What are the reasons for a car stalling during normal driving?
4 Answers
Reasons for a car stalling during normal driving: 1. Circuit failure: A short circuit in the low-voltage line can cause stalling, which may occur intermittently; 2. Component failure: Issues with the ignition coil, capacitor, or electronic ignition module; 3. Fuel system failure: Such as a damaged fuel pump, ruptured fuel line, clogged carburetor fuel inlet, or an empty fuel tank. If the vehicle suddenly stalls while driving, first, do not panic. Try to stabilize the car and avoid turning the steering wheel, turn on the hazard lights, and apply gentle braking if necessary. For a manual transmission car, you can press the clutch pedal, shift the gear lever into the appropriate gear based on the speed, then release the clutch to use the vehicle's momentum to restart the engine. For an automatic transmission car, carefully shift the gear into neutral (be cautious not to shift into reverse, as this could damage the transmission), then restart the engine.
I once experienced a sudden engine stall while driving, which was truly terrifying. A few years ago, while driving an old car on the highway, the engine just stopped, and the car behind almost rear-ended me. After careful inspection, the cause turned out to be a failed fuel pump due to aging, which prevented fuel from reaching the engine. This situation is quite common, especially with older vehicles, as long-term neglect of maintenance can easily lead to such issues. A clogged fuel filter is another hidden danger that can starve the engine and cause it to stall. Additionally, fuel line leaks or a leaking fuel tank can instantly cut off the fuel supply. I believe it's important to regularly inspect the fuel system, such as performing an annual fuel line cleaning, to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. If you encounter an engine stall while driving, don't panic—first, turn on your hazard lights and pull over safely to avoid secondary accidents. Safety always comes first.
I asked my driving instructor this question when I was learning to drive at the driving school. Later, when I encountered a stall while driving myself, I realized the ignition system was the key issue. Worn-out spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire and stall. I remember one time on a suburban road, the car suddenly shook and then stopped, which was caused by a spark plug breakdown. Young people buying cars might not know much about these issues, but they are quite common, especially after driving domestic cars for a few years. Short circuits in high-voltage ignition wires or poor electrical contact can also easily cause similar failures. I recommend regularly replacing spark plugs and checking them every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. Engine overheating is another reason, such as a stuck fan, which is more likely to happen in high summer temperatures. Learning more about these issues can reduce panic, and keeping a fault code reader on hand is also quite useful.
From a technical perspective, there are several common culprits for engine stalling while driving. First, sensor failures, such as a faulty crankshaft position sensor, can cause the ECU to misjudge and lead to shutdown. Second, timing belt breakage poses a high risk of immediate engine stoppage. Third, fuel quality issues, like using low-grade gasoline with excessive impurities, can clog fuel injectors. I recommend starting with a battery check, as insufficient voltage can trigger a chain reaction. Using high-quality engine oil regularly can help reduce such incidents.
