Why is my engine sputtering?
Friday 26th April 2024
When driving, you notice a strange sound from your engine. If your engine is sputtering, it could be down to a simple fault, or a fuel or exhaust system issue. Formula One Autocentres covers why your engine is sputtering.
Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
Are the fuel injectors on your car’s engine clogged or dirty? Dirty or clogged fuel injectors can lead to:
- A faltering fuel supply inside the engine.
- The fuel injectors cannot spray enough fuel into the engine’s cylinders or intake manifold.
- Poor engine performance and misfiring.
If you have clogged or dirty fuel injectors, you should book in for our fuel saver service at your nearest Formula One Autocentres branch.
A faulty engine control unit (also known as an ECU)
The ECU is crucial for the efficient running of most modern vehicles. It constantly monitors air flow using sensors and can adjust fuel injection rates to give optimal performance. If the ECU is damaged or worn out, it’ll lead to a lean fuel mixture in the combustion chamber or misfiring spark plugs. This will cause your engine to sputter.
Failing spark plugs
The spark plugs inside your engine are responsible for fuel combustion within the engine’s cylinders. If you notice that one or all spark plugs are failing, the engine cannot produce the combustion it needs to power your car. Therefore, your engine is likely to sputter and lose power while driving.
Your car runs out of petrol or diesel
Running out of fuel is a common reason why your car engine sputters. Your engine will struggle as the petrol or diesel in the fuel tank slowly runs out, causing the car to stop running. Check your fuel gauge to see if it reads ‘empty’. Be aware that even if it shows that you have fuel, the gauge may be stuck or faulty.
Faulty or malfunctioning oxygen sensors
There are oxygen sensors located on your car’s exhaust manifold that measure the amount of oxygen that’s released from the exhaust. If the exhaust sensor gives an inaccurate reading to your car’s trip computer or fails, it can affect the performance of the engine and exhaust system.
Understanding why your engine is sputtering will ensure the fault is identified and repaired before it causes any serious damage to your car’s engine. If you are unsure what type of engine you have under your car’s bonnet, take a look at our guide to discover the various types of car engines you might have under your car’s bonnet. Book your next car service at your local Formula One Autocentres branch today.
