Symptoms of engine misfiring
Engine misfiring needs to be detected at early stages to avoid expensive repairs. So, look out for the following signs to detect if your car’s engine isn’t working as required:
- Rough idling: When your car is stopped, but the engine is running, it may shake or vibrate more than usual. This rough movement usually means that the engine is not firing evenly.
- Sluggish acceleration or loss of power: If your car feels weak or slow when you try to speed up, it could be a misfire. You may also notice jerking or shaking while pressing the accelerator.
- Increased fuel consumption: A misfiring engine often uses more fuel than normal. If you notice that your car is visiting the fuel station more often than usual, it could be because the engine is working harder to compensate for the misfire.
- Check engine light: Your car’s dashboard may show the check engine light. This is a warning from the onboard system that something isn’t working properly, and a mechanic should check it.
- Unusual smoke or sounds: Sometimes, misfires cause black smoke from the exhaust. You may also hear popping, sputtering, or banging noises from the engine, especially when driving at mid-range speeds.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to get your car checked before the problem worsens.
Common causes of engine misfiring
Your car engine misfires due to several reasons. At times, it can be related to fuel, faulty mechanical components, and cylinders. Let’s get a detailed understanding of it:
Spark plug problems (Petrol engines)\
In petrol engines, spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel to make the engine run. Over time, spark plugs can wear out, become dirty, or get damaged. When this happens, the engine may run unevenly or struggle to start, leading to misfires.
Ignition coil issues
Ignition coils produce the voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs. If a coil becomes weak or fails, the spark may be inconsistent, which can cause the engine to misfire and run roughly.
Fuel problems
Fuel problems are another major cause of engine misfires. If your engine isn’t getting the right amount of fuel, it can’t run properly. Some common fuel-related problems include:
- Clogged Fuel Filter: Dirt and dust can block the filter, reducing the fuel flow to the engine. This can cause the engine to misfire frequently.
- Low Fuel Pressure: If the fuel pump isn’t working properly, fuel may not reach the engine in sufficient quantity, leading to a weak engine.
- Faulty Fuel Injector: Fuel injectors deliver fuel to each cylinder in small amounts. If an injector gets clogged or fails, the affected cylinder won’t receive enough fuel, causing a misfire.
Using good-quality fuel and keeping the fuel system clean can prevent many of these problems.
Air leaks and exhaust issues
Engines need air to burn fuel properly. Problems in air intake or exhaust systems can lead to misfires.
- Air leaks: Cracks in hoses or loose connections can allow extra air into the engine, affecting performance.
- Exhaust issues: A blocked exhaust or a failing catalytic converter can cause the engine to misfire.
Engine wear
Engines experience wear over time, and neglected maintenance can lead to misfires. Some common mechanical causes include:
- Timing Belt Issues: The timing belt ensures that the engine valves open and close at the right time. A worn or loose belt can throw off the engine timing, causing misfires.
- Worn Piston Rings: Piston rings help seal the cylinders for efficient combustion. Worn rings can reduce engine performance, increase oil use, and lead to misfires.
Regular engine maintenance can help avoid these serious problems.
Electrical faults
Apart from air, fuel, and spark plug issues, electrical hindrances can also lead to engine misfires. Here’s how:
- Oxygen Sensors: These sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and adjust the engine for better performance. A faulty sensor can make the engine run too rich or too lean, causing misfires.
- Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF): This sensor measures the air entering the engine. If it fails, the engine may not get the correct air-to-fuel mix, resulting in misfires.
How to fix an engine misfire?
If your car shows signs of engine misfiring, a mechanic should inspect it as soon as possible. Fixing a misfire usually involves:
- Diagnostic Scan: A technician uses a scan tool to find which cylinder or part is causing the problem.
- Spark Plug and Ignition Coil Replacement: Worn-out spark plugs or failing ignition coils are replaced.
- Fuel System Checks: The fuel pressure is measured, and injectors or filters may be cleaned or replaced as needed.
- Vacuum Leak Tests: A smoke machine may be used to detect leaks in the air system.
However, the fixes mentioned above cannot be done at home by yourself and require professional help. So, you may need to take your car to a service centre. If you are looking for a hassle-free solution in that regard, ACKO Drive Servicer Centre makes it simple.
You can book a service slot online, and we’ll pick up your car from your doorstep for free. We'll handle the repairs with a thorough inspection and deliver it back to you.
You can easily track the progress through the ACKO app or the ACKO Drive website, and with our transparent pricing, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for. Let us take care of everything, so you can avoid larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
How to Prevent Engine Misfires?
Preventing engine misfires is always better than fixing them later. With a few simple habits and regular checks, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid expensive repairs.
Here’s how:
Regular service and check-ups
Keeping your car in good condition means getting it serviced regularly. This helps catch small issues early, keeps your engine, brakes, fluids, battery, tyres, and filters in check, and improves performance and fuel efficiency. Skipping servicing can lead to bigger problems, lower mileage, and reduced resale value.
Replace spark plugs and filters on time
Replace spark plugs at the specified mileage using the correct heat-range iridium or platinum plugs. Change air and fuel filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and consistent fuel pressure. Ask technicians to verify spark-plug gaps and test ignition coils during service. This ensures reliable ignition, balanced combustion, and reduced chances of misfires under load.
Use good-quality fuel
Choose fuel from reputable stations and use higher-octane options, such as Power Petrol, which resist knocking and allow engines to operate at optimal timing. Keep the fuel tank above a quarter to avoid sediment reaching injectors, and use top-tier fuels with detergents occasionally. Higher-octane fuels burn more evenly, reduce carbon deposits, and prevent misfires, ensuring smoother performance.
Frequently asked questions
