. Complete the multiple choice test:

1. This gear is used when the car stops for a short time, like at traffic lights.
A) neutral gear B) reverse gear C) first gear
2. From the change gears the movement is transmitted to the back axle by…
A) camshaft B) crankshaft C) propeller shaft
3. This gear is used to increase the speed of the car.
A) first gear B) second gear C) top gear
4. This gear is used to start the car moving.
A) first gear B) second gear C) top gear
6. This gear is used when the car goes backwards.
A) reverse gear B) rear gear C) back gear