Driving can be stressful. Dealing with heavy traffic, road work, and other hurdles place plenty of pressure on drivers, and when other drivers on the road aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around them, that makes matters even worse. Of course, if you’re trying to find your way around an unfamiliar area, that can cause even more frustration and fear. In some cases, even finding a place to park can cause added tension and aggravation.
Even on days when traffic is flowing smoothly and there aren’t a lot of outside issues to deal with, if your vehicle starts running rougher than usual, it can bring on panic. When the smooth, gentle hum of your engine turns into spits, sputters, and vibrations, that’s definitely a cause for concern. Several underlying issues can cause your vehicle to run rough and lead to the need for auto repair in Katy, TX, but the following are some of the most common.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel system issues can certainly cause a vehicle to run rough. Those include clogged or damaged fuel pumps and filters and bad fuel injectors. If either of those problems arises, it can keep the engine from getting the right amount of fuel to run properly. As a result, the vehicle will sputter, jump, and possibly even stall. Contaminated and low-quality fuel can have the same effect. All of these problems could bring about the need for professional intervention. Without it, the problem will only get worse, and it may lead to even more serious issues over time.
Air Intake Problems
Air intake problems can cause a vehicle to run rough as well. They interfere with the air-fuel mixture in a vehicle, which hampers the internal combustion process. In many cases, air intake problems are caused by vacuum leaks in the intake manifold or the hoses running to and from it. Dirty or damaged air filters can cause issues too. Faulty throttle position sensors and mass airflow sensor malfunctions may also cause a vehicle to run poorly. Damaged MAP and O2 sensors can have the same effects.
Exhaust System Issues
Problems with a vehicle’s exhaust system can cause it to run rough too. Exhaust leaks fall into this category. Exhaust systems are supposed to be closed to control the fumes and emissions that leave a vehicle and the air that runs through the engine. If air is getting into the system where it shouldn’t be, it can cause problems. Clogs in the exhaust system can make a vehicle run rough as well because they interfere with airflow. A faulty EGR valve could be also be part of the problem.
Keeping Your Vehicle Running Smoothly
Those are some of the common reasons a vehicle may run rough, but many others could also come into play. If your vehicle isn’t running as smoothly as it once did, that’s a surefire sign that there’s a problem. It’s not just a symptom of an aging vehicle, and it could certainly lead to even more extensive problems down the road if it’s not taken care of promptly. Professional auto repairs can keep your vehicle running smoothly and keep you from dealing with more stress than necessary when you’re on the road.
