Mike’s Automotive explains that if you hear hissing sounds coming from the engine and your power steering is acting up, it’s possible that you have a vacuum leak. The power steering system uses vacuum pressure to power the steering pump. We will talk more about that below. We will also talk about the engine hissing. These are two signs that you need to have the vacuum hose replaced in the engine. Here are other signs.
Lagging Engine Performance
A leaking vacuum hose fills the engine with air. This air can make its way to the combustion chamber and affect engine performance. A chamber that is filled with air ends up with a lean fuel mixture. This mixture type starves the engine of fuel and causes it to lag and sputter.
Fluctuating Tachometer Needle
You may also notice that the tachometer needle is fluctuating while you are driving your automobile. As the vacuum leak releases the air into the engine, the RPMs will rise. Depending on the type of vacuum leak you have, the RPMs will be high steadily or fluctuate up and down.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Unfortunately, these engine performance problems because the engine to use more fuel. Consequently, you will have to head to the service station more often to keep a full tank. This is extremely bad news with gas prices what they are these days. Nobody wants to fill up more often.
Component Malfunction
As we mentioned above, the vacuum pressure helps the power steering pump to circulate the fluid through the system so it’s easy to turn the steering wheel. If the vacuum pressure is escaping into the engine, you will have problems with the power steering pump and other components.
Noises in the Engine
We also talked above about hissing noises. This is a common sound that a leaking vacuum hose will make. Another common sound is suction. When you think of this noise, think of the noise that your vacuum’s accessory hose makes when you detach it from the base.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, as you can see, a leaking vacuum hose can wreak all kinds of havoc. As such, the engine control unit will turn on the check engine warning light. This light will stay on until the vacuum leak is repaired. Who would’ve thought excess air in the engine could cause so much trouble?
Mike’s Automotive in Juliet, TN, is here to help, so call us today to set up a service visit for your automobile.