Internal Combustion Engine

Internal combustion engine operates by converting chemical energy of fuel into kinetic energy, transferred to the wheels either through mechanical or electrical transmission, to propel a vehicle. The fuel needed for the engine is typically stored in fuel tanks onboard the vehicle. Such vehicles also require oil to lubricate the mechanical systems, it too being stored onboard. The level of both resources can be monitored by gauges, usually found in the cab of the vehicle. Both of the aforementioned resources need to be periodically refilled.

To start an engine, there’s commonly a control labeled "Starter", which actuates the starter. This is a small electric motor that spools the engine until it starts combusting fuel and running on its own. The “Starter” breaker must be switched on so that the starter can work.

Engines have a range of rotational speeds that they are designed to operate in. The minimum RPM is the idle speed at which the engine runs on its own. Going any slower causes insufficient combustion rate and the engine shuts down. The maximum RPM is determined by the red line on the RPM gauge, and can be reached by giving too much throttle or faulty operation of the transmission. Going any faster results in damage to the engine, and may be catastrophic.

To stop an engine, usually there's a control labeled "Fuel Cutoff". This cuts off the fuel supply to the engine, causing it to stop running.

Since vehicles with internal combustion engines carry fuel onboard, they may explode if exposed to fire. They also emit harmful substances particles to the atmosphere, contributing to the environment damage by mere running.

Fuel consumption on a diesel engine varies depending on the load. For example, even if the driver were to keep the throttle control in the same position, going uphill would consume significantly more fuel than going downhill.

Every time a diesel engine is started, its health is slightly reduced. Just by running, the engine is receiving slight damage too. This is normal and expected, due to wear and tear of the moving parts. It is generally less economical to frequently turn the engine on and off, than to keep it idling for short periods of time.

See also: Breakers, Mechanical Powertrain Damage, Throttle, Environmental Impact Fee