What is an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Valve and Why Should it be Cleaned?

Cleaning your vehicle's EGR valve can resolve a variety of engine performance issues you may be experiencing while driving. As a result, it is one of the most important reasons to understand how to clean your EGR valve.

Knowing how to do this correctly will help prevent severe damage to your vehicle as a result of a clogged EGR valve, as well as save you the cost of replacing your entire valve.

Please bear in mind, if after reading this you are still not confident in cleaning your cars EGR valve by yourself, consult a trained technician when next in a garage for a car service in reading.

The EGR valve in your vehicle is an important engine component that is responsible for reducing pollutants that escape from your vehicle's exhaust. This contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which can be harmful to you or the environment. All of this is part of the manufacturer's plan to make gas-powered vehicles more environmentally friendly.

This component in your vehicle's system's job is to significantly reduce the harmful effects of the gases produced during combustion in your vehicle.

What exactly is an EGR valve?

The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve is an important part of your vehicle's system. It connects the exhaust and intake manifolds. It is controlled by a built-in step motor or a vacuum system. The primary function of the EGR valve is to control the emission of Nitrogen Oxides produced by the end-product of your vehicle's complete combustion process.

Your vehicle's engine burns diesel or petrol at high temperatures, and in some cases, at extremely high temperatures. When this temperature exceeds 1300 degrees Celsius, your system will most likely produce Nitrogen oxides, which cannot be avoided at that temperature. The intake manifold of your vehicle's engine draws air from the surrounding environment to aid in combustion process.

When you turn on your vehicle's engine, the EGR valve begins to function. This valve gradually regulates the by-escape product's through the exhaust. When the engine shuts down, the EGR valve closes, preventing the flow of gases from the exhaust. The gases are then recirculated into the combustion chamber by the valve, lowering the temperature of the combustion reaction. There will be no toxic gas release because the temperature is insufficient to allow combustion to occur.

The importance of EGR valve in your car in the reason why it is recommended to have a regular check up of this component when booking your car in for a scheduled full car service near me to avoid sudden breakdowns or lack of engine performance.

Why should the EGR valve be cleaned?

The recirculated gases can accumulate on the inner surface of your EGR valve during the recirculation process. With time, this can lead to the formation of a dark, thick, and hard wall of carbon deposits, which can block the valve's passageway. This is one of the primary reasons why cleaning the EGR valve in your vehicle is critical.

Most mechanics recommend that you clean your vehicle's EGR valve and its various passages every 45,000 miles. This will help protect the EGR valve and keep your vehicle from exhibiting symptoms such as:

Engine knocking

Stalling at low speeds

Rough idling

Producing strong gasoline fumes while driving

Illuminating your engine check light.

All of these symptoms point to a faulty EGR valve. In addition, if your vehicle's exhaust gas recirculation system has a failed EGR valve, the gases produced from your vehicle's exhaust will be toxic and harmful to your health if inhaled.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you search online for car service near me and request a car mechanic to resolve this issue with immediate effect to avoid a hefty repair bill in the near future.

Removing dirt, debris, or grease from your vehicle's EGR system passages will keep the EGR valve from becoming clogged, which can significantly improve your vehicle's performance. Regular maintenance of this valve can also help to extend its durability, lowering the chances of the valve becoming damaged or faulty. Furthermore, it can help you save money on the cost of purchasing a new valve for your vehicle.

You should be aware that cleaning your vehicle's EGR valve is not only for your own benefit. It protects the environment by preventing the release of harmful gases from your vehicle, as well as the health of those around you. So you've decided that it's time to clean your EGR valve.