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A damaged piston can cause the vehicle to waste fuel. The piston's function is to convert heat energy from combustion into mechanical energy that moves the vehicle. To maintain it, make sure to change the oil regularly, check the piston rings, use quality fuel, tune up, and adjust your driving style.
The piston is one of the engine components of a car that often experiences damage. Therefore, it is crucial for OtoFriends to understand the function of the piston and how to maintain it properly.
The piston is a crucial part of the engine located within the cylinder block. Its function is to regulate the combustion process in the vehicle's engine. Every car or motorcycle operating with an internal combustion engine is equipped with this component.
The number of pistons in a vehicle is determined by the number of cylinders. A standard car engine uses an inline four configuration or four cylinders arranged in a line, meaning there are 4 pistons within it.
The function of a piston in a car engine is similar to that of a heart in a human, pumping blood throughout the body. The piston pumps the gas produced by combustion into the engine's combustion chamber. Here are some important functions of the piston:
To transfer power from the engine to the wheel drive system, it is necessary to convert the piston?s linear motion into rotation. The up-and-down movement of the piston generates the crankshaft?s rotation. Through the transmission, this rotation is used to drive the vehicle?s wheels. Without a properly functioning piston, the engine would not be able to move the vehicle.
The combustion of fuel in the engine?s combustion chamber produces gas. The pressure from this gas pushes the piston into the engine cylinder. The piston?s up-and-down movement is part of the process of converting the chemical energy of the fuel into mechanical energy used to drive the vehicle.
The combustion process in the engine produces heat that can damage the engine. The piston helps transfer this heat to the engine cylinder walls, which are then absorbed by the cooling system. As a result, the engine can remain stable and avoid overheating.
The piston also ensures that the combustion process occurs efficiently and prevents gas leakage during combustion. The piston?s function as a seal is also crucial to optimizing engine performance by maintaining the proper pressure within the combustion chamber.
The piston consists of several main parts, which are explained below:
These are rings installed in the ring groove and located on the cylinder wall side. Piston rings are made of steel and function to prevent leakage during compression and to block oil from entering the combustion chamber.
Typically, car engines are equipped with two compression rings positioned at the top and middle of the piston. Their function is to hold air and fuel during the compression process and also to act as a lubricant.
Comprising two types of springs, segment and integral, the oil ring prevents oil from entering the combustion chamber and cleans the oil on the cylinder wall as the piston moves. The oil ring also serves as a storage place and lubricant between the piston and liner.
To accommodate the piston?s expansion due to heat during combustion, a gap is provided between the piston and the cylinder wall, known as piston clearance, which helps prevent the engine from overheating due to expansion.
It functions as a connector between the piston and the crankshaft.
The piston pin has a hole to reduce weight and functions to connect the piston rod with the piston, as well as transfer power from the piston to the piston rod.
It is a thin ring placed on the piston pin and functions to lock the piston pin to prevent it from sliding out. There are two types of snap rings: one opens when pressed (hole type) and the other closes (shafting type).
To ensure the piston?s longevity, there are several maintenance steps to follow:
To maintain the car?s performance, ensure to bring the vehicle to the workshop regularly.
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