Owning a car comes with its fair share of maintenance and repair responsibilities. One of the more critical components in your engine is the piston and piston rings. Piston rings seal the combustion chambers in internal combustion engines, and their failure can lead to a host of problems. In this month’s blog, we’ll explore whether you can drive with bad piston rings, how to identify them, and what you should do if you suspect your piston rings are failing.
Common Signs of Bad Piston Rings
Bad piston rings can wreak havoc on your engine’s performance, leading to several noticeable symptoms. The first sign is excessive oil consumption. If your car is guzzling oil faster than usual, it might indicate that the piston rings are not sealing the combustion chamber properly. Another telltale sign is blue smoke coming from the exhaust. This blue smoke signifies burning oil, which is often a direct result of failing piston rings, and its danger level is elevated compared to white and black smoke.
How Long Can You Drive with Bad Piston Rings?
While it might be tempting to push your car a little further, driving with bad piston rings is playing with fire. The longer you drive, the more damage accumulates. In some cases, you might get away with a few weeks of driving, but this is highly risky and not recommended. It’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible or avoid it from the beginning with regular state inspections.
Related: Learn more about what to expect and how to pass state inspections in Texas here.
How long do engine piston rings last?
Under normal driving conditions and with proper maintenance, piston rings can last anywhere between 100,000 miles (160,934.4 km) to 150,000 miles (241,401.6 km). However, their lifespan can vary significantly based on other factors, such as engine type and quality, environmental conditions, and routine maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your engine in top condition and preventing piston ring problems. Start by following your car manufacturer’s recommendations for oil and oil filters, always opt for high-quality oil, and constantly check your engine’s performance. Also, be mindful of your car’s load capacity and try to travel lighter when possible. Excessive weight puts additional strain on your engine, which can accelerate wear on the piston rings and other components.
Rely On Our Experts
Get in touch with Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop today to ensure that your engine is running in optimal condition. We provide many repair and maintenance services in Fort Worth, TX. We use only the highest quality parts and work to provide fast and efficient service to all our clients. Schedule your service with us today by visiting mikesautospa.com or calling (817) 834-2725. Let us help you save a lot of headaches down the road!