What Exactly is Torque in a Truck Engine 

Introduction

An automobile's specifications refer to its technical details, which may include engine capacity, overall dimensions, payload capacity, and other relevant characteristics. Considering these specifications is essential before purchasing or using a truck for your business operations. This is because they directly impact vehicle performance and, in turn, operational efficiency. Additionally, they affect the driving experience, a crucial factor for your drivers, who play a key role in ensuring the success of your operations on the ground. This blog explains one important specification to consider: torque.

What is Torque?

Torque is the force that causes an object to rotate on its axis. It is a fundamental concept in physics, with applications evident in everyday activities and the automotive industry. For instance, when you turn a doorknob to open a door, twist a soda bottle cap, or pedal your bicycle, torque is at work, making these actions possible.

However, a simple example of torque is using a wrench to unscrew a bolt and nut. The bolt and nut are fixed to a device you want to open and inspect. You put the wrench on the nut and apply a certain amount of pressure, which is transmitted to the nut, causing it to loosen. The force you apply to the wrench to loosen the nut is torque.

Torque can be calculated by multiplying the force applied to the wrench by its length. This means the torque will increase if you increase the force or the wrench’s length. Remember this the next time you're working with a torque application. Furthermore, you can express torque as Newton-metres (Nm) or Pound-Feet (lb-ft).

How Is Torque in Truck Engines Produced?

Torque is produced inside a truck's combustion engine. In a combustion engine, pistons move up and down inside the cylinder. This movement of the pistons, also known as reciprocating motion, generates energy.

A crankshaft converts this reciprocating motion energy into rotational force, known as torque. Eventually, the torque gets transmitted to the driver’s wheel, facilitating its movement.

Ideally, torque in a truck engine measures the amount of work the truck can do. This means that the more torque the engine generates, the greater the power it will produce. In addition to engine power, torque also affects the vehicle's acceleration and other capabilities.

More torque means the vehicle will accelerate quickly, especially when starting from a standstill. A higher torque also enhances the vehicle’s ability to perform demanding tasks, such as navigating hilly terrains or hauling heavy loads.

How Does Torque Affect the Truck’s Performance?

The following pointers elaborate on the importance of torque in the truck’s performance:

1. Enhanced vehicular performance:

   Torque affects the engine’s performance, which in turn influences the vehicle's overall performance. An engine with a high level of torque tries to deliver consistent performance through its usage. This ensures the vehicle runs at an optimal level. This helps keep your business operations running smoothly, enabling you to drive sustainable profitability.

2. Improves driving experience:

   The driving experience is often overlooked in commercial vehicles. However, it should be given more importance, as it directly affects the driver’s productivity, which in turn impacts your operational output. A higher torque results in the slightest possible delay between the driver pressing the gas pedal and the engine responding. Furthermore, it results in greater traction during set-off and overtaking. Together, this enhances the driver’s experience, especially during long journeys.

3. Aids better fuel efficiency:

   When the engine generates higher torque at lower speeds (RPM), it helps improve fuel efficiency. This is especially important during high-frequency or complex operations, such as towing. In addition to saving on fuel costs, improved fuel efficiency also reduces your business’s carbon footprint. This helps your business remain compliant with regulations.

Summing It Up

Torque is the force applied to an object that causes it to rotate around its center of rotation. It is calculated by multiplying the force applied by the length of the lever arm. Ideally, higher torque is beneficial as it offers advantages such as quicker acceleration, enhanced towing capacity, improved driving experience, and more.

At Tata Motors Morocco our commercial vehicles offer suitable torque and other practical specifications, making them perfect for your business operations. Explore them!

FAQs

1. How does torque affect a truck's ability to climb hills?

Torque impacts the truck's acceleration and speed maintenance, which in turn affects its ability to climb hills.

2. How does a truck’s transmission work in relation to torque?

A truck’s transmission works with torque by adjusting gear ratios to control the amount of torque transferred from the engine to the wheels. This, in turn, optimises its acceleration and speed.

3. Can torque be adjusted in a truck engine?

Most commercial trucks are characterised by the maximum torque they can produce. So, it can only be adjusted up to the maximum torque limit.