What Causes Cylinder Scoring in New Cars?
2 Answers
Cylinder scoring in new cars can be attributed to the following reasons: Excessive impurities in engine oil: If there is an issue with the filtration system of the oil delivery system, such as a malfunctioning oil filter or suction filter, allowing contaminated oil to reach the cylinders can result in cylinder scoring. Engine problems: Overheating of the engine due to leaks or insufficient coolant that is not replenished in time; excessively low engine oil levels, leading to loss of cylinder sealing and lubrication. Piston issues: Broken piston rings scratching the cylinder walls; detached piston pin circlips scratching the cylinder walls; piston rings stuck in the grooves due to carbon deposits, losing their sealing function; protruding piston pins scratching the cylinder walls.
My brand new car suffered cylinder scoring after just 3,000 kilometers - it breaks my heart so much I can't sleep. The mechanic found insufficient oil lubrication after disassembling the engine - either the factory oil viscosity was wrong or the oil pump wasn't circulating properly. Aggressive throttle during cold starts is most damaging, causing direct dry friction between pistons and cylinder walls where metal shavings act like sandpaper worsening the wear. Modern engines are built with hair-thin clearances for fuel efficiency, making them prone to seizing with minor impurities or thermal deformation. That time I forgot to check the temperature gauge during a long trip - by the time the warning light came on, the cylinder walls were already grooved. The mechanic said to immediately stop driving if you hear abnormal engine noises or experience sudden power loss, as continuing could total the entire engine.
