What does engine mean in a car?

[DeEdward]

Engine is a transliteration of the English word "engine," and there is essentially no difference between an engine and a motor. An engine or motor is a complete set of power output equipment, including transmission gears, the engine, and the drive shaft. An engine is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy. It first originated in the UK and can refer to both the power-generating device and the entire machine, including the power unit (such as gasoline engines and aircraft engines). Types of engines include internal combustion engines (e.g., gasoline engines), external combustion engines (e.g., Stirling engines, steam engines), and electric motors. External Combustion Engine: An external combustion engine is one where the fuel burns outside the engine. Invented in 1816 by R. Stirling of Scotland, it is also known as the Stirling engine. The engine converts the thermal energy generated by this combustion into kinetic energy. The steam engine improved by Watt is a typical example of an external combustion engine. When a large amount of coal burns to produce heat, water is heated into a large amount of steam, creating high pressure. This high pressure then drives mechanical work, completing the conversion of thermal energy into kinetic energy. Internal Combustion Engine: The biggest difference between this type of engine and an external combustion engine is that its fuel burns inside the engine. There are many types of internal combustion engines, with common examples being gasoline and diesel engines. Less common examples include rocket engines and jet engines used in aircraft. However, due to differences in power output methods, the former two and the latter two exhibit significant differences. Generally, the former are used on the ground, while the latter are used in the air. Of course, some car manufacturers have installed jet engines in cars to set new world speed records, but these are very special cases and not suitable for mass production. Gas Turbine: The working characteristic of this engine is that combustion produces high-pressure gas, which is used to rotate the turbine blades and output power. Gas turbines have a wide range of applications, but due to the difficulty in finely adjusting the output power, they are rarely used in cars and motorcycles. Only some racing cars have been equipped with gas turbines. Daily maintenance methods for engines include: Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, choose SD to SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional equipment in the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, choose CB to CD grade diesel engine oil based on mechanical load, with the standard not lower than the manufacturer's requirements. Regularly change the oil and oil filter. The quality of any lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, its performance deteriorates, causing various problems for the engine. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly based on usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged and oil cannot pass through, the filter may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass the filter and carry contaminants back to the lubrication areas, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal contamination. Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls. These mix with metal powder from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while large amounts precipitate, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the engine operates properly but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

[Martha]

When I first heard the term 'engine,' I thought it was some mysterious component in the car. Actually, it's the car's powerplant, commonly referred to as the motor. In a vehicle, the engine serves as the heart of the entire system, primarily converting fuels like gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy to propel the car forward. I've realized it's absolutely critical—if the engine fails, the car becomes as immobile as if paralyzed. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with turbocharged or hybrid engines, these new technologies making vehicles more fuel-efficient and faster. When driving, I always keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge because an overheating engine can be dangerous, requiring immediate roadside stops. Overall, understanding the engine has made me appreciate my car even more.