The firing order of the cylinders in an engine is different than the cynlinder numbers and can be found by observing the order in which the intake valves open.

Sensors provide the data necessary for the vehicle's computer to make decisions and monitor everything from simple vehicle information like tire pressure to complexities like the chemical content of an engine's exhaust.

Brakes utlize friction to slow vehicle tires. Drum brakes employ a cast iron drum that roates with the vehicle axle. When hydraulic pressure is applied to the brake assemblies at the wheels, internal pistons expand and push brake shoes outward into contact with the brake drum slowing the rotation of the axle. More powerful disc brakes operate by pinching a rotating disc betweeen two brake pads and allow for a larger surface area to contact the disc, provide more force, and are more easily cooled.

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.

A reciprocating engine is an engine whose crankshaft is turned by pistons moving up and down in a cylinder.