Which component is used to mix fuel and air in older vehicles without fuel injection?

The carburetor is the key component used to mix fuel and air in older vehicles that do not utilize fuel injection systems. It operates by utilizing the principles of airflow and vacuum, where air entering the engine creates a vacuum that draws fuel from a reservoir and mixes it with the incoming air before it enters the combustion chamber. This mixture is crucial for the engine’s combustion process.

In contrast, the throttle body is primarily responsible for regulating the airflow into the engine, and while it works in conjunction with the fuel system, it does not mix fuel and air itself. The intake system is the broader assembly that includes various components, such as air filters and intake manifolds, and leads air into the engine, but does not combine fuel and air. Fuel injectors are modern components found in fuel-injected engines and directly spray fuel into the combustion chamber; therefore, they are not applicable for older, carbureted vehicles.