UPDATE: Goodwill Car Donations is currently accepting vehicle donations. Call 866-233-8586 to schedule an unattended FREE pickup. To learn what actions we are taking to ensure you are protected when you donate a vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations, please click here.

5 Signs That Your Engine Is Misfiring or Sputtering

Car mechanic checking the car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Andrea Piacquadio under Pexels License

Don’t Ignore These Signs If You Don’t Want to Face Bigger Car Woes!

An engine misfire usually occurs when an engine component is excessively worn or damaged. When this happens, you’ll find your engine momentarily stumbling, causing it to lose speed.

Fortunately, most misfires tend to dissipate, with the engine regaining its normal speed after a couple of seconds. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t face the same issue in the future.

Once you notice your engine misfiring, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it as soon as possible. The longer you ignore it, the more fuel you’ll waste. The more fuel you waste, the more likely the damage will spread to core engine components and the more toxic emissions will be released into the environment.

Do You Think Your Engine Is Misfiring? These Signs Will Confirm Your Suspicion!

So, how can you tell if your engine is misfiring or sputtering? Goodwill Car Donations shares the warning signs of this engine malfunction:

  1. Rough idling

An engine that idles in a rough or clunky manner may indicate a misfire. When the air-to-fuel mixture in the cylinder gets compromised, your engine may jump up and down, causing your vehicle to start and stop all of a sudden. As a result, your ride will be a bumpy one.

  1. Black exhaust

A cloud of thick, black smoke coming out of your exhaust pipes is another sign that your engine isn’t passing fuel and air properly. If you see that your car is emitting this type of exhaust smoke, you can safely assume that you’re experiencing an engine misfire.

  1. Sluggish acceleration

If your engine is sputtering, your car will find it hard to reach adequate speeds. It will respond to engaging acceleration slowly and sluggishly. You may also feel a jerking motion when you step on the gas.

  1. Illuminated “check engine” light

Many cars today come with built-in sensors that monitor engine performance. For instance, an illuminated “check engine” light is your engine telling you to get it inspected by a certified mechanic as it is struggling with certain issues, including a misfire.

  1. Engine sound changes

Sudden changes in your engine’s sound are possible signs that the internal combustion reaction has been interrupted due to a misfire. If you hear an unusual sound coming from your engine bay, such as coughing or clanking, it’s best to have your car checked by your trusted technician.

Got an Old Car That’s Giving You Headaches?

If your old car is showing multiple issues, including a misfiring or sputtering engine, and your mechanic can’t say for sure that repairing them will restore your auto to its former condition, perhaps you’d be better off buying a new car instead.

You need not worry though since you can still make good use of that beater. By handing it over to us at Goodwill Car Donations, you’ll be able to extend valuable assistance to the disadvantaged people in your local community. They are the men and women who are struggling with disabilities, lack of education, skills, or job experience, and other barriers to living a productive and financially secure life.

Our team will have your car auctioned off after fixing it, with the proceeds used to help fund the life improvement and community development programs of the Goodwill organizations serving your area.

These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to uplifting the lives of disadvantaged people, using the funding we give them to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, family support, educational services, financial assistance, and other essential support services.

Being a donor will benefit you in more ways than one. We’ll provide you with our professional pickup and towing service at zero cost to you and at a time and date most convenient to you. We can collect your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

Your charitable contribution will also entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Best of all, your act of charity will bring you an immense sense of satisfaction, knowing that you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of your community by empowering your needy fellow residents through work and learning.

We accept almost all types of vehicles whatever their ages or conditions. We take even vehicles with defective and/or missing parts.

For more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and easy donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any inquiries, call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 866-233-85866. You may also drop us a message here and we’ll respond to you ASAP.

Give Your Old Car a New and Worthy Purpose Today!

Black jeep car | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Denniz Futalan under Pexels License

We can turn your unwanted commuter car into a powerful tool that can free the needy folks in your community from the clutches of poverty. You’ll be in awe when you see how huge of an impact your gift can bring to their lives. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!