What is the purpose of piston rings in an engine?

Piston rings serve a crucial role in an engine by primarily sealing the combustion chamber, which is essential for maintaining optimal compression during the combustion process. This sealing action ensures that the high-pressure gases generated during combustion do not escape into other areas of the engine, which would lead to a loss of energy and reduced efficiency.

Additionally, piston rings help control oil consumption. They accomplish this by regulating the amount of engine oil that moves up into the combustion chamber. This is important because excessive oil can lead to fouling spark plugs and increased emissions, while insufficient oil can cause increased wear on engine components.

The dual function of sealing the combustion chamber and controlling oil flow contributes significantly to the overall performance, efficiency, and longevity of the engine. It is a fundamental aspect of how piston rings support the proper functioning of internal combustion engines.