Petrol engineBelgium
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210. Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal-combustion engine that normally uses spark plugs to ignite a mixture of air and petrol. For this reason, it is also known as a spark-ignition or positive-ignition engine.
Petrol engines convert the energy released by combustion into mechanical power that drives the vehicle. Modern petrol engines use electronic engine management and emissions-control systems such as catalytic converters to improve efficiency and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
Wikimedia.org • Florian Lindner • CC BY
Are petrol-engine emissions checked during technical inspection in Belgium?
Yes. Emissions form part of vehicle roadworthiness inspection. In Flanders, petrol-engine vehicles undergo a carbon-monoxide emissions test as part of the environmental checks.
Can a faulty petrol engine cause a vehicle to fail technical inspection?
Yes. Engine or emissions-control faults that cause excessive emissions or another roadworthiness defect can result in an unfavourable inspection outcome.
Does a petrol engine use spark plugs?
Yes. Conventional petrol engines are positive-ignition engines and normally use spark plugs to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture inside the cylinders.

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