Your Audi or other European automobile uses the vacuum created in the combustion chamber for power. This vacuum is transported through a series of hoses. If any of these hoses develop a leak, which can happen over time, you will end up with engine performance issues due to the fact that there is too much air in the engine and the combustion chamber. Kinetech Motor Werkes lists the signs of a vacuum hose leak below.
Dashboard Warning of Trouble
Sometimes, the only indication of trouble you will get is a check engine warning light. Once your Audi’s engine control module realizes that there is too much air in the engine, if it cannot make the necessary adjustments to reduce the air, which it can’t because of the vacuum leak, it will turn on the check engine light.
Acceleration Loss or Stuttering
Another sign of a vacuum leak is problems with your vehicle’s acceleration. You may press down on the accelerator to start from a stop or pick up speed but because there is too much air in your engine, your vehicle may hesitate or sputter before the acceleration responds.
Engine Performance Loss or Stuttering
You may also notice this in your engine’s overall performance. For example, when an engine is fuel-starved, which happens when there is too much air in it, it will sputter, hiccup, and feel as if it is misfiring. In some cases, it might actually be misfiring, and this can all be caused by a vacuum leak.
Higher-Than-Normal RPM Readings
Take a look at your tachometer while you are sitting at an idle to see what the RPM reading is. If it is higher than it should be, or if the needle is bouncing up and down, this is definitely a sign that your automobile has a vacuum leak. The spurts of air coming out of the broken vacuum hose cause the RPMs to rev up and down.
Vacuum Suction Noises Coming From the Engine
Finally, you might be able to hear the vacuum leak coming from the engine. This often sounds like the suction noises you hear coming from the hose on the vacuum you use to vacuum your carpets in your home. If you can follow the sound, you might even be able to see which vacuum hose is leaking.
Kinetech Motor Werkes is the best European auto repair shop in Indian Trail, NC, and we can inspect your engine if you suspect you have a vacuum leak. If that isn’t the problem, we’ll find out what is and repair it for you as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment for your European automobile today.