Car Engine Labeled

A car engine is a complex machine, but it can be broken down into a few basic components. The main parts of a car engine are the cylinder head, the cylinder block, the crankshaft, the pistons, and the valves.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is located at the top of the engine block. It houses the valves and the combustion chambers. The combustion chambers are where the fuel and air are mixed and ignited.

Cylinder Block

The cylinder block is the main structural component of the engine. It houses the cylinders, the crankshaft, and the pistons.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is a rotating shaft that converts the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion. The crankshaft is connected to the transmission, which then sends power to the wheels.

Pistons

The pistons are cylindrical-shaped components that move up and down within the cylinders. The pistons compress the fuel and air mixture and then force it out of the cylinders.

Valves

The valves are located in the cylinder head. They control the flow of fuel and air into and out of the combustion chambers.