Automotive Engines and Engine Components
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Automotive Engines and Engine Components
In an automobile, the automotive engine and engine components are the heart of the machine, allowing it to run properly and smoothly. These parts require regular maintenance and, if neglected, can begin to function less efficiently or even fail, bringing your vehicle to a screeching halt.
Most automobile manufacturers include guidelines on how to properly maintain a vehicle's engine. At specific, regular intervals, drivers should have fluids replaced, belts changed, and the vehicle and engine should be looked over to ensure that everything is functioning properly as it should be.
Most new vehicles include warranties that cover the engine and its major components for a certain amount of time or number of miles. However, when an older vehicle's engine fails, many drivers choose to purchase a different vehicle rather than to replace parts in their current one. While many engine components cannot be changed by the average person without mechanical experience or training, hiring a professional to repair or replacing a vehicle's engine or engine components can be more cost-effective than replacing the vehicle outright.
Check out the links on this Business.com page for more information on automotive engine and engine components. You can find resources to learn about how car engines work, or you can find companies that provide replacement parts for your vehicle.
Automotive Engines and Engine Components Key Terms
Learn the lingo that drives the automotive engine repair bizBy Trisha Schulz A career in the automotive repair industry is fairly stable. As soon as a customer drives a new car off the sales lot, the wear and tear on the engine and engine components begins. Giving new life to an old engine may be a career avenue you want to consider. However, automotive repair requires a high degree of knowledge of automotive engines and engine components. The inner workings of an engine can be complex, so consider the following definitions of engine components.
Cylinder head
A cylinder head is a removable plate that protects the cylinder chamber of an automotive engine or pump.
Try:
CylinderHeads.com explains how cylinders are repaired.
Piston
A piston is a disk fitting inside a cylinder that moves in a rotating motion by compressing and expanding. The piston works in moving matter (such as air, water or gas) and transforming it into energy.
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Check out the HowStuffWorks four-step process explaining how a piston works in a vehicle engine.
Gasket
To pack a piston, a gasket is placed inside the cylinder to make the whole unit air and water tight. The gasket can be made out of a variety of materials including rubber, metal or rope, depending on the vehicle.
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View this 5min Video detailing the importance of a gasket as an automotive component.
Valve springs
A system of valves can be found throughout automobiles, and valve springs are a key element to making the valves work properly. The spring holds the valve closed, especially significant in the cylinder head of a vehicle engine.
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Review this CraneCams article answering commonly asked questions about valve springs.
Pushrod
A pushrod is important in the suspension process that gives a vehicle air resistance. For race car drivers, a good suspension and push and pull rod system can allow them to place the car lower to the ground. The end result? Higher speeds.
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Learn more about suspension technology and the push and pull rod system in this F1Technical.net article.
Timing belt, timing chain
A timing belt helps to control engine valves. Also called a timing chain or cam belt, the belt appears flat but has teeth. The timing belt works in conjunction with the crankshaft for a perfect alignment. There are non-automotive uses for timing belts, so make sure you study the right one.
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Check out an engine diagram and read through the example of how a timing belt is used in this FamilyCar item.
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