Only a Pro Can Pass This Auto Quiz! Can You?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Only a Pro Can Pass This Auto Quiz! Can You?
Image: Monty Rakusen/Cultura/Getty Images

About This Quiz

The modern car is nothing short of a miracle! 

Just think about it, all of those thousands and thousands of parts, all working in complete harmony to ensure that when you get in and turn the key, the engine fires the first time, ready to take you from A to B, helping you arrive at your destination safely and as quickly as the law allows!

Sometimes we take for granted the brilliance of the internal combustion engine. All those years ago, those clever auto engineers of yore came up with this invention which certainly changed the world more than many others have. 

But the car is so much more than just an engine. Sure, that's important but what about other bits and bobs that all form part of modern vehicles.?

And then there are the tools needed to help fix vehicles when things do go wrong. And things will go wrong.

So this quiz has a double attack on your auto knowledge. Let's see how much you know about car parts and the engine, in particular. But we will also test your knowledge of the tools a mechanic needs to do the job properly. Some questions are easy. Others will have you scratching your head! Just take your time and see how you do.

Good luck. 

Spark Plugs
Wiki commons
This ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chambers. What is it?
Combustion pin
Glowplug
Sparkplug
Crankshaft
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sparkplug is provided with an electrical pulse that enables it to make a spark. This ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine which allows for combustion.

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Connecting Rod
By Nimbus227derivative work: Nimbus227 via Wikimedia Commons
It is essential that the piston is connected to the crankshaft at all times. This image shows the part that does this. Do you know what it is called?
Side hinge
Connecting rod
Crankshaft pin
Connecting flap
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The connecting rod is what keeps the piston connected to the crankshaft.

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rims
Shutterstock
This image shows what car part, found near the tires?
Wheel nut
Rims
Axle
Brake shoe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The rim of the each wheel holds a tire. Should you go through a pothole, you can severely damage them.

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Tire Pressure Gauge
n/a
Can you name this important tool for keeping your tires in top shape?
Tread checker
Tire spanner
Puncture kit
Tire pressure gauge
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Keeping your tires inflated correctly not only is the safe thing to do but your car will also be more fuel efficient.

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Crankshaft
n/a
This car part changes the piston stroke from linear to rotational. What is it called?
Crankshaft
Cambelt
Cylinder
Piston rings
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The crankshaft produces a rotational motion which, in turn, helps turn the driveshaft and then the wheels.

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Screwdriver
n/a
Name the essential auto tool in this image, please.
Hammer
Socket gun
Wrench
Screwdriver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No self-respecting auto mechanic should be without a screwdriver! They can be used for anything, but mostly fro turning screws!

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Impact Driver
n/a
Name the tool that appears in this image?
Socket
Torque wrench
Screwdriver set
Impact driver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A useful tool to help loosen very tight bolts. This should be kept in your garage.

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Torque Wrench
n/a
What important auto shop tool is shown in this image?
Torque wrench
Adjustable wrench
Feeler gauge
Spanner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An auto shop must-have, a torque wrench will help you tighten bolts to just the right level.

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Feeler gauge
Wiki Commons By Kogo
The tool shown in this image is a ________
Plug spanner
Feeler gauge
Voltmeter
Screwdriver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A feeler gauge is necessary for installing new spark plugs and setting the plug gap. If this is wrong, the engine won't run efficiently.

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Driveshaft
YouTube
What part of the car rotates the wheels so a car can move forward?
Axle
Driveshaft
Steering column
Rims
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A turning crankshaft will turn a driveshaft which then turns the axle and the wheels attached to them

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Consult your car's manual or call the dealer to ask (oil change)
Reza Estakhrian/DigitalVision/Getty Images
When changing the oil in your vehicle, which viscosity should you use?
You can use any oil
Consult your car's manual or call the dealer to ask
Standard 10W-30 oil is fine
It's written on the dipstick
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If unsure which oil to use when performing an oil change, always check your car manual or phone the dealer to ask.

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Exhaust System
Shutterstock
Name the system that removes the gases produced by combustion in the engine, please.
Fuel system
Climate control system
Exhaust system
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The exhaust system removes the gases produced during the engine combustion process out the tailpipe of the vehicle.

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Oil Filter Wrench
n/a
Name this garage tool, please.
Adjustable wrench
Socket set
Spanner
Oil filter wrench
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's not a garage necessity but it does make removing your oil filter much easier.

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Axle (drive shaft)
Jeff Quitney via youtube
Name the part of the car that is rotated by the driveshaft and, in turn, rotates a car's wheels.
Axle
Rims
Crankshaft
Cambelt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Your car's wheels are connected to the axle which is rotated by the driveshaft. The rotating axle then turns the wheels of the car.

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Telescopic magnetic pick-up
greensky438
Drop something in the engine bay. This will help you pick it up.
Telescopic magnetic pickup
Needle nose pliers
Hand grab
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Working within the confines of an engine can mean you drop little pieces (think screws and small nuts). A telescopic magnetic pick-up can get into hard-to-reach places and pick them up.

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Rear-wheel drive car
Roadshow via youtube
If a driveshaft turns the axle to rotate the wheels at the back of the car, this is known as ______.
Reverse-drive car
Rear-wheel drive car
Backseat-drive car
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When the back axle is turned by the driveshaft, the vehicle is a rear-wheel drive.

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Differential
DOCUMENTARY TUBE via youtube
Name this important part of your car, which allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
Differential
Axel
Transmission
Clutch plate
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An important part of the drive system on a car, the differential allows for wheels to rotate at different speeds on the axle, for instance, when turning around a corner.

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V8 (engine)
Adam.J.W.C. via Wiki Commons
Engines have many different designs. Name the one shown here?
V8
W16
Boxter
Rotary
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

V8 engines are powerful and a favorite of muscle car enthusiasts. Most of the famed muscle cars of the '60s and '70s used V8 engines. V8 engines have eight cylinders arranged in a V.

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Car fuse
M.Minderhoud via Wiki Commons
Always useful to have a few of these lying around your garage. What are they?
Glowplug
Spark plug
Car fuse
Fuel injector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fuses often blow and could mean that your brake lights or turn indicators do not work. Always keep a few handy and replace them yourself.

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Carburetor
Shutterstock
The engine part shown here supplies the engine with the fuel/air mixture which is then combusted. Name it, please.
Exhaust valve
Distributor
Crankshaft
Carburetor
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cars without fuel injection have a carburetor which ensures the right amount of fuel/air mix is combusted.

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Battery hydrometer
shutterstock
This meter will help tell if your battery has charge. What is it called?
Voltmeter
Electrical continuity tester
Hydrometer
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Need to test how much charge your battery is holding? A battery hydrometer will tell you. Although certainly not a necessity, it is a nice bit of kit for your motorcycle toolbox.

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Radiator
n/a
Name the part of the engine that is the reservoir for coolant liquid.
Sump
Gas tank
Radiator
Engine block
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The radiator, normally positioned in front of the engine, is the reservoir that holds coolant. This is circulated through the engine when needed to keep it operating at the proper temperature.

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Impact gun
shutterstock
Name this tool found in many garages, please.
Drill
Impact gun
Buffer
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The perfect way to loosen and tighten bolts - the impact gun!

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V8
Shutterstock
Cylinders within an engine can be arranged in a number of ways. The three most common are inline, flat and _____?
X
Y
V
Z
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Each arrangement for cylinders within an engine has its unique pros and cons.

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Piston
Shutterstock
The engine part, pictured here, moves up and down in the cylinder. Do you know what it is called?
Connecting rod
Crankshaft
Piston
Cylinder head
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The piston, moving within the cylinder is what creates compression of the air/fuel mixture which is then combusted and burns away to provide power.

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Crankshaft
Youtube via Peter Finn
This engine part is linked to the timing belt. Can you name it?
Exhaust manifold
Fan belt
Crankshaft
Piston
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The timing belt, linked to the crankshaft and camshaft, ensures that the engine fires at the right time. This keeps the valves and pistons in sync and means the engine operates at 100 percent efficiency.

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Drip Pan
n/a
When draining oil from your engine, it is useful to have this to collect it in.
Brown paper bag
Plastic bag
500 ml glass
Draining pan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although not a necessity (you could use a large plastic container), a draining pan is the best way to catch the oil running out of a sump.

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Gasket scraper
GarcomMedia
When replacing various seals in the engine, you may need the tool pictured in the image.
Gasket scraper
Sandpaper
Allen key set
Screwdriver
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A gasket scraper may be necessary when replacing various gaskets, especially if they have stuck to the metal where they form a seal.

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Utility Knife
n/a
Name this tool that all self respecting mechanics should have in their toolbox.
Utility knife
Gasket scraper
Pliers
Wire cutter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A utility knife is a useful tool to have in your toolbox. It can perform many tasks.

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Part of the suspension (double wishbone)
Delphi Technologies via youtube
If you are stripping your vehicle, where would you find the double wishbone?
Engine compartment
In the gas tank
Part of the suspension
Part of the transmission
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some suspension types include the double wishbone.

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Turbocharger
Youtube via Auto Tech Labs
Name this part found in many performance cars.
Hi tension leads
Turbocharger
Carburetor
Air filter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A turbocharger increases engine performance by pushing cooled air into the engine, which allows it to burn more fuel, thus producing more power.

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6 in 1 allen key
shutterstock
What useful tool is featured in this image?
6 in 1 Allen key
Multi-tool
Torque wrench
Utility knife
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vehicles have many different types of fasteners, some of them Allen key bits. A 6-in-1 Allen key is most likely to have all the sizes you might come across.

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Catalytic converter
Things on Video via youtube
Which part of the exhaust system burns leftover fuel and chemicals?
Catalytic converter
Tailpipe
Exhaust manifold
Muffler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A catalytic converter helps to ensure your car's emissions are within legal limits. It does this by burning excess fuel and other chemicals.

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Sump
Youtube via Summit Racing
When doing an oil change, you drain the oil from the ________?
Oil sump
Oil filter
Oil dipstick
None of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When the car engine is not running, oil collects in the sump. To drain it, simply loosen a bolt and the oil will come pouring out.

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Cylinder head - Engine
Youtube via Pete's Garage
In which part of the engine, pictured here, do pistons move?
Crankshaft
Cylinder
Exhaust manifold
Oil sump
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pistons move within a cylinder. Each engine has a certain number of cylinders. For example, an inline-6 engine has six cylinders

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Boxer (engine)
Bachman Auto Group via youtube
Engines are not all the same. Name the one shown in this picture
Boxer
Rotary
V16
V8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A boxer engine has horizontally opposed pistons. This engine type is found in some Porsche models and in BMW motorcycles.

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W16 (engine)
Technical 3d Animation via youtube
Name the engine design shown in this picture, please.
Rotary
W16
V8
Boxter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A W16 engine comprises of four banks of cylinders in a W configuration. The Bugatti Veyron makes use of the W16 engine which produces 1,000 brake horsepower.

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One cylinder engine
Briggs & Stratton via youtube
Any idea as to the type of engine pictured here?
Boxer
W16
One cylinder engine
Rotary
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A one cylinder engine is the basic form of a gasoline engine. It is found in scooters, small motorcycles or auto rickshaws, for example.

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shock absorber
Shutterstock
Pictured here is an important part of your car's ability to handle bumpy roads. It also ensure your car handles correctly. What are these called?
Struts
Springs
Shock absorbers
Axles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Along with the struts or springs in your vehicle, shock absorbers are an important part of the suspension system.

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Electrical continuity tester
shutterstock
Any ideas as to what the gadget in this image is? It can be used to isolate damaged wires.
Voltmeter
Electrical continuity tester
Battery hydrometer
Carb and Fuel Injector Synchronizer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If your vehicle is suffering from electrical problems, an electrical continuity tester is a must. It will help determine if an electrical current is getting from one point to another which then can isolate a damaged wire, for example.

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You Got:
/40
Monty Rakusen/Cultura/Getty Images