Is your car making strange hissing or whistling noises from the engine? Noticing rough idling, poor acceleration, or decreased fuel economy? These could all be signs that your vehicle’s PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve is failing.
The PCV valve is a small but critical component in your engine. Its job is to regulate the airflow through the engine and ventilate harmful fumes out of the vehicle. When it malfunctions, it disrupts the delicate balance of air and fuel in the combustion chambers, leading to all sorts of engine troubles.
Symptoms of a bad PCV valve
Some of the most common signs that your PCV valve is on the fritz include:
- Hissing, whistling, or whining noises coming from the engine, especially at idle
- Rough idling and poor acceleration due to improper air-fuel mixture
- Check Engine light is illuminated on your dashboard
- Smoke or discoloured exhaust, which may be white, black, or blue
- Declining fuel economy as the engine runs less efficiently
- Oil leaks from degraded seals and gaskets
- Engine misfires and overall poor performance
If you’re experiencing one or more of these issues, it’s a good idea to have your PCV valve and system inspected ASAP. Continuing to drive with a bad valve risks further damage.
What’s involved in PCV valve replacement
Luckily, testing and replacing a PCV valve is usually a pretty straightforward job for a qualified mechanic. They’ll start by inspecting the rubber grommets, hoses, and connections for cracks, swelling, or oil soaking. The valve itself is checked for rattling (a good valve should rattle when shaken).
If the PCV valve is indeed shot, the fix is simply to replace it with a new one, along with any degraded grommets and hoses. It’s a quick repair that will have your engine breathing easy again. For most vehicles, parts and labour for a PCV valve replacement cost somewhere in the ballpark of $150-250 here in New Zealand.
Get your PCV valve replaced at My Auto Shop
When it comes to car repairs and maintenance, you can’t beat the convenience and great service of My Auto Shop. We’re NZ’s top mobile mechanic service, with expert techs across the country ready to get you back on the road.
Simply tell us what you drive and what it needs, and we’ll give you upfront quotes from the best MTA-approved garages and mobile mechanics in your area. Choose a shop based on price, reviews, and availability, and book your appointment right online.
For PCV valve replacements and all your other car repair needs, My Auto Shop is the easy, stress-free solution. Our top-notch service has earned us glowing reviews from happy customers. So don’t ignore those bad PCV valve symptoms – get your car sorted at myautoshop.co.nz today!