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4 Signs Your Car Has a Vacuum Leak

Your car has a lot of moving parts and all of them work together to keep your car safely on the road. Of course over time, some parts could break or begin to fail, which could lead to serious hazards and repairs. Therefore, it is important to know the signs of an issue. One common auto issue is a vacuum leak. A vacuum leak means air is not getting through to the throttle and engine and could result in a loss of power to your engine. With this type of leak, it is important for a certified mechanic to fix the issue as soon as possible.

mechanic repairing vacuum leak in engine

Signs of a Vacuum Leak

There are early warning signs of a vacuum leak and it is important to know what to look for to avoid any further damage to your vehicle. Some signs of a vacuum leak include:

  1. The check engine light comes on and stays on.
  2. The engine makes a loud squealing or squeaking sound.
  3. When you're idling, the RPMs are too high or fluctuate erratically.
  4. Your car stalls out when you're at a stop sign or light or driving at a low speed.

If you suspect that you have a vacuum leak, it's beneficial to make the first appointment available with a mechanic. You don't want to end up broken down on the side of the road or cause further damage to your car.

Common Causes of a Vacuum Leak

So how did your car spring a leak? There are a few common causes of vacuum leaks, and those include:

  • The engine's gaskets and seals may be leaking
  • A broken hose or vacuum tube
  • A leaking brake booster
  • A broken or faulty intake valve gasket

Contact Custom Complete Automotive

If you suspect that you have a vacuum leak and need an inspection, our skilled mechanics at Custom Complete Automotive offer a full range of engine repair and diagnostic services. To learn more about our engine repair services, or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!


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About the Author
Eric Riddles

Eric Riddles is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who has been working as an auto mechanic since 1998 and originally joined the team at Custom Complete Automotive in 2005. Eric has numerous certifications in various aspects of car repair and spent 10 years training the next generation of auto technicians at a local high school Auto Shop classroom.

Read Eric Riddle's Full Bio

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