Compression test
Compression shows how well the combustion chamber is sealed and is a basic indicator of engine condition.
Symptoms
- An objective engine condition check is needed before buying a car or before a repair.
What's included
- Low compression in one cylinder points to a valve, piston-ring or cylinder-head-gasket issue; uniformly low compression across all cylinders indicates general wear. We measure compression in every cylinder and compare the results both with the engine specification and with one another: the spread matters more than the absolute reading. When needed, we add oil to the cylinder for a follow-up test; this helps distinguish worn rings from a leaking valve without dismantling the engine. We provide the result as a report, useful for subsequent repairs or when selling the vehicle. Compression testing in Kyiv is available as a separate service, including before purchasing a vehicle.
Why it matters
Low compression in one cylinder points to a valve, rings, or the head gasket; uniformly low across all of them points to general wear. The spread between cylinders matters more than the number itself.
More details
Compression shows how well the combustion chamber seals, and it's a basic indicator of engine health. Low compression in one cylinder points to a valve, piston ring, or head gasket problem; uniformly low compression across all cylinders points to general wear. We measure compression in every cylinder and compare not only against the spec for the engine but also against each other — the spread matters more than the absolute number. If needed, we run a wet test by adding oil into the cylinder: this tells worn rings apart from a leaking valve without disassembling the engine. We record the result as a protocol — you'll need it for future repairs or when selling the car. We offer compression measurement in Kyiv as a standalone service, including before buying a car.
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