Three-Cylinder Engine
A three-cylinder engine is a small, light engine with three cylinders, often turbocharged, used in many compact cars.
What is Three-Cylinder Engine?
Fewer cylinders mean less internal friction and weight. It has a natural rocking motion that is often damped by a balance shaft or mounts. Many engines of about 1.0 litre use this layout. Three-cylinder engines are also used as compact range extenders and in some hybrids.
How it works
With 240-degree firing intervals, the engine fires evenly but creates an end-to-end rocking couple.
Why it matters for your car
Some vibration at idle is normal; strong shaking may point to mount or misfire problems. Follow oil change intervals closely on small turbo engines.
Other terms
- AdBlue Warning Light
- EGR Cooler
- Emissions Test
- Forged Wheels
- Front Wing (Fender)
- Limp Mode (Emergency Mode)
- Low SAPS Oil (Low-Ash Oil)
- Monocoque (Unibody)
- Oil Viscosity (Grade)
- Power Tailgate (Electric Boot Lid)
- R1234yf Refrigerant
- Rear Main Seal
- Seatbelt (Safety Belt)
- Spark Plug Heat Range
- Trolley Jack (Floor Jack)
- Vehicle Category (M1, N1)
- Wheel Trims (Hubcaps)
- Wheelbase
- Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Air-fuel Ratio Sensor)
- Xenon Headlight (HID)