Function of the Intake Valve and How It Works in Cars

Understanding the function of the intake valve and how it works in a car is essential. As is known, valves in cars are divided into two types: intake and exhaust. Of these two types of valves, many still do not understand the function and operation of each valve. To avoid confusion or misunderstanding, let’s take a look at the review below.

Function of the Intake Valve in Cars

The intake valve is a part of the car's valve system. This component is made of stainless steel to resist rust and heat. This component is located at the top or cylinder head piston. Its function is to regulate the entry of fuel and air mixture into the engine's combustion chamber. Thus, the fuel and air mixture is in accordance with the amount needed by the engine during the combustion process.

The intake valve has a larger diameter compared to the exhaust valve, allowing for optimal distribution of fuel to the engine's combustion chamber.

Function of the Exhaust Valve in Cars

The exhaust valve can be considered the opposite of the intake valve. This component functions to regulate the exit of exhaust gas emissions (the remnants of gas from the combustion process in the engine's combustion chamber). As explained earlier, the exhaust valve has a smaller diameter compared to the intake valve. Thus, the exhaust gases can be easily expelled by the piston from the engine's combustion chamber.

How the Intake Valve and Exhaust Valve Work in Cars

Both valves have a working mechanism in the car as follows. When the car's cylinder piston moves from the top dead center (TDC) towards the bottom dead center (BDC) to perform suction, the intake valve automatically opens. Then, the intake valve will draw in the air-fuel mixture to be channeled into the engine's combustion chamber.

The intake valve will automatically close when the car's cylinder piston is compressing the engine (the movement of the cylinder piston from the bottom dead center (BDC) to the top dead center (TDC)). Next, the cylinder piston will attempt to initiate combustion in the engine's combustion chamber. In this condition, the exhaust valve automatically opens and expels the remnants of combustion or exhaust gas.

Next, the cylinder piston will begin the process of sucking in the fuel and air that has become a mist to be channeled into the car's engine. Subsequently, this mist will be processed by the crankshaft (crankshaft) in the engine with a valve construction every two rotations.

Effects Experienced When Car Engine Valves Have Problems

Here are some effects you may experience when your car engine valves have issues.

1. Decrease in engine performance

The first effect you will feel if your car's intake and exhaust valves have problems is a decrease in engine performance. Why can this condition occur? Because if the car's engine valves have problems, it can cause engine oil to enter the engine's combustion chamber. This condition can lead to suboptimal combustion and can cause the radiator and engine to overheat.

2. Decrease in compression pressure

The second effect will cause a decrease in compression pressure. This condition occurs because the fuel and air mixture that should enter the engine's combustion chamber instead enters the exhaust gas emission channel during the engine's compression process. This condition can disrupt the engine's compression performance and result in a significant decrease.

If these issues occur in your car, take your vehicle to a professional workshop or the nearest Daihatsu dealer for proper handling.