Car Engine Terms

Air Filter

The air filter cleans the air that enters the engine. This helps to prevent dirt and debris from damaging the engine.

Alternator

The alternator generates electricity to power the car’s electrical system. This includes the headlights, taillights, and other electrical components.

Battery

The battery stores electricity to start the car and power the electrical system when the engine is not running.

Camshaft

The camshaft opens and closes the valves in the engine. This allows air and fuel to enter the cylinders and exhaust gases to exit.

Carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and fuel together and delivers it to the engine’s cylinders.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions from the engine.

Coil

The coil provides the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Connecting Rod

The connecting rod connects the piston to the crankshaft.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotary motion.

Cylinder

The cylinder is where the piston moves up and down.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head forms the top of the cylinder and contains the valves.

Distributor

The distributor distributes the spark to the spark plugs.

EGR Valve

The EGR valve reduces emissions by recirculating exhaust gases back into the engine.

Exhaust Manifold

The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from the cylinders and directs them to the catalytic converter.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter removes dirt and debris from the fuel before it enters the carburetor or fuel injector.

Fuel Injector

The fuel injector sprays fuel into the engine’s cylinders.

Head Gasket

The head gasket seals the joint between the cylinder head and the engine block.

Ignition Coil

The ignition coil provides the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Intake Manifold

The intake manifold delivers air and fuel to the engine’s cylinders.

Lifters

The lifters transfer the motion of the camshaft to the valves.

Main Bearings

The main bearings support the crankshaft.

Oil Filter

The oil filter removes dirt and debris from the oil before it circulates through the engine.

Oil Pan

The oil pan holds the oil that lubricates the engine.

Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and helps to adjust the air-fuel mixture.

Pistons

The pistons move up and down in the cylinders and compress the air and fuel mixture.

Piston Rings

The piston rings seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder wall.

Power Steering Pump

The power steering pump provides hydraulic pressure to the power steering system.

Radiator

The radiator cools the engine coolant.

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs provide the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Starter

The starter motor turns the crankshaft to start the engine.

Throttle Body

The throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine.

Timing Belt

The timing belt synchronizes the timing of the camshaft and crankshaft.

Transmission

The transmission transfers power from the engine to the wheels.

Valve

The valves open and close to allow air and fuel to enter the cylinders and exhaust gases to exit.

Water Pump

The water pump circulates coolant through the engine and radiator.