How Long Can an Engine Run with a Misfiring Cylinder?
4 Answers
An engine with a misfiring cylinder is theoretically not advisable to continue driving. Below is an introduction to the related content: 1. Four-cylinder engines: If the vehicle's engine is a four-cylinder, a misfiring cylinder means only 3 cylinders may be functioning properly. 2. Idling: At idle or low to medium speeds, as long as you don't accelerate urgently, driving about ten kilometers shouldn't pose a significant problem. Here are some extended guidelines on precautions when using a car engine: 1. Avoid driving in neutral: The engine inherently has a fuel-cut function during deceleration; driving in neutral is not conducive to fuel economy. 2. Eliminate safety hazards: When using the vehicle, pay attention to observation. If you notice oil on the ground, determine whether it's due to engine oil leakage and promptly communicate with the car's 4S shop. 3. Idle before shutting down: For vehicles equipped with turbochargers, do not shut off the engine immediately after high-speed driving or climbing a slope. Let it idle for about 10 minutes before turning it off. 4. Filter impurities: When brake fluid is contaminated or absorbs moisture, or if impurities or sediment are found in the brake fluid, it should be replaced promptly or carefully filtered.
I've been driving a taxi for over a decade and have encountered engine misfires many times. The most obvious symptoms when a cylinder is missing are severe steering wheel vibration and noticeable body shaking, along with a lack of power when stepping on the gas. The last time this happened to me was due to faulty spark plugs—I drove about 20 kilometers to the repair shop, but ended up damaging components in the exhaust system. There's no fixed distance you can drive with a misfire; it largely depends on the cause and driving style. If it's an ignition coil issue, you might manage 30-50 kilometers at low speeds, but if the piston rings are cracked, continuing to drive will definitely harm the engine. I strongly advise against taking chances—prolonged driving with a misfire not only leads to costlier repairs but also increases the risk of breaking down. Even if towing costs a few hundred bucks, it's far better than completely wrecking the engine.
I spend every day in the repair shop and have seen all kinds of cars with misfiring cylinders. Simply put, the problem usually lies in the ignition system or the fuel supply system. Whether you can still drive with a misfiring cylinder depends on whether the dashboard warning light is on. If the yellow light is on, you can barely drive at low speed for 10-20 kilometers to the repair shop; if the red warning light comes on, you must stop immediately. Last month, an SUV with two misfiring cylinders was driven hard, resulting in oil leaking into the cylinders, not only causing cylinder scoring but also clogging the catalytic converter. The repair cost over ten thousand yuan! Misfiring cylinders can damage the connecting rod bearings, leading to piston wear, and the longer it drags on, the more troublesome it becomes. So for safety, drive no more than 10 kilometers at low speed, and avoid climbing hills or sudden acceleration.
Last year during my road trip, I encountered a cylinder misfire issue. The car suddenly started shaking violently on the mountain road, making a chugging sound like a tractor. With no cell signal at the time, I had no choice but to keep driving. I managed to go eight kilometers to the nearest town where the mechanic diagnosed it as a clogged fuel injector. He said I was lucky - continuing to drive could have caused an overly rich fuel mixture and damaged the oxygen sensor. It's hard to predict exactly how far you can drive with a misfire. Generally, at low speeds in city driving, you might make it five or six kilometers without major issues. But you must monitor the coolant temperature closely, as misfires can cause uneven cooling and potentially lead to overheating. The best practice is to slow down immediately when you notice shaking, turn on hazard lights, and find a safe spot to stop and inspect the vehicle.
