The car engine pistons are essential to ensure the engine is working perfectly. A piston is a rigid, circular mechanical part, and is usually made of an aluminium alloy.
The body of the piston is circular, but the piston head is flat, which makes it possible to compress the air-fuel mix in the engine cylinder of the combustion chamber. This part is one of the moving parts of the car engine and slides inside a cylinder.
On a four-stroke (or four-cycle) engine, which is the most common type of engine on cars, the action of the pistons goes through 4 stages: the intake, the compression, the power and the exhaust.
Those stages are thus repeated in a loop.
The purpose of this combustion is to transform the air-fuel mixture into thermal energy (heat), then into mechanical energy (power), which will generate the car movement by making the wheels turn.
The driver controls the movement of the pistons by pressing the speeder. Depending on the pressure applied on the pedal, the movement of the pistons will be more or less fast.
The combustion generated by the pistons and the cylinders will soot the parts of the internal combustion chamber and carbon will start to accumulate. It will be necessary to descale the different parts with a special product (WD-40 for example) and let it work the pistons and cylinders. Then, scrape and remove the residue.
Several symptoms can indicate that the pistons of the engine are damaged or worn. If you notice an appearance of blue smoke getting out from the exhaust pipe, there is a sealing problem in the internal combustion chamber, and potentially on the engine pistons.
If your car pistons are damaged, it will be necessary to change them: Compare prices on autobutler.co.uk and book a time at a garage.
| Make | Compare and save* | You save on average* | Ratings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | £165 | 27% |
5.0
(6)
6
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| BMW | £147 | 28% |
3.7
(3)
1
1
0
1
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Citroën | £220 | 28% |
5.0
(1)
1
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Ford | £137 | 26% |
4.6
(11)
8
2
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Mercedes-Benz | £146 | 30% |
4.4
(5)
3
1
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Mini | £138 | 29% |
4.0
(4)
3
0
0
0
1
Read the reviews
|
|
| Peugeot | £150 | 27% |
4.5
(8)
7
0
0
0
1
Read the reviews
|
|
| Renault | £162 | 25% |
5.0
(1)
1
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Vauxhall | £117 | 26% |
5.0
(16)
16
0
0
0
0
Read the reviews
|
|
| Volkswagen | £147 | 26% |
4.8
(9)
8
0
1
0
0
Read the reviews
|
Get an air con service and optimal cooling. Right now from only £50*. The system is checked for leaks and your refrigerant will be refilled. Get instant quotes and see your price!
Get a complete service with a stamp in accordance with the manufacturer’s and dealer's specifications. You can save on avg. £94* by comparing quotes with Autobutler.
Get a interim service and keep your car running smoothly. Right now from only £70*. Includes oil and oil filter replacement, re-filling of up to 4 litres of engine oil and a complete review of your car based on a 46 visual checkpoints.
Order oil change online and save money! Right now from only £60*. Includes re-filling of up to 4 litres of engine oil and oil filter replacement. Get instant quotes and see your price.
