What is Vapor Lock in Cars?
2 Answers
Vapor lock refers to the blockage of fuel lines by air due to high temperatures, which prevents fuel from reaching the engine and causes it to stall. Here are some fuel-saving driving tips: Maintain Good Driving Habits: When accelerating, the engine needs to increase power output, and every time you brake, the energy generated by this power is lost as heat. Therefore, it is important to anticipate traffic conditions in advance, avoid congested roads whenever possible, and minimize stop-and-go situations. Reduce Unnecessary Vehicle Load: The heavier the vehicle, the greater the increase in fuel consumption. Therefore, unnecessary heavy objects on the vehicle should be minimized. For example, external accessories such as roof boxes, roof rails, and bike racks should be removed when not in use. These not only add weight to the vehicle but also alter the airflow around the car, increasing air resistance.
Vapor lock is an annoying phenomenon encountered when driving in hot weather, primarily occurring in the fuel system. During extreme summer heat, gasoline evaporates in the fuel lines, forming vapor bubbles that block fuel flow and cause poor fuel delivery. This can lead to sudden engine shuddering or stalling—like when my car jerked repeatedly on the highway before finally needing to pull over to cool down. It often stems from fuel line design or aging components heating up quickly, with a near-empty fuel tank worsening the issue. To prevent it, regularly inspect the fuel pump and filter, keep at least half a tank of fuel, and avoid long drives during peak heat. Modern cars have cooling designs, but older vehicles are more vulnerable—safety first, so stay cautious.
