What Causes a Car to Surge?
3 Answers
Car surging is most likely caused by issues with the engine's vacuum tube or idle speed motor. Below are some relevant introductions regarding car engine maintenance: 1. Maintain good crankcase ventilation: Pollutants in the air can deposit around the PCV valve, potentially causing it to clog. If the PCV valve is blocked, contaminated gases can flow backward into the air filter, polluting the filter element and reducing its filtering capacity. Inhaling excessively dirty air-fuel mixture further pollutes the crankcase, leading to increased fuel consumption, accelerated engine wear, and even engine damage. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly maintain the PCV and clean the pollutants around the PCV valve. 2. Regularly change the engine oil and oil filter: As the oil passes through the fine pores of the oil filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter becomes clogged, the oil cannot flow smoothly through the filter element, which may cause the filter element to burst or open the safety valve, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve and carry contaminants back to the lubrication areas. This accelerates engine wear and increases internal contamination.
Speaking of car stunts like getting airborne, I've driven quite a few modified vehicles and participated in track day events. This mainly happens when driving too aggressively, especially when speeding down steep slopes where the wheels leave the ground for a few seconds—super thrilling but extremely dangerous. Common causes include a vehicle's high center of gravity, such as SUVs or pickup trucks with lifted suspensions, or uneven load distribution that makes them prone to lifting off the ground during acceleration. Another factor is improper speed control, like overspeeding before curves or slopes, where road protrusions like speed bumps or curbs can trigger takeoff. Driver errors, such as sudden braking or sharp steering leading to loss of control, also play a role. I've personally seen a friend attempt this while street racing—though it looks cool, landing often results in rollovers, especially on wet roads or with worn tires. I strongly advise against trying it. Safe driving is the real skill, and paying attention to daily tire pressure and speed management is crucial.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe the phenomenon of cars 'flying' mostly occurs during high-speed driving, such as on steep sections of highways where speeds exceed 100 km/h, causing the vehicle to briefly become airborne. Key factors include road conditions like slippery or uneven surfaces where tires lose grip; excessive speed, especially when gravity accelerates the car downhill; and vehicle-specific issues such as worn suspension or insufficient tire pressure. I once experienced a near-liftoff situation when I floored the accelerator on a mountain road, fortunately regaining control by timely deceleration. This reminds us to manage throttle input carefully, avoid sudden braking, and prevent such incidents through routine maintenance like regular suspension checks and maintaining proper tire wear. Remember, safety comes first - slow and steady wins the race.
