How Cars Work: Engines
What is an engine?
An engine is a machine that converts energy into motion. In a car, the engine converts the energy stored in gasoline into motion that powers the wheels.
How does an engine work?
An engine works by burning gasoline in a series of cylinders. The combustion of gasoline creates hot gases that expand and push against the pistons in the cylinders. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft, which converts the up-and-down motion of the pistons into rotary motion.
The crankshaft is connected to the transmission, which changes the speed and direction of the rotary motion. The transmission is connected to the wheels, which turn and move the car forward.
The four-stroke cycle
The four-stroke cycle is the sequence of four events that occur in each cylinder of an engine.
- Intake stroke: The intake valve opens and the piston moves down, drawing air and fuel into the cylinder.
- Compression stroke: The intake valve closes and the piston moves up, compressing the air and fuel mixture.
- Power stroke: The spark plug ignites the air and fuel mixture, creating hot gases that expand and push against the piston, driving it down.
- Exhaust stroke: The exhaust valve opens and the piston moves up, pushing the exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
Types of engines
There are many different types of engines, but the most common type used in cars is the internal combustion engine.
Internal combustion engines can be either gasoline-powered or diesel-powered.
- Gasoline engines burn gasoline to produce power.
- Diesel engines burn diesel fuel to produce power.
Engine size
Engine size is measured in liters. The size of an engine refers to the volume of the cylinders in the engine.
Larger engines generally produce more power than smaller engines.
Engine performance
Engine performance is measured by horsepower and torque.
- Horsepower is a measure of the engine’s power output.
- Torque is a measure of the engine’s twisting force.
Engine maintenance
Regular engine maintenance is important to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
Some of the most important engine maintenance tasks include:
- Changing the oil and filter
- Replacing the spark plugs
- Checking the air filter
- Replacing the timing belt or chain
