Here are 5 Functions of Car Pistons and How to Maintain Them
The function of a car piston greatly affects safety and comfort while driving. This is because the piston is one of the components in the engine cylinder block that influences engine performance. Therefore, car owners must always pay attention to the condition of the piston. Below, a complete explanation of the function and proper maintenance of the piston will be provided. The details are as follows.
Function of the Piston in Cars
The piston in a car has several functions as follows.
1. Regulating Cylinder Volume
The piston in a car has a primary function, which is to regulate the cylinder volume. Inside the piston, there is a component called the piston ring. When the piston ring handle is pulled up, the cylinder volume becomes larger, similar to the mechanism of a tube pump. In this condition, air will enter the tube.
However, when the pump handle is pressed, the air is automatically compressed, causing the tube volume to decrease. This function also occurs in the piston. When the piston is in a downward position, the cylinder volume increases, allowing gasoline and air mixture to be drawn into the engine. Meanwhile, when the piston is in an upward position, the cylinder volume decreases, causing the gas temperature in the combustion chamber to rise.
2. Pushing Residual Combustion Gases
As previously explained, when the piston is in an upward position (moving from the bottom dead center to the top dead center), the cylinder volume will decrease. This condition causes the exhaust valve to open, pushing out the residual combustion gases.
3. Drawing Air into the Cylinder
When the piston is in a downward position (moving from the top dead center to the bottom dead center), the cylinder volume will increase. This condition allows the process of drawing in combustion materials (gasoline and air mixture) from outside to enter the cylinder.
4. Compressing Combustion Materials into the Cylinder
In addition to drawing in combustion materials, the piston also functions to compress the materials that have been drawn in previously for faster combustion. This way, the combustion power of these materials becomes much greater. This function occurs during the engine's compression stroke.
During this stroke, all engine valves are closed, and the piston moves upward. Then, the cylinder volume begins to decrease slowly, even though there are combustion materials inside. In this condition, the combustion materials experience compression.
5. Converting Combustion Energy into Mechanical Energy
When the compression system is about to end, the spark from the spark plug ignites, causing the combustion process. In this condition, an explosion occurs in the cylinder, generating expansion energy, residual combustion gases, and heat. The result of this explosion will serve as the engine's energy power. However, this energy power is still not optimal, as it needs to be converted into mechanical energy. In this condition, the piston is automatically pushed from the top dead center down.
Read Also : Complete List of Car Piston Diameter Sizes
How to Maintain Piston to Prevent Rapid Wear
To prevent your car's piston from wearing out quickly, you need to maintain it regularly and periodically. Piston maintenance is quite easy; you should use engine oil according to the manufacturer's standards. Change the engine oil regularly and periodically to keep the piston clean. If the piston is still dirty, you can remove it and soak it in a special solution.
If it is still dirty, you can clean it by scrubbing the parts that have not been soaked. However, if you want instant and quality maintenance, you can have the piston and other components serviced at the nearest official Daihatsu workshop.
