What Causes Cylinder Scoring in Car Engines?

[HarleyAnn]

Cylinder scoring in car engines can be caused by: 1. Engine overheating due to coolant system leaks or insufficient coolant levels that are not replenished promptly; 2. Insufficient engine oil, leading to loss of cylinder sealing and lubrication functions; 3. Piston ring breakage scratching the cylinder wall; 4. Piston pin retaining ring detachment scratching the cylinder wall; 5. Piston rings getting stuck in grooves due to carbon buildup, losing sealing effectiveness; 6. Piston pin protrusion scratching the cylinder wall; 7. Foreign objects entering the cylinder; 8. Excessive tightness between piston and cylinder wall clearance. Solutions for cylinder scoring include: 1. Promptly replenishing engine coolant; 2. Adding engine oil; 3. Replacing piston rings and piston pin retaining rings.

[FelixLee]

I've been driving for 20 years and have experienced engine cylinder scoring. It happened after a long highway trip when the engine suddenly made sharp metallic noises. Inspection revealed severe scratches on the cylinder walls. The main cause was insufficient lubrication - I forgot to change the oil on time, causing it to degrade and thin out, reducing its protective properties. This led to direct friction between the pistons and cylinders, creating high-temperature damage. There were also cooling system issues with a clogged radiator causing engine temperatures to skyrocket. My usual neglect of the air filter, allowing too much dust intake, also accelerated the wear. After the scoring, the power dropped significantly, and the repair costs were shockingly high, nearly 10,000 yuan. Since then, I've strictly adhered to changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers, regularly checking coolant and filters. Now the car runs much smoother. I also avoid prolonged high-speed driving on steep slopes to prevent overloading.

[CamilaAnn]

The core issue of engine cylinder scoring lies in the failure of mechanical friction control. From my experience in auto repair, lubrication system problems are most common. When engine oil is insufficient or oxidized, piston rings fail to form an oil film, causing increased friction heat that directly scratches cylinder walls. Secondly, cooling system failures such as water pump malfunction, radiator blockage, or thermostat sticking can lead to engine overheating and expansion. Piston assembly damage, like broken rings or improper installation, is also a direct cause. During diagnosis, pay attention to the oil pressure gauge reading - any value below normal should raise alarm. Regular maintenance is crucial: change to fresh synthetic oil every six months, flush the cooling system, and check fan functionality. Avoid aggressive acceleration during high-speed driving or heavy loads to reduce engine stress.

[MacHeidi]

As an average driver, engine cylinder scoring makes me quite nervous. The reasons are straightforward: mostly due to maintenance oversights, like delayed oil changes causing it to turn black, or coolant leaks leading to overheating. Once piston components wear out, increased friction scores the cylinder walls. I once neglected an oil change, heard engine knocking, and immediately pulled over to check. Prevention is simple: regular maintenance is key. Use quality engine oil, ensure the cooling system is leak-free, and keep the air filter clean. Repairs can be time-consuming if issues arise, involving tasks like cylinder liner replacement.

[VonMaverick]

To prevent engine cylinder scoring, the key lies in daily attentiveness. I recommend changing the engine oil every 5,000 kilometers to maintain good lubrication; check the coolant level and radiator to avoid blockages; the health of piston rings should not be overlooked, replace worn parts promptly. Driving habits also matter—avoid prolonged high-speed operation or hauling heavy loads uphill, as excessive load can cause damage. Clean the air filter regularly to prevent dust from affecting combustion. If the engine temperature rises or abnormal sounds occur, stop immediately to check the oil and cooling system. By adhering to these practices long-term, the risk of cylinder scoring drops to zero, saving you from costly repairs.