As the face of the oil control ring wears, how do the contact points change?

As the oil control ring wears, the contact points where the ring meets the cylinder wall will increase in width, leading to a larger area of contact. This is due to the natural wear process, where the material of the ring compresses and forms a broader interface with the cylinder, which can result in an increase in oil control efficiency. A wider contact point can allow for better oil distribution, helping to manage the lubrication more effectively between the moving parts of the engine. The design of the ring is critical for maintaining proper oil film thickness, and as it wears and becomes wider, it can potentially affect the overall performance of the engine if not monitored.