Symptoms of a Bad PCV Valve in Your BMW

The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve is responsible for controlling the amount of crankcase gases entering your BMW’s system. These gases include motor oil vapors and combustion chamber gases. The PCV valve in your car regulates the amount of these materials in your intake system and keeps your car running smoothly.

When there is an issue with the PCV valve, several types of internal damages can occur. It is crucial to get this system repaired before the malfunctions cause additional issues with your BMW.

Issues a Bad PCV Valve Can Cause in Your BMW

Before delving into the results of a bad PCV valve, it is important to understand what is happening under the hood. When the PCV valve is damaged, it can no longer regulate the intake of gases. This causes those gases to build up and solidify into a sludge, which contaminates the oil in your BMW and causes issues with your engine.

If you are experiencing any of the following issues, it may be because of a faulty PCV valve system:

• Black smoke coming from the engine. Any smoke coming from your car is probably a bad sign and should be addressed, the cause of which may be a failing PCV valve system.
• Oil leaks. Though an oil leak can be a result of several things, it can also be a tell-tale sign that there is an issue with your PCV valve.
• High fuel consumption. If you notice that your BMW is running through a tank of gas faster than usual, this can also be a sign that there is an issue with the PCV valve system.
• The car is misfiring or idling. You may notice your car skipping or jerking forward (misfire) or a shaking sensation in the car (idling). These are indicative of an issue with the PCV valve system.

When taking your BMW into the shop for one or more of these issues, you should be sure to get your PCV valve system checked and repaired if needed. Some owners may be tempted to fix issues like oil leaks at home. However, If the PCV valve system is the source of the problem and is not repaired when these issues are addressed, it is likely that the problem will reoccur.

Ways to Prevent the Issue From Recurring After a Repair

After taking your BMW to the shop, there are ways to improve the lifespan of your PCV valve system. Keeping up with regular maintenance can help keep your PCV valve system healthy and running smoothly. Regular maintenance includes regularly changing your oil, depending on year and mileage on the car, and occasional engine tune-ups.

Doing regular check-ups on your BMW will not make your PCV valve system last forever. Unfortunately, the PCV valve system in your BMW will eventually quit and need to be repaired or replaced. By not doing regular maintenance, though, you are guaranteeing that the lifespan will get shorter.

Where to Get Your PCV Valve System Repaired in California

Your BMW keeps you mobile and can really improve your quality of life. This is why it is important to take your BMW to a repair shop you trust. At Hayes European you can trust that your BMW will be taken care of by highly qualified technicians.

As mentioned before, it is important to find the source of the problem you are experiencing. Hayes European makes sure to run diagnostics on your car and give it the services needed. You will come to know our expert team members so that you fully trust in our service and technicians.

Hayes European is located in Santa Cruz, CA and is dedicated to servicing those customers and those in a greater area. Hayes European is within 10 miles of Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola CA, making it extremely accessible to those communities. By bringing your BMW into Hayes European, you are guaranteeing attention to detail, a quick fix, and stress relief for yourself. Be sure to address any and all issues you notice with your car, several can be connected to the PCV valve system. Call us today for an appointment or stop by for a consultation.

* BMW X6 image credit goes to: alkimsarac.