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What Is an Engine Misfire? Causes & Prevention

What Is an Engine Misfire

Berryman Products provides practical solutions, such as engine-friendly fuel treatments, boosting your vehicle’s performance and preventing engine misfires. Below, we will delve into the causes of a misfiring engine and what you can do to avoid it.

engine misfire, detonation, slower acceleration, shaking during acceleration

What Is an Engine Misfire?

An engine misfire occurs when one or several cylinders in a car’s engine fail the detonation of the air-fuel mixture. Engines are designed to ignite this combustible mixture in a timely and efficient manner. A misfire can cause several problems with your vehicle, such as slower acceleration, rough idling, check engine light, and shaking during acceleration.

Symptoms You Should Look Out For

The symptoms of a misfiring engine can occur at any time, so you should pay attention to its symptoms. The signs often occur during startup and acceleration or when your engine idles before coming to a halt.

  • Sluggish/Slower Acceleration: Your car will appear to have trouble accelerating. This symptom is due to the fact that the engine is under load when you step on the gas pedal. You often feel a jerking motion from your car or shaking during acceleration.
  • Rough Idling: Aside from slower acceleration, an uneven idle is another common symptom of a misfired engine. It can be a strong indicator that there’s something wrong and you should bring your car to a mechanic. A bad or rough idle means that the detonation of the air/fuel mix has been disrupted, making the car jump up and down slightly.
  • The Engine Making Strange Sounds: A misfiring engine will sound different from the usual rhythmic pattern engines usually make. The odd sounds are like chuffing, banging, and popping sounds, and they typically occur when the engine is running between 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.
  • Check Engine Light: When the check engine light turns on, it means there is something wrong with the engine that requires your immediate attention. Other symptoms can often accompany this indication, like shaking during acceleration.
  • Black Smoke from the Exhaust: When a cylinder fails at detonation, the fuel/air mix can ignite at the exhaust, which causes a thick cloud of black smoke to come out of the pipe. This can indicate that one or more cylinders are not working correctly.

Causes of a Misfiring Engine

A misfire in your car’s engine can result in many issues. Sometimes it can be due to fuel-related problems or caused by a fault in mechanical parts like the fuel injector. The following are some of the most common causes of an engine misfire:

1. Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are crucial in fuel combustion in a vehicle’s engine. It can cause problems in the ignition system when worn out or damaged.

2. Bad Ignition Coil
Another cause for a misfiring engine is a worn-out or failing ignition coil. Many vehicles today have one ignition coil for every spark plug, but others are designed to have one ignition coil pack with ignition wires that attach to each spark plug. Each of these parts can contribute to a poor spark, which causes misfires.

3. Low Fuel Pressure
When the fuel pressure drops, less fuel will enter the engine’s combustion chambers. The reduced amount of fuel makes the air/fuel mixture lean, thus causing a misfire. You can check the pressure using a manual air pressure gauge.

4. Leaks in the Intake Manifold Gasket
This gasket is located in between the intake manifold and the cylinder head. When this gasket leaks, it draws air into the combustion chamber, making the air/fuel mixture too lean, causing misfires.

5. Faulty Fuel Injector
The fuel injector is part of your car that supplies the right fuel to the combustion chamber. Each of the cylinders in the engine will have a separate fuel injector. When an injector is faulty or damaged, the chamber it is installed in will get the wrong amount of fuel, which means there can be too little or too much fuel in the mixture causing a misfire.

Bad fuel injectors are one of the last things you should check since they rarely fail in many modern car models. It would be best to inspect the other possible culprits of a misfiring engine first.

However, if you’ve checked every other part and nothing seems to be wrong, here are some of the symptoms of a failing fuel injector that you should pay attention to:
-Check engine light
-Increased fuel consumption
-Too much engine vibration
-Engine stalling
-Bad fuel odor
-Fuel leaks
-Your car fails emission testing

If everything checks out upon inspection, but you’re still getting the signs listed above, it can mean that you have a faulty fuel injector. Taking your vehicle to a skilled mechanic to diagnose the engine trouble correctly is best.

6. Bad Engine Sensor
Modern vehicle engines have multiple sensors to ensure that it is running efficiently. When an engine sensor goes bad, it won’t be able to detect the correct air-to-fuel mixture, which will cause a misfire. The sensors your mechanic will check include the oxygen sensor, the MAP sensor, and the MAF sensor.

Fixing Engine Misfires

When you bring your car in for a checkup or repair at the shop, your mechanic will go through every potential cause of a misfiring engine. Here are some things you should expect during the diagnosis and repair phases.

  • OBD2 Scan: An onboard diagnostic II scanner is a diagnostic tool that will help you quickly identify which part is failing. Some units can even pinpoint which cylinder is misfiring.
  • Spark Plugs and Coils: Spark plugs and coils may have to be replaced.
  • Fuel Pressure Check: Checking the fuel pressure will help determine if you’re getting the right fuel/air mix.
  • EVAP Smoke Machine: An Evaporative Emission Control smoke machine can test for vacuum leaks to determine where the air leaks.

Some of the tools mentioned here are expensive, and most car owners won’t have them in their garages. It is best to bring your car to a mechanic when you see the symptoms of a misfiring engine mentioned in this guide.

Caring for Your Engine with World-Class Products

Getting regular maintenance and using high-quality car products will help prevent misfires. At Berryman Products, we supply our customers with effective industrial-grade solutions to care for your car’s engine and prevent misfires. Call us today or fill out this form to ask a question, and our specialists will be happy to answer your questions.

The Off-Grid Cars of 2023

We’ve all considered going off the grid and getting away from technology for a few days (or weeks).

Some do it for sustainability, and some to get back to their roots. Others may do it for health reasons or in an attempt to reconnect with Mother Nature. 

Off Grid Views

But if you want to take a technology break, also known as a “digital detox,” it may require driving a stick shift, instead of letting a computer drive for you.

Benefits of Switching to an Off-Grid Car

Cleveland Clinic experts say a digital detox can help improve focus, reduce stress, and give you more control over your time. The same is true if you switch from a modern computer-powered vehicle to a classic gas-powered off-grid car. You also gain certain benefits:

  • Getting a better understanding and appreciation of how automobiles work.
  • A sense of independence and self-reliance.
  • Set up and build your car modifications.
  • You learn how to navigate while overlanding without computer-assisted driving.
  • You’ll know how to do vehicle repairs.
  • Create social connections with fellow classic car enthusiasts.

 

What Off-Grid Vehicle Can You Drive?

So, what off-the-grid cars can you try if you want one? Here are a few recommendations:

  • Any Jeep: These are fast becoming popular due to their off-road qualities and rugged build. Since Jeeps can get exposed to a lot of mud, dirt and grime, they require effective cleaning and degreasing. However, they are built to withstand these conditions.
  • Volkswagen Transporters: This vehicle is excellent for getting anostalgic hippie vibe. It doesn’t have to be a Volkswagen since you can use any old-school van as your family or group transportation. However, these old vans will require some care, and their engines will need an excellent degreaser to keep them clean.
  • Long Bed 4×4 Pickup: Long-bed pickups are great for rugged outdoor driving. They also have enough space at the back to load your gear, such as a generator or water filter.

 

These are only some of the vehicles you can try. You can choose any gas-powered vehicle for overlanding if it isn’t powered by a computer chip.

 

Being a Responsible Off-Grid Car Owner

 

There’s more to living off the grid than a weekend camping trip. It’s empowering to learn how to grow your own food, not relying on groceries and big box stores. In addition, you produce your power using a generator.

The same is true when you switch to an off-grid car. Driving an off-grid car will make overlanding a bit more challenging. With a gas-powered manual transmission vehicle, it’s just you and the road. Your car won’t intervene or give you any directions. You’ll have to know how to do vehicle repairs if something goes wrong.

Here are a few tips for maintaining your off-grid vehicle:

 

  1. Pay Attention to Car Modifications

One of the perks of owning a car that’s 20 or so years older is the car modifications you can add to them. You can swap in better components than the stock parts, such as the temperature gauge, voltmeter, brake lines, oil catch, and air filters. Some people have even found a way to use their cars as a generator.

 

  1. Check Your Spark Plugs, Carburetor and Fuel System

It’s best to have extra spark plugs on hand since you need to replace them 12,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. Using the B-12 Chemtool helps maintain a car’s fuel system and carburetor, which also prolongs the life of spark plugs and other components. In addition, pay attention to gas tanks in older cars prone to rust buildup, which will require maintenance or replacement.

 

  1. Air Filters and Coolant

You need to inspect the air filters in older cars, which are responsible for keeping dirt and debris off your engine. Part of vehicle repairs is replacing an old filter with an aftermarket reusable one. You should change or clean your filter every 3,000 to 6,000 miles.

In addition, to keep the engine running smoothly, you need to change the coolant of an older car every 24,000 to 62,000 miles. This will help prevent engine overheating.

 

  1. Fuel and Oil

The fuel and oil decades ago differed from the ones we have today. Regular maintenance for older cars will require fuel additives and treatments to ensure your vehicle lasts longer.

 

It’s More Than Just a Hobby

Driving an off-grid car is more than just a hobby; you need to learn more about your vehicle. 

To properly maintain it, you need to use quality car maintenance products designed to prolong the serviceable life of your vehicle. If you’re interested in any of our featured products, you can request a catalog or fill out this form to ask a question, and our specialists will be in touch!

Regular vs. Premium Gas Explained

Unfortunately, some car owners mistakenly believe that filling their cars with premium gasoline can improve fuel efficiency or boost their vehicle’s miles per gallon. Some cars require premium fuel, while others only need regular fuel.

The difference between these two fuel options goes beyond their price. If you’re unsure which fuel grade is best for your vehicle, this guide might help you save money and keep your engine running optimally.

 

Premium vs. Regular: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between premium and regular gasoline is their octane rating. Premium gasoline has a higher octane rating, which is why they’re typically recommended for high-performance vehicles. They have a 91 to 94 rating, which allows them to withstand higher engine compressions.

Types of Gasoline

On the other hand, regular gasoline has a lower octane rating, usually around 87. The high octane rating on premium fuel reduces the likelihood of fuel combustion at the wrong time. Usually, this has little to no impact on your car’s engine. However, if it frequently occurs, it can reduce engine performance, decrease fuel efficiency, and cost you money for repairs.

 

Fuel Price as a Factor

Premium or high octane gasoline is more expensive per gallon than regular gasoline. You may have to pay as much as 70 cents more per gallon to get premium fuel. For some car owners, this price difference can quickly influence their purchasing decisions. However, you should pay attention to other details besides the fuel prices.

 

Does Premium Gas Last Longer?

With rising pump prices, car owners will want to know which option is more fuel efficient. When you drive into a gas station, you will notice that many of them will offer three different types of fuel:

  • Regular gas (87 octane)
  • Midgrade gasoline (88 to 90 octane)
  • Premium gas (91 and above octane)

It is true that high octane rated gasoline can boost engine performance and improve fuel efficiency. However, that doesn’t necessarily translate to more miles per gallon for your vehicle. If you want better performance from your car’s engine, it is best to use the correct type of gasoline and use fuel conditioners.

 

Benefits of Using The Right Type of Fuel

How do you know which fuel is best for your vehicle? To find out, check your user’s manual. Your car’s manufacturer will recommend the fuel type that best suits your engine.

Some manuals will specify premium gasoline if the engine performs optimally with that type of fuel. This is true of vehicles with turbochargers and engines with high compression ratios. Doing so will boost your car’s fuel efficiency and performance. However, the majority of cars today perform better using regular gasoline. In addition, using the right type of fuel and fuel additives makes your car run smoothly and helps ensure a clean engine.

 

When to Use Regular Gasoline

You end up paying good money for something you don’t need if you’re loading your tank with premium, but your car doesn’t require it. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), higher octane fuel provides no benefit for vehicles that don’t need it. It won’t make your car run cleaner or go faster. If your owner’s manual recommends regular gasoline, it’s best to fill the tank with regular fuel.

 

When to Use Premium Gasoline?

If you’re driving performance vehicles, luxury cars or other car brands with high-compression engines and turbochargers, it is best to use premium gasoline. Using premium fuel reduces vehicle emissions, gets you more miles per gallon and boosts engine performance.

 

Maintaining a Clean Engine

Keeping your engine clean provides several crucial benefits:

  • Prevents rusting
  • It reduces the buildup of grease, oil, gunk and dirt.
  • Reduces the wear and tear of hoses and plastic components
  • Prevents clogging and other minor issues

Regular engine cleaning and using top-of-the-line fuel additives can help to keep your engine clean. Another way to keep it clean is by using fuel with detergent additives, which is actually more important than octane levels. Each gasoline retailer will offer different blends of fuel additives across all fuel types they sell. 

They will usually follow the minimum requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, car manufacturers such as Audi, Volkswagen, Honda and Toyota have pushed the industry to meet higher standards. Because of this, some retailers offer higher detergent additive concentrations, which is better for your engine. These additives help to clean engine components such as intake valves and injectors.

 

What If Manufacturers Recommend Premium But Don’t Require It?

In some cases, the owner’s manual will only recommend using premium gas but won’t necessarily require it, which is the case for vehicles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Ford F-150. In this case, you can choose either fuel type. However, researchers from the American Automobile Association (AAA) only saw a slight increase in fuel economy and vehicle performance when these vehicles used premium. However, the bottom line is if the benefits outweigh the cost, it’s recommended to use high octane gasoline.

 

Keep Your Engine Clean and Boost Vehicle Performance

Aside from selecting fuel with the best-suited octane level, your car will benefit from regular engine maintenance using top-grade products. For over 100 years, Berryman Products has consistently provided high-quality, innovative products for the best auto care.

Contact us today to learn more about the products featured here and proper car care, and our specialists will be happy to answer your questions.

Keeping Your Car Vermin Free

Long-term parking for the winter can be a smart move for many car owners. Seasonal storage protects your car from extreme cold and harsh weather conditions. It protects your car from the sludge, slush and salt on the road that causes rust and corrosion.

However, prolonged vehicle storage can lead to another problem – rodents. These critters can see your car as an ideal place to stay warm and breed during the cold winter. Rodents and mice can cause a lot of trouble for car owners. Aside from hygiene concerns, these pests can gnaw on electrical wires and damage your vehicle’s interior materials. In this guide, you’ll learn tips to keep your vehicle vermin-free throughout the winter, including long-term parking and proper vehicle storage.

 

Practice Proper Seasonal Storage for the Winter

Winter car storage provides several crucial benefits:

  • It prepares your vehicle for spring driving.
  • You avoid costly repairs.
  • It extends the service life of your vehicle.
  • These practices keep vermin away.

 

vermin free vehicle storage

Here are some winter storage tips that can keep your car safe and rodent-free:

 

Clean Your Car

Before you stow away your car for the winter, make sure to clean it using state-of-the-art cleaners and degreasers. Also, make sure to clean the undersides well. Not only will cleaning prepare your car for the cold months, but it also keeps rats and other vermin away.

Pay attention to the interiors since rodents can find ways to get there too. While polishing the leather and other inner surfaces, don’t forget to clean the wiring and other electricals using the best electronic cleaning solutions for cars. In addition, you will also want to do your part to care for the environment. Using eco-friendly car cleaning products is best to reduce the environmental impact.

 

Fill Up Your Gas Tank

Fill up before you bring your car to storage. The fuel will prevent moisture buildup in the tank. It is also best to use fuel additives and treatments to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing rust and corrosion. In addition, having gas in the tank means you can take your car out for a spin every few weeks in winter. Moving your car from time to time can scare away rodents and discourage them from taking residence in your vehicle.

 

Top Up Your Coolant, Change the Oil and Filter

Best practice dictates adding coolant and changing your car’s oil and oil filter before seasonal storage and long-term parking. Using change oil flush also removes deposits and sludge, keeping your car in tip-top shape. In addition, check the lines to see if rodents and other vermin have gnawed on them.

 

Proper Tire Care

Tires can get deflated, lose shape or go through flat-spotting during prolonged vehicle storage. It is best to keep your tires properly inflated and filled with tire sealant to keep them safe and in proper form for long-term parking. To keep your tires from going flat while in storage, you need to inflate them from time to time or put a jack on the stands, reducing the weight on the tires.

 

Occasionally Start Your Car

You can discourage vermin from staying in your car by starting it up occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow your car to reach its optimal operating temperature. This can be done every three to four weeks. If you have enough space in your garage, drive your vehicle back and forth for a few feet.

 

Cover Your Vehicle

Covering your car prevents dust and dirt from accumulating in your vehicle. Use breathable fabric to prevent moisture from accumulating. You can also opt for custom-fit covers if you have funds to spare. Before covering your car, you can spray cayenne oil, peppermint oil or other spray products under the hood. A cost-effective solution is to place mothballs underneath your car. Don’t put them inside your vehicle; your interiors will smell terrible after storage.

 

Clean Up and Organize Your Garage

Cleaning your garage, organizing it and keeping rubbish out will help prevent rodents and vermin from taking residence in your storage space. You can also place traps if necessary but keep your kids and pets away from the garage during winter, so they don’t get injured.

 

Use Quality Products to Keep Your Car Vermin Free

Proper winter storage practices keep your car and garage clean and vermin-free! Schedule routine cleaning and inspection at least once or twice a month to keep rodents away.

View our catalog for more information on the products mentioned in this guide.

 

Gas Vs. Electric Automobiles: Why New Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Even though electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming more popular, many indicators show that gas and diesel-powered cars will remain the dominant vehicles on the roads for many years.

Gas and Electric Fuel Up

Consumers Still Reluctant to Purchase an Electric Vehicle

Electric car sales haven’t taken off yet, despite current automaker trends. According to a Bloomberg report, only four percent of current US car production is electric.  At the outset, their vehicle design appeals to consumers who are environmentally conscious, but that hasn’t been enough to convince the majority of people to make a purchase. 

According to information provided by the Alternative Fuels Data Center, EV sales only account for three percent of overall car sales. In addition, only two percent of Americans today own an electric vehicle.

There are several key reasons why car owners may hesitate to purchase an electric vehicle. Consider the rationale below.

Gas Prices

Gas prices can indeed take an upswing due to global supply issues. However, even though pump rates can go up for a while, fuel prices also tend to go down quickly after reaching their peak.

Some have observed that gas prices still haven’t reached a certain level to convince the general public to switch to an EV. Further, the cost of owning gas-powered cars must be higher than an electric car to change people’s minds.

Vehicle Price

The prevailing market price of an EV is another factor that may cause the general public shy away from purchasing them. For example, the average price for an EV is around $65,000, but the Tesla Model X goes for a whopping $120,000 (Investopedia, 2022).

Compare that to the average price of a compact SUV of $35,248, while a brand new full-size car costs $45,333. Classic cars, on the other hand, have an average sale price of $31,000. This price crunch still makes gas powered cars more attractive to the average consumer. 

Several experts believe that the price point of electric cars is the biggest factor that holds people back, preventing their wide acceptance.

Replacement Batteries

One of the selling points in the vehicle design of an electric car is that you no longer have to spend money on gas. The idea of gas savings was designed to attract the people’s attention, but it’s not enough to convince consumers to make the switch.

EV automakers still have to work out the technology behind the batteries that power these cars. And these batteries aren’t cheap! They can cost from $500 to $1,000 for a single replacement.

Tesla and other automakers have advertised that EV batteries are designed to last longer — around two to three years on average. However, it still depends on how frequently you drive the electric car. Driving it too frequently and more aggressively means the battery will wear out quicker, resulting in a lifespan of only a little over a year. In these instances, EV owners will need to purchase replacement batteries sooner than expected.

Vehicle Design Issues

Another factor holding consumers back is the design and style of electric-powered cars. When you look at how automakers designed the Renault Twizy and the Nissan Leaf, you can get second thoughts about buying them. But they’re not the worst-designed EVs. Case in point: try to Google Corbin Sparrow.

The Tesla Cybertruck’s design has too many angles, taking on a more rectangular design. But that’s not the only thing that consumers questioned. The marble-looking interiors of this car have failed to attract its intended audience.

However, the designs are improving, with new models looking more trendy and mainstream. For instance, Tesla’s Model 3 represents a significant improvement. 

Maintenance Costs

Battery replacement isn’t the only cost you will incur if you want to maintain an electric car. For example, after purchasing an EV, your garage should be outfitted with a battery charging station. In most regions, new equipment installation costs start at $2,500. This issue can be a challenge for cost-conscious consumers.

Charging Time

The time to recharge an EV’s battery is still another issue for consumers. It only takes a minute or less to fill your car with gas, but it can take several hours to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery.

Range

Another significant issue for consumers is an EV’s range. Given its current state of technology, many EVs today can drive 50 to 90 miles on a single charge. That may be sufficient if you live close to where you work, but if you have to drive further or run additional errands during your daily drive, that range can become a problem.

Environmental Issues

One of the common reasons why people desire to purchase an electric car is to help protect the environment. However, most electric grids today still rely on fossil fuels; the power source for an EV will come from coal and other non-renewable energy sources. This factor may come as a surprise for consumers, given the current marketing around EVs. 

Doing Your Part for the Environment

The technology behind EVs is still in its infancy, which means we will see their prices, maintenance costs and their environmental impact get better with further development. Nevertheless, automobile owners can still do their part for the environment — even when they don’t own an electric vehicle. For instance,

1) you can choose maintenance supplies that can help reduce a car’s carbon footprint, or

2) you can grab eco-friendly products to “go green” and reduce exposure to dangerous fumes and chemicals.

With more durability, less toxicity and increased safety for the environment, (including people and wildlife), eco-friendly supplies from Berryman Products will meet your car needs while keeping everyone out of harm’s way. From fuel additives and lubricants to cleaning products, we’ve got you covered.

Contact a specialist at Berryman Products today to get more information.

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HEST – “High Energy Solvent Technology,” a Berryman exclusive, incorporates the use of strong solvents, as opposed to weak carriers and diluents such as mineral spirits or kerosene. As a “tip of the cap” to our HEST technology, positive feedback regarding any of our products is affectionately referred to as a HESTimonial.

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What is HEST?

HEST – “High Energy Solvent Technology,” a Berryman exclusive, incorporates the use of strong solvents, as opposed to weak carriers and diluents such as mineral spirits or kerosene. As a “tip of the cap” to our HEST technology, positive feedback regarding any of our products is affectionately referred to as a HESTimonial.

View HESTimonials & Write Your Own

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