Your automotive is not just a machine with an engine that runs on the road but for the majority of car owners, it is a matter of pride and any kind of performance issue is considered as a personal problem. Car owners are protective of their car and they use the best parts, engine oil, and accessories to make their car ride more exciting.
But like all machines, your car may also experience some glitches and performance issues and knocking sounds from engine or any other kind of nuisance made by the engine while running or idling requires immediate attention as it might be the signal of some big trouble.
If your van, car or SUV is idling rough then it is time to give it a proper inspection, you can also use the help of a professional technician for the inspection as they can easily identify the root cause of the trouble. Even if you are not tech-savvy you can find the reason why your engine is idling rough. Some of the common causes of rough engine idling are given below:
Clogged filter: One of the common reasons for engine idling rough is a clogged air filter. The filter on most late-model vehicles can be checked relatively easily by unsnapping a few clips, lifting the cover of the plastic housing where the filter is located and then removing the filter so it can be inspected. If the filter is noticeably dirtier on one side than the other, it is at least restricting air-flow into the engine and may be causing the rough idle. When the air filter is clean, it prevents debris from entering and damage the engine. When the filter is clogged, the flow of oxygen to the engine is decreased which will negatively affect the engine’s performance.
Broken Vacuum Hose: Broken vacuum or a loose vacuum hose is another common reason for engine rough idling. Vacuum hoses gets damaged over time and if it remains unattended for a longer period, then it can cause severe engine damage. A damaged vacuum hose will cause an air leak into the engine which can affect the fuel-mixture and cause serious problems. Most of the sophisticated modern cars use a fuel injection system to meter fuel which also depends on the vacuum to help the engine’s computer in deciding the engine’s condition. Now you can understand how crucial it is to keep vacuum hoses in order or else it might damage the engine beyond repair.
Issues in electrical components: Another reason that might cause rough idling is the trouble in the vehicle’s electrical components. Issues with spark plugs or spark plug wires, distributor caps or ignition coils may also cause rough idling. The Check Engine Light may also be on if any of these components are defective. All these small components play a crucial role in the vehicle’s performance and any issue with these components can create issues with car engines.
Carburetor trouble: Earlier vehicles used a carburetor instead of a fuel injector. Black exhaust smoke is a clear signal that indicates there is some problem with the carburetor. One can use a carburetor cleaner to clean it and remove carbon deposits. When the carburetor gets choked with carbon particles, it causes engine rough idling.
A smooth-idling, noiseless engine is usually a clear indicator that the engine and vehicle are in good condition and there is no underlying issue. But if you notice any kind of rough noise or an uneven idle from the engine, then it is a time to focus on our car health. With regular maintenance, one can keep their car running smoothly and noise-free. Visit a professional car garage near you for regular care and maintenance and enhance your vehicle’s life and performance.