How a Faulty EGR Valve Affects Your Audi’s Performance
If your Audi isn’t performing up to its usual standards lately and seems to be producing more exhaust than usual, a faulty EGR Valve might be the culprit. So, what is an EGR valve and what does it do? How do I know if that’s the issue? Today we’ll answer these questions and also share the best way to avoid problems like this in the first place.
What is an EGR Valve and What Does it Do?
Your EGR valve is an emissions management component that works with a computer in your engine. When you’ve got a little more or a little less weight in the vehicle, or if you are traveling at slower or faster speeds, the engine’s computer is going to note it and tell that EGR valve whether it should be opened or closed.
This serves to circulate engine gasses so that they are carried first away from the engine and then returned to it and burned again. This improves your mileage by using what would have otherwise been stinky waste, and burning those gasses again makes them a little less toxic.
It’s a clever bit of engineering, but how do you know when something’s gone wrong?
What Are Some of the Signs that My EGR Valve is Faulty?
When the EGR valve is having problems, usually the first thing that you’ll notice is that your Audi has started smelling… Well, let’s just say, ‘a lot less efficient’.
Exhaust gasses aside, here are some other symptoms that might indicate that your EGR valve is on its last legs:
- Engine misfires – When the EGR valve is starting to get blocked up or not expanding and contracting properly, one dramatic result can be engine misfires. Hard to miss for the sound and smell, these unwanted reports are a telltale sign that it’s time to get your Audi to an expert to check the EGR valve.
- Reduced power – Recycling those engine gasses gives you fuel efficiency, but also a pretty reliable level of acceleration power as it feeds into your engine’s design as a whole. Simply put, when those engine gasses aren’t being recycled the way that they’re supposed to, you’re going to notice a drop in power.
- Occasional or frequent stalling – When the EGR valve is opening and closing at the wrong times or simply blocked, then your vehicle is going to stall from time to time. After all, it is expecting to burn those engine gasses more than once and now that isn’t happening efficiently, and no burning means no ‘get up and go’.
- More ‘pit stops’ to refuel – The final hint that the EGR valve is getting a bit up in years is that your fuel efficiency will take a hit. It might not be dramatic – maybe you’re running a little lower on fuel at the end of the week – but using more fuel than usual should always get your attention. If you’re experiencing this, then it’s time to get your Audi in for a checkup.
Preventative Maintenance from Audi Experts is Your Best Early-Warning System
Issues like a faulty EGR valve are easy to avoid if you take a little time to make sure that your Audi is always getting the manufacturer’s recommended preventative maintenance. While some shops might see Audis from time to time, it’s really best to make sure that you are going with a provider who not only knows Audi, but your specific model.
If you happen to live in Georgia, then we’ve 
got good news – Solo Motorsports is here to help. Since 2003, we’ve been providing quality full-service repair and preventative maintenance for Audi and many other quality European brands.
Good work gets noticed, and thanks to Audi owners like you, Solo Motorsports now serves the following locations:
If you’ve never had a specialist on your side, call us or simply stop in to visit and see what a difference this can make.
Not only can we make sure that your Audi gets the manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance that it needs, but we can also warn you in advance of model-specific issues so that you can head off trouble before it even starts.
