Car Parts - Engine Bay

It is very important to know the basics of your car.  Knowledge like this can help you avoid a hefty bill from a dishonest mechanic, or just help you troubleshoot what may be causing a problem.  There are many things you should know, but for today, let’s cover the basics of what is in your engine bay (under your hood).

This is going to be simple, and just give you the basic such as how you identify the part, and what it does.  I will be showing examples with two vehicles: a 2005 V6 Mustang, and a 2002 Chevy Blazer.  This will give you an idea of how these parts can look different depending on what vehicle you are in.  Don't forget to see the video located at the bottom of this post.

So let’s start…

Alternator

This is the alternator.  You can identify it by its cylindrical shape, and the coiled wire inside.  This is basically your car’s generator.  When the power from the battery is used to start the car, your alternator recharges your battery and keeps power flowing throughout the electronics in your vehicle.

Battery

This is the battery for your car.  It’s easy to identify, but may be hidden under other parts.  This is what’s responsible for allowing your car to start each and every time you turn the ignition.  They are easy to change yourself.

Radiator Cover/Radiator

This is your radiator cover.  Directly underneath is the radiator.  This helps regulate your car’s temperature and keeps your engine cool.

Coolant Reservoir

This is what holds your car’s coolant which is a liquid designed to help regulate the temperature of your engine.  NEVER unscrew the cap after you car has been running as you may be severely injured by the vapor that will escape.  Always make sure your coolant is between the lines generally on the side of the reservoir.

Brake Fluid Reservoir

This is where the fluid for your brake system is kept.  Make sure it is always filled between the lines usually found on the side of the reservoir.  Always make sure the cap is on nice and tight as air in the system could cause damage over time.

Power Steering Fluid Reservoir

This is where the fluid for your power steering is.  Make sure it is always filled between the lines usually found on the side of the reservoir.

Fuse Box

This is your fuse box, and where most of the fuses are for your car.  You may have another location inside the vehicle.  They protect your vehicle from damage by destroying themselves, a much cheaper part, before destroying more expensive parts.  Consult your manual to find out what these fuses are.

Air Box and Air System

This is your air filter, or air box.  When air is sucked into your engine to mix with the fuel, this is where it comes in.  Inside the box, or exposed here, is the filter.  It stops dirt and debris from being sucking into your engine.  The air flows through the intake, and into your throttle body.  This is a valve that opens and closes controlling the amount of air that enters the engine.  Some throttle bodies, like the one on the Blazer are “drive-by-wire” and are controlled by a wire that acts like a spring.  Others, like the Mustang, are electronically controlled.  The air then enters the intake manifold which distributes the air to the engine.  We won’t get any further than that for now.

Windshield Washer Reservoir

This one is pretty simple, your windshield washer fluid reservoir.  It’s where you fill up your windshield washer fluid.  It’s cheap and easy to do, and it’s clearly labeled.

Serpentine Belt

This is your serpentine belt.  This is what transports power to engine parts including your air conditioning, alternator, and more.  It is important to check this belt from time to time for cracks and frays.

Spark Plug Wires

These are your spark plug wires.  In modern vehicles, they run from your coil pack to your spark plugs located screwed into your engine.  They are all responsible for creating the spark that ignites the fuel in your engine.

Oil

This is where you add oil to your engine.  Oil helps the internal parts of your engine move freely.