Basic Components of An Engine
in Hilo, HI

Your car engine can look like a bunch of metal, tubes, and wires put together to the average person. However, in order for your vehicle to operate at an optimal level, it needs the right automotive parts. Get the correct parts for your engine from Hilo’s largest auto parts store. Whether you need something for a repair or an upgrade, we have the auto parts for your specific vehicle. Here’s a link to a video that explains the basic components of an engine:

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs emit a spark of electricity so that combustion can occur to start your vehicle. Without a spark, your car will not start. Since the health of your spark plugs directly impacts engine performance, bad spark plugs lead to problems such as misfires during acceleration. In addition, your vehicle can’t sustain maximum power and will experience a drop in fuel economy. Fortunately, you don’t have to replace your spark plugs often, and most auto manufacturers suggest installing new ones every 30,000 miles.

Engine Valves

Engine valves serve as the gatekeepers for fuel and air to enter and exit the combustion chambers in your car’s engine. Precision is the key to engine valves for optimal performance. If your valves are even slightly misaligned or open and close at the wrong time, problems will occur. Unfortunately, there’s no telling how long engine valves last. It depends on how well they’re made, how hard they work while driving, and your overall car maintenance.

Fuel Injectors

The fuel injector is the last stop for fuel in your engine. Simply put, it is an electric gate that opens just long enough to meter the perfect amount of fuel to run the engine. On one end of the gate is the cylinder where the gas is ignited, and on the other end is more gas under high pressure. When your car’s brain sends an electrical impulse to the injector, it opens the gate for a short burst of fuel.

The fuel injectors on your car will last between 50,000-100,000 miles. However, many factors contribute to the longevity of your injectors, such as the type of gas you use. Using lower-grade gas will usually lead to the fuel injectors becoming gummed up. Bad injectors can cause major damage to your engine, and you will have to replace them immediately to restore functionality.

Pistons

A piston is a cylindrical piece of metal that moves up and down inside the cylinder. Pistons come in many different materials and sizes based on the vehicle’s motor being installed in. Using the proper pistons is very important to get the proper fit in your engine block as well as maintain the proper compression ratio. If you are unsure which pistons you should use for your engine, please consult an expert at our auto parts store.

Hilo’s Engine Parts Supplier

In addition to the engine parts mentioned above, Automotive Supply Center carries cylinder head cover parts, distributors, crankshafts, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, and more. Regular engine maintenance and repairs are top priorities to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently. When you need to replace an engine part, don’t delay. Stop by Automotive Supply Center to get the part you need in order to get your car back on the road.