Which valve is specifically designed to handle higher temperatures?

The exhaust valve is specifically designed to handle higher temperatures due to its role in the engine cycle. During combustion, the exhaust valve must endure the high temperatures of the gases expelled from the combustion chamber, which can exceed 1000°C in some engines. As a result, the materials and construction of exhaust valves typically involve heat-resistant alloys or coatings to maintain functionality and durability under such extreme thermal conditions.

In contrast, the inlet valve, while also subject to some degree of heat, primarily deals with air-fuel mixtures entering the engine and operates at comparatively lower temperatures. The compression valve is not a standard term typically used to describe engine components; it often refers to the sealing function during the compression stroke, which does not involve as much thermal strain as the exhaust valve. The fuel valve's primary role is related to fuel delivery and is not directly associated with heat management in the same way as the exhaust valve. Thus, the exhaust valve's design is crucial for effective performance in high-temperature environments.