Let’s TORQUE about cars
Improve your vehicle knowledge and impress your friends with AutoZone as we explain the difference between torque and horsepower and what roles they play in keeping your car running. AutoZone also offers a range of parts to upkeep torque and horsepower which we look into in this article.
What is Horsepower?
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to indicate power or the “rate at which work is done” by an engine or motor. This applies to all engines and motors and not only internal combustion engines. Your car’s horsepower indicates how quickly that work can be done with more power allowing for quicker work.
What is Torque?
Torque is force multiplied by distance. It’s the amount of force applied to an object with a twisting motion, i.e. a motor applying force to a crankshaft, which then rotates your tyres.
So what’s the difference?
The two are very much two sides of the same coin as one goes with the other—torque being the force and horsepower being the rate at which that force is done. The difference is torque is doing the work, while horsepower is how fast that work is being done. However, which is better to have? Well, if you are looking for power, you should focus on torque, and if you are looking for speed, horsepower should be your main focus.
If your car is starting to feel like it’s losing power or if you are looking to maintain your car’s horsepower and torque, make sure you regularly check your fuel filter, fuel pumps, air filters and spark plugs and replace them when needed. Contact our call centre on 086 112 2111 for further advice and information.
