Common Causes of Engine Misfiring

Machines are susceptible to wear and tear. It is a universal fact. Cars are no exception. Regular wear and tear can affect their spare parts, contributing to a downfall in engine performance. One of the common issues that affect engine performance and hinder the smooth running of a vehicle is engine misfiring. Engine misfire occurs when certain parts of the engine fail to ignite the fuel-air mixture, causing mobility issues in a car.  This can significantly impact the performance of your car, leading to a complete breakdown if left unattended. This article discusses some of the common reasons behind engine misfiring, its impact on the car’s performance and how attending to them at the right time can help maintain your car’s performance.

Understanding Engine Misfiring

An engine misfiring happens when a cylinder or two fails to ignite the air-fuel mixture in an engine, leading to an imbalance in the use of car fuel, thus causing improper burning of the fuel. The reason why it should not be ignored is because this issue can have severe negative consequences on your car’s performance. 

How Engine Misfires Affect Vehicle Performance

When the air-fuel mixture is not fired properly, the fuel is not burned properly. This has an adverse effect on a car’s mobility. Prolonged ignorance of this issue can deem your car entirely useless. Some of the side effects of an engine misfire are overheating or a damaged catalytic converter. Here are some of the common reasons why engine misfires happen.

Common Causes of Engine Misfiring

Ignition System Issues

Faulty Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs are a common cause of engine misfires. They fail to deliver the necessary spark for fuel ignition, leading to poor performance and reduced fuel efficiency.

Worn Ignition Coils: Spark plugs need well-functioning ignition coils to ignite fuel properly. Worn-out ignition coils cannot help in doing so.  

Malfunctioning Distributor Cap: Though less common in modern vehicles, a faulty distributor cap can disrupt the ignition system by misdirecting spark timing.

Fuel System Problems

Clogged Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors play a very crucial role in the proper functioning of cars. If these injectors are clogged, it disrupts the flow of the fuel to the engine, causing an engine misfire.

Fuel Pump Failures: Low fuel pressure due to a failing fuel pump can result in a lean air-fuel mixture, causing misfires.

Contaminated Fuel: Never fall for the lure of using cheap quality, contaminated fuel to run your engine. The lower the cost, the higher the chances of fuel contamination. Over time, using cheap fuel of low quality will take a toll on your car’s engine. 

Air Intake and Vacuum Leaks

Leaking Intake Manifold Gaskets: These leaks introduce excess air into the combustion chamber, creating a lean mixture that can cause misfires.

Broken Vacuum Hoses: Similar to manifold leaks, broken vacuum hoses can disrupt the air-fuel balance by allowing additional air into the engine.

Sensor and Control Module Failures

Faulty Oxygen Sensors: Oxygen sensors help in balancing the air-fuel mixture by adding oxygen in controlled quantities at regular intervals. When these sensors stop working, it can lead to improper fuel injection, causing misfires.

Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensors: Sensors are extremely sensitive parts of a car which are physically small and can easily malfunction.  A dirty or faulty MAF sensor can provide incorrect air flow data to the ECU, affecting fuel injection and causing misfires.

ECU (Engine Control Unit) Issues: Problems with the ECU can disrupt engine timing and fuel injection, leading to misfires.

Mechanical Engine Problems

Worn Piston Rings: These can cause reduced compression in the cylinders, leading to incomplete combustion and misfires.

Burned Exhaust Valves: These can prevent proper sealing of the combustion chamber, affecting engine performance.

Timing Belt or Chain Issues: A skipped tooth or broken timing belt can disrupt the engine's firing sequence, causing misfires.

Diagnosing Engine Misfires

It is essential to understand how to diagnose engine misfires to be able to identify the problem when it happens. The following tips will help you.

Symptoms of Engine Misfiring

Symptoms like rough idling, loss of power, poor fuel efficiency, and a check engine light indicate engine misfiring. Rough idling refers to when a car engine is running unevenly while it is stationary, causing the vehicle to shake violently. Loss of power is denoted by a frail engine operation. You might also hear unusual sounds like popping or banging from the exhaust.

Diagnostic Tools and Techniques

Mechanics use tools like OBD-II scanners to identify the source of the misfire by reading error codes stored in the vehicle's computer.

When to Consult a Professional Mechanic?

If you notice any symptoms of an engine misfire, it's advisable to consult a professional mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.

Preventive Measures

To ensure a well-maintained vehicle, one must take certain precautions. These include maintaining your vehicle regularly.

Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing spark plugs and fuel filters, can prevent many causes of engine misfires.

Using Quality Fuel

Using high-quality fuel can help prevent contamination issues that might lead to misfires.

Timely Replacement of Worn Components

Replacing worn components like ignition coils and fuel injectors before they fail can prevent misfires.

Buy An Engine Protection Cover

An engine protection cover is a useful add-on feature that can come in handy when you face issues in your car’s engine due to an engine misfire. This add-on feature has to be paid for separately and is not part of the regular car insurance scheme. An engine protection cover helps one to cover the costs of repairing a car’s engine due to any issues.

Conclusion

Engine misfires are common, they can happen due to various problems that vary from engine wear and tear due to an ageing vehicle, to mechanical issues. Early detection and repair is important to ensure this does not happen frequently. If left unattended, it can greatly hamper your vehicle’s performance, thus causing greater issues. If you suspect an engine misfire, it is better to get professional advice straight away. Consulting a professional mechanic will be beneficial.