1. Intake: The piston moves downwards, creating a vacuum in the cylinder. This draws in a mixture of air and fuel (or just air in a diesel engine) through the intake valve.
2. Compression: The piston moves upwards, compressing the air-fuel mixture. This increases the temperature and pressure of the mixture.
3. Power: The spark plug ignites the compressed air-fuel mixture, causing a rapid expansion of hot gases. These gases push the piston downwards, generating power.
4. Exhaust: The piston moves upwards, pushing the spent exhaust gases out of the cylinder through the exhaust valve.
These four strokes complete a single cycle in the engine. This cycle is repeated continuously, converting the chemical energy in the fuel into mechanical energy that turns the crankshaft and ultimately powers the vehicle.
