Whether you have to run a quick errand or you decide to take a road trip, your vehicle is your gateway. However, they can break down at a moment’s notice. As an owner, it can be helpful to have a better understanding of how they work—starting with the car engine, which is one of the most intricate and important components of your vehicle. Let’s explore the basics of how a car engine functions.
Engine Types
Not all car engines work or power your vehicle the same way. There are four categories of engines. These include:
- Gasoline
- Diesel
- Electric
- Hybrid
For many years, gasoline and diesel (internal combustion) engines were the standard. They were both introduced in the 1800s. More recently, hybrid and electric engines have become an attractive alternative, due to their cost-effectiveness and environmental impact. As their names imply, electric engines rely solely on battery power and hybrid engines are a combination of both gas or diesel and electric.
How Does Each Type Work?
Car engines have existed for over 100 years and remain a feat of modern engineering. Each type completes the same job differently. Here’s how they work.
Gasoline Engines
Gasoline engines burn a combination of gas and air to create the energy that makes your car move. Cycles are composed of strokes, or when the piston moves up and down inside your engine. Most gasoline engines use a four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, power, and exhaust.
- In intake, your engine consumes air and this air is mixed with the gas in your car’s cylinder.
- During compression, a piston moves within the cylinder, compressing the air and fuel combination.
- Ignition will take place during the power stroke or combustion. A spark plug creates a spark, which ignites the mixture and produces energy.
- The fourth stroke, exhaust, releases gasses from the ignition through your vehicle’s exhaust system.
Diesel Engine
Diesel engines, like gasoline engines, rely on internal combustion. However, there are some differences in how they create power. Many diesel engines also use a four-stroke system: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
- During intake, the engine’s cylinder collects air.
- In compression, your car’s piston moves up inside the cylinder, compressing the air tightly. As a result, the air becomes extremely hot.
- Combustion can happen after diesel fuel is injected into the air. Because the air is very hot, the diesel fuel ignites by itself, creating energy to move your car. No spark plugs are necessary.
- Like gasoline engines, the gasses from the ignition are then freed during the exhaust stroke.
Electric Engines
Electric engines do not use internal combustion nor do they need gasoline or diesel fuel. They are powered by batteries, which store energy to create a magnetic field. This field causes your wheels to rotate, allowing your car to move. Beyond not needing fuel, electric engines also do not need routine oil changes. Electric engines only work for a specific amount of miles before needing a recharge, which can take hours.
Hybrid Engines
Hybrid vehicles generate power through internal combustion and batteries. They have two types of engines, gasoline or diesel and an electric motor. Both of these work together to create a smooth driving experience while offering fuel efficiency. In most hybrid cars, the electric motor is used for slower speeds, while the gasoline or diesel engine handles faster speeds. Conveniently, the internal combustion engine charges the electric engine.
Having Engine Issues?
Your engine is the heart of your vehicle. It is what creates energy to take you where you need to go. When an engine is not operating as it should, your car can stop working unexpectedly putting your life at risk. If you notice engine issues, don’t wait to get it checked out. If you need to replace your engine, you don’t have to break the bank and can purchase a quality used engine.
Replacements Can Be Affordable
Depending on the nature of the problem, it can be more affordable to purchase a Grade A used car engine, rather than repair your damaged one. At Sir Car Part, we offer a wide selection of engines for a variety of makes and models. All of our engines are inspected and include a free warranty. The selection process is easy. Simply fill out a quick questionnaire on our site and we’ll send options to you. Receive a free quote today.
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