Glossary / General

compression

58 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Compression is the pressure inside the engine’s cylinders before the spark ignites. Higher compression can make a car more powerful.

Technical Definition

Compression in an engine is the pressure created when air and fuel are compressed before ignition; higher compression can improve power but requires stronger components.

Hear It Discussed

"So when they woke up the engine after its 10 year slumber, the compression was a little borderline."
Hoovie is Here! What is Mercedes Thinking? New Manual BMW M3! Gullwing Issues! THIS CAR POD! with Doug DeMuro & Friends! 51:34

"with slightly, you know, hot at its 2.3 instead of 2.2 liters, maybe a little more aggressive cam timing and compression, but still at its core based on the,"
What Makes A Restomod Count? — Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 237 The Carmudgeon Show 06:59

"What about the shaking, though? ... It could be that you have bad compression. And I would imagine that whoever looked at this thing has checked the compression."
#2640: Flunking Physics Again The Best of Car Talk 30:25