A vehicle engine that misfires might lead you to panic, but some causes of this occurrence are minor and can be fixed with a little maintenance work while other causes may be more serious. No matter what the cause is, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further problems. Here are four factors that can make an engine misfire.
Spark plugs that wear down as they’re used can be responsible for a misfiring engine. A worn spark may be unable to generate electricity, and this energy might instead be fired out from your engine and cause a misfire. At first, you might not even notice these misfires, but they will gradually become worse over time if the problems with your spark plugs aren’t addressed. Fortunately, spark plugs are among the most inexpensive car parts and can be replaced quickly and easily.
Sometimes when a fuel injector is faulty and weakens, a problem known as “lean misfire” can occur because not enough fuel is getting into the combustion chamber. Along with a misfiring engine, you’ll likely notice that your vehicle loses power especially when you accelerate, which can further exacerbate the problem. Thankfully, it’s easy to buy fuel injection parts online that can make excellent replacements and resolve the issues.
The misfiring problem isn’t always because of an engine issue. You might instead have a worn, damaged or faulty transmission. Your vehicle will be especially prone to engine misfires if your transmission is no longer able to be shifted up and down sufficiently. A vehicle that jerks a lot while in motion is another sign of a problem with the transmission that could result in an engine misfire. You’ll likely notice the problems more when you drive at higher speeds.
Piston rings that have failed can also prompt a vehicle’s engine to misfire. A good way to know if it’s your piston rings that are causing the misfires is by checking to see if your vehicle is using up more oil than usual. An engine misfire that’s accompanied with a large amount of gray or white smoke that’s seen emitting from the exhaust is another indicator of a piston problem.
Getting to the root cause of your engine’s misfires can help you resolve the issue sufficiently. By replacing old parts or taking care of any other mechanical problems that are resulting in the misfires, you will be able to enjoy a smoother ride and may add years to your vehicle’s life.
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