Car Engine Parts and Their Functions for Beginners

One of the important things that you must learn as a beginner in the automotive world is to understand the parts of a car engine and its functions.


Because, the car has a lot of car engine components that are in charge of moving the car so that it can run smoothly.


For information, the main components of a car consist of three main parts, such as the cylinder head, cylinder block, to the timing mechanism.


Of the three main parts of the machine, there are many other machine components that are interconnected and have an important role.


Without further ado, here are the components of a car engine and its functions that you need to know and understand.


Cylinder Head, the First Car Engine Parts


The cylinder head or commonly called the cylinder head is one of the main components which is located the same as the cylinder block at the top and has a combustion chamber.


These components are made from alloy materials such as iron and lightweight aluminum, so they are able to cool the engine and prevent overexpansion.


In this cylinder head, there are other components that are interconnected, namely:


  • Suction valve that functions to open the suction channel so that the process of taking air can be fulfilled as needed.
  • Exhaust valve, functions to release combustion gases through the car exhaust.
  • Spark plugs are used to generate sparks during the combustion process.
  • The camshaft functions to regulate the performance of the intake valve and exhaust valve, when to open and close.
  • Cylinder head cover, serves to cover the cylinder head so that the components in it are protected.
  • Rocker arm, serves to adjust the width of the valve gap.
  • The intake manifold functions as an air duct when it enters the cylinder chamber.
  • Exhaust manifold, serves to drain the residual gas that will be channeled through the car exhaust.

Cylinder Block, Main Car Engine Parts


Another major component that is no less important is the cylinder block. The existence of the cylinder block is very important, so it must be treated properly so that your car can function normally and optimally.


This section serves as a support for other components in the engine and also serves to up and down the piston.


Here are some of the components that are in the cylinder block.


  • Piston, serves to change the volume of the cylinder chamber.
  • Piston ring, serves to keep the piston and cylinder block walls tight, thus preventing leakage during compression.
  • Gasket, serves to keep the cylinder block connection and cylinder head tightly, so that the lubricant that is inside does not come out.
  • The crankshaft functions as a converter of energy in the piston into rotary motion.
  • Drive rod, serves to connect the piston and crankshaft.
  • Drain plug, serves to remove engine oil when it is about to be replaced.
  • Oil pan, serves as a reservoir for engine oil so that oil does not spill out.
  • Flywheel, serves as a connector of engine energy to the car clutch so that the rotation becomes more stable.
  • Engine pulley, serves to rotate other components.

Front Engine Compartment


In this section there are several important components as follows:


  • Timing chain assembly, serves as a link to the camshaft rotation and crank rotation, so that the valve mechanism can run optimally.
  • Timing chain cover, serves to cover the timing chain assembly, so it is not exposed to dirt or dust that can hinder the performance of the timing chain assembly.
  • Driver belt, serves to connect the engine pulley with other components. The engine part of this car is made of rubber, so it is quite strong.
  • Motor starter, serves to start the engine. This part of the engine is related to the car battery.
  • Oil cap, functions as a cover for engine oil and is also used when filling oil into the car engine.

Cooling System


In order for a car engine to last longer, it definitely requires a system that is able to cool the car engine after using it for a long time. Because, the engine is too hot can make the engine easily damaged.


In the cooling system there are several important components such as:


  • Radiator. serves to cool the car engine by absorbing heat through the radiator water. Later there are cooling fins that speed up the engine cooling process.
  • The radiator cap serves to increase the boiling point of the radiator water and also keeps the radiator water from boiling when the temperature is 100 degrees Celsius. In addition, the radiator cap also has a valve mechanism such as a vacuum valve and a relief valve.
  • Cooling fan, serves to help the performance of radiator water in cooling the engine.
  • Thermostat, serves to maintain the temperature of the radiator water used to cool the car engine. In addition, the thermostat also functions to help the engine to reach its working temperature immediately.
  • Reserve tank, serves to accommodate radiator water or as a radiator water reserve.
  • Water temperature sensor, serves to determine the temperature of the radiator water. So that when the temperature is detected in a hot state, the radiator fan will automatically rotate.
  • Water jacket, serves for cooling water lines.
  • Upper hose and lower hose, serves to channel the cooling water in the engine to the radiator and vice versa.
  • V-belt, serves as a driver of the cooling fan and other engine components. Examples such as AC alternators and water pumps.

Charging System


The main function of this system is to distribute electrical energy, so that it can start and move the car engine properly.


Here are some important components in the charging system:


  • Regulator, serves to regulate the output voltage of the alternator which aims to remain stable and at 13.8-14.8 volts.
  • Alternator, serves to create an electric current which will later serve to charge the car battery.
  • Battery or car battery. serves to store electrical energy that has been generated by the alternator

Lubrication System


The main function in the lubrication system is to keep the components working properly by providing lubricating oil so that the engine does not wear out quickly.


Here are some of the components in it:


  • Oil pump, functions as an engine oil pump so that it is able to lubricate all parts of the car engine and make maximum car engine performance.
  • Oil filter, serves as a filter for impurities in the engine oil.
  • Oil screen filter, serves to filter dirt on engine oil that is in the calter. So, when the oil is sucked and pumped, the engine oil is already clean.

Fuel System


In the car engine, the fuel system functions to distribute fuel so that the car engine can move optimally.


There are several types of fuel systems commonly used, such as fuel injection, carburetor, injection for diesel engines, and liquefied petroleum gas for NGV vehicles.


Here are some of the components in it:


  • Engine tank, serves as a place to accommodate the fuel that can move the car engine. Some fuels that can be accommodated such as diesel or gasoline.
  • The fuel line, serves to supply fuel to several components such as the carburetor. The shape of this channel is like a hose.
  • The fuel pump functions to pump fuel to all components, so the engine can start and move.
  • Carburetor, serves to mix fuel and air so that the car engine can move optimally.

Exhaust System


The function of this component is to remove the residual gas from the engine combustion and to muffle the sound when the gas is released.


Is It Important to Have Car Insurance?


After knowing the parts of the car engine, you will know what maintenance and repairs to do when the car engine is not functioning normally.


In order to stay financially safe from the cost of repairing a car that is not cheap, you should immediately buy car insurance. All risk car insurance will cover the cost of repairing your car from minor, major damage, or when the car is lost or stolen.


One of the advantages of buying car insurance at Auto Insurance Agencies is that there are many policy choices, affordable premiums, additional discounts of up to 30%, free consultation, and a fairly easy process.


Talking about car insurance premiums, you can estimate how much car insurance premiums you have to spend using the calculator below.


Which Parts of the Car Engine Should Not Be Exposed to Water?


In addition to knowing the parts of a car engine, you also have to know how to take care of a car engine. One of them is knowing which parts of the car engine should not be exposed to water. Here is the list:


  • Coil. because this section functions to generate electricity at the spark plug. So, if exposed to water, a dangerous short circuit can occur and the car cannot run.
  • Delco. serves to distribute the ignition on the spark plug. So, if this part is exposed to fire, it can cause the spark plug to not work and the car can't start.
  • Injector. serves to distribute fuel to other engine components. If exposed to water, then the car ECU can be problematic.
  • The ECU or the so-called engine control unit, if this part is exposed to water can cause the car to break down due to a short circuit.
  • Fuse box. serves as an electrical safety. If exposed to water then the car's electrical system can be problematic.
  • Throttle body when exposed to water can cause the engine to become unstable and damage the pistons. The only way is to replace the spare parts.