Car Engine—— The Heart of the Car Revealed!

The car engine is often called the heart of the vehicle. It uses oxygen in the air and gasoline or other fuels to generate rotating power, then transfers that power through the flywheel, chassis transmission, and related mechanisms to drive the vehicle.

In the previous post, we covered the role, working process, crank linkage mechanism, and gas distribution mechanism of an automobile engine. This article continues with the cooling system, lubrication system, fuel supply system, ignition system, starting system, new engine technologies, hybrid trends, and future powertrain development.

Components of basic car engine construction

1. A Car Engine Uses Two Major Mechanisms and Five Main Systems#

The car engine is the power plant of the vehicle. It converts the chemical energy of fuel into thermal energy, then converts thermal energy into mechanical energy. A typical gasoline engine includes two major mechanisms and five main systems: crank linkage mechanism, gas distribution mechanism, cooling system, fuel supply system, lubrication system, ignition system, and starting system. Diesel engines generally have fewer gasoline-style ignition components because they use compression ignition.

Daily engine maintenance points

2. Engine Maintenance Should Match the Systems That Keep the Engine Running#

From the engine structure above, several daily maintenance priorities become clear:

• Replace lubricating oil regularlyFresh oil helps reduce friction and protect moving parts inside the engine.
• Check the cooling systemInspect the cooling system and replace coolant regularly to reduce overheating risk.
• Clean carbon depositsThrottle, intake manifold, combustion chamber, and injector carbon deposits should be cleaned when needed to maintain performance.
• Replace air filters regularlyA clean air filter supports normal airflow and combustion efficiency.
• Maintain the ignition systemIgnition system condition affects combustion stability and engine response.
• Check the fuel systemRegular fuel system inspection helps maintain fuel delivery and engine reliability.

New car engine technologies and trends

3. Traditional Engines Continue to Evolve Alongside Hybrid and Electric Powertrains#

As the heart of the automobile, the engine depends on the coordinated work of all systems. Traditional engines continue to evolve as technology advances and environmental requirements increase.

Turbocharging vs. mechanical supercharging

Turbocharging and mechanical supercharging are two common forms of forced induction. Compared with mechanical supercharging, turbocharging does not directly consume engine crankshaft power in the same way, so it is widely used in many high-performance vehicles. Both technologies have advantages and disadvantages.

• TurbochargingA turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor. Exhaust gas drives the turbine, which then drives the compressor to compress air and send more air into the engine. This allows the engine to burn more fuel and increase power. Turbochargers are relatively simple and lower in cost, but pressure buildup can take time, so turbo lag may appear at low speeds.
• Mechanical superchargingMechanical supercharging uses engine power to drive a compressor, compressing air and sending it into the engine. Mechanical superchargers are more complex and costly, but they respond quickly and can provide better immediate power response.

Hybridization and electrification trends

China is a good example: in 2023, sales of plug-in and range-extended hybrid passenger cars reached 2.754 million units, up 85.5% year-on-year. It also cites a forecast that by 2025, the share of China's plug-in and range-extended hybrid passenger car sales would rise to 40%.

Hybrid drive systems may use parallel, series, or combined layouts. Their construction and working principles differ, and these differences can be explored in a dedicated hybrid powertrain article.

The future of conventional engines in the face of electrification

Automotive electric drive systems are reshaping transportation by using electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries. They reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help reduce tailpipe emissions. As the automotive industry continues to embrace electrification, electric powertrains, hybrid systems, and improved internal combustion engines will continue to influence vehicle design and maintenance.

4. Understanding Engine Systems Helps Car Owners Maintain the Vehicle More Scientifically#

As the heart of an automobile, the engine's precise structure and efficient operating principles reflect modern engineering. From core systems to new technology trends and daily maintenance, every part affects engine performance and service life.

Scientific maintenance and suitable technology can extend engine life, improve the driving experience, and support more efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle operation. The secrets of the automotive engine go far beyond one article, and its evolution will continue as powertrain technology changes.