What is the purpose of a car carburetor?
2 Answers
It mixes a certain amount of gasoline with air to ensure the engine operates properly. More related information is as follows: 1. If there isn't enough fuel mixed with air, the engine will run in a "lean" condition, which can cause the engine to stall and may also damage it. 2. If there is an excessive amount of fuel mixed with air, the engine will run in a "rich" condition, which can also cause the engine to stall (carburetor flooding), produce a lot of smoke during operation, or run poorly (prone to issues and stalling), at the very least wasting fuel.
The carburetor in older cars primarily mixes air and gasoline to form an atomized gas mixture for smooth engine combustion. For example, during repairs, I often observe how its venturi tube design creates suction to draw in gasoline, mixing it with air before delivering it to the cylinders. It plays a particularly critical role during cold starts, requiring a richer air-fuel mixture to prevent ignition failure. I’ve also encountered many car owners complaining about winter starting difficulties due to carburetor icing or clogging from impurities, leading to fuel leaks or engine stuttering—requiring regular cleaning and mixture adjustment for proper operation. Although most modern vehicles now use electronically controlled fuel injection systems for greater precision, understanding carburetors remains an essential skill, especially when maintaining classic cars. Proper carburetor upkeep can extend engine life and prevent unexpected breakdowns on the road.
