Mechanics Questions

What is the function of the crankshaft?

Converts piston movement into rotary motion

What is the function of the camshaft?

Opens and closes engine valves at the correct

time

What do pistons do?

Move up and down inside the cylinders

What do piston rings do?

Seal combustion gases, control oil, and transfer heat

What is the function of connecting rods?

Connect pistons to the crankshaft

What does the cylinder head contain?

Usually valves, ports, and combustion chambers

What is the function of engine valves?

Control air-fuel intake and exhaust flow

What does the timing belt or chain do?

Synchronizes crankshaft and camshaft rotation

What is the purpose of engine lubrication?

Reduces friction, wear, and heat

What does the oil pump do?

Circulates engine oil under pressure

What does the oil filter remove?

Contaminants from engine oil

What does the radiator do?

Removes heat from engine coolant

What does the thermostat do?

Regulates coolant flow to control engine temperature

What does the water pump do?

Circulates coolant through the engine and cooling system

What does the cooling-system pressure cap do?

Maintains system pressure, raising coolant's boiling point

What does the alternator do?

Generates electrical power and charges the battery while

running

What does the battery do?

Supplies starting power and electrical energy when

needed

What does the starter motor do?

Cranks the engine to start it

What does the spark plug do?

Ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture in a gasoline

engine

What does the ignition coil do?

Raises voltage to create a spark

How does a diesel engine ignite fuel?

Heat from compressed air ignites injected fuel

What do glow plugs do in a diesel?

Help heat the combustion chamber during cold

starting

What does the fuel pump do?

Moves fuel from the tank toward the engine

What does the fuel filter do?

Removes contaminants from fuel

What does the air filter do?

Removes dust and debris from incoming air

26. What does the throttle control?

Airflow or engine torque demand, depending on engine

design

What does the exhaust system do?

Routes exhaust gases away and reduces noise and

emissions

What does the catalytic converter do?

Reduces harmful exhaust emissions

What is the transmission's function?

Provides gear ratios to match engine output to

driving conditions

What does the clutch do in a manual vehicle?

Connects or disconnects engine power from

the transmission

What does the differential do?

Allows drive wheels to rotate at different speeds while

turning

What does the driveshaft do?

Transmits rotational power to the driven axle or differential

What is the function of the suspension?

Supports the vehicle and absorbs road impacts

What do shock absorbers do?

Dampen spring oscillations and control bouncing

What do springs do in a suspension?

Support vehicle weight and absorb road movement

What does the steering system do?

Changes the direction of the vehicle's wheels

What is the purpose of the braking system?

Slows or stops the vehicle

What does brake fluid do?

Transmits hydraulic pressure to operate the brakes

What does the master cylinder do?

Converts brake-pedal force into hydraulic pressure

What does the ABS prevent?

Wheel lockup during hard braking

What does tire tread help provide?

Traction and water evacuation on wet roads

What does the alternator belt drive?

The alternator and, depending on design, other

accessories

What can a slipping clutch cause?

Engine RPM rises without a matching increase in

vehicle speed

What can a thermostat stuck closed cause?

Engine overheating from restricted coolant

flow to the radiator

What is the purpose of preventive maintenance?

Find and correct problems before

they cause failures