Did you know cars that are 10 years and older are twice as likely to break down? What's even worse is that 50 percent of all vehicles on the road are at least 10 years old.
It seems to always happen at the worst time. Right when you least expect it.
The engine starts making
noise and you hope it is just something that will take care of itself. But will it?
Engine sputtering is a common issue that many people deal with. Keep reading this guide to find out five of the most common problems.
1. Faulty Sensor
They have sensors for everything in new cars that are being built today. These sensors help detect small problems before they become major ones. The problem is sometimes these sensors break or get dirty and become faulty, causing unnecessary issues.
One of the most common causes of engine sputtering is a dirty mass airflow sensor. The mass airflow sensor helps keep a balanced fuel-to-air ratio to keep your engine running smoothly. When the sensor gets dirty, it can malfunction, resulting in too much or too little air in the combustion chambers.
2. Spark Plugs
Another very common issue that leads to engine sputtering is worn
spark plugs. The function of the spark plugs is to ignite the gas in the combustion chamber via electric energy.
When spark plugs wear out, it can result in cylinder misfires that will lead to your engine being unable to turn over. Spark plugs are fairly easy to replace and are inexpensive.
3. Fuel System leaks
Leaks happen in older cars, sometimes causing other damage in the vehicle. When your fuel system leaks, it leads to air getting into the fuel system. When you have too much air in the fuel system, it can lead to engine failure.
Fuel system leaks are very dangerous due to the flammable gases that are being released. These leaks should be fixed immediately to ensure no other damage happens to the vehicle.
4. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is part of your vehicle's engine
exhaust system. When the catalytic converter becomes faulty or leaks it can leak toxic gases into the air.
One of the gases that get released is sulfur. When your vehicle can no longer
break down sulfur, you will begin smelling a rotten scent coming from the exhaust. It is critical to take care of this issue as soon as possible, as it will lead to larger problems if not taken care of.
5. Vacuum Leak
If you have a vacuum leak, most likely your check
engine light will come on as well as your engine making noise. Your vehicle may not shift at the right times and may even stall out.
When you have a vacuum leak, the air to gas ratio will be thrown off once again, resulting in engine sputtering.
Causes of Engine Sputtering
Engine sputtering happens from time to time and can cause some serious damage to your vehicle if not taken care of. It is best to get the problem checked out and fixed correctly before anything else happens.
If your car's engine is making noise and you need help diagnosing the problem,
contact us, and we can help.
B&M Auto Repair and Towing is proud to offer mechanic services to the Collegeville, Phoenixville, and Oak PA areas. We fix brakes, provide towing services, and everything in between, so give us a call at (484) 358-6784 and let B&M Auto be your auto service and repair partner.