How Does a Car Engine Work?

Introduction

A car engine is a machine that converts the chemical energy of fuel into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then used to power the wheels of the car.

There are many different types of car engines, but they all operate on the same basic principles. In this article, we will discuss the basic operation of a four-stroke internal combustion engine.

The Four Strokes

The four strokes of an internal combustion engine are:

Intake stroke
Compression stroke
Power stroke
Exhaust stroke

These four strokes are repeated over and over again to create the power that drives the car.

1. Intake Stroke

During the intake stroke, the piston moves down the cylinder, creating a vacuum that draws air and fuel into the cylinder through the intake valve.

2. Compression Stroke

Once the intake valve closes, the piston moves up the cylinder, compressing the air and fuel mixture.

3. Power Stroke

When the air and fuel mixture is fully compressed, the spark plug ignites the mixture, causing it to explode. This explosion drives the piston down the cylinder, generating power.

4. Exhaust Stroke

After the power stroke, the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves up the cylinder, pushing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder and through the exhaust manifold.

The Engine Cycle

The four strokes of an internal combustion engine are repeated over and over again to create the power that drives the car. The engine cycle is as follows:

The intake valve opens and the piston moves down the cylinder, drawing air and fuel into the cylinder.
The intake valve closes and the piston moves up the cylinder, compressing the air and fuel mixture.
The spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture, causing it to explode. This explosion drives the piston down the cylinder, generating power.
The exhaust valve opens and the piston moves up the cylinder, pushing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder and through the exhaust manifold.

The engine cycle is then repeated over and over again to create the power that drives the car.

Conclusion

Car engines are complex machines, but they operate on the same basic principles. By understanding the four strokes of an internal combustion engine, you can better understand how your car works.