Engine
Cylinder & piston
The heart of the engine: the piston slides in the cylinder to compress the mixture and turn the explosion into motion.
How it works
The piston moves up and down inside the cylinder. It compresses the air-fuel mixture, then the explosion drives it back down, which turns the crankshaft via the connecting rod. The rings seal the gap between piston and cylinder. Wear in the cylinder or piston causes compression to drop, brings on smoke (oil), and costs power - it's major repair work.
Maintenance tips
- Watch your oil consumption, a sign of wear.
- Avoid high revs when the engine is cold.
- Prolonged knocking can damage the piston: have it checked.
Related symptoms
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for educational purposes to help you understand the role and operation of the part. It replaces neither a physical inspection nor the judgment of a certified mechanic. Before any work on a safety-critical component (braking, steering, transmission, suspension), have the part's condition confirmed by a professional.