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Do You Know Which Type of Engine You Have in Your Car?

Nov. 08, 2021

You probably understand the importance of your car's engine. Without a working engine, you won't get very far. But most of us don't know much about how engines work.


Different types of engine

The engine is a lot like the brain of a car. It holds all the power necessary to help your car function. And without it, your car would be nothing. But there are multiple car engine types out there on the road.

 

a. Inline engine

With an Inline engine, all cylinders are arranged in a line facing upward. The 4-cylinder inline engine is the most popular type of engine used in cars today, so there's a good chance this may be what your car is running on. It's lightweight, compact, and has fewer moving parts than most other engines. On the downside, it rarely exceeds 2.5 to 3.0 liters.

 

b. Straight engine

Tack on two extra cylinders to the Inline 4, and you'll have the Straight Six. In this car engine type, the cylinders are arranged in a straight positioning that's parallel to the car. The straight engine is most commonly found in luxury cars.

EURO II Vehicle Engine 6DL1 series

 EURO II Vehicle Engine 6DL1 series

c. Vee Engine

When you look at this type of engine from the front, it looks a bit like the letter 'V'. All the cylinders face outwards and drive a common crankshaft at their base.

 

But don't bother looking for this type of engine in an economy car or SUV. You will only find Vee engines in high-performance sports cars. This is because the V-engine type allows more cylinders to be fitted in a more compact space than other engine types.

 

d. Boxer

The boxer engine is unique. It uses two cylinders that are laid flat on their sides in two banks. These cylinders point away from each other, allowing gravity to remain low, which enhances handling. You'll find the Boxer engine in luxury models such as Porsche.

 

e. Rotary (Wankel engine)

The Rotary engine uses rotors instead of pistons. Its design is quite compact with a curved, rectangular shape. There's a central rotor that turns only one way, and it produces intake, compression, power, and exhaust while running. Because of its design, this engine limits torque so that you won't find it often outside of the Mazda RX models.


Vehicle Engine

 Vehicle Engine

When to change the oil and air filter?

Oil is the lubricant that keeps the engine running smoothly. The oil itself collects debris from the engine and keeps engine parts lubricated. The oil filter helps to filter out the sticky stuff that builds up in the oil.

 

If you're confused about when to change your oil filter, you're not alone. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil filter at every oil change, while others recommend changing the oil filter at every oil change. For most modern engines, changing the oil filter with every oil change should be fine, but you can consult an automotive service center for personal advice. If you often find yourself in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to change them more frequently, and

 

And whenever you have your car serviced and repaired, the car mechanic may ask you if you want to change the air filter too. Engine air filters should be changed between 15,000 and 30,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. Air filters trap debris and help extend the life of your engine, so this is a significant change.


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