So, I’m apparently supposed to know my pistons from my carburetors without spending my entire weekend Googling mysterious parts. Can someone please explain in plain English what the heck a ‘timing belt’ does? Is it actually responsible for keeping time, like a wristwatch strapped to my engine, or is it just another piece of machinery that sounds way more complicated than it actually is? And what exactly is up with the crankshaft—it sounds like something a medieval blacksmith would forge instead of something that powers my car. Any chance someone can break down the basics without making me feel like I need a degree in mechanical engineering? Any help would be much appreciated before I start naming every part on my dashboard after my dog.