What does 'start' mean in a car?
2 Answers
In a car, 'start' refers to the starting gear with a reset function (resetting to the 'on' position). When the key switch is turned to the start position, it controls the engagement of the starter relay, allowing the starter to rotate the engine crankshaft, thereby initiating the engine's operation. An automatic transmission, as opposed to a manual transmission, is a gear-shifting device that can automatically change gears based on the vehicle's speed and engine RPM. It mainly includes four types: hydraulic automatic transmission, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), electronically controlled mechanical automatic transmission, and dual-clutch automatic transmission. The core function of an automatic transmission is to achieve automatic gear shifting. Automatic gear shifting means that while the car is in motion, the driver operates the accelerator pedal as needed, and the automatic transmission can automatically shift into different gears based on the engine load and the vehicle's operating conditions.
Once when my car wouldn't start and I called for roadside assistance, the mechanic explained the meaning of the car's start operation in detail. He said that 'start' in a car means to activate the engine, usually achieved by turning the key or pressing a push-button start. The whole process may seem simple, but it actually involves complex system coordination: first, the battery supplies power to the starter motor, which then drives the engine's flywheel to rotate, followed by the spark plugs igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. During daily use, it's important to pay attention to the gear position - automatic transmissions must be in P (Park) with the brake pedal depressed, while manual transmissions require the clutch pedal to be pressed down; otherwise, the anti-theft system will lock the starting function. In winter, the engine may sound louder when starting because the oil hasn't fully lubricated all components yet - it's best to wait until the RPM stabilizes before moving off.
