How Does an Engine Work?

Putting aside electric vehicles (EV), the most common type on our Chantilly, VA roads is the internal combustion engine. Converting fuel into energy to power the vehicle. An internal combustion engine uses a combination of fuel and air to create explosions that power the vehicle, and we’ll cover how it works below.

Basic Principles of Internal Combustion Engines

1. Air intake: Air is drawn into the engine through an air intake system, usually located at the front of the car. The air is filtered to remove any dust or debris that could damage the engine.
2. Fuel injection: Fuel is injected into the engine in a precise amount and timing, typically through a fuel injection system. The fuel is mixed with the air to create a highly combustible mixture.
3. Compression: The mixture of air and fuel is compressed by the engine’s pistons, which are driven by a crankshaft. The compression increases the pressure and temperature of the mixture, making it highly combustible.
4. Ignition: A spark plug ignites the compressed mixture, causing a controlled explosion that pushes the piston down and turns the crankshaft. This explosion releases energy in the form of heat and pressure.
5. Exhaust: After the explosion, the exhaust gases are released through the exhaust system, which includes a catalytic converter to reduce harmful emissions.
6. Repeat: The process of intake, injection, compression, ignition, and exhaust repeats itself many times per second, depending on the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute).

What is Horse Power?

Horsepower (HP) is a unit of measurement used to describe the power output of an engine or motor. It is a unit of power that is used to measure the rate at which work is done, with one horsepower defined as the power needed to lift 550 pounds one foot in one second.

The amount of horsepower that an engine produces is determined by several factors, including the size of the engine, the number of cylinders it has, and the efficiency of its design. The more horsepower an engine produces, the more power it has to move a vehicle or machine, and the faster it can accelerate.

Engine Repair & Maintenance at Casey’s Automotive in Chantilly, Virginia

Now that you understand the basics of these marvels of human innovation ensure your engine is properly maintained by contacting Casey’s for service. Every vehicle that comes into Casey’s in Chantilly, VA, for service, is given a complimentary courtesy inspection. Our courtesy inspection covers over forty areas, includes photos and descriptions, and is sent directly to your phone! Armed with the knowledge of the health of your vehicle, you can better prepare for future engine issues.