Different Types Of Car Engines
Checking all of your vehicle’s information referenced in the VIN will tell you exactly which engine your vehicle utilizes. You can find the VIN either under the hood of the vehicle or in the owner’s manual. Let’s go over the common vehicle engine types used on the road today.
Car Engine Types
Car engines are divided by the arrangement of cylinders within the engines. Here are some important details regarding the differing engine types:
- Inline engines are the most common engine type out on the road currently. The cylinders are arranged in a row in the engine bay, which is quite similar to the design of straight engines.
- Flat engines feature cylinders placed horizontally in two lines which face outward. This engine has a low center of gravity, enabling more comfortable handling in sports cars.
- Straight engines’ cylinders will all be aligned in one row, parallel to the vehicle.
- V engines’ cylinders will be angled from one another, forming a V shape when viewed from the front. Most sports cars and premium vehicles prefer this arrangement.
What Engine Does My Car Have?
Checking the VIN is the best way to accurately determine what engine type your vehicle has. The VIN can be found under the hood or in the owner’s manual, as previously mentioned. In general, this can also be found on the front of the driver’s side dashboard.
There will be 17 characters featured in the VIN. The 8th character contains the vehicle’s engine information. By knowing the model, trim level of the vehicle, and year of production, you will be able to determine your engine type in a simple online search.
What Can The VIN Tell You?
The 17 characters in the VIN contain all sorts of information about your vehicle. Here is some information included in the VIN:
- Car type
- Brand
- Style type
- Model year
- Engine type
- And more
There are many online resources available to decode the VIN. By simply entering the VIN’s 17 characters, you can receive a report on all the aforementioned information.
Inman & Sons Auto & Truck Center In Phoenix, AZ
At Inman and Sons Auto and Truck Center we provide a full range of service to help you with your vehicles, whether you have one vehicle or an entire fleet. We have been in business since 1994, offering our customers honest and reliable service. For all your auto care needs, contact our experienced team today!