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. KADETT E Hatchback (T85)
2. KADETT E (T85)
3. MONZA E (T85)
4. KADETT E Estate (T85)
5. KADETT E Convertible (T85)
6. VECTRA A Hatchback (J89)
7. VECTRA A (J89)
8. ASTRA F Convertible (T92)
9. ASTRA F (T92)
10. OPTIMA F (T92)
11. ASTRA F Hatchback (T92)
12. ASTRA F Estate (T92)
13. VECTRA B Hatchback (J96)
14. VECTRA B (J96)
15. ASTRA Mk III (F) Hatchback (T92)
16. ASTRA Mk III (F) Estate (T92)
17. CAVALIER Mk III Saloon (J89)
18. VECTRA B Estate (J96)
19. ASCONA C Hatchback (J82)
20. ASCONA C (J82)
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 KOLBENSCHMIDT 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.