For more than a century, Audi has produced luxurious cars with an unprecedented mix of class and sophistication. For all their innovation, Audi hasn't found a cure for mechanical aging and breakdown in their vehicles. Audi cars may last longer and have fewer breakdowns than other makes and models, but they are prone to the same wear and tear that hinders all automobiles. One of these problems deals with a misfiring engine.
Common Causes of Engine Misfires
Some of the main reasons your engine may be misfiring are:
- Pushing the limits: When you feel the power and capability underneath the hood of an Audi, it’s hard not to have a little fun and test the limits of what your engine is capable of producing. Every once in a while is okay, but consistently pushing your Audi’s engine to its limits is a recipe for disaster. Be careful not to take it too far too often, or your engine may eventually begin to misfire.
- Faulty or worn-out spark plugs: The spark plug plays a significant role in the starting of your engine. It is essentially the match that lights the fire. If the spark plug becomes damaged or worn out, it has the possibility of not working correctly and misfiring your engine. You should seek a licensed Audi professional to get your spark plugs checked out every 80,000 miles and make sure they are up to par.
- Worn out spark plug wires: The same problem can occur if you have spark plug wires that are torn or frayed. If the electrical connection between the spark plug and the engine is not working correctly, engine misfires are probable.
- Faulty fuel injector: If your Audi relies on fuel to run, it is prone to a faulty fuel injector. The fuel injector is the part that delivers fuel to the engine, allowing it to function correctly. If the fuel injector becomes damaged, it may result in vacuum leaks where air enters the injector and blocks the steady flow of fuel to the engine.
Signs of Engine Misfires in Your Audi
Because Audi’s typically operate flawlessly without any noises or hiccups, it’s especially easy to tell when something is off about your car. By paying close attention to how your Audi is behaving and getting routine maintenance, you can nip engine misfire problems in the bud. Let’s take a look at a few symptoms of engine misfires:
- Rough acceleration: As you step on the gas to accelerate, you may feel a small jerking sensation coming from the engine. This is an easily-recognizable sign of an engine misfire.
- Rough idle: If you come to a complete stop at a traffic light and the engine is still running, your Audi is idling. If you begin to feel your car vibrating awkwardly and making a coughing sound, your engine is misfiring and needs professional help. This rough idle may even get bad enough to cause your engine to stall out.
- Check engine light: The clearest and obvious sign that your engine may be misfiring is that the check engine light will come on. The check engine light comes on for various reasons, but if it turns on in conjunction with any of these other symptoms, an engine misfire is the most likely culprit.
- Slow acceleration: If your Audi fails to take off with the same vigor and gusto that it usually does, engine misfire is a possible culprit, and there is a problem with the air/fuel ratio. Make sure to get this taken care of immediately for your safety.
- Unusual engine sounds: You don’t have to know a lot about cars to know when your engine sounds different than usual. All this requires is an attentive ear and paying attention to the noises your car is making.
M Service is the Shop for You
If you’re anywhere near Walnut Creek, California, then M Service is the place to go for all your Audi needs. M Service has the top Audi professionals in the state to help you with your engine misfire or any other mechanical, technological, or maintenance issue with your car.
For a complete list of all of our services and skills, visit our website or give us a calltoday to find out how we can service your car to get you back on the road quickly and safely.