How Does Auto Engine Work?

An engine converts heat energy, created from burning air and gasoline, into mechanical energy (used to move your car). The car has a piston which moves up and down in the engine, and valves which open and close. It is a well choreographed machine which produces a lot of power. A piston goes up and down four times in order to produce one stroke of power.I could start the explanation anywhere along the path of the piston. I decided to start with the intake stroke.

Intake Stroke : This stroke starts with the piston at the top of its stroke.The intake valve opens as the piston starts to move from the top of its stroke to the bottom of its stroke. As the piston moves downward, it pulls in air and fuel. At the bottom of the stroke the intake valve closes.

Compression Stroke : With both valves closed, the piston moves up the cylinder compressing the air and fuel. Most cars have an 8 to 1 compression ratio. That means at the top of the stroke the air-fuel mixture is one-eight its original size.On a side note, as the piston compresses the air and fuel the temperature of the mixture increases.

Power Stroke : At the top of the compression stroke, with both valves closed, an electrical spark jumps the spark plug gap igniting the air and fuel. As the mixture burns, pressure builds up inside the cylinder.This pressure, which pushes the piston downward, creates the power to move your car. This is where heat energy is converted into mechanical energy.

Exhaust Stroke : When the piston is at the bottom of the cylinder the exhaust valve opens.As the piston moves up the cylinder it pushed the hot exhaust gases out of the engine.When the piston is at the top of its stroke, the exhaust valve closes and the intake valve opens.

This is called a “4 Stroke” engine because it takes 4 strokes to produce one power stroke.

Learn The ABCs of Car Care

Most young people can’t wait to drive, but their car care education should begin well before their parents hand over the keys.  Understanding the basics of car care before taking the wheel will help keep new drivers safer on the road.

A – Always follow a preventative vehicle maintenance plan.
B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.
C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home.

It’s never too early to learn the ABCs of car care.  Follow these basic guidelines to keep you and your vehicle running in top condition while staying safe on the road.

• Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
• Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
• Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
• Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
• Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
• Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
• Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.