Just to be clear that animagraff is showing specifically how a 4cycle gasoline-powered reciprocating engine works. Diesel engines account for roughly 50% of automotive vehicles in the world.

Isn't diesel also 4 stroke? I know it has no spark plugs for ignition and there are differences but the main principals would be the same.

Usually, but not always.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-stroke_diesel_engine

I'd bet most people in the US over ~20 or so have heard the sound of, or ridden in, a vehicle with a 2-stroke diesel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfI6ipuPQQE

That one, the 6V92TA, does the 'TA' imply it's Turbo Aspirated?

Those things sound amazing. And oh so dirty!

I once saw a very neat Youtube video where somebody build a combustion engine piece by piece in 2d physics simulation software. That also included the explosions and the pressure building up.

This was probably posted on HN at some point, but I haven't managed to find the video again.

I finally understand how a car works. Thank you for this.