Introduction
The car engine is the powerhouse of your vehicle. It converts fuel into motion, allowing your car to move, accelerate, and perform. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or someone just trying to understand what’s under the hood, learning about how car engines work is essential for vehicle maintenance and smarter driving decisions.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a car engine is, how it works, the types available, common problems, and how to keep yours running smoothly.
How Does a Car Engine Work?
Most car engines follow a four-stroke combustion cycle:
Intake Stroke: The intake valve opens, and a mix of air and fuel enters the cylinder.
Compression Stroke: The piston compresses the air-fuel mixture.
Power Stroke: A spark plug ignites the mixture, causing an explosion that pushes the piston down.
Exhaust Stroke: The exhaust valve opens, and burned gases exit through the exhaust system.
This process repeats thousands of times per minute to keep your car running.
Main Parts of a Car Engine
Cylinder Block – The main structure holding pistons and cylinders
Pistons – Move up and down inside cylinders
Crankshaft – Converts piston movement into rotational power
Camshaft – Controls the opening/closing of valves
Spark Plugs – Ignite the air-fuel mixture
Valves – Let air/fuel in and exhaust out
Timing Belt/Chain – Keeps the camshaft and crankshaft in sync
Oil System – Lubricates moving parts
Cooling System – Prevents overheating
Types of Car Engines
- Gasoline (Petrol) Engines
Most common in everyday cars
Smooth, quiet, and widely available
Uses spark ignition
- Diesel Engines
Found in trucks, SUVs, and heavy-duty vehicles
More torque and fuel-efficient
Uses compression ignition (no spark plugs)
- Hybrid Engines
Combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor
Great fuel economy and lower emissions
- Electric Motors (EVs)
Not internal combustion but still a form of “engine”
Runs on electricity with no emissions
Silent, efficient, and low maintenance
- Turbocharged & Supercharged Engines
Forced induction systems that increase engine power by pushing more air into the combustion chamber
- Rotary Engines (Wankel Engines)
Rare and compact, use rotating rotors instead of pistons
Used in some Mazda models
