Have you ever peeked under the hood of your car and wondered how it all came together? What do those hoses do? Just how powerful is the engine? 

Of course, all that wondering probably starts with the desire to keep your car in as good condition as possible. It’s how you’ll spend years with your car, relying on it as it gets you through your days. 

Let’s take a peek under the hood, and discover what you truly need to know. 

What You Need To Know About The Engine Block

The engine block is essentially the foundation of an internal combustion engine. It’s the large metal structure that contains the cylinders, where the pistons move up and down during the combustion process. Think of it as the “body” of the engine, housing various critical components and providing structural support for the entire assembly.

The engine block contains the cylinders where combustion occurs. These cylinders are where the fuel-air mixture is ignited by the spark plugs, producing the power needed to move the vehicle. It helps dissipate the immense heat generated during combustion. It’s designed to efficiently transfer this heat away from the cylinders to prevent overheating, ensuring optimal operating conditions for the engine.

Since the engine block bears the brunt of the internal forces and pressures generated by combustion, it needs to be strong and durable. Typically made from materials like cast iron or aluminum, engine blocks are engineered to withstand these extreme conditions over the lifespan of the vehicle. 

Within the engine block, there are passages for circulating oil and coolant. These fluids are essential for lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, and maintaining optimal operating temperatures. 

Even just within these few paragraphs, it’s easy to understand why the engine is vitally important to your vehicle. While the engine block itself doesn’t require regular maintenance, it’s essential to maintain the coolant and oil levels at the recommended levels. Neglecting these fluids can lead to overheating and engine damage.

You should also be aware of signs indicating potential issues with the engine block, such as coolant leaks, oil leaks, or overheating. Any unusual noises or vibrations coming from the engine compartment should be promptly inspected by a qualified mechanic.

What You Need To Know About The Intake and Exhaust Manifolds

What makes it important?

The intake and exhaust manifolds play crucial roles in the engine’s operation, ensuring efficient air intake and exhaust gas expulsion.

The intake manifold is a system of passages and chambers that distribute air to the engine’s cylinders. It connects the air filter and throttle body to the intake ports of the cylinder head. It regulates the flow of air into the engine, optimizing air/fuel mixture for combustion. It also helps to distribute air evenly among the cylinders, ensuring balanced performance and fuel efficiency.

While the intake manifold typically doesn’t require frequent maintenance, you should be aware of the importance of clean air filters. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, reducing performance and fuel efficiency. Regular inspection and replacement of air filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations are essential for optimal engine performance.

The exhaust manifold is a system of pipes that collects exhaust gasses from the engine’s cylinders and routes them to the exhaust system for expulsion. It plays a critical role in removing combustion by-products from the engine and expelling them safely away from the vehicle. It also helps to maintain back pressure in the exhaust system, which can affect engine performance and emissions.

Exhaust leaks can pose safety hazards due to the release of harmful gasses and can also lead to failed emissions tests. If you notice any of the signs of a failing exhaust manifold, such as exhaust leaks, increased exhaust noise, or reduced engine performance, prompt inspection and repair are necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation of the vehicle.

What You Need To Know About The Crankshaft

Crankshaft – it’s a funny word that’s actually fundamental to the inner workings of an internal combustion engine. 

The crankshaft is a long, cylindrical shaft with offset “crank throws” or journals. It is located within the engine block and is connected to the pistons via connecting rods. As the pistons move up and down within the cylinders during the combustion process, they transmit their linear motion to the crankshaft through the connecting rods. The offset journals on the crankshaft convert this linear motion into rotational motion, which is then transmitted to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels of the vehicle.

The crankshaft is crucial for converting the reciprocating motion of the pistons into usable rotational motion, which powers the vehicle. It serves as the primary component of the engine’s rotating assembly and is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the pistons to ensure smooth engine operation. The crankshaft must be precisely balanced to minimize vibration and reduce stress on other engine components.

While the crankshaft itself typically doesn’t require regular maintenance, you should be aware of the importance of maintaining proper engine oil levels and using high-quality lubricants. Adequate lubrication reduces friction and prevents premature wear on the crankshaft bearings. Watch for any signs of potential issues, such as knocking or rattling noises coming from the engine, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. These symptoms could indicate worn bearings or other crankshaft-related problems that require inspection and repair by a qualified mechanic.

You can do your part to keep it healthy. Aggressive driving, frequent stop-and-go traffic, or towing heavy loads can put additional stress on the crankshaft and other engine components. Avoiding excessive revving and maintaining steady speeds can help prolong the life of the crankshaft and ensure reliable engine performance. 

What You Need To Know About The Ignition System

The ignition system is one of the more common systems that drivers pay attention to. Maybe it’s because the ignition system plays a critical role in starting the engine and maintaining smooth and efficient operation. Without ignition, you won’t go anywhere. 

The ignition system’s primary function is to generate and deliver a high-voltage electrical spark to the combustion chambers at precisely the right moment to ignite the air-fuel mixture. In modern vehicles, the ignition system is typically controlled by the engine control unit (ECU), which uses input from various sensors to determine the optimal ignition timing for efficient combustion.

The ignition system ensures that the air-fuel mixture is ignited at the correct time and in the right cylinder sequence to maximize power output, fuel efficiency, and emissions performance. A properly functioning ignition system is essential for reliable engine performance, especially during cold starts and under various driving conditions.

To take care of it requires a few tasks. 

Check spark plugs to ensure they aren’t damaged or worn, as this will lead to misfires, rough idling, and reduced engine performance. While modern vehicles have electronic ignition systems that automatically adjust ignition timing, older vehicles with distributor-based systems may require occasional timing adjustments. If you notice difficulty starting the engine, engine misfires, rough idling, or decreased fuel efficiency, it might be a sign of an ignition problem. 

It’s Time To Care About What’s Under The Hood

You love your car. You hope to keep it for many years to come. 

How do you ensure that happens? Spend some time under the hood. 

We suggest creating a vehicle maintenance schedule. Regular tasks like oil changes, filter replacements, and component inspections can prevent problems and extend your vehicle’s lifespan. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance intervals. Or rely on us for periodic inspections and regular maintenance. 

Having a trusted friend in auto repair ensures you keep an eye on all of the thousands of parts that create your vehicle. It’s a great way to keep your car on the road for many years to come.