Engine Performance
The engine is at the top of the food chain when it comes to performance and longevity. Keeping your squeaky clean machine in top form means nothing less than the right kind of maintenance. The best bet in the department of time is to entrust your car or truck to a capable and well-informed technician. The best suited technician will provide you with the tools, knowledge and requisites to get your ride back on the road in tip top condition. The following tips and tricks will ensure that you get there without having to start a fire. Having a well-informed and well-prepared vehicle attendant at the ready should make your commute to work or play an enjoyable affair.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of an engine is a measure of how much energy it can convert into mechanical work. It depends on combustion efficiency, thermal efficiency and fuel density.
The thermal efficiency of an engine is determined by the difference in temperature between the fuel’s combustion temperature and the temperature in its surroundings. Carnot’s theorem proves that the higher the temperature difference between the fuel and its surroundings, the lower the thermal efficiency.
When a hydrocarbon fuel combusts in an engine, it releases a great amount of energy. Most of it is emitted as heat without becoming mechanical energy; however, a fraction of it is converted into useful work in the process. The rest is lost as waste heat.
Engine Noise
The engine of your car is a complex machine that works with many components to produce power. It makes noises that can be annoying and even frightening to drivers.
Fortunately, the engine management reading is designed to make noise when it senses problems with its systems. It is also able to monitor the condition of several engine components and alert you to any issues.
Some of the most common engine noises are valve and hydraulic lifter ticks, piston ring noises, and cylinder wall knocking. Some of these sound more serious than others, but all should be taken seriously if you hear them.
Valve and hydraulic lifter ticks usually quiet down as you raise the engine RPMs. However, if this noise persists after your engine has been oiled or with the use of oil additives, a bad hydraulic lifter needs to be replaced.
Engine Vibration
If your vehicle has been making a lot of noise, you might want to investigate the source. Engine vibration can be a surprisingly significant problem, especially for a new car.
One of the best ways to detect vibration is by examining the motor mounts. They are the rubber braces that stabilize your engine while driving, and if they are malfunctioning you might be in for a shakey ride.
As with all things mechanical, there are numerous types of engine vibration, but the most notable is torsional. Torsional vibration is a complex process that involves three elements: the axis of rotation, torque, and deflection. It is also the most elusive to measure because it requires a combination of accelerometers and magnetic resonance testing to get the most accurate results.
