Torque Shop

Why does a car backfire?

A backfire occurs when unburnt fuel ignites outside the engine's combustion chamber, usually in the exhaust system.

It is rare in modern engines with computer-controlled fuel injection. In a backfire, flames may be visible from the car's tail pipe, accompanied by a loud popping noise.

AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

www.aas.com.sg

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 19, 2015, with the headline Torque Shop. Subscribe