What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
February 15, 2026
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.
ServicePro Quick Lube
3165 I 75 Business Spur
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783
9066353018
More articles from Service Pro Quick Lube
The ServicePro Quick Lube Guide to Custom Wheels
November 1, 2026
If you're interested in customizing the wheels and tires on your vehicle, there are a few things you should know first.Most importantly, the wheels you buy need to fit your vehicle. Not all wheels are created equal. Too many Sault Sainte Marie drivers have bought a set of wheels that caught the... More
A Sticky Brake Situation (Parking Brake Service and Maintenance)
October 25, 2026
Welcome to the world of infrequently-used parking brakes. Yes, they do stick for several reasons. It's common for components to corrode and get locked up. Sometimes if you have applied it extra hard, it can jam. Could be a rusty cable, or it could be a spring that doesn't return the brake to i... More
Higher Mileage Service Intervals for Sault Sainte Marie
October 23, 2026
Sault Sainte Marie drivers have probably noticed that the government mandates a lot of equipment on cars: emission devices and control computers, safety equipment like airbags and crash worthiness requirements. All of this is great for the motoring public in the Sault Sainte Marie area, but it do... More