What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
April 9, 2023
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.
Star Lube Branson
598 State Hwy 165
Branson, MO 65616
417-239-2886
https://www.starlubebranson.com
Need Service?
More articles from Star Lube & Tire of Branson

Fuel Saving Tip: Auto Myths Around Branson
May 3, 2026
With high fuel prices in Branson, MO, comes lots of gas saving advice. Some of it, like what you hear on is great. When you get one of those e-mails that's going around telling you how to save gas, try to think it through.Does it really make sense? Does it defy the laws of physics?Do some rese... More

Star Lube Branson Tire Safety: Washington vs. Lincoln
April 26, 2026
Welcome to the Star Lube Branson automotive blog. Today, let's talk about the effect of tire wear. Let's focus on stopping in wet Branson conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can't move the water, the tire will actu... More

Deep Clean Your Fuel System at Star Lube Branson
April 19, 2026
Having trouble with your fuel system? Bring your vehicle into Star Lube Branson for a check up.In today's Star Lube Branson auto post, we're talking about fuel system cleaning. The first thing to know is how important it is to have a clean fuel system. Branson residents need fuel to go, and the c... More
