How Do the Engine and Transmission Work?

[Dawn]

Here is an introduction to the working principles of the engine and transmission: 1. Transmission working principle: By shifting the gear lever, the active gears on the intermediate shaft are switched, and the combination of gears of different sizes is connected to the power output shaft, thereby changing the torque and speed of the driving wheels. 2. Engine working principle: The working principles of two-stroke and four-stroke engines differ, but most car engines are four-stroke, whose working process involves converting internal energy into mechanical energy. Note: The working cycle of a four-stroke gasoline engine consists of four piston strokes, namely the intake stroke, compression stroke, power stroke, and exhaust stroke.

[LeAndres]

I think a car engine is like a precision miniature factory. It sucks in air and mixes it with gasoline through the intake valve, then compresses it into a small space in the cylinder. The spark plug ignites it, causing an explosion that pushes the piston up and down. It's like a robust respiratory system constantly working to deliver power to the transmission. The transmission, on the other hand, acts like an intelligent regulator. It uses different gear ratios to provide sufficient torque for climbing hills at low speeds and reduces engine RPM for fuel efficiency at high speeds. A manual transmission lets you shift gears yourself for driving pleasure, while an automatic transmission uses computer control for smooth, jerk-free operation. As an ordinary car owner, I've noticed that keeping the engine clean and changing transmission fluid on schedule can extend lifespan and reduce malfunctions. Especially during long highway drives, it's important to watch for overheating and ensure these components work in harmony for smoother, safer journeys.

[VanMichael]

For car enthusiasts, the principle of the engine is super fascinating. It follows a four-stroke cycle: first, the valves open to draw in the air-fuel mixture, the piston rises to compress it to a high-pressure state, the spark plug ignites the explosion to drive the piston downward, generating kinetic energy, and finally, the exhaust gas is expelled to repeat the cycle. This process continuously delivers power to the transmission. In a manual transmission, the clutch is used to switch gears and manually adjust the ratio, while an automatic transmission uses a torque converter and planetary gear sets to automatically match the engine speed with the vehicle speed. I particularly like how a CVT transmission seamlessly changes ratios, similar to a bicycle chain for smooth acceleration. Modern cars also integrate sensors to optimize combustion and reduce emissions, making fuel usage more efficient. During daily driving, it's important to avoid frequent hard braking and sudden acceleration to protect the system.