Familiarizing yourself with the components under the hood of your car is an important step in becoming a knowledgeable and responsible vehicle owner. Learn more in this post by Weaver Synthetics in Portland.

The engine compartment of your car, "under the hood," may seem like a complex maze of machinery, hoses, and wires. However, understanding the basic components under the hood is essential. It can help you identify potential issues, perform routine maintenance, and communicate effectively with mechanics. Here, we'll break down the key components under the hood of your car.

Call Weaver Synthetics in Portland at (503) 244-9394, or visit AMSOIL's online store to ensure all is working perfectly under the hood with the best products for your engine's maintenance.

What Components Under the Hood of Your Car

1. Engine

The engine converts fuel into mechanical energy. Engines come in various types (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, or electric). Still, there are common components:

• Cylinder Block: The core structure that houses the cylinders where combustion occurs.
• Pistons: Move up and down within the cylinders, and their motion is converted into rotational force.
• Crankshaft: Converts piston motion into rotational energy to drive the wheels.
• Camshaft: Regulates the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves.
• Valves: Control the flow of air and fuel into the combustion chambers and exhaust gases out.
• Timing Belt or Chain: Synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft.
• Intake and Exhaust Manifolds: Direct air into the engine and carry away exhaust gases.

2. Battery

It provides electrical power to start the engine and run various electrical components in your car (lights, radio, etc.).

3. Alternator

It generates electricity while the engine is running, recharging the battery and providing power to the car's electrical systems.

4. Radiator

It helps regulate engine temperature by dissipating heat generated during combustion. It contains the coolant.

5. Air Filter

It prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine's combustion chambers. It helps ensure clean air gets in the combustion process.

6. Fuel System

It delivers fuel to the combustion chambers. It includes:

• Fuel Tank: Stores gasoline or diesel fuel.
• Fuel Pump: Transfers fuel from the tank to the engine.
• Fuel Injector(s): Sprays fuel into the combustion chambers.
• Fuel Lines: Carry fuel from the tank to the engine.

7. Exhaust System

It carries away and filters exhaust gases produced during combustion. It includes the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and tailpipe.

8. Ignition System

It's responsible for creating the spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. It includes spark plugs and ignition coils or wires.

9. Belts

They help drive various engine components. Common types include:

• Serpentine Belt: Powers multiple parts, like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
• Timing Belt or Chain: Synchronizes the engine's camshaft and crankshaft.

10. Fluid Reservoirs

They store essential fluids for your vehicle's operation. These include:

• Brake Fluid Reservoir: Provides hydraulic pressure for the braking system.
• Power Steering Fluid Reservoir: Assists in steering.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir: Supplies washer fluid for cleaning the windshield.

11. Power Steering Pump

It assists in turning the steering wheel to maneuver your vehicle easily.

Use AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, the best synthetic oil in Portland, to keep your engine strong and healthy.

12. Brake Master Cylinder

It's a critical component of the braking system, creating hydraulic pressure to apply the brakes.

13. Transmission

If your car has an automatic transmission, you'll find it under the hood. It's responsible for shifting gears and transmitting power from the engine to the wheels.

14. HVAC Components

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) parts can be located under the hood, including the air conditioning compressor and heater core.

15. Washer Fluid Pump

It pressurizes and sprays washer fluid onto the windshield for cleaning.

16. Dipsticks

Various components have dipsticks for checking fluid levels. These include the oil dipstick, transmission fluid dipstick, and radiator cap.

17. Fuse Box

It contains fuses and relays that protect and control the electrical circuits. It's essential for diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues.

18. Brake Booster

It assists in applying the brakes by amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal.

19. Engine Control Unit (ECU)

It manages engine performance and emissions. It processes data from various sensors to optimize engine operation.

20. Sensors

Modern vehicles have sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, oxygen levels, and more. They provide data to the ECU to optimize engine performance and diagnose issues.

21. Fluid Caps and Reservoirs

There are various caps and reservoirs for essential fluids:

• Oil Fill Cap: Used to add engine oil.
• Coolant Reservoir: Contains extra coolant for topping up the radiator.
• Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap: Used to check and add power steering fluid.
• Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap: Access point for checking and adding brake fluid.

22. Wires and Cables

Numerous wires and cables connect various electrical components, transmitting power and signals throughout your vehicle.

23. Spark Plug Wires (if applicable)

In traditional ignition systems, they connect the distributor or coil to the spark plugs.

Call Weaver Synthetics in Portland at (503) 244-9394, or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order for maintenance products that can help everything work effectively under the hood.