Engine compression measurement

Engine compression is a key indicator of the motor's condition. It shows how well the cylinders hold pressure during fuel combustion and directly affects power, stable operation and fuel consumption. If compression drops or is unevenly distributed, the engine starts losing efficiency: unstable idle appears, dynamics fall, fuel and oil consumption rise. At UnlimBoost we perform engine compression measurement for cars of various brands: BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota, Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Opel, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and also Chinese brands Geely, Chery, Haval and BYD. We don't just read the gauge — we analyse the data as a whole, identify the source of the problem and give precise recommendations for repair or prevention.

  • 40 minutes average job duration
  • from 200 MDL service cost
  • Warranty on all work

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Included with service

You get for free

  • Car wash

    We return the car clean — no dirt or traces of the mechanic’s work

    200 MDL 0 MDL

  • Computer diagnostics

    We scan every ECU, identify stored faults and hidden issues

    600 MDL 0 MDL

  • Vibration stand check

    Objective assessment of suspension, shock absorbers and axle weight distribution

    1 000 MDL 0 MDL
Your savings per visit
~1 800 MDL
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Price list

Service prices

The exact cost depends on the model and year — leave a request for a quote

Vehicle diagnostics
A/C diagnostics (visual inspection) 0 MDL
Electrical system diagnostics 0 MDL
Computer diagnostics 0 MDL
Pre-purchase vehicle inspection 1 000 MDL
Battery check 0 MDL
Engine endoscopy (1 cylinder) 1 000 MDL
Fluid and filter replacement
Oil change 450 MDL
Oil filter replacement 150 MDL
Air filter replacement 150 MDL
Cabin filter replacement (glove box) 150 MDL
Coolant replacement 450 MDL
Power steering fluid replacement 450 MDL
Differential oil change 300 MDL
Transfer case oil change 300 MDL
Manual gearbox oil change 300 MDL
DSG gearbox fluid change 800 MDL
Partial auto gearbox fluid change with filter 800 MDL
Full auto gearbox fluid change with filter 1 250 MDL
Diesel fuel filter replacement 300 MDL
In-tank fuel filter replacement 700 MDL
Inline fuel filter replacement 300 MDL
Brake system
Brake system diagnostics 0 MDL
Disc brake pad replacement 400 MDL
Electric brake pad replacement 500 MDL
Drum brake pad replacement 500 MDL
Brake fluid replacement 450 MDL
Brake caliper replacement 400 MDL
Caliper repair kit replacement (1 piston) 500 MDL
Caliper repair kit replacement (2 pistons) 650 MDL
Caliper repair kit replacement (4 pistons) 800 MDL
Brake hose replacement 250 MDL
Master brake cylinder replacement 500 MDL
Brake vacuum booster replacement 600 MDL
Brake drum replacement 300 MDL
Brake disc runout check 300 MDL
Handbrake adjustment 300 MDL
Handbrake pad replacement 500 MDL
Handbrake cable replacement (side) 600 MDL
Steering
Tie rod end replacement 200 MDL
Tie rod replacement 200 MDL
Tie rod end boot replacement 300 MDL
Steering rack boot replacement 300 MDL
Steering rack adjustment 500 MDL
Power steering pump replacement 800 MDL
Suspension
Anti-roll bar link replacement 250 MDL
Anti-roll bar bush replacement 250 MDL
Anti-roll bar bush replacement with subframe removal 1 300 MDL
Control arm replacement 450 MDL
Trailing arm replacement 450 MDL
Shock absorber replacement without spring (insert) 500 MDL
Shock absorber replacement with spring 600 MDL
Air shock absorber replacement 800 MDL
Ball joint replacement (bolted/riveted) 350 MDL
Ball joint replacement (pressed in) 400 MDL
Wheel bearing replacement 400 MDL
Control arm bush replacement 250 MDL
Trailing arm bush replacement 250 MDL
Rear beam bush replacement 250 MDL
Subframe bush replacement 250 MDL
Floating bush replacement 250 MDL
CV joint boot replacement 250 MDL
CV joint replacement 500 MDL
Upper engine mount replacement 450 MDL
Lower engine mount replacement 650 MDL
Driveshaft U-joint replacement 1 500 MDL
Driveshaft centre bearing replacement 1 000 MDL
Front axle seal replacement 600 MDL
Rear axle seal replacement 600 MDL
Subframe removal 1 000 MDL
Fuel system
Fuel pump pressure test 500 MDL
Inline fuel pump replacement 400 MDL
In-tank fuel pump replacement 800 MDL
Clutch system
Clutch kit replacement without subframe removal 3 000 MDL
Clutch kit replacement with subframe removal 4 500 MDL
Clutch kit replacement (all-wheel drive) 5 000 MDL
Timing belt / chain
Timing belt replacement petrol (8 valve) 2 700 MDL
Timing belt replacement petrol (16–20 valve) 3 600 MDL
Timing belt replacement (16–20 v.) with front end removal 5 400 MDL
Timing belt replacement (boxer engine) 7 200 MDL
Timing belt replacement (6–8 cylinder) 5 400 MDL
Timing belt replacement (6–8 cyl.) with front end removal 7 200 MDL
Timing belt replacement diesel (8 valve) 3 600 MDL
Timing belt replacement diesel (16 valve) 4 500 MDL
Timing belt replacement diesel (16 v.) with front end removal 6 300 MDL
Timing belt replacement diesel (6–8 cylinder) 7 200 MDL
Timing chain replacement (3–4 cylinder) 5 400 MDL
Timing chain + oil pump chain replacement (3–4 cyl.) 6 300 MDL
Timing chain replacement (3–4 cyl.) with front end removal 7 200 MDL
Timing chain replacement (3–4 cyl.) with engine removal 9 000 MDL
Timing chain replacement (6–8 cyl.) without engine removal 9 000 MDL
Timing chain replacement (6–8 cyl.) with engine removal 12 600 MDL
Engine
Compression test petrol (1 cylinder) 200 MDL
Compression test diesel (1 cylinder) 300 MDL
Valve adjustment (8 valve) 1 800 MDL
Valve adjustment (16 valve) 2 700 MDL
Valve cover gasket replacement 500 MDL
Valve cover gasket replacement (with manifold removal) 1 000 MDL
Intake manifold gasket replacement 1 000 MDL
Exhaust manifold gasket replacement 1 800 MDL
Crankshaft seal replacement (manual gearbox) 2 500 MDL
Crankshaft seal replacement (manual, with subframe removal) 3 000 MDL
Rear crankshaft seal replacement (auto gearbox) 3 600 MDL
Rear crankshaft seal replacement (auto, all-wheel drive) 4 500 MDL
Starter replacement 800 MDL
Intercooler cleaning 900 MDL
Engine replacement 9 900 MDL
Замена прокладки клапанной крышки (дизель) 800 MDL
Ignition system
Ignition coil replacement 150 MDL
Spark plug replacement ×4 (no manifold removal) 600 MDL
Spark plug replacement ×4 (with manifold removal) 1 000 MDL
Spark plug replacement ×6 (with manifold removal) 1 200 MDL
Spark plug replacement ×8 (with manifold removal) 1 600 MDL
Glow plug replacement ×4 750 MDL
Glow plug replacement ×6 (no manifold removal) 1 000 MDL
Glow plug replacement ×6 (with manifold removal) 1 800 MDL
Glow plug replacement ×8 1 440 MDL
Manifold removal/installation 1 000 MDL
Drive belt replacement
Serpentine belt replacement 500 MDL
Alternator belt replacement 500 MDL
A/C belt replacement 500 MDL
Power steering belt replacement 500 MDL
Tensioner pulley replacement 500 MDL
Idler pulley replacement 500 MDL
Cooling system
Engine radiator replacement 1 200 MDL
Thermostat replacement 500 MDL
Thermostat with housing replacement 900 MDL
Water pump replacement 1 000 MDL
A/C service
A/C antibacterial cleaning 700 MDL
A/C recharge 400 MDL
A/C recharge (with rear climate control) 800 MDL
A/C line replacement 700 MDL
O-ring replacement 350 MDL
A/C compressor removal/installation 1 350 MDL
A/C compressor removal with bumper removal 1 800 MDL
A/C condenser replacement 1 350 MDL
A/C condenser cleaning 700 MDL
A/C system flush 400 MDL
A/C system flush (with rear climate control) 500 MDL
Exhaust system
Muffler replacement (clamped) 500 MDL
Muffler replacement (welded/cut) 800 MDL
Muffler repair 500 MDL
Resonator replacement (clamped) 500 MDL
Resonator replacement (welded/cut) 800 MDL
Resonator repair 350 MDL
Flex pipe replacement (clamped) 500 MDL
Flex pipe replacement (welded/cut) 800 MDL
Flex pipe repair 350 MDL
Strongher installation 800 MDL
Exhaust welding 550 MDL
Pipe cut-off 250 MDL
Catalytic converter replacement 800 MDL
Gearbox
Clutch slave cylinder replacement 400 MDL
Release bearing replacement 2 500 MDL
Batteries
Battery replacement (under bonnet) 200 MDL
Battery replacement (in boot) 200 MDL
Battery replacement (under seat) 200 MDL
Battery charging 300 MDL

* Prices shown are approximate. The exact cost is calculated after vehicle diagnostics.

Can a drop in compression be spotted visually?
Not always. The signs may be indirect: rough idle, higher fuel or oil consumption, loss of power.
Can compression be measured on a cold engine?
Yes, but results are more accurate on a warmed-up engine when the cylinders are at operating temperature.
What to do if readings differ sharply between cylinders?
That's a signal to check the valves, piston rings and head gasket.
How long does engine compression measurement at the service center take?
Usually 40–60 minutes, depending on the engine type and number of cylinders.
Can the procedure be done by yourself?
Yes, but without experience and an accurate gauge the readings may be misleading.
Will measuring compression affect how the engine runs?
No. If the procedure is done correctly, the engine remains fully healthy.
Can the cause of low compression be identified straight away?
Sometimes yes, but often additional checks of cylinders, valves and the gasket are needed.
Where to get engine compression measurement done professionally in Chisinau?
At UnlimBoost — precise checks, per-cylinder analysis and recommendations for repair and prevention.

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Why engine compression measurement matters

Engine compression measurement in Moldova is a way to assess the internal condition of the motor without disassembly. Over time piston rings wear, valves lose sealing, head gaskets can burn through — and all of this shows in the engine's operating parameters.

What UnlimBoost technicians focus on:

  • Pressure difference between cylinders — critical for smooth engine operation.

  • Potential leaks through valves or piston rings.

  • Compliance of pressure with factory specs for the specific engine.

  • Spark plug condition, which can indirectly point to a problem.

Even small deviations in compression are a signal to check thoroughly. Our service uses professional, high-precision equipment that rules out errors and delivers reliable data.

How engine compression measurement at the service center works at UnlimBoost

The procedure requires a clear sequence and attention to detail. It's not enough to just take readings — they need to be interpreted correctly.

  1. Engine preparation: switching off injection and ignition so the motor doesn't start during the check.

  2. Removing and inspecting the spark plugs: checking electrodes and insulation.

  3. Connecting the gauge to each cylinder and taking several readings for accuracy.

  4. Recording the results and comparing them to factory specs.

  5. Analysing the causes of low or uneven compression: ring wear, burnt valves, gaskets or cylinder issues.

  6. Preparing a detailed report and recommendations: from valve adjustment to major engine overhaul.

UnlimBoost technicians take a comprehensive approach, checking the whole engine. Engine compression measurement at the service center reveals hidden problems that a standard check can miss.

Consequences of ignoring low compression

Ignoring a compression drop leads to serious consequences:

  • Loss of power and acceleration.

  • Higher fuel and oil consumption.

  • Accelerated wear of cylinders, piston rings and valves.

  • Head gasket burn-through and engine overheating.

Even if the engine still "runs", low compression can hide serious problems that will eventually turn into costly repair.

Technical nuances and professional details

Engine compression measurement is a procedure with plenty of nuances:

  • The gauge needs accuracy to within 0.1 bar.

  • Readings depend on engine temperature: a cold motor shows lower pressure than a warm one.

  • A difference of 10–15% between cylinders is considered critical.

  • Spark plugs must be in good condition for accurate results.

  • Sometimes a leak test is added to rule out false readings.

These details help UnlimBoost technicians give an accurate assessment of the engine's state and propose the best steps to restore power.

Price of engine compression measurement

The cost of engine compression measurement depends on the car's make, engine type and the scope of work. The price includes:

  • Preparation and shutting down the engine systems.

  • Removing and checking the spark plugs.

  • Connecting a professional gauge and taking multiple readings.

  • Analysing the results and giving repair recommendations.

In the end the owner gets a full picture of the engine's state plus recommendations for prevention or repair. The price of engine compression measurement at the service center directly depends on the complexity of the job and the number of cylinders.

Why clients choose UnlimBoost

They choose us for our professionalism and precise approach:

  • We work with European, Japanese, Korean and Chinese cars.

  • We use highly accurate, reliable equipment.

  • We analyse readings per cylinder, plus valves, rings and gaskets.

  • We give recommendations based on real data, not guesses.

  • Our technicians' experience lets us spot hidden issues that standard diagnostics miss.

  • After the check the owner gets a detailed report with an action plan, which helps plan maintenance on time and avoid major breakdowns.

As a result, the owner knows exactly what state the engine is in and can make decisions about repair or prevention without any doubt.

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