Back to all

What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)

April 18, 2021

If you've ever felt your vehicle hesitate, go, then hesitate again, you might think there's something wrong with the transmission.  After all, it's not moving smoothly  down the road.  But there are plenty of malfunctions that can cause those symptoms, one of them being something you may have never heard of: the EGR valve.

EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. It's a system that channels small amounts of exhaust back into the engine to cool down the cylinders and reduce polluting gases.  Those include nitrogen oxides that can cause smog. The EGR valve regulates how much of the vehicle's exhaust gas is recirculated. After years and long distances traveled, that valve can get clogged or fail. Sometimes the EGR valve can stick open.  When the EGR valve isn't working properly, your vehicle can start releasing those nitrogen oxides and pollute the air.

The symptoms of a malfunctioning EGR valve include:

  • Engine losing power
  • Engine idling roughly
  • Pinging and knocking sounds in the engine
  • Stalling and hesitation
  • Fuel economy decreasing
  • Check Engine light illuminated

 

Depending on its condition, the EGR valve can be cleaned or it may need to be replaced.  Consult with your service advisor to see what options are recommended to you.

The EGR system is part of your vehicle's pollution and emissions control equipment. If you care about keeping our planet's atmosphere clean, you'll want to make sure it's doing its job—for everyone's benefit.

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Westerville
7128 State Route 3
Westerville, Ohio 43082
614-818-9036
http://www.tuffywesterville.com

More articles from Tuffy Westerville

What?s That Yellow Squiggly Line Anyway? (What Warning Lights Mean)

December 14, 2025

You may have noticed when you start your vehicle, youll see several symbols light up on the dash. Theyre different colors and shapes, and sometimes its hard to figure out what each of those symbols mean. They are warning lights and symbolize something in your vehicle is sending you a message. I... More

Clean Machine (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)

December 7, 2025

As your vehicle ages, its performance isnt quite what it used to be, but many of us never notice the change because its gradual. So here are a few questions to ask yourself. Does your vehicle feel like it doesnt have the pep that it used to? Have you noticed your fuel economy isnt quite as good... More

Smooth Operator (Shock Absorbers)

November 30, 2025

When you are comfortably headed down the road, you may not realize how many of the imperfections in the driving surface are being smoothed out, so you hardly feel most of them. You can thank your shock absorbers for a lot of that comfort, and its important to make sure you keep your shocks in go... More