Car Engine: Types of Engine & How Does it Work?

The car engine is a powerhouse of any car that transforms fuel into motion. In technical terms, it is a complex machine built to convert the heat from burning gas into the power that turns the road wheels. In this article, we will discuss how car engines work, their types, and how they impact a car’s performance. 

Definition And Purpose Of A Car Engine.

An engine is a machine that converts fuel energy into mechanical energy and moves the vehicle. In thermodynamics, the engine is also known as a thermal engine, which produces the macroscopic movement of the heat.

It is a complex machine that is very hard to design. In simple words, an engine is a machine that converts fuel energy into mechanical work. Different types of fuels can be used (natural gas, petrol, diesel, etc.) for other engines.

Brief History Of Internal Combustion Engines

The internal combustion engine (ICE) is a cornerstone of modern technology; it has evolved in transport, industry, and daily life since its inception. ICE operates on the principle of converting energy from the combustion of fuel and air into mechanical work.

An internal combustion engine is any engine that uses the explosive combustion of fuel to push a piston within a cylinder - the piston's movement turns a crankshaft that then turns the car wheels via a chain or a drive shaft. The different types of fuel commonly used for car combustion engines are gasoline (or petrol), diesel, and kerosene. 

Many people claimed the invention of the internal combustion engine in the 1860s, but only one has a patent on the four-stroke operating sequence. In 1867, Nikolaus August Otto, a German engineer, developed the four-stroke "Otto" cycle, which is widely used in transportation even today. Otto created the four-stroke internal combustion engine when he was 34 years old. The diesel engine was developed in 1892 by another German engineer, Rudolph Diesel. The Diesel engine is designed to be heavier and more powerful than gasoline engines and utilizes oil as fuel. Diesel engines are commonly used in heavy machinery, locomotives, ships, and automobiles.

Basic Components Of A Car Engine

A Car engine comprises multiple components that help the car to move; some of the essential components are as follows:

Alternator

The alternator uses the car’s engine to generate electricity to charge the battery and power electrical components while the engine runs.

Battery

The battery is a critical component of the engine’s electrical system, responsible for providing electrical power to start the engine and power electrical components when the engine is not running.

Starter Motor

The starter motor is part of the engine's electrical system and is responsible for turning over the engine when the ignition switch is engaged.

Cylinder Block

The cylinder block, also known as the engine block, is the main housing or structure of the engine. It is generally constructed from cast iron or aluminum and contains cylinders, pistons, and other components.

The cylinder block provides a sturdy framework for the engine and ensures all the other parts are in the correct position.

Pistons

Pistons are housed in the cylinders of the cylinder block and play a vital role in the combustion process. They are cylindrical and typically made of cast or forged aluminum alloy.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft is housed below the cylinder block and is responsible for converting the up-and-down action of the pistons into a rotational motion used to turn the wheels of the car.

Camshaft

The camshaft is responsible for opening and closing the engine's valves at the correct time.

Valves

The valves in an engine regulate the flow of the air-fuel mixture into the engine and the outflow of exhaust gases.

Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors deliver fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber or cylinder space above the piston head.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the spark required to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine’s cylinders. 

The Four-Stroke Combustion Cycle

The four-stroke engines are part of the internal combustion engine. The four-stroke engine is one of the most used types of internal combustion engines. The name four-stroke comes from its working mechanism.

In a four-stroke engine, each cylinder "fires" on every second revolution of the crankshaft. The full combustion cycle consists of two revolutions of the crankshaft and four strokes:

1. Intake stroke

The engine crankshaft keeps rotating by inertia from the previous power stroke. The intake stroke is always considered the first of the sequence.

2. Compression stroke

During the compression stroke, the intake and exhaust valves are closed. As the piston moves up, it compresses the air trapped in the cylinder.

3. Power stroke

In the power stroke, the pressure of hot gases created during the combustion pushes the piston down with great force. The power stroke provides the energy to turn the wheels in a car.

4. Exhaust stroke

During the exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve is open and the intake valve is closed. The piston moves up pushing the remaining exhaust gases out of the cylinder and into the exhaust manifold.

Types Of Car Engines

Inline Engine

The inline engine, also known as a straight engine, is an internal combustion engine where all cylinders are arranged in a straight line along the crankcase. This configuration is one of the most straightforward and balanced engine layouts, making it a popular choice in the automotive industry.

V Engine

The V engine, named for its unique formation, is a common type of internal combustion engine where the cylinders and pistons align in two separate planes or ‘banks,’ forming a V-like configuration when viewed from the end.

Flat Engine

The flat engine, a horizontally opposed or 'boxer' engine, is a unique internal combustion engine. The cylinders are configured in two banks on opposite sides of the crankshaft. This layout gives the engine its 'flat' appearance and its name.

This design balances a flat engine’s compactness and an inline engine’s power density. V engines are renowned for their compact size relative to their number of cylinders.

What Is Engine Oil & Importance Of Engine Oil?

Engine oil or motor oil is a lubrication liquid used in automobiles to reduce friction between the components and improve its function. It is derived from natural and synthetic oil, and additives improve its performance.

The importance of engine oil is as follows:

• Engine oil creates a protective layer, ensures smooth operation, and prevents excessive wear and tear on crucial components, such as pistons and crankshafts.

• Engine oil also helps maintain heat generated during engine operation by absorbing and transferring heat away from critical components, such as pistons and cylinders.

• Engine oil protects against corrosion and rust formation on metal surfaces.

• One vital function of engine oil is to keep engine components clean by trapping and suspending dirt, debris, and contaminants. 

• Engine oil also removes contaminants and impurities that accumulate within the engine over time.

Fuel Systems in Car Engines

The car fuel system includes components that help store and deliver fuel from the tank to the engine for running the vehicle. Every combustion device, particularly automobiles, requires a full-functioning fuel system to ensure performance.

Components of Fuel System is as follows:

Fuel Tank

The fuel tank is the starting point of the vehicle’s fuel system. Its primary role is fuel storage before it is delivered to the engine when required. 

Fuel Injector

The fuel injector is precision components that deliver fuel into the engine’s combustion chamber at high pressure. Their primary role is to regulate the flow of fuel into the engine’s internal combustion engine, where it mixes with air for combustion.

Fuel Pump

The fuel pump transfers fuel from the tank to the engine at the required pressure. It forces the fuel from the tank, providing the engine with a consistent fuel supply to generate energy for the vehicle.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter prevents impurities like dirt, debris, and rust in the fuel from reaching the engine. The car engine must get clean fuel to ensure optimal performance and longevity. A clogged or dirty fuel filter will restrict fuel flow, limiting the engine’s performance.

Fuel Lines and Hoses

Fuel lines and hoses connect tubes, the medium through which fuel travels from the tank to the engine. They also ensure a secure and leak-free pathway for fuel delivery, while flexible hoses accommodate engine movement and vibrations.

Fuel Pressure Regulator

The fuel pressure regulator is often closely located to the fuel injector, performing similar functions of regulating the fuel pressure within the vehicle fuel system. This component ensures consistent fuel pressure within the fuel lines, even when fuel must be returned to the tanks.

Modern Innovations In Engine Technology

Over the period we have seen the great transformation in the world of engine technology some of the innovations are as follows:

Turbocharging and Supercharging

Electric turbochargers, also known as e-turbochargers or superchargers ,use an electric motor to spin the compressor wheel instead of relying on exhaust gases. By providing immediate boost at low engine speeds, electric turbochargers can help to reduce turbo lag and improve engine response. This can lead to improved acceleration and fuel efficiency.

Hybrid and Electric Engine 

Hybrid and electric engine technology innovation allows the vehicle to run on both i.e. either on gasoline or electricity as per the requirement and this increases the efficiency and reduces emission.

Variable Valve Timing

Variable valve timing is a groundbreaking car engine technology which is transforming engine performance.This advanced system dynamically adjusts the timing and duration of engine valve opening and closing. It optimizes engine performance on a real time basis.

Maintenance Tips For Car Engines

Regularly maintaining the car engine to extend its lifespan, improve fuel efficiency, and prevent costly repairs is essential.Here are the few tips for the maintenance of engine:

Regular Oil Changes

Feed the engine regularly with new engine oil. To keep your engine clean, you need good engine oil. Regular changes of engine oil are vital. Engine oil lubricates the essential parts, preventing them from overheating and reducing wear and tear.

Monitoring Coolant Levels

Check the engine's cooling system. An engine's cooling system helps it maintain its internal temperatures and transfer excessive heat out of the engine.

Replacing Air Filters

The air filter protects the engine from harmful contaminants, such as dirt, dust, and debris that can cause damage and reduce performance.Hence it is important to replace air filters on a timely basis.

Checking Spark Plugs

Replace spark plugs and wires whenever required as the spark plug acts as a fire starter. It ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders and requires little maintenance owing to its long life span.

Conclusion

Engine protection in car insurance is an add-on cover you can buy with your base comprehensive car insurance policy. It covers the repair/replacement costs for your car's engine when it gets damaged due to ingress of water in the engine or leakage of lubricating oil from engine/respective assembly.

Since the engine is a crucial part of the car, the consumer must have the correct knowledge of the engine installed in their vehicle to maintain it for engine health, performance, and longevity.

FAQs

1. What type of engine is used in cars?

      A car engine is an internal combustion engine. There are different kinds of internal combustion engines. Diesel engines are one type and gas turbine engines are another.

2. What is the function of a car engine?

     The purpose of a gasoline car engine is to convert gasoline into motion so that your car can move.

3. What are the parts of a car engine?

      The core of the engine is the cylinder, with the piston moving up and down inside the cylinder. Other key parts include the spark plug, valves, piston, piston rings, connecting rod, crankshaft and sump.

4. How does a car engine work, step by step?

       Almost every car with a gasoline engine uses a four-stroke combustion cycle to convert gasoline into motion. They are intake stroke, compression stroke, combustion stroke and exhaust stroke.