We are serious here at Mueller’s Auto. If your car, truck, or C/SUV’s engine develops a vacuum leak, you will experience one or more of the problems listed below. Do not worry. We can fix the vacuum leak by replacing the leaking vacuum hose. Vacuum pressure is sent around the engine inside these hoses to power components such as the power steering pump.
Sputtering and Stuttering
If your engine starts sputtering and stuttering along, this is a sign that there is a vacuum leak that is releasing too much air into the combustion chamber. In engine sputters is a fuel-starved engine. In other words, there’s too much air and not enough fuel in the engine in order for it to perform efficiently. Consequently, the engine will sputter and struggle to run.
Acceleration Hesitation
This includes your vehicle’s acceleration. It will hesitate if the vacuum leak is releasing a ton of air into the engine. This can be frustrating when you are trying to start from a stop or pick up speed to pass someone. Acceleration hesitation is a sign of the vacuum leak.
Rough Engine Idling
Another sign that your engine is leaking vacuum pressure is rough engine idling. This sign is easy to detect because you can pay attention to how your engine is running when you are sitting at an idle. If it is idling roughly, you may have a vacuum leak.
Reduced Fuel Economy
All of these engine conditions can reduce your fuel economy noticeably. You will find that you need to fill the tank more often because your car, truck, or C/SUV is not getting the gas mileage that it used to get. Fixing the vacuum leak can restore the fuel efficiency.
Erratic Tachometer Needle
Another sign that your engine has a vacuum leak is an erratic tachometer needle. As the vacuum pressure escapes from the leaking hose, it will raise the engine’s RPMs. Consistently high or sporadic RPMs are a sign that the engine is getting bursts of air.
Strange Engine Noises
You might be able to tell that your engine has a vacuum leak if you hear strange noises coming from it. Specifically, the common noises that a vacuum leak makes are hissing and suction. These noises will come directly from the leaking vacuum hose.
Finally, Mueller’s Auto in Pueblo, CO, advises that all of these things can turn on the check engine light. Give us a call today to schedule an auto service appointment if you suspect that your engine has a vacuum leak.
