ENGINE COMPRESSION TESTING

If your vehicle is misfiring, burning oil, struggling to start, or losing power, the problem isn’t always spark plugs or fuel—it can be engine mechanical condition. Compression testing is one of the best ways to confirm whether your engine’s cylinders are sealing properly and producing the pressure needed for strong, consistent combustion.

At Heritage AutoPro, we provide engine compression testing in Calgary SE & SW for cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans to help identify internal engine concerns accurately—before money is wasted on guesswork.

When Compression Testing Is Recommended

Compression testing is commonly recommended when you have:

• Rough idle or persistent misfire (especially on one cylinder)

• Low power, poor acceleration, or engine feels “weak”

• Hard starting / extended cranking

• Engine oil consumption (burning oil)

• White/blue smoke from exhaust

• Overheating history or suspected head gasket concerns

• Check engine light with misfire or cylinder-related codes

• Suspected valve, piston ring, or head gasket issues

What Compression Testing Tells You

Compression testing measures the pressure each cylinder can build while cranking. Results can help indicate:

• Worn piston rings / cylinder wear

• Leaking valves (intake or exhaust)

• Head gasket leakage between cylinders or into coolant passages

• Timing-related mechanical issues (on some engines)

• Uneven cylinder sealing causing misfires and poor performance

Key point: It’s not only the number that matters—consistency between cylinders is often the biggest clue.

Our Diagnostic Approach

Depending on your symptoms, we may combine compression testing with other checks for a more accurate conclusion:

• Scan for codes and review live data / misfire counts

• Ignition and fuel verification (so we don’t blame “compression” unfairly)

• Wet vs dry compression testing (when appropriate)

• Cylinder leak-down testing (optional add-on for pinpointing where compression is escaping)

• Cooling system checks if head gasket concerns are suspected

You’ll get a clear explanation of what the test shows and what it means for repair options.

Why This Test Can Save You Money

Compression testing helps you avoid unnecessary spending on parts that won’t solve the issue (coils, plugs, injectors, sensors) when the real problem is mechanical. It also helps guide the best next step—whether that’s targeted repair, deeper testing, or planning for engine work.

Book Engine Compression Testing

If you’re dealing with a misfire, oil burning, low power, or a hard-start condition, book engine compression testing in Calgary SE & SW at Heritage AutoPro. We’ll confirm what’s happening inside the engine and help you make the smartest next move.