Engine Misfire – Causes, Symptoms & Easy Fixes

Ever felt a sudden stumble when you press the accelerator? That jerk is often an engine misfire, and it can turn a normal drive into a headache fast. The good news is you can spot the warning signs and try a few simple checks before you book a garage slot.

What an engine misfire looks like

First, notice when the car shakes while it’s running. The shake might be easy to feel at idle or get worse when you speed up. You might also hear a popping sound from the exhaust or see a drop in power – the car feels lazy even on a clear road.

Another clue is the Check Engine light flashing or staying on. Modern cars store a code that points to the misfire cylinder, so a flashing light usually means the problem needs attention right away.

Quick DIY checks you can do at home

Start with the spark plugs. Worn or fouled plugs are a top cause of misfires. Pull one out (the engine should be cool), look for carbon buildup or cracked electrodes, and replace it if it looks bad. New plugs are cheap and often solve the issue.

Next, sniff the air filter. A clogged filter chokes the engine, making it stumble. If the filter looks dark and dirty, swap it for a clean one. This step is quick and can improve performance instantly.

Fuel delivery problems also cause misfires. Listen for a strange whine from the fuel pump or check the fuel pressure with a gauge if you have one. If the pressure is low, the pump or filter might need cleaning or replacement.

Finally, give the ignition coils a look. A failing coil can send weak sparks, especially under load. Swap the coil from a good cylinder with the suspect one; if the misfire moves, you’ve found the culprit.

If none of these checks fix the shake, it’s time to head to a professional. Something deeper – like a valve issue or a sensor fault – could be at play, and a proper scan will point it out.

At Northwich Tyres Centre we can run a full diagnostic, replace spark plugs, coils, filters, or any other part that’s causing the misfire. Our team keeps the work fast and affordable, so you get back on the road without the wobble.

Remember, a misfire isn’t just annoying; it can damage the engine over time. Spotting the symptoms early and doing a quick check can save you money and keep your car running smooth. If you’re unsure, give us a call – we’ll help you sort it out before it turns into a bigger repair.