Can You Get Down To The Nuts And Bolts Of This Awesome Automobile Parts Quiz?
Written by Daniel Rackley
Last updated · 22 min play time
Automobiles need a lot more than just an engine and a tire or two to keep you moving. In fact, it takes thousands of parts, some big and some small, to keep you going down the open road. Take this quiz and see what you know about what you need to make you go!
Quiz written by
Daniel RackleyAwesome Auto Parts Quiz Questions
66 Questions · 293 Plays · 1 Comment
Question 1
What do you call the pictured safety features, which are crucial for driving in harsh weather?
-
AFrame reinforcements
-
BHumidity regulators
-
CWindbreakers
-
DWindshield wipers
Windshield wipers
Windshield wipers, also known as windscreen wipers, were first patented all the way back in 1896.
Question 2
What is the name of the device which keeps a car's motor oil clean?
-
AThe carburetor
-
BThe piston
-
CThe oil filter
-
DThe purifier
The oil filter
Oil filters are used to filter sediments and other contaminants from engine oil. Dirty oil can wear the oil pump's machined components and damage the bearing surfaces in the engine.
Question 3
What is this pictured little piece of auto tech that brings your engine to life?
-
ASpark plug
-
BEnergizer
-
CElectrical cell
-
DArtificial flint
Spark plug
Your car has one spark plug per cylinder, and it's used to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber. The earliest version of this component dates all the way back to 1860.
Question 4
Which part pictured here helps bring a motorcycle to a stop?
-
ASuspension
-
BBrake
-
CStopper
-
DMuffler
Brake
Many motorcycles have one set of brakes in the front, which has the most stopping power, and another in the back. Bigger, pricier bikes tend to have disc brakes, but drum brakes are also common.
Question 5
These pictured components help stop your car, but do you know what they are?
-
ADecelerators
-
BBrake pads
-
CFriction Cushions
-
DStopper mats
Brake pads
Your car's brakes work similarly to the braking system on your bicycle โ with one key difference. While your bike's brake pads squeeze the tire directly, automotive brakes apply pressure to a disc known as a rotor when it's time to decelerate.
Question 6
What are these pictured engine workhorses called?
-
AReciprocators
-
BPistons
-
CUndulaters
-
DMotivators
Pistons
Your pistons live inside the engine's cylinders; they move up and down to spin the crankshaft. If your pistons start to fail, you'll notice a misfiring engine, rattling and even a loss of power.
Question 7
What is this pictured item that sits on top of your engine?
-
ADust sieve
-
BAir filter
-
CDe-pollinator
-
DHoneycomb
Air filter
Every car has at least one air filter, but many have multiple filters to help keep the atmosphere clean in the passenger cabin. The one for your engine helps ensure dust and other atmospheric particles don't interfere with the oxygen supply used in combustion.
Question 8
What is the device that accumulates rotational energy?
-
AThe flywheel
-
BThe battery
-
CThe energy sink
-
DThe storage unit
The flywheel
Flywheels, which are designed to store rotational energy, have a history dating back to antiquity in human-powered devices.
Question 9
What is the name of the pictured item, typically visible in a carโs interior?
-
AThe transmission
-
BThe bumper
-
CThe antenna
-
DThe emergency hand brake
The emergency hand brake
The emergency hand brake, also known as the parking brake, is often used to park the car on a slanted surface. It usually activates a corkscrew mechanism that pushes a piston into the brake pads to stop the vehicle.
Question 10
What's the name of the springy part found beneath cars, trucks and motorcycles?
-
AShock absorber
-
BInertial dampener
-
CImpact cushion
-
DVibration compensator
Shock absorber
Engineers might endeavor to make highways straight and smooth, but you don't always get that luxury on surface streets. To help diminish the intensity of bumps in the road, automakers include shock absorbers in vehicle suspension systems.
Question 11
What makes noise when you press the middle of your steering wheel?
-
ALoudspeaker
-
BHorn
-
CTonal defender
-
DBuzzer
Horn
You've probably had your share of times when you needed to get another driver's attention, and the horn is the best way to accomplish the task. When you press the button, an electromagnet makes a thin metal plate oscillate, which creates the desired sound.
Question 12
What important motorcycle component is pictured here?
-
ABench
-
BSeat
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CChair
-
DSidecar
Seat
A motorcycle's seat is sometimes called a saddle. Seats can vary in size, and they can often accommodate more than one passenger or contain storage.
Question 13
How does a modern car's gasoline enter the combustion chamber?
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AAtomizer
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BGas sprayer
-
CFuel injector
-
DMist pump
Fuel injector
While older cars used carburetors to get gasoline and air into the combustion chamber, they often flooded, which affected normal operation. Today's vehicles use a fuel injector to spray the combustible material into the engine, which is much more reliable.
Question 14
What sits behind the grill of this pictured car?
-
AEvaporator
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BSweater
-
CWater bubbler
-
DRadiator
Radiator
Your car's radiator takes heated coolant from the engine and releases that thermal energy out into the atmosphere. If you're ever going to do work on this component, make sure the car is cool so you don't burn yourself.
Question 15
Letโs try something basic: What fundamental part of a motorcycle is pictured here?
-
ASpinner
-
BRoller
-
CRoundabout
-
DWheel
Wheel
You can't have a motorcycle without wheels to keep it moving. Motorcycle wheels come in a variety of sizes and styles, such as die-stamped wheels or wire wheels. Two wheels are typical, but some bikes have three or more!
Question 16
What is the name of the component that stifles loud noises from the engine?
-
AThe crankshaft
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BThe muffler
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CThe insulator
-
DThe muter
The muffler
Mufflers reduce another kind of pollution from engines - noise pollution - and were patented all the way back in 1897. They work by reflecting the engine's sound waves in a way so that they partially cancel themselves out.
Question 17
What is the name of the pictured device, which reduces the toxicity of automotive exhaust?
-
AThe redox device
-
BThe purifier
-
CThe sequester
-
DThe catalytic converter
The catalytic converter
Catalytic converters use chemical reactions to convert pollutants in automobile exhaust into less harmful emissions. Some can reduce automobile pollution by up to 40%!
Question 18
Not everybody uses one, but what is this pictured manual automotive component called?
-
ADriving lever
-
BEngine engager
-
CGearshift
-
DHelm
Gearshift
The gearshift is an integral component of any vehicle with a manual transmission. While these devices are common in tractor-trailers, a mere 3 percent of cars and trucks sold in the United States still use this type of transmission.
Question 19
What motorcycle part is featured in this picture?
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AChain
-
BGears
-
CWinder
-
DHandlebars
Chain
The chain is vital for getting your motorcycle moving. It links your bike's back wheel and transmission together so energy from the engine can propel the vehicle forward.
Question 20
What term describes a motorcycle's overall framework?
-
AChassis
-
BBulk
-
CGears
-
DHeart
Chassis
The chassis connects a few main components and holds everything on the motorcycle together. This generally includes the front fork and suspension.
Question 21
What optional motorcycle part is this dog sitting in?
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AAuxillary bike
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BTricycle
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CSidecar
-
DBack seat
Sidecar
Motorcycles that feature sidecars are sometimes called combinations. Sidecars were originally invented as a way to effectively carry passengers on a standard bicycle.
Question 22
What is the device that pressurizes hydraulic fluid to help with steering?
-
ACamshaft
-
BDrive Train
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CSway Bar
-
DPower Steering Pump
Power Steering Pump
Power-steering pumps use pressurized hydraulic fluid to assist in the turning and maneuvering of a vehicle. However, in recent years, these devices have been replaced by more efficient electric pumps and electric power assist.
Question 23
Which motorcycle part is designed to give you a smooth, comfortable ride?
-
ATransmission
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BChassis
-
CCarburetor
-
DSuspension
Suspension
On a typical motorcycle, the front suspension consists of two fork tubes, and the rear suspension has at least one shock absorber. The suspension gives you a safer, more comfortable ride.
Question 24
What is the name of the pictured device, which changes reciprocating motion into rotational motion?
-
AThe crankshaft
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BThe under-shaft
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CThe transmission
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DThe cylinder
The crankshaft
The crankshaft is what converts the reciprocating motion of the cylinders to rotational motion. They were first used in water mills and sawmills, made their way to paddle boats, and eventually became one of the core components of automobiles.
Question 25
What are these lower headlights called?
-
ADe-misters
-
BLow brights
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CFog lights
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DIllumination enhancers
Fog lights
No matter if they're factory-installed or an aftermarket addition, fog lights help you see better while you're driving at night. They're mounted lower to prevent the fog from reflecting light directly back into your face.
Question 26
What car part sits between the engine block and cylinders, creating a tight seal?
-
AEngine Clamp
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BHead Gasket
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CExhaust Gasket
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DIntake Control Sensor
Head Gasket
The head gasket, which sits between the engine black and cylinder heads, is used to seal the cylinders and prevent leakage of coolant and oil.
Question 27
What car part is used to check fluid levels?
-
AImmersion measure
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BDipstick
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COil plumb
-
DTank derrick
Dipstick
Your car has more than one dipstick, but the most recognizable one is used to check engine oil levels. To get an accurate reading, pull the dipstick completely out, wipe it clean and then insert it into the tank. When you pull it out again, you'll see if you need to add more lubricant.
Question 28
Which system connects a car's engine to its wheels?
-
ATransmission
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BPower plant
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CEngine core
-
DMotion chamber
Transmission
Your engine puts out a lot of raw power, but that output needs some processing before it makes your wheels turn. The transmission runs that intense energy through a series of gears that keep it all under control.
Question 29
What is this pictured part of your car's seat called?
-
ASkull cushion
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BScalp pillow
-
CHeadrest
-
DCranial cushion
Headrest
Your car's headrest gives you a bit of comfort, but there's an important safety reason behind it, too. If you're ever in an accident, proper placement of this component could help you avoid severe whiplash. Doctors recommend positioning the top of the headrest even with the top of your ears.
Question 30
What is the name of the machine that mixes air with fuel and has now been largely replaced by fuel injectors?
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AStatic pressure system
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BRototiller
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CCarburetor
-
DCompressor
Carburetor
Carburetors, once one of the most important components, have begun to see their purpose supplanted by fuel injectors, though they are still common on small engines for lawn mowers, rototillers, and other equipment.
Question 31
What motorcycle part is pictured here?
-
ASteering wheel
-
BHandlebars
-
CNavigator
-
DTurner
Handlebars
The handlebars aid in steering, but motorcyclists mainly turn by leaning and using their body weight. Handlebars come in a variety of styles, such as clip-ons, drag bars, and "ape-hangers."
Question 32
What is the name of the device that moves coolant liquid around, preventing the engine from becoming overheated?
-
ARadiator
-
BWater Pump
-
CDistributor
-
DCooler
Water Pump
Water Pumps are essential to keeping engines cool by transferring coolant around the vehicle and through the vehicle to keep your engine from overheating.
Question 33
Can you name the motorcycle part featured here?
-
ATransmission
-
BEngine
-
CFuel gauge
-
DGas tank
Gas tank
The gas tanks on some bikes are only there to maintain a traditional appearance, while the real tank is somewhere else within the vehicle. Sometimes the gas tank contains a bag that can be used for additional storage.
Question 34
Can you identify the storage device pictured here?
-
AGlove compartment
-
BBoot
-
CTrunk
-
DSaddlebag
Saddlebag
Saddlebags might not hold as much as a car's trunk, but they're vital storage devices for motorcycles. These items may be actual soft bags that attach to a bike, or they could be more like a hard-shelled container.
Question 35
One of the three critical components of a car's charging system, this device works in tandem with the battery to generate power for many electrical components. What is it?
-
AAmmeter
-
BCrankshaft
-
CAlternator
-
DVoltage Regulator
Alternator
The alternator is driven by the crankshaft and provides electricity for many critical components like the instrument panel and light. It derived its name form the phrase alternating currents.
Question 36
Which is the real part of your car's anti-roll system?
-
AGyrometer
-
BVeloscope
-
CRotary plane
-
DSway bar
Sway bar
Your car's sway bar, which is also known as an anti-sway bar, helps to stabilize your vehicle while driving. Without this important component, you'd be in for a much rougher ride when driving on roads that aren't perfectly straight and flat.
Question 37
Which of these is a real component of your car's drivetrain?
-
AFloater
-
BDifferential
-
CRadial compensator
-
DOver-under valve
Differential
The differential is a component on every car, and it helps compensate for the different distances traveled by inner and outer wheels while taking a turn. While all vehicles have them, they're especially important in all-wheel-drive designs as well as four-wheel-drive autos.
Question 38
What is this metal cage you often see in racing cars?
-
ASafety girder
-
BFlip catcher
-
CSupport pipe
-
DRoll cage
Roll cage
While it might be more prominent in some designs than others, many vehicles come equipped with a roll cage that protects the driver in the event of a rollover. Some luxury cars actually have roll hoops that can be deployed if the computer detects a rollover.
Question 39
What motorcycle part protects the rider from gusts, bugs, and flying debris?
-
ASidecar
-
BWindow
-
CMask
-
DWindshield
Windshield
Windshields aren't found on all motorcycles, but they're more commonly used on police vehicles. They're usually designed to redirect air away from the rider's face, even if they appear to sit much lower than the rider's head.
Question 40
What is this pictured decorative piece of your wheel called?
-
ATire cover
-
BWheel board
-
CLogo disc
-
DHubcap
Hubcap
Your car's hubcap serves a mostly decorative function, but there is a practical reason for getting a replacement if you ever lose one. Hubcaps can help protect lug nuts from rust and corrosion, and that could come in handy when it's time to change a tire.
Question 41
What is this pictured item that resides behind your tires?
-
ATire bustle
-
BMudflap
-
CWheel skirt
-
DDirt guard
Mudflap
While some drivers use their mudflaps to display messages or advertise their businesses, they also serve an important function by protecting your vehicle โย and the people around it โย from flying debris. Most mudflaps are made out of flexible materials, but they can be fashioned out of firmer metals, too.
Question 42
What do you call this pictured multi-colored panel?
-
ACircuit breaker
-
BJunction case
-
CFuse panel
-
DConnector box
Fuse panel
Fuses play an important function in your car, as they help protect your wiring and electrical components. Every vehicle has its fuse panel in a different location, and some models even have multiple panels.
Question 43
What illuminating device is found at the front of a motorcycle?
-
ATail light
-
BLighter
-
CHeadlamp
-
DFront beam
Headlamp
The term "headlamp" refers to the actual device, while technically "headlight" is meant to describe the actual light that the device produces. In many countries, some types of headlamps must have a self-cleaning system, but this typically doesn't apply to motorcycles.
Question 44
Which part connects a motorcycle's frame and front wheel?
-
AConnector
-
BFork
-
CChain
-
DSpoke
Fork
The fork is an essential part of steering because it lets the front wheel turn. However, a few models throughout the motorcycle's history have used "fork-less" steering.
Question 45
Which part of a motorcycle is used to measure how fast the bike is going in MPH or km/h?
-
ATachometer
-
BSpeedometer
-
COdometer
-
DGas gauge
Speedometer
Starting from roughly 1910, speedometers were standard in motor vehicles. These gauges are generally considered to be quite accurate, but there is a permissible margin of error that varies from country to country.
Question 46
What do you call a system that clears condensation and thaws frost from the windshield?
-
ADefroster
-
BIce zapper
-
CReverse freezer
-
DGlass cooker
Defroster
When you get into your vehicle on a cold or foggy day, you need your defroster to help you see clearly. While the one for your front windshield relies on forced air, rear defrosters use electrical wire to melt ice or evaporate condensation.
Question 47
What is the name of the pictured key part of the vehicleโs ignition system?
-
AThe distributor cap
-
BThe collection cap
-
CThe amplifier
-
DThe fuel injector
The distributor cap
The distributor cap covers the distributor and the rotor, protecting them from contamination..
Question 48
Can you name this reflective device found on a motorcycle?
-
AWindshield
-
BViewer
-
CMirror
-
DReflector
Mirror
On a car, side-view mirrors are used in conjunction with the rearview mirror in the center of the vehicle. On a motorcycle, only the left and right side-view mirrors provide riders with a vision of what is behind them.
Question 49
What do you call this pictured functional component that also adds to a car's style?
-
ATire lid
-
BAccent wing
-
CFender
-
DHood flare
Fender
When your car's wheels spin around, they kick up all sorts of debris, especially when driving on unpaved roads. Fenders became commonplace by the 1930s and became an integral part of the era's Art Deco automotive styling.
Question 50
What are the critical elements of a spark ignition system that deliver an electric current from the ignition system to the combustion chamber?
-
APistons
-
BSpark Plugs
-
CCoils
-
DValves
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs allow an engine to ignite the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber by delivering the electric current from the ignition system in the form of a sparks.
Question 51
Many sports cars have one of these pictured stylish accessories on the back. What is it called?
-
ATrunk topper
-
BDown wing
-
CStabilizer
-
DSpoiler
Spoiler
You've probably heard of spoiling a movie, but your car's spoiler actually spoils the airflow over the vehicle's back. This component helps reduce drag and boosts fuel economy while also making the auto look stylish.
Question 52
What's the name for the two posts that stick out of the top of your car's battery?
-
APower ports
-
BPlugs
-
CTerminals
-
DStalks
Terminals
Your car's battery is responsible for igniting the engine, but there are plenty of other tasks performed by this power cell. The battery has two terminals on top, positive and negative, and these posts are where you connect it to the car.
Question 53
What is the engine component that supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders?
-
AExhaust Manifold
-
BIntake Manifold
-
CCatalytic Converter
-
DRadiator
Intake Manifold
The inlet or intake manifold evenly distributes the combustion mixture to the cylinder heads, which allows the engine to operate at peak performance and efficiency.
Question 54
What do you call these pictured cogs that transfer power from your engine?
-
AEngagers
-
BTooth wheels
-
CGears
-
DDriving cogs
Gears
No matter if you have a manual or automatic transmission, your car relies on gears. While the lower gear levels provide additional power, they also require the engine to work harder to keep them moving.
Question 55
What do you call this pictured part of your car?
-
AFuel screw
-
BPetrol protector
-
CTank tarp
-
DGas cap
Gas cap
Your gas cap helps keep fuel fumes safely inside the tank. If you've ever forgotten to screw this lid on tightly, you might have gotten a "check engine light" on your display panel. Lucky for you, this is an easy fix, as you can simply tighten it the next time you stop.
Question 56
The main purpose of these devices is to seal the combustion chamber and improve heat transfer to the cylinder wall. What are they?
-
AIntake Manifold Gaskets
-
BExhaust Gaskets
-
CPiston Rings
-
DTemperature Sensors
Piston Rings
A piston ring is a split ring and it has several vital jobs in the combustion process. However, two tasks are of the utmost importance: sealing the chamber to reduce the risk of lost gasses in the crankcase and improving the heat transfer to the cylinder wall.
Question 57
The single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc., is known as what?
-
ASuper band
-
BSerpentine belt
-
CPeddler
-
DPower strip
Serpentine belt
Your car's serpentine belt is one of the unsung heroes of the entire engine, as everything would grind to a halt if it broke. This long, continuous strip of rubber gives life to important components such as the alternator, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor.
Question 58
What device is used to reduce high-speed internal combustion engine rotations to speeds acceptable for a car's wheels?
-
AThe shift improver
-
BThe electrifier
-
CThe gearbox
-
DThe transformer
The gearbox
To transfer this power, the piston transfers the force of the expanding gas in the engine to the crankshaft via the connecting rod.
Question 59
This component compresses refrigerant and diverts it to your vehicle's air condenser.
-
AOxygen Sensor
-
BAC Compressor
-
CThermal Converter
-
DThermostat
AC Compressor
The AC compressor compresses liquid refrigerant and turns it to gas. During the process the heat from the gas is released quickly and the cool air is blown into the car's cabin.
Question 60
What part of your car generates electricity?
-
APower plant
-
BAlternator
-
CGenerator
-
DBoiler
Alternator
If your car's battery isn't recharging while you drive, the culprit could be a faulty alternator. This device generates power for your headlights, radio and other electronic devices by using properties of electromagnetism.
Question 61
Can you name the part that keeps particulate matter out of a motorcycle's engine?
-
APurifier
-
BAir screen
-
CCleaner
-
DAir filter
Air filter
If dust and debris get into your motorcycle's engine, they could contaminate the oil or abrade the mechanisms. These filters usually have two layers for filtering out coarse and fine matter separately.
Question 62
The pictured part, which is necessary to keep the amount of energy in the car steady, goes by what name?
-
AThe carburetor
-
BThe battery control system
-
CThe voltage regulator
-
DThe battery plate
The voltage regulator
Modern voltage regulator designs use transistors to regulate the current in a vehicle. They generally force an alternator to maintain a voltage between 13.5 and 14.5 volts to recharge the battery safely while protecting the car's electrical circuits.
Question 63
This critical engine component can be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic and is used to initiate the engine's operation by instigating rotation.
-
AAmmeter
-
BDriveshaft
-
CTransmission
-
DStarter Motor
Starter Motor
The starter is used to initiate an internal combustion engine, and it is described as a feedback system. Therefore, the starter initiates the engine cycle and then inertia maintains the continued cycles.
Question 64
What part keeps a motorcycle upright when the vehicle isn't in motion?
-
ABalancer
-
BHitching post
-
CTripod
-
DKickstand
Kickstand
Kickstands have existed in many forms since at least 1869. Usually made of metal, these pieces are most often found in the front or center of a motorcycle.
Question 65
What is the name for the coupling that can transmit rotary power by a shaft over a range of different angles?
-
AThe cross shaft
-
BThe rotary
-
CThe hinge
-
DThe universal joint
The universal joint
Universal joints are often used in driveshafts to facilitate the transmission of rotary motion. If the drive shaft isn't in a straight line between the transmission and the drive wheels, you need a universal joint.
Question 66
Name the device that was created to measure the exhaust-gas concentration of oxygen for cars?
-
AOxygen Sensor
-
BTransmission
-
CExhaust Manifold
-
DTachometer
Oxygen Sensor
In the late 1960s, Robert Bosch created the oxygen sensor as a way of measuring the amount of pollutants emitted from a car's exhaust. Now, these devices can dynamically adjust the fuel ratio for optimum performance.
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