What ensures that the valves in an engine operate at the correct time?

The camshaft plays a crucial role in timing the operation of the engine's valves. It is a rotating shaft that has lobes or cams attached to it; as the camshaft rotates, these lobes push against the valves via push rods or rocker arms. This action opens the valves at precise intervals, which is necessary for the proper intake of air and fuel, as well as the expulsion of exhaust gases.

The timing of the valve operation is essential for the engine to function efficiently, and the rotation speed of the camshaft is typically synchronized with the crankshaft to ensure that the intake and exhaust processes align correctly with the pistons' movements. Therefore, the camshaft is the key component that guarantees the valves operate at the appropriate time within the engine cycle.