How to Deal with Rough Idle?

Regular car inspections can pay you in the long run. Many people think that a car inspection is required only at the time of buying or selling a used car. But on the contrary, regular car inspections by the qualified mechanic will detect the early signs of trouble and will alert you for the same.

You might have experienced a jerk or knocking noise while the car is static and the engine is running. Such a problem might be due to rough engine idle. It shows that the engine is taking extra stress and this could due to many reasons. A proper inspection will help in determining the cause and fixing the issue.

Most of us have experienced car rough idle, but do not pay attention to it unless it becomes crucial. Many factors can cause a rough idling engine. Sometimes it could be due to some minor problem, but sometimes it signals a bigger problem. No matter how big or small the trouble is, the indication given by the vehicle should not be neglected. If you don’t want small troubles to turn into a big one, then call someone for a car inspection and trace the root cause of why the car idle is rough.

When the engine is running, ideally it generates power to operate parts like water pump, alternator, power steering, but not enough power to move the vehicle. The engine may actually stall when it is shifted into gear. Detecting Car rough idling becomes more crucial if you are planning for selling or buying a pre-used car. The problem may be minor or major. But with proper car inspection, one can get a clear idea about the car’s engine. Fixing small problems at the initial stage will save you in the future.

How to determine the car is idling rough:

A rough idling engine will feel rough and bouncy when the engine is on while the car is stationary in park or neutral and will probably get worse when shifted into gear (drive or reverse). You can notice that the tachometer needle is not stable at 800rpm but it fluctuates which means that the engine speed or RPM, is also fluctuating. Another indicator of engine rough idle and a possible engine misfire is an illuminated check engine light.

Causes of rough idling:

• Dirty fuel injector
• Worn or damaged spark plugs
• Defective ignition coil
• Incorrect idle speed
• Vacuum leak
• Defective or clogged fuel pump
• Clogged fuel filter
• Dirty oxygen sensor
• Engine mechanical problem such as worn or burnt valves

Do not take this problem for granted, call the car inspector for engine inspection to find out the real reason and fix the problem before it becomes crucial. The qualified mechanic will check the car and will look for defective parts and leaks. To verify the real cause of the engine idle, the mechanic needs to crank the car and drive it so that they can catch the problem. Keep your vehicle in good condition with a regular car inspection and maintenance service. This will avoid engine problems such as this which will reduce wear on your engine and eliminate the added expense it can cause for expensive repairs.