What Does a Carburetor Do?

The history of automobiles and the science behind how they work is fascinating. Take carburetors, for example. These fuel supply systems have existed since the 1800s but are obsolete in newer vehicles. Unless you have a classic car over 30 years old, you likely don’t have a carburetor in your vehicle. But learning about cars, from their history to how they work, is invaluable.

We recognize this notion here at Huffines Subaru Corinth in Corinth, Texas. Our team loves cars and discovering details of their past. It helps us admire the forward-thinking innovation of automakers such as Subaru. To learn more, check out our overview of the carburetor, where we dive into all the details about the carburetor’s purpose.

What Is a Carburetor?

A carburetor is a mechanical device with a pipe that helps gasoline engines burn fuel properly by balancing the fuel-to-air ratio. It was a standard component of gasoline engines for over 100 years. The last vehicles produced with a carburetor were made in the early 1990s. Although it’s no longer relied upon for a car’s fuel system, figuring out how it works is still interesting.

What Does a Carburetor Do?

The word “carburetor” derives from the verb “carburet,” which involves chemistry. Carburet is the act of enriching a gas by combining carbon or hydrocarbons. A carburetor does this by saturating air with hydrocarbon-based fuel. Vehicles with carburetors benefit from its help in getting air and fuel into the engine through valves. The carburetor mixes the fuel and air to assist the car in successfully navigating different driving conditions. This device is also responsible for getting the engine started in cold temperatures or running hot at high speeds.

Where Is It?

If you have an old car, you can find its carburetor under the hood. Pop it open and locate the engine. The carburetor sits on top of the engine, under the air filter. It’s hooked to a throttle cable connecting to your gas pedal. When your engine is running, and you press down on the gas, the carburetor opens up and pulls in more air and fuel to deliver power and speed to the engine.

Do I Need a Carburetor?

Technically, you don’t need a carburetor if you have a newer vehicle made within the past 20 years. If your car was made in the mid-1990s, it likely doesn’t have a carburetor because the system’s production ceased in the early 1990s. If unsure, bring your vehicle to a certified auto service center with all your vehicle questions. Schedule a service at Huffines Subaru Corinth to address your car’s concerns, and our expert service technicians will help.

Who Invented the Carburetor?

Automobile design began with the introduction of the first vehicle in 1886. With the growing excitement surrounding the new invention, several engineers began developing a carburetor. Because of this, it isn’t easy to pinpoint the exact inventor of the carburetor.

Karl Benz, the German engineer who founded Mercedes-Benz, is often credited with developing the first automobile carburetor in the late 1800s. However, attempts at carbureting were noted before Benz by French engine pioneer Joseph Étienne Lenoir and American inventor Samuel Morey. Hungarian and British engineers were also credited with developing their versions of the carburetor and patenting them. Although there isn’t an official inventor of the carburetor, it became a universally used engine component through the 1980s. Production of the carburetor continued until the 1990s when it was replaced by introducing a new system.

What System Replaced the Carburetor?

Modern automotive design shifted to a different form of fuel and air management for engines: fuel injection. Fuel injection is controlled electronically instead of relying on mechanical elements such as a carburetor. There are three types of fuel injection, each delivering air and fuel to the engine differently. Let’s take a look at how they work.

Single-Point Injection

Single-point injection uses one nozzle that distributes fuel into the air intake manifold of the engine’s cylinders. The fuel and air mix from the cylinders and travel through the intake valves, offering a precise delivery. This fuel injection replaced carburetors in the 1980s but is now outdated for newer vehicles. The single nozzle is prone to breaking, potentially ruining the whole system. The single-point injection is also not eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are two other reliable forms of fuel injection.

Multipoint Injection

Instead of a single nozzle, multipoint injection uses separate nozzles to inject fuel into the engine through intake ports. This system is more reliable because the fuel is brought closer to the valves through nozzles that work together or simultaneously. It also helps the car use gas more wisely, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Direct Injection

The direct injection system is top-of-the-line. In this system, the fuel travels directly to the engine’s cylinders, delivering the most precision for measuring out fuel. The standard Subaru Boxer Engine, found in the heart of every Subaru, uses direct injection, giving you the best possible performance out of your engine.

What Are the Benefits of Fuel Injection?

Carburetors are a thing of the past. New vehicles use fuel injection because it’s better for your car and the environment. You’ll benefit from saving money on gas because fuel injection promotes better fuel efficiency and lowers fuel consumption. Plus, the accuracy of this electronic system helps meet strict emission standards, reducing your car’s environmental impact.

Another upside to fuel injection accuracy is better engine performance because it notes changes in temperatures and pressure. You’ll get more power from your engine even at lower speeds and increased stability to enjoy your driving experience.

Visit Huffines Subaru Corinth for Your Auto Servicing Needs

Whether you have a carburetor or a fuel injection system, you’ll want a reputable mechanic who offers quality service. Come to Huffines Subaru Corinth in Corinth, Texas, or call our service center at 940-548-0687. We provide routine maintenance, tire rotations and replacement, and brake inspections. Remember to ask about our service specials to save money on oil changes.