How does a car engine work?

Gasoline (Petrol/Diesel) engines are the most common type of internal combustion engine used in cars. They are composed of several key components that work together to convert gasoline into mechanical energy that can power the car. Here are some of the major components of a gasoline engine:

1. Engine block: The engine block is the main structural component of the engine that houses the cylinders, pistons, and crankshaft. It is typically made of cast iron or aluminum.

2. Cylinders: The cylinders are the chambers where fuel is burned to produce power. Most engines have four, six, or eight cylinders arranged in a line (inline), V-shape, or flat configuration.

3. Pistons: Pistons are cylindrical components that fit inside the cylinders and move up and down as fuel is burned. They are connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod and transfer the energy from the fuel combustion to the crankshaft.

4. Crankshaft: The crankshaft is a rotating shaft that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion that can power the car. It is connected to the transmission and ultimately the wheels.

5. Camshaft: The camshaft is a rotating shaft that operates the engine's valves, which regulate the flow of air and fuel into and out of the engine. It is typically driven by the crankshaft through a timing belt or chain.

6. Valves: The engine has intake and exhaust valves that open and close to allow air and fuel into the engine and to let exhaust gases out. The camshaft operates these valves through a system of rocker arms, lifters, and pushrods.

7. Spark plugs: Spark plugs are components that ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders to start the combustion process. They are typically located on the top of the cylinder head and receive an electrical current from the ignition system.

8. Fuel system: The fuel system includes components such as the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel injectors, and carburetor (in older engines) that work together to deliver fuel to the engine in the right amount and at the right time.

9. Ignition system: The ignition system includes components such as the battery, ignition coil, distributor (in older engines), and spark plugs that work together to provide an electrical spark to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.

These are just some of the major components of a gasoline engine. Other components include the cooling system, lubrication system, and emission control system, which all work together to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently. 

Hybrid Engines in modern cars - Should you buy one?

Hybrid engines are a type of powertrain that combines two or more sources of power to drive a vehicle. The most common type of hybrid engine used in cars is the petrol/diesel-electric hybrid engine, which combines a gasoline engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle.

The hybrid engine typically uses a complex system of batteries, electric motors, and power electronics to optimize the use of both the gasoline engine and the electric motor. During low-speed driving or idling, the electric motor can power the vehicle, while the gasoline engine can take over at higher speeds or when more power is needed. Additionally, the electric motor can assist the gasoline engine during acceleration, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

Some hybrid engines also use regenerative braking, which converts the energy from braking into electricity and stores it in the battery. This can help to improve fuel efficiency and reduce wear on the brakes.

Hybrid engines are often designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional petrol or diesel engines, with lower emissions and better fuel economy. As such, they have become increasingly popular in the automotive industry as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve sustainability.

Diesel hybrid cars are generally considered to be better than petrol hybrid cars in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Better fuel efficiency: Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient than petrol engines, which means that diesel hybrid cars can achieve higher fuel economy than petrol hybrid cars. This translates to lower running costs and reduced fuel consumption.

2. Higher torque: Diesel engines typically produce more torque than petrol engines, which can result in better acceleration and performance for diesel hybrid cars.

3. Lower CO2 emissions: Diesel engines emit less carbon dioxide (CO2) per liter of fuel consumed than petrol engines, which means that diesel hybrid cars produce fewer emissions than petrol hybrid cars.

4. Longer driving range: Diesel engines typically have higher energy density than petrol engines, which means that diesel hybrid cars can achieve longer driving ranges than petrol hybrid cars.

However, diesel hybrid cars also have some drawbacks compared to petrol hybrid cars. Diesel engines tend to produce more particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, which can have harmful effects on air quality and public health. Additionally, diesel hybrid cars tend to be more expensive to purchase and maintain than petrol hybrid cars.

In summary, while diesel hybrid cars can offer better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions than petrol hybrid cars, they may not always be the best choice depending on factors such as air quality concerns and overall cost. 

There are several hybrid cars available in India, from a range of manufacturers. Here are some of the popular hybrid cars available in India:

1. Toyota Camry Hybrid
2. Toyota Vellfire Hybrid
3. Honda Accord Hybrid
4. Lexus ES 300h
5. Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid
6. BMW 7 Series 745Le xDrive Plug-in Hybrid
7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 560 e Plug-in Hybrid
8. Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid
9. Audi Q8 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid
10. MG Hector Plus Hybrid

These hybrid cars offer a combination of gasoline and electric power to achieve better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved performance. The availability of these hybrid cars may vary depending on the location and dealership. It's always recommended to check with the manufacturer or dealership for the latest information on availability, pricing, and features.

What is the future of Diesel cars in Delhi NCR region?

The future of diesel cars in the Delhi NCR region is a topic of much debate and discussion. On one hand, diesel cars are known to emit high levels of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can have a negative impact on air quality and public health. As a result, there has been growing concern about the environmental impact of diesel cars in the Delhi NCR region.

In response to this concern, the Indian government has implemented a number of measures to reduce the number of diesel cars on the road. For example, the Delhi government has introduced a ban on diesel vehicles that are more than 10 years old, and the National Green Tribunal has directed that all diesel vehicles in the Delhi NCR region be subject to a pollution tax.

However, despite these measures, diesel cars continue to be popular in the Delhi NCR region, due to their fuel efficiency and lower cost compared to petrol cars. Additionally, many people who own diesel cars may not be able to afford to switch to alternative forms of transport.

It is difficult to predict the exact future of diesel cars in the Delhi NCR region, as it will depend on a variety of factors such as government policies, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. However, it is clear that there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of diesel cars, and it is likely that we will see a continued shift towards alternative forms of transport in the coming years.

It is however, worth noting that diesel car sales have been declining in India for several years due to various factors such as higher taxes, stricter emission norms, and the rise of electric vehicles.

In the Delhi NCR region specifically, the sale of diesel cars has been affected by the Supreme Court's decision in 2015 to ban the registration of diesel cars with engine capacity over 2,000 cc in an effort to curb air pollution. This ban was later lifted in 2016, but it has contributed to a decline in diesel car sales in the region.

Moreover, the introduction of the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms in April 2020 has further impacted diesel car sales in India. The new norms require diesel vehicles to have advanced emission control technologies, making them more expensive to produce and purchase. As a result, many car manufacturers have shifted their focus to producing petrol and hybrid vehicles instead.