To quickly answer the titled question, yes, an engine vacuum leak is bad. In fact, if your engine has a serious vacuum leak, you may lose precious power to various components and systems. Your vehicle doesn’t just use electricity to power things; it also uses vacuum pressure. If your engine has a vacuum leak, West Omaha Auto Service warns you may experience one or more of the symptoms listed below.
Dashboard Warning Light
Because a component or system is not getting the power it needs to function properly, your vehicle’s engine control unit may turn on the check engine light when you have a vacuum leak. Another reason why the unit may turn on the check engine light is that there is too much air in the engine, and this directly affects the air and fuel ratio found in your automobile’s combustion chamber.
Engine Idling Problems
Too much air can also affect how your engine idles. If you believe that you might have a vacuum leak in the engine, while you are sitting at an idle, look down at your tachometer to see how many revolutions per minute or RPMs your engine is generating. If there is too much air in the engine, the RPMs will be higher than normal, or they may be sporadic, switching from high to low erratically.
Engine Performance Issues
You may also notice engine performance issues. Because vacuum pressure helps to produce power in the engine, your vehicle’s acceleration may lag when you press down on the gas pedal. The engine may also stutter and act as if it’s going to stall. If the idling is quite erratic, your engine may stall. You may also notice a difference in your gas mileage because the engine is struggling to perform.
Sounds From the Engine
Finally, a vacuum leak will sound like a vacuum. If you suspect a vacuum leak, park your vehicle in a safe space, set the parking brake, turn on the automobile, and raise the hood. Listen for sucking noises that sound a lot like how the hose on your household vacuum sounds. Look toward the area where you hear the sounds and you may be able to see a leaking vacuum hose.
West Omaha Auto Service is the best auto shop in – you guessed it – West Omaha, NE, and we’ve got you covered if your engine has a vacuum leak. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. We understand that your time is precious, and we’ll get you in and out of our shop as quickly as possible.