Basic Parts of the Car Engine and Their Functions

A car’s engine is a device used for internal combustion. Here, the fuel is burned, which helps generate the force necessary for the moving (mechanical) parts of your car to move. Now, in order to drive a car, you don’t really need to know how your engine works, what parts it’s made of, or even what it looks like. Still, the more you understand, the easier the maintenance gets. Also, it’s more likely that you’ll properly recognize the engine failure and it’s less likely that you’ll be scammed when it comes to the repair.

Now, seeing as how there are too many car engine parts, we’ll stick to some of the most recognizable parts and their functions.

1. Spark plug

The engine is the part of your car where the combustion of fuel takes place. Now, in order for anything to burn, it needs to be ignited. A spark plug performs the function of a tiny lighter in charge of starting the initial explosion. Two spark plugs create the arc of electricity, that does the trick. Its anatomy is quite simple, seeing as how it’s composed of a shell, insulator, and central conductor. This provides it with all it needs to get the job done.

2. Cylinders and pistons

A cylinder is where the fuel is actually burned and converted into energy. When the fuel is burned in the engine cylinders, it moves pistons and converts heat into mechanical energy. This powers the remainder of your car. Now, the cylinder itself consists of various parts like cylinder block and cylinder head. Also, add to this the fact that piston and piston rings are two separate parts and you’ll fully understand why the anatomy of the car engine is such a complex topic to cover. With so many moving parts, a chance that one or two will go rogue and need replacement is also quite likely.

3. Connecting rod

Another thing you should understand is the importance of the connecting rod. This is a part that’s fitted between the piston and the crankshaft and It’s used to convert the motion of the piston into the rotary motion of the crankshaft. In a way, it’s there to transfer the power generated by the engine from the place of its origination (the combustion area) onto the other area of the car. The key thing here is the material of the rod, which is why the most reliable option is made of the steel alloy of duralumin. The method behind its casting is called drop forging.

4. Camshaft

The camshaft Is a rotating part with attached disks of irregular shape. With their help, it actuates the intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders in question. In other words, it is in charge of the timing of the opening and closing of valves. Without a camshaft, it would be impossible to start the engine. This is actually one of the most expensive engine parts and its replacement can be as much as $1,500 (on average). This is of course without the labor cost, which adds another $1,000 to the cost. Still, it all comes down to your ability to find the right car mechanic.

5. Carburetor

This part helps mix fuel and air together in order to make internal combustion possible. You see, in order for anything to burn, you need oxygen. Now, since your engine is a closed system, without a carburetor to regulate the inflow and mixing of air, the combustion would quickly deplete all the oxygen from the system. It all works on Bernoulli’s principle – the faster the air moves, the lower its static pressure. This also means that the faster it moves, the higher its dynamic pressure will be. Overall, it’s one of the most important car engine parts.

6. Radiator

As we’ve already explained, the engine works on the combustion principle, which means that it contains a tremendous amount of heat. In order to remain safe, it’s necessary that the engine has some sort of a heat exchanger. This is the task of an engine radiator. It is most commonly made out of aluminum and it works on the principle of pipes and fins (all of which have a small diameter so that they can fit your engine). The main task for them is to exchange the heat of hot water (heated by the engine) and the ambient air in the safest manner possible.

In conclusion

Finally, the list is far from complete. The combustion chamber, manifold, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel atomized, flywheel, and engine bearing are just some of the parts that didn’t get a place on our list. The key thing you need to remember is that engine troubles usually manifest either through power or through the inability of your vehicle to start. Unless it’s a spark plug problem, chances are that you’re in for an expensive repair. Still, the sooner you get over it, the better.