In this TikTok, a mechanic from Utah (@davesautocenter) shows you how to avoid low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. If you own a car made after 2016, there’s a good chance this applies to you.
according to Valvoline Global, LSPI It occurs when the fuel-air mixture in a car engine ignites before the spark plug fires, which can create pressure and heat that can damage the engine.
“The fuel particles don’t atomize, they get stuck between the rings, they mix with the wrong oil, and they cause an explosion,” the mechanic said. “The explosion happens very quickly. Before you know it, the engine is destroyed.”
According to the mechanic, LSPI can only occur on vehicles equipped with GDI.
What is the GDI Engine?
GDI engines process gasoline more efficiently and reduce emissions. Although the technology has been around for nearly 100 years, it has exploded in popularity. According to Wikipedia, NoteIn the U.S., GDI “grew from 2.3 percent of vehicle production in model year 2008 to nearly 50 percent in model year 2016.”
according to Universal Technical InstituteGDI engines are more controllable, efficient, and powerful than other types of engines because they pump gasoline into the combustion chamber of each cylinder rather than pre-mixing it with air.
In the TikTok, he holds up a worn piston and connecting rod assembly, a key part of a GDI engine.
According to mechanics, there are three things that can cause this type of damage to a GDI engine.
First, he Wrong oil It may cause problems.
“If you have a direct-injection vehicle, you should use API SP-grade oil,” he says. “That’s the first and most important thing.”
He said another cause of injury was Dirty direct injectorsThis is part of the GDI engine.
“Direct injectors have to be kept extremely clean, so you may need to use additives,” he says.
The third piece of advice is for GDI car owners: Warming up the engine before accelerating rapidly.
according to Consumer ReportsDrivers should run their engines for one minute but no longer to avoid wasting fuel and excessive emissions.
How do I know if my car has a GDI engine?
you can:
- Please check the instruction manual.
- Check the engine cover.
- Check the fuel cap.
- Please check the VIN.
And, as Drive points out, “The 1970s was a time when the 1980s was a time when the 19 … “If all else fails, a call to the dealer’s parts counter should give you an answer as to whether your car is direct injected or not. Or you can find the official specs by searching Google: ‘Is my make/model direct injected?'”
Some viewers were confused by the conflicting advice.
“But the news said we shouldn’t heat our cars to be more environmentally friendly?! So I’ve been in my car all winter driving at full throttle,” commented one viewer.
“Always let the engine warm up on cool days, at least until the high idle goes down, and for at least a few minutes on really cold winter days,” advised another.
Others shared different approaches to avoiding LSPI.
Dave Auto Center Damage from direct injection pre-ignition. How to avoid it. #Auto shop #TruckRepair #Auto Repair #Automatic Repair #Engine Build #Audi ♬ Original Sound – Davesautocenter
“Or don’t buy a direct injection car,” one viewer wrote.
“I hear you say, ‘Don’t buy GDI,'” said another. “I get it.”
The mechanic (@davesautocenter) did not immediately respond to the Daily Dot’s request for comment.
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