Parbas Auto Repair – Understanding Your Engine
Many car owners don’t fully understand how their vehicles work, and that’s completely normal. At Parbas Auto Repair, we’re here to help you get a better grasp of your engine and how it keeps your vehicle moving.
The Basics of Your Engine
Your car’s engine is an internal-combustion engine, a type of heat engine. It generates energy by burning fuel, converting that energy into mechanical work, or “torque,” which turns your wheels and moves your vehicle.
Inside the engine:
Cylinders house pistons that move up and down
Pistons connect to the crankshaft via rods
The motion of pistons and rods rotates the crankshaft, powering your car
Our auto repair services often focus on maintaining and repairing these key engine components.
How the Engine Works
Your engine runs by igniting a mixture of fuel and oxygen with spark plugs, causing thousands of tiny explosions per minute. Each explosion, called combustion, drives the pistons and ultimately moves your car.
Modern engines usually operate on a four-stroke cycle:
Intake Stroke
The piston moves down, drawing in the air-fuel mixture through the open intake valve.
Compression Stroke
With both intake and exhaust valves closed, the piston moves up, compressing the mixture for ignition.
Combustion (Power) Stroke
The spark plug ignites the mixture, forcing the piston down and turning the crankshaft.
Exhaust Stroke
The piston moves up again, pushing out exhaust gases through the open exhaust valve.
And that’s the core of how your internal-combustion engine works!
Keep Your Engine Healthy
Engine damage can be catastrophic for your vehicle. Regular maintenance is key:
Oil changes: Clean oil reduces friction and keeps all moving parts running smoothly.
Professional inspections: If your engine shows signs of trouble—strange noises, warning lights, or reduced performance—bring it in immediately.
At Parbas Auto Repair, we make sure your engine stays in top condition so your car runs safely and efficiently, mile after mile.