Vacuum leaks typically happen in hoses that connect various engine components to each other. When you’ve got a hole or crack in one of those hoses, you’re likely to have a lot of trouble with your car’s engine. Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros has this advice for recognizing when you’re dealing with a vacuum leak somewhere in your car’s engine.
You’re Hearing Vacuum Sounds
One really obvious sign that you’ve got a vacuum leak somewhere in the engine is that you’re hearing noises that sound like a leak. If you’re not sure that’s what you’re hearing, park your car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Lift the hood and listen carefully. Vacuum leaks have a sucking sound that is tough to miss.
Your Engine Is Running at a High RPM While Idling
You might also hear your engine running at a higher RPM than usual. If you’re again not sure you’re hearing this properly, take a look at your tachometer when you’ve got the engine on but you’re stopped and sitting idle. You might even hear the engine speed up and slow down on its own as the vacuum leak continues.
You’ve Got Engine Performance Issues
Your car’s engine may not run well at all if there’s a vacuum leak. That’s because the combustion formula requires precise amounts and timing of fuel, air, and spark. With a vacuum leak, you’re getting either too much or too little air where it’s needed. That can lead to misfires, sputtering, and even stalling.
Your Car Doesn’t Respond to the Accelerator
When you hit the gas, you expect your car to respond, right? Well, with a vacuum leak your car may not be able to respond. As you hit the accelerator, your car may hesitate before it catches up with what you want it to do. This is again a problem with too much air and not enough fuel getting where they both need to go.
Vacuum leaks aren’t a problem that gets better over time on their own. You’ll need to repair the cracked or broken hose in order to give your car’s engine some relief. Not sure you’re dealing with a vacuum leak? Give us a call at Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros in Seaside, CA and we can troubleshoot the issue for you. We can narrow down what’s causing the problem and give you a thorough report.