The crankshaft converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotational motion that's used to power the vehicle and its components.

The water pump is driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft and ensures that coolant moves through the engine and radiator.

The primary difference between internal and external combustion engines lies in where the power is developed. In an internal combustion engine fuel is ignited and burned inside the same container where the power is developed while in an external combustion engine the fuel is ignited outside the engine and the resulting power sent to it.

Both drum brake and disc brake assemblies use friction to stop a car's wheels from turning but each do it in a slightly different way. A drum brake assembly uses a large iron drum attached to the wheel and brake shoes that press against the drum to slow the rotation of the drum and, consequently, the wheel. A disc brake assembly employs friction in the same way as a drum brake but instead uses a rotor, also attached to the wheel, and two brake pads that squeeze against the surface of the rotor.

The transfer case splits engine power between the front and rear axles of four-wheel drive vehicles.