What is the Mechanism of Automotive Performance Degradation?
3 Answers
Automotive performance degradation mechanisms can generally be categorized into tangible wear and intangible wear: I. Tangible wear can be divided into the first type of tangible wear and the second type of tangible wear: 1. The first type of tangible wear refers to the loss caused by the decline in automotive performance due to damage such as friction wear, deformation, and fatigue of components under load; 2. The second type of tangible wear refers to the chemical and electrochemical interactions between components and external media during idle periods, leading to corrosion of metal components, aging and deterioration of non-metallic products, and even loss of functionality. II. Intangible wear can also be divided into the first type of intangible wear and the second type of intangible wear: 1. The first type of intangible wear refers to the depreciation of the original model's value due to advancements in science and technology reducing the reproduction cost of cars with the same structure (same model); 2. The second type of intangible wear refers to the depreciation of the original model's value due to advancements in science and technology producing new cars with more advanced and efficient performance.
The decline in car performance is mainly due to accumulated wear and tear of mechanical components over time. For example, worn piston rings in the engine increase friction, reducing power output, while poor valve sealing leads to air leakage, lowering combustion efficiency and increasing fuel consumption, making the car feel sluggish. Damage to transmission system components like gearbox chains or gear teeth results in noticeable gear-shifting jerks. Thin brake pads extend stopping distances, raising safety risks. Inadequate daily maintenance, such as delayed oil changes, worsens lubrication and accelerates wear. Cooling system issues, like poor coolant circulation, cause higher temperatures and faster metal fatigue. These minor problems collectively make the car feel unresponsive. Regular maintenance, inspections, and part replacements can slow the decline, but ultimately, design lifespan limitations mean overall performance weakens over time.
I believe the decline in car performance largely stems from aging internal mechanical structures. Scratches on the engine cylinder walls lead to low compression ratios and incomplete combustion, resulting in significant power loss. Loose crankshaft bearings cause severe vehicle vibration and instability. Blocked exhaust systems increase backpressure, limiting power and causing sluggish acceleration. Chassis components like weakened shock absorbers and springs provide insufficient support, leading to excessive body roll during cornering and poor handling. Worn clutch plates reduce transmission efficiency, making gear shifts rough. Contaminated lubricating oil leads to poor circulation and increased metal friction. On poor road conditions, hard surfaces damage tires and weaken grip. These are natural occurrences during driving that require professional technicians to detect and prevent minor oversights with proper tools.
