Pistons, Rings, Rods & Parts

What are the Roles of Pistons, Rings, and Rods?

All of these parts make up the combustion chamber and have their own role:

Pistons compress the air-fuel mix in the combustion chamber and they help seal it to maintain pressure and facilitate efficient energy transfer.

Rings seal the gap between the piston and cylinder wall, regulate oil consumption, and aid in heat transfer.

Connecting rods transmit the motion of the piston from linear to rotational, driving your vehicle’s wheels.

What Happens when Pistons, Rings, or Rods are Broken?

When any of these parts are broken or damaged, it can lead to a range of issues from decreased engine performance to total failure. For example, if the piston is cracked or chipped, it can result in a loss of compression, reduced engine power, and increased oil consumption. Broken or bent rods can cause total engine damage, like puncturing the engine block.

All this to say that it’s important to replace these components once you’ve found they are damaged. Regular maintenance and inspection can also help prevent failures, especially those that could require an entire engine replacement.

Shop for Combustion Chamber Parts at AutoNation Parts

If you’re looking for parts like pistons, rings, and rods, we carry genuine OEM parts. Our extensive collection includes multiple different brands from Ford to INFINITI to Jeep. Use our search filter to narrow down results for your car.