If you’ve noticed that your car seems to be running rough or has recently gotten poor gas mileage, there’s a chance that you might have an engine vacuum leak. Engine vacuum leaks occur when there’s a leak between the mass air sensor and the engine. When this leak occurs, more air enters the combustion chamber than is necessary. As a result, the fuel-to-air mixture will be incorrect, and engine performance will suffer. To figure out whether or not you have an engine vacuum leak, look out for these five signs of an engine vacuum leak while driving around town or on the highway.
1) Excessive Cranking Time
One of the most common signs of engine trouble is when your car takes a long time to start. If you have to crank the engine for more than a few seconds before it finally turns over, that’s a sign that something isn’t right. It could be a vacuum leak.
2) Uneven Idle
If your car’s engine is idling unevenly, it could signal a vacuum leak. In addition, uneven idling can cause your vehicle to vibrate and can be a symptom of other engine troubles. Therefore, if you notice your car’s engine is idling unevenly, it’s essential to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.
3) Hesitation at Low Speeds
If your car hesitates or sputters when you start or drive at low speeds, it could signal an engine vacuum leak. A leak in the engine vacuum can cause the engine to run lean, which means there’s not enough air/fuel mixture entering the cylinders. This can lead to engine trouble, from decreased performance to increased fuel consumption.
4) Engine Stalls
If your car stalls when stopped, it could signify a vacuum leak. When your car is stopped, and the engine is idling, your car may not be getting enough fuel to keep running in the case of a vacuum leak.
5) Poor Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy is another one of the most common and noticeable signs of a vacuum leak. If your car suddenly gets worse gas mileage than usual, it could be due to a leak. A small leak can cause your engine to run less efficiently, wasting fuel.
If you notice any signs of an engine vacuum leak, you should see your mechanic get the problem diagnosed and fixed. Unfortunately, diagnosing an engine vacuum leak can be tricky. Still, a qualified mechanic should be able to handle the repair without much trouble and get you back on the road.
