1.1 Knowing the parts of a vehicle: Engine
The engine is undoubtedly the most important part of a vehicle. He is the heart of the car, responsible for converting energy into movement. Understanding the parts of an engine and how they work is critical for anyone wanting to delve into vehicle maintenance.
Major engine components
The engine of a vehicle is made up of several parts, each with a specific function. Let's start with the core components.
1. Engine block
The engine block is the main structure that houses the cylinders and other engine components. It is usually made of cast iron or aluminum and is designed to be extremely strong to withstand the forces generated during combustion.
2. Cylinders
The cylinders are cylindrical cavities inside the engine block where combustion takes place. Most modern cars have between four and eight cylinders, although some high-performance vehicles may have more.
3. Pistons
The pistons move up and down inside the cylinders. When fuel is injected into the cylinder and ignition is made, the explosion forces the piston down, which in turn turns the crankshaft.
4. Crankshaft
The crankshaft is connected to the pistons by means of connecting rods. When the pistons move up and down, they turn the crankshaft, which in turn turns the car's wheels.
5. Engine head
The cylinder head is the upper part of the engine that contains the intake and exhaust valves, as well as the spark plugs. It is responsible for allowing air and fuel to enter the cylinders and exhaust gases to exit after combustion.
How does the engine work?
An internal combustion engine works on a four-stroke cycle: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
1. Admission
In the intake phase, the intake valve opens and the piston moves down, drawing a mixture of air and fuel into the cylinder.
2. Compression
In the compression phase, the intake valve closes and the piston moves upwards, compressing the air-fuel mixture.
3. Combustion
In the combustion phase, the spark plug fires, igniting the air-fuel mixture. The resulting explosion forces the piston down, turning the crankshaft.
4. Escape
In the exhaust phase, the exhaust valve opens and the piston moves upwards, expelling the exhaust gases out of the cylinder.
This cycle repeats itself many times a minute, with each cylinder working on a different phase to ensure smooth, continuous engine operation.
Knowing the parts of an engine and how they work is the foundation for understanding vehicle maintenance. With this solid foundation, you'll be well prepared to learn about the more complex aspects of vehicle maintenance.
Conclusion
Understanding how a vehicle's engine works is the first step for anyone wanting to learn about vehicle maintenance. The engine is the heart of the car, and understanding its parts and how they work together to convert energy into motion is critical to keeping your vehicle running efficiently and safely.
