Misfires - what is it and when does this problem with engine operation appear?

Improper engine operation is a common problem for people who have internal combustion engines - both gasoline and diesel. Problems with the ignition system require specialized diagnostics at an authorized service center, especially when the vehicle does not operate as usual. When the process of combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders does not occur, it may turn out that misfires have occurred. The main symptoms and indicators pointing to a problem should not be underestimated. Otherwise, you will lead to a complete breakdown of the engine, and it will be very expensive.

Misfire - what is it?

Do you often have problems starting your car after a long period of parking? Or maybe, while driving, the engine makes unpleasant sounds and stops working on one of several cylinders? A common cause of these situations is misfiring. This means that the air-fuel mixture does not burn in the cylinders and fills the spark plugs. This causes a lack of spark and therefore additional problems with the correct operation of the engine. Misfire problems are most common in older vehicles, especially heavily used ones.

When do misfires most often occur?

Misfiring is a problem that occurs mainly when there is a power surge in the coil, the car has worn spark plugs without a spark, or oil enters the cylinders through damaged valve stem seals. Other problems that can cause misfiring include:

• damage to the cylinder head gasket and the ingress of coolant into the cylinders,
• incorrect operation of the engine controller responsible for dosing the air-fuel dose into the cylinders,
• excessively worn spark plugs.

Interestingly, only professional diagnostics will allow us to assess the real cause of misfires in the cylinders. This problem effectively hinders everyday driving, so it is worth acting immediately when the first symptoms of a malfunction appear. Any problems with the intake system, leaks and clogged fuel injectors are other causes that cause errors in the diagnostic tools and can completely immobilize the car.

What are the symptoms of a misfire in a car? we offer!

Signs of misfiring in a car can be several, or even a dozen. The ones you'll notice almost immediately after the problem occurs:

• periodic engine jerks when idling,
• problems with starting or stopping the car,
• strong smell of gasoline near the hood,
• car power drop
• idle speed fluctuations
• check engine light appears.

There are also many other symptoms, but they can only be diagnosed after a comprehensive diagnosis at an authorized service center with computer equipment. A misfire has many consequences. If you do not respond properly and correct the problem, your vehicle may be seriously damaged. This applies to both motorcycles and cars of all types.

Misfires - the most common faults and solutions

A car breakdown due to misfiring can have various causes, which in some situations are easy to fix - even on your own. If you already know the symptoms and causes of misfiring at idle, then you can list a few parts that are most often damaged, namely:

• Spark plug,
• high voltage wires,
• ignition coil,
• intake system due to left air.

However, you need to know that replacing spark plugs is not always effective. However, it's cheap enough that you might want to pick it up first. Perhaps this way you will quickly end the problem of misfire. Damage to the above elements are the most common malfunctions that fuel-powered vehicles are subject to. No mechanical experience? Then you're better off getting your car to a specialist, as you could cause even more damage than a misfire alone.

With regard to misfires, more serious malfunctions are also known, associated with sticking piston rings, damage to the cylinder head gasket and jamming of the crank system. In such situations, you will not be able to independently diagnose the engine, much less repair it. If you want to avoid the costly consequences of a misfire, act immediately. When misfires are caused by worn piston rings, the car can end up being very expensive to repair.

Loss of ignition - a big problem or a commonplace malfunction?

In summary, it is worth noting that misfires seem like a trivial malfunction to fix, but in many cases they can lead to the rapid failure of many parts of the car. Uneven engine operation should be your first signal to connect the diagnostic system. Remember, it is better to prevent misfiring than to deal with the subsequent cost of repairing the entire engine.