Posted on 7/25/2025
A sudden loud bang or popping sound coming from your car can be startling — and even embarrassing. This phenomenon, known as a backfire, occurs when fuel ignites outside the combustion chamber, either in the intake or the exhaust system. While it may sometimes look or sound dramatic, a backfire is a clear sign that something isn't right with your engine’s operation. Understanding why backfires happen can help you address issues early and keep your vehicle running smoothly. How a Car’s Combustion System Works To understand backfires, it helps to know how your engine burns fuel. In a typical internal combustion engine, fuel and air mix together inside the cylinders and ignite at the correct moment thanks to the spark plugs. This controlled explosion drives the pistons, creating power. Timing is everything — if the spark happens too early or too late, or if there’s an issue with the fuel-air mixture, combustion can occur outside the in ... read more