Reader’s Question:

I was driving my BMW V8 in the midst of the heavy traffic in Houston, Texas when my engine suddenly shuddered and I felt like it’ll gonna explode. Did my Knock Sensor stopped working?

Bella

Houston, TX

Driving in the heavy traffic of Houston, Texas, your engine suddenly begins to shudder, knock, ping, and shudder again, then making a noise that sounded almost like a sigh, followed by silence, don’t worry, your car would not explode. The engine of your car might be in distress. Your BMW’s knock sensor, designed to permit your V8 to run efficiently on lower grade 87 octane gasoline, had failed. This, in turn, causes your engine to vibrate as the lower grade fuel was not enough power for your car.

If you experienced that your engine vibrates hard or of any type, it is possible that your knock sensor has failed. Do not despair and delay; have your car checked immediately by a mechanic to avoid possible damage. It is much cheaper to replace a knock sensor than to replace an entire engine which might cause you a fortune of dollars. During the late years of 1980’s, most cars don’t come equipped with knock sensors. To prevent the engine from vibrating, high octane gas would always be a necessity in order for a car to run knock free. Eventually, knock sensors were created that allowed cars to run on cheaper, low grade gasoline. Also, the knock sensor had the all important benefit of stopping engine shudder which can ultimately damage a vehicle.

Tags: car dealer, car insurance, car repair, car review, cars