What Does This Thing Do: Pistons

Are you trying to figure out what Pistons even do? Toyota of Orlando explains what pistons are and how they work. Comment below any questions you may have about car pistons and check out the helpful links!

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▶TIMESTAMPS◀
00:00 Intro
0:16 What Does This Thing Do?
0:44 How Do They Work?
1:53 Some signs your pistons may be in need of service
2:36 Let Us Help!




Transcript:

When fuel is ignited, it changes from a liquid state of matter to a gas state of matter. This causes the gas to expand (or explode) extremely fast. The energy created from these explosions is what allows your car to run. Pistons are the components of the engine that harness that power. So how do they work?

A piston is a plunger-like component of a car engine that moves up and down in a cylinder. A typical piston has a 4 stroke internal combustion cycle. The first step in this cycle is the intake stroke. This is where the piston is pulled down and creates a vacuum in the valve, pulling air and fuel down into the cylinder. The next step is the compression stroke. This is where the piston is forced back up the valve, compressing the air and fuel very rapidly. This sudden increase in pressure heats up the air and fuel mixture, making it more volatile. Spark plugs light the gas on fire, creating an explosion in the cylinder, leading into the power stroke. The power stroke converts the explosive energy to mechanical energy. Forcing the piston back down turns the crankshaft and propels the car forward. Lastly, the exhaust stroke forces the piston back upward and expels the leftover gas through the exhaust valve. Then the whole cycle repeats.

Piston rings ensure that there is a seal between the piston and the cylinder. If the contact is not solid, fuel may not be being used efficiently.

Some signs your pistons may be in need of service are:
White or gray exhaust smoke
Excessive oil usage
Loss of acceleration power
Overall poor driving performance

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, or think you may be having problems with your pistons, come see us at Toyota of Orlando just off of I-4 near the Millenia Mall to get your car checked out. Thanks for tuning in to this edition of What Does This Thing Do?