The fuel mixture burning in the internal combustion engine cylinder releases heat energy. Further, it turns into a mechanical action that makes the crankshaft rotate. The key element in this process is the piston.

This detail is not as primitive as it might seem at first glance. It would be a big mistake to think of it as a simple pusher.

1. VISA
2. C15 Van (VD_)
3. 205 II (20A/C)
4. 205 Mk II (20A/C)
5. 205 I (741A/C)
6. 205 � (741A/C)
7. BERLINGO / BERLINGO FIRST Box Body/MPV (M_)
8. BERLINGO Box Body/MPV (M_)
9. BX (XB-_)
10. PARTNER Box Body/MPV (5_, G_)
11. PARTNER Van (5_, G_)
12. RANCH Box Body/MPV (5_, G_)
13. PARTNER FURGON Box Body/MPV (5_, G_)
14. XSARA (N1)
15. XSARA Break (N2)
16. XSARA Estate (N2)
17. 306 Hatchback (7A, 7C, N3, N5)
18. 309 II (3C, 3A)
19. 309 Mk II (3C, 3A)
20. ZX Break (N2)
21. See more in applications

The functionality of the piston

The piston is located in the cylinder, where its reciprocating movements take place.

As it moves towards top dead center (TDC), the MAHLE brand Piston compresses the fuel mixture. In a gasoline engine, it is ignited with a spark plug at a moment close to the maximum pressure. In a diesel engine, ignition occurs directly due to strong compression.

The increased pressure of the gases formed during combustion pushes the piston in the opposite direction. Together with the piston, a connecting rod articulated with it moves, which makes the crankshaft rotate. So the energy of compressed gases is converted into a torque transmitted by means of a transmission to the wheels of the car.