How Does Backfiring Work?

A backfire is caused by a combustion or explosion that occurs when unburnt fuel in the exhaust system is ignited, even if there is no flame in the exhaust pipe itself. Sometimes a flame can be seen when a car backfires, but mostly you will only hear a loud popping noise, followed by loss of power and forward motion.

Is backfiring good or bad?

Backfires and afterfires are worth paying attention to since they can cause engine damage, power loss, and decreased fuel efficiency. There's a variety of factors that can cause your car to backfire, but the most common ones are having a poor air to fuel ratio, a misfiring spark plug, or good old-fashioned bad timing.

What does backfiring feel like?

The backfire is produced when unburned fuel ignites inside the intake or exhaust manifold instead of a cylinder. You can hear the combustion as a mild, cough-like ignition or a loud bang.