Regardless of the class of passenger car, manufacturer, or type of internal combustion engine, vehicle owners strive to ensure the longest possible period of reliable engine operation. The reliability and performance of an internal combustion engine are key indicators of its quality and prestige. Numerous research and development studies have focused on optimizing piston design and identifying the causes of piston failure. However, to better understand degradation mechanisms and trends in modern piston design, it is necessary to investigate the phenomena affecting the piston during typical engine service life. Thermomechanical stresses, friction, elevated and fluctuating temperatures, and contaminants all contribute to piston wear and reduce its service life. In this study, a new aluminum piston was compared with a piston extracted from an engine after approximately 200,000 kilometers of operation. The influence of engine operating time on piston surface condition, hardness, microstructure, and surface quality was analyzed. These parameters provide insight into the impact of friction and thermal loads on piston wear. Based on the investigations, the influence of piston operating time on surface degradation and changes in the mechanical properties of the piston material was determined. Furthermore, areas most susceptible to long-term loads and exhibiting the highest wear were identified. The results enable identification of piston regions requiring reinforcement or design optimization to minimize the risk of damage from prolonged engine operation.