In older vehicles, what was the function of the carburetor?

The function of the carburetor in older vehicles was primarily to mix air and fuel before it enters the engine for combustion. This process is essential for creating a combustible mixture that can ignite and power the vehicle. The carburetor achieves this by drawing in air through a venturi, which creates a vacuum that pulls fuel from the fuel line into the air stream, resulting in a properly mixed air-fuel ratio.

This mixing is critical for efficient engine operation, as an optimal air-fuel mixture allows for better combustion, leading to improved performance, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of vehicle function—such as electricity supply, combustion housing, and exhaust filtration—none of which pertain to the primary role of a carburetor.