Glossary / Engine

piston

21 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Inside a car’s engine there are many small metal pieces that move up and down. The piston is one of those pieces, and it’s very important for the engine to work.

Technical Definition

A piston is a cylindrical component inside an engine that moves up and down to compress air/fuel mixtures, generating power.

Hear It Discussed

"[372.4s] Yeah. [372.8s] You'll have a really nasty looking piston and valve and the price quality's got is accurate"
Automotive Experts - Don't Just Use The Cheapest Gas Without Knowing What It Is Under The Hood show 06:12

"...can we look at the piston tops or the intake valves left bank to right bank?"
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - November 1, 2025 - Hour 1 - Cheaper By The Dozen? Bagels & Oil Changes - (855)560-9900 24/7 Hotline Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 18:35

"the piston itself has a has a full crack and is separated slightly all across it."
From Illegal Nash Ambassadors to SEMA Prep, it’s V8 Radio’s Latest Automotive Adventure! V8 Radio Podcast 29:56