Does your car’s engine produce gray smoke and a burning smell? If yes, this can be a sign of bad piston rings present in the engine. Many car owners are unaware of the bad piston rings and continue driving their vehicles. Today’s article will help you know how long you can drive with bad piston rings and why they get damaged quickly.
The information given in the article answers all your queries about bad piston rings. You can follow some preventive measures and know the replacement cost too. I am sure my article will greatly help people unaware of the car’s mechanics but want a smooth drive.
How Long Can I Drive With Bad Piston Rings?
As a car owner, you must know the mechanics for a smooth drive. The engine has many components, each of which has a significant role. A set of rings within your vehicle’s engine helps regulate the oil consumption and temperature. These piston rings are important because they make the engine work properly. They can help you cover a distance of at least 100,000 miles.
You can only drive with bad piston rings for a few miles without noticing any difference. Once you’ve reached the limit, the engine may start producing gray smoke and burning oil’s smell. Most people owning a vehicle delay changing the piston rings because the engine has to be disassembled. This can be extremely time-consuming and expensive.
It is recommended to get the piston rings changed as soon as you realize that they have been damaged. Worn-out rings will have many bad effects on the vehicle’s engine. Although you can drive with worn piston rings, it is important to maintain the optimum oil level of the vehicle. Hence replacing the bad piston rings is the only solution to protect the engine.
Reason Piston Rings Get Damaged
The piston rings get damaged or wear out over time. There are many reasons behind the damaged piston rings, but a few are discussed. Poor maintenance and engine oil, heating, and dirt contamination are the most common. I will discuss these reasons in detail so you can take some preventive measures to make the rings last longer.
Dirt Contamination
Dust and dirt particles are the common culprits that damage the piston rings of the vehicle. Large particles get stuck on the air filters present in the engine. Low-quality oil or poor lubrication methods can cause abrasion too. The rings can break, and as a result, the performance is compromised.
To avoid or delay damage, your car’s engine must get clean air and regular lubrication. You should use good quality motor oil that ensures the piston rings are in a good position. Moreover, the carbon deposits in the engine can stick to the piston rings and hinder their performance. Hence regular maintenance is the key to avoiding dirt contamination.
Heat
I think the heat produced by the vehicle’s engine is the real culprit. The piston rings are exposed to large amounts of heat and expand over time. When they increase in size, lubrication becomes less effective. Sometimes the lubricating oil has grinding particles that do not allow the oil to reach the piston rings. Hence oil levels and regular temperature check is extremely important.
Engine Oil
Low-quality engine oil can be why your piston rings wear off quickly. Poor quality of the oil can affect the vehicle’s performance because they do not provide enough lubrication to the rings. As a result, the oil consumption is increased while the fuel efficiency is decreased. You will also notice gray smoke fumes coming out of the engine.
Poor-quality oil can wear off the piston rings over time. These rings will get damaged, and the oil will wash away quickly. To fully use the piston rings, you should use a good quality oil with a thick consistency. It can control the temperature and stick onto the rings longer so they won’t wear off quickly.
How To Fix Bad Piston Rings?
You cannot fix the damaged or bad piston rings. They must be replaced at all costs because they can damage the vehicle’s engine. The replacement cost is around $200 to $2000, depending on the type of piston rings used in the car. You might be surprised to hear about the high cost, but it involves several tasks.
The first step is to disassemble the engine, which can be time-consuming. You must ensure the new piston rings are the same size as the old ones. This is important because it has a direct impact on the performance. Moreover, the high labor cost of the mechanic can add up to the total cost of replacement.
FAQs
Can I still drive with bad piston rings?
You can still drive with bad piston rings, but it is not recommended. The engine can get damaged because it won’t get enough oil and heat. Replacing the piston rings as soon as you realize they have been damaged is important.
Do you need a new engine if your piston rings are bad?
You don’t need a new engine if your piston rings get bad. You can get them replaced and maintain them with regular oil changes.
What causes the piston rings to fail?
Poor quality oil, dirt contamination, or excess heat can be the few causes for the piston rings to wear off or fail. You have to focus on regular maintenance if you want these rings to complete their lifespan.
Conclusion
An informative article on how long you can drive with bad piston rings is given to help you have a smooth drive. These rings significantly affect the car’s performance and help regulate temperature and oil consumption. You must replace the vehicle’s piston rings once they wear off to have good performance. I hope you can get help from the information in the above article.
Hi! Ulberto Williams here, a passionate adventurer who has been driving jeeps all his life. My passion for the thrill of off-roading has allowed me to learn what modern-day jeeps have to offer. Exploring the popular trails and seeking thrills in the unexplored terrains allowed me to discover the true intimacy nature had to offer and become an avid learner of Off-roading with Jeeps. Hence, I decided to create this blog to share my experiences of jeep riding and off-roading with the world. My only goal is to provide the readers with quality reliable information about jeeps.