Your Mazda uses vacuum pressure to power engine components like the power steering pump. The vacuum pressure is circulated through the engine in vacuum hoses. If one of these hoses starts to leak, Mazcare advises that you will have one or more of the problems listed below. These things are signs that your Mazda has a vacuum leak.
Poor Engine Performance
Whether the vacuum pressure escapes from the leaking hose steadily or in spurts, it will fill your engine with air and affect the engine’s performance. Unfortunately, your Mazda’s engine will lose power, especially when you try to accelerate. This is because the engine is being fuel-starved by the excess air being released out of the leaking vacuum hose.
Reduction in Gas Mileage
These engine performance problems will cause a reduction in your Mazda’s gas mileage. You will continue to have poor fuel economy until the leaking vacuum hose is replaced. Your Mazda’s engine is actually burning more fuel even though it isn’t running as powerfully as it normally does. Consequently, you will see a noticeable reduction in the fuel economy.
Malfunctioning Components
As we mentioned above, part of what the vacuum pressure does is help to power engine components such as the power steering pump. Consequently, if your Mazda has a vacuum leak, the components may start to malfunction. For example, you may start to hear groaning noises when you turn the steering wheel or your steering wheel may feel stiff.
Strange Noises in the Engine
A vacuum leak will create strange noises in the Mazda’s engine. Specifically, you may hear the engine hissing or a suction sound coming from the engine. The former points to a minor vacuum leak, while the latter suggests that your Mazda has a serious vacuum leak.
Erratic or High Engine RPMs
You may also see some strange things going on with your Mazda’s tachometer. The needle may bounce up and down if the vacuum pressure is filling the engine in spurts, or the RPMs may be unusually high if the vacuum pressure is filling the engine in a steady stream.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, you may end up with an illuminated check engine light on your Mazda’s dashboard if the engine has a vacuum leak. This is because system sensors will report errors to the engine control unit in light of everything that is going on that has been discussed above.
Call Mazcare in Marietta, GA, today if you suspect your Mazda has a vacuum leak.