Replenishment pockets on piston rings for the prevention of microwelding

A method for replenishing lubricant to a piston ring groove having an upper groove surface and lower groove surface to prevent microwelding between a piston and at least one respective piston ring of an engine, wherein the ring has an upper and lower surface, the method comprising:

• forming a plurality of replenishment pockets on at least one of the upper and lower surface of the ring;
• and
• disposing a lubricant on at least one of the upper and lower surface of the ring, such that the plurality of replenishment pockets are substantially filled with a lubricant and such that a layer of lubricant is applied to at least one of the upper and lower surface of the ring;
• wherein during operation of the engine, the lubricant disposed in the plurality of replenishment pockets migrates onto at least one of the upper and lower surface of the ring and is deposited thereto, such that microwelding is inhibited between at least one of the upper and lower surface of the ring and at least one of the upper and lower groove surfaces of the piston ring groove.