What may happen to the top cylinder rings if temperatures exceed 200°C in a combustion engine?

When temperatures in a combustion engine exceed 200°C, the performance of lubricants is critically affected. At such high temperatures, lubricants can start to break down chemically, which leads to a loss of their properties. This degradation can cause the lubricants to become less effective at reducing friction and wear, which are essential functions in protecting engine components, including the top cylinder rings.

As the lubricants fail, there is a greater risk of increased wear on those cylinder rings due to insufficient lubrication. This can lead to overheating and potential seizing of engine parts, as they may not operate effectively under proper load and speed conditions. Maintaining proper lubrication is crucial for the durability and efficiency of an engine, and the breakdown of lubricants at elevated temperatures can severely compromise this.

In contrast, while the other options present various scenarios regarding the cylinder rings, they do not accurately reflect what happens when temperatures exceed 200°C, particularly regarding lubricant behavior and its impact on engine operation.