The engine in your car is a complex and essential component. Its purpose is to convert heat from burning gas into the force that drives your wheels on the road. In technical terms, it is called an internal combustion engine. Oftentimes, it is referred to as a four-stroke engine.
A four-stroke engine consists of four distinct strokes. During the intake stroke, the engine takes in a mix of fuel and air that is ultimately converted to energy. The compression stroke compresses the fuel and air mix so that it becomes more combustible. The combustion stroke (or power stroke) is when the compressed mixture is ignited and combustion takes place. Finally, the exhaust stroke vents the remaining burnt gases out of the engine via the exhaust system.
The four-stroke engine is the most common type of gasoline engine found in cars. It is renowned for its efficiency and has become the de facto choice for car manufacturers. Its popularity is due to its efficiency, low emissions, and reliability.
However, other engine types exist as well. For example, a two-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes the four-stroke cycle in two movements of the piston (the intake and the exhaust strokes). Two-stroke engines are much simpler than four-stroke engines, but they typically only generate a modest amount of power.
In summary, the engine in your car is sometimes referred to as a four-stroke engine. It works by taking in a fuel and air mix, compressing it into a combustible form, and then igniting it to generate power. Additionally, there is another type of engine known as a two-stroke engine that is simpler but less powerful.