Your car's EGR valve plays an important role in helping the environment, but most car owners don't know what it really does. In fact, you have probably never heard of an EGR valve before. If that's the case, you won't know how to identify the signs that your valve is failing which could result in unnecessary pollution. Luckily for you, Wrench is an expert on all things car-related so we will tell you everything you need to know about your car's EGR valve.

           

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Before we tell you about the role of your EGR valve and how to tell if yours is failing, let us introduce ourselves! Wrench is a tech-focused mobile mechanic company that is committed to improving the auto repair experience for car owners all over the country. This industry has a bad reputation, and we are here to change that for good! We are the one reliable automotive solution that car owners can count on whether they need a simple oil change or a more complex battery replacement. No matter what you need, our ASE-certified mobile mechanics are here for you! But without further ado, let's talk about your car's EGR valve!

The Function Of The EGR Valve In Your Car

EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation, and in short, that is exactly what the EGR valve does in your car. It minimizes harmful oxides of nitrogen (NOx) that come out of your car's exhaust pipe. To do this, the EGR allows some of the exhaust gases into the system and uses chemical reactions to reduce the production of NOx gas. The valve limits the amount of oxygen that comes in contact with the gas and results in a lower combustion temperature. With less oxygen and a lower combustion temperature, NOx production can be reduced by up to 70%.

Along with reducing the production of NOx, it can help gasoline direct injection engines to reduce pumping losses and improve efficiency. If your car has a diesel engine, it can reduce diesel knocking while idling.

The EGR valve has two main settings, open and closed. The valve can also be partially opened and partially closed depending on how it is functioning. When your car is idling or moving at a slow speed, the valve will gradually open. When your car is moving at a higher speed, it will be closed more to allow the flow of oxygen to come in. This mechanism of opening and closing the valve allows your car to ensure that the proper amount of oxygen enters the system in order to reduce the production of NOx gas.

There are many different types of EGR valves such as diesel high pressure, diesel low pressure, gasoline, vacuum-operated, digital EGR valve, and more. Most older vehicles have a vacuum operated EGR valve and newer vehicles tend to have a digital EGR valve.

Signs Of A Failing EGR Valve

The job of an EGR valve is not an easy one. For that reason, they will need to be replaced over time. Just like many other parts of your car, you might notice symptoms that your EGR valve is failing, even if you don't know exactly what the problem is. The build-up of carbon particles can clog the system, causing various parts to not operate as usual.

You should have your EGR valve checked by a qualified professional every once and a while just to ensure that it is working properly. You won't have to replace your EGR valve unless it has developed issues, but when you do find issues, it is important to get it replaced as soon as you can.

It is also commonly suggested that car owners also get a carbon cleaning every 50,000 miles.

How will you know if your EGR valve is failing? Here are the most common signs that point to an issue with your EGR valve!

  • Knocking Noises
  • Rough Idling
  • Overall Poor Vehicle Performance
  • Emission Production Increases
  • Increased Fuel Consumption
  • Car Stalls While Idling
  • Fuel Odors
  • Check Engine Light Turns On

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should contact a qualified professional as soon as you can.

Can I Drive Without An EGR Valve?

Technically you can drive without a working EGR valve. It won't affect the health of your engine, but it will hurt the environment. The role of your EGR valve is to reduce the number of toxic NOx gases in the air, so if it isn't working quite right, more toxic gases will be released into the air. For this reason, we don't recommend driving without a working EGR valve for too long.

To sum it all up in a short and sweet manner, you can commute to work without an EGR valve, but we wouldn't recommend going on a road trip!

Mobile EGR Valve Replacement Services

Here at Wrench, we provide convenient EGR valve replacement services to customers all over the country. By choosing our services over a traditional repair shop, you will be able to save yourself time, money, and stress. We will deliver our mobile mechanics, equipment, and parts right to your preferred location such as your home or office. You won't have to go through the hassle of getting your compromised vehicle to the shop or waste hours of your precious time. With Wrench, you will start to look forward to your auto repair and maintenance services.

But how will we replace your EGR valve? It's simple to us. To replace your EGR valve, we will need to go through a few steps to remove the broken part and install a new one.

First, we will remove the engine cover so we can access your EGR valve. After that, we will work on the electrical systems nearby. We will need to loosen the electrical cable on the valve and remove any other electrical connections. During this process, we will keep an eye out for any damage as faulty electrical wires and connections can be very common. Then we will remove the fastening screws and check your valve for corrosion and carbon build-up.

Once we remove your faulty EGR valve, we will clean the area and nearby surfaces so we can prepare your car for the new valve. Then we will line up the new valve and attach it to your car. We will make sure all the bolts are tightened so your EGR valve won't slide around while you are on the road. Finally, we will reattach all of the electrical wires and connections to your new valve and ensure that it is working properly.

When we are finished with your EGR valve replacement service, we will clean up the service site area and pack up our tools. Then we will let you know that your car is good to go and return your keys. If you want to come and chat with our mobile mechanic again, we will give you a brief rundown of how the service went, making note of any issues you might need to address in the future. Then you will be free to hop in your car and cruise around your city once again!

Book an auto repair or maintenance appointment, such as an EGR valve replacement, with Wrench's mobile mechanics today!

How To Book An EGR Valve Replacement Appointment

If you need an EGR valve replacement service, you have come to the right place! From this blog post, you can click the "Get a free quote" button at the top or bottom of the screen and we will take you right to our service request form on our website. You can also use our mobile app to book an appointment. If both of those options don't work for you or you would prefer to chat with one of our customer service representatives, you can give us a call at 844-997-3624 or email us at hello@wrench.com.

If you book an appointment through our website, app, or our customer service team, we will need to know a little information about your car and its needs. First, we will need to know what kind of car you have. This will help us match you up with a mobile mechanic that has experience with your vehicle, especially if you own a classic or exotic vehicle. We will also use this information to order the correct parts for your vehicle. For example, if you book an EGR valve replacement, we will order an EGR valve that works for your specific type of vehicle. You should be able to provide us with the color, year, make, and model as well as the license and VIN.

Then we will need to know what service your car needs. Since you already know that you need an EGR valve replacement, you will be able to request that service along with any other auto repair or maintenance services you need. You can get an oil change or any other maintenance service done at the same time as your EGR valve replacement! That way you will be able to get multiple things checked off your to-do list in a short period.

Once you give us all the information we need we will calculate an auto repair quote for your requested services. You will be able to look over our quote, and when you choose to accept it, you will choose a date, time, and location for your EGR valve replacement. Then we will send you a confirmation message and you will be all set for your appointment!

Book an EGR valve replacement appointment with Wrench's mobile mechanics today!

                     

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