内燃机

内燃机通过将燃料的化学能转化为动能来运行，动能通过机械或电气传输传递到车轮，以推动车辆。发动机所需的燃料通常储存在车辆上的燃料箱中。这些车辆也需要油来润滑机械系统，它也储存在车上。两种资源的水平都可以通过通常位于车辆驾驶室中的仪表进行监控。上述两种资源都需要定期补充。

To run a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, the fuel is typically stored in fuel tanks carried onboard. Vehicles with engines also carry and use oil to lubricate the engine, and sometimes other mechanisms . The level of both resources can be monitored by gauges, usually found in the vehicle's cab , and they both need to be periodically refilled .

要启动发动机，通常有一个标有“启动器”的控件，用于启动启动器。这是一个小型电动机，可以驱动发动机，直到它开始燃烧燃料并自行运转。 “启动器”断路器必须打开，启动器才能工作。

Each engine start creates some wear on it , and so does mere running. This is normal, 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 several minutes.

Rotational speed of an internal combustion engine, measured in rotations per minute (RPM), is controlled by throttle . Throttle position sets the desired engine RPM, while a device called the governor automatically adjusts fuel injection in order to achieve that goal. With variations in engine load, the fuel consumption will vary, regardless of the current RPM.

发动机具有其设计运行的转速范围。最小 RPM 是发动机自行运行的怠速。任何更慢的速度都会导致燃烧率不足，并且发动机会关闭。最大 RPM 由 RPM 计上的红线决定，可以通过油门过大或变速箱操作错误来达到。开得再快都会损坏发动机，而且可能是灾难性的。

Internal combustion engines have a specific RPM at which they produce peak power output. Below and above that RPM, the power output diminishes. The peak power output is usually slightly below the maximum RPM. It is generally most efficient to run engines at high RPM when accelerating or engine braking , and at low RPM when coasting.

要停止发动机，通常有一个标有“燃油切断”的控件。这会切断发动机的燃料供应，使其停止运转。

由于带有内燃机的车辆在车上携带燃料，因此如果暴露在火中，它们可能会爆炸。它们还会向大气排放有害物质颗粒，仅通过跑步就对环境造成破坏。

Internal combustion engines in vehicles can drive drivetrains directly, such as with diesel-mechanical and diesel-hydraulic powertrains, or they can drive generators that produce electrical power, as is the case with diesel-electric powertrains.