Backfiring is a dangerous phenomenon that can cause significant damage to your car’s engine. It may also lead to an accident, which is why it’s important to keep your vehicle in good condition and take it to a trusted mechanic to fix any problems you notice.

A backfire happens when a gasoline engine is operating improperly and does not ignite the fuel/air mixture at the right time. When this happens, the unburned mixture gets pushed out of the cylinders and into the exhaust system. This can cause a loud pop or bang as the ignition occurs, and it can sometimes even send flames shooting out of the tailpipe.

The most common reason for a backfire is a problem with the air/fuel mixture in the engine. In some cases, the air/fuel mixture is too rich, which leads to it being unable to be burned properly during the combustion process. This is commonly the case in older cars with carburetors, but in newer vehicles, an ECU and mass airflow sensor regulate this mixture for you.

Another common cause of a backfire is when the vehicle’s air injection system is not working correctly. This can be caused by an air gulp valve that is not releasing the proper amount of air into the combustion chamber when the car is under load or is malfunctioning.

Alternatively, the engine could be running on too little fuel, which can also cause a backfire. A faulty fuel pump will also cause your car to run on insufficient amounts of fuel, which can result in it backfiring.

Check your spark plugs

Your vehicle’s spark plugs are the device that fires your engine, and they can be a culprit if they are worn out or dirty. If they are, they may need to be replaced with new ones to solve the issue.

You can also check the distributor cap, which is an essential part of the ignition system. A broken or cracked distributor cap can cause the car to backfire, so you should look for a crack or a broken piece if your vehicle is experiencing this problem.

The next step to fix a backfire is to inspect the carburetor, which regulates the air/fuel mix in the engine. If the carburetor is causing the backfire, you should try to balance and tune it to ensure that it is properly balanced.

In addition, a check of the spark plugs and the integrity of the gaskets in the engine will help you determine the source of your backfire. If the spark plugs are leaking, you should replace them immediately as they can be dangerous.

Finally, you should check the exhaust gaskets that are designed to keep the correct gases in and prevent the unneeded ones from coming out. If they are damaged or leaking, the backfire will occur as unneeded gases leak out.

Backfiring is a very common occurrence in older vehicles, so it’s important to do regular maintenance to avoid these issues. Keeping your car in good shape will limit the likelihood of it backfiring and will make the repair job quicker and easier for you. In fact, many of these repairs can be done at home with a few basic tools and some knowledge about your car. However, if you have any questions about the work you are doing or want professional advice, be sure to get in touch with a reputable mobile car service Perth who can give you the best and most comprehensive advice.