Mike’s Auto Service & Repair advises that if your tachometer needle is moving up and down sporadically or registering too high all the time, you probably have a vacuum leak in the engine. Every time air escapes from the vacuum hose, the engine’s RPMs increase. Consequently, a vacuum leak will make your tachometer needle bounce up and down. This is just one sign of a vacuum leak. Here are other signs.
Performance Problems
As the vacuum pressure escapes from the vacuum hose and fills the engine with air, the engine will start to have problems producing combustion in the combustion chamber. Consequently, your engine will sputter and lag, especially when you are driving at higher speeds. In severe cases, the engine may idle so roughly that it will stall while you are seated at a stop.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
A common problem that is associated with engine performance problems is a reduction in fuel economy. Unfortunately, your engine cannot get good gas mileage when it is running inefficiently. Anytime the engine’s performance is compromised, it uses more fuel. It doesn’t matter if you drive a gasoline or diesel engine. Your fuel efficiency will tank.
Malfunctioning Components
You may also start to have problems with many of your vehicle’s components because they use the vacuum pressure for power. For example, if you have noticed lately that your power steering seems out of whack, it’s possible that the vacuum leak is preventing the power steering pump from receiving the power it needs to circulate the fluid through the system.
Odd Noises in the Engine
It is rare for a vacuum leak to be silent. If you listen carefully, you may hear odd noises in the engine. Specifically, the engine may make a noise that sounds like the accessory hose on your vacuum cleaner. This suction sound is common with vacuum leaks. You may also hear constant hissing in the engine. This is indicative of a smaller vacuum leak.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, the above problems could cause the various sensors in your vehicle’s systems to report errors to the engine control unit. The underlying cause of the problems is the vacuum leak, and the unit cannot repair this problem. Consequently, it will turn on the check engine light and leave it on until you bring your vehicle to our shop so we can replace the vacuum hose.
Call Mike’s Auto Service & Repair in West Springfield, MA, today to set up a service appointment for your automobile.
