Glossary / Engine

vacuum line

8 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

A vacuum line is a hose that pulls in air from the engine to help parts like the purge valve work. It’s important for keeping the car running smoothly.

Technical Definition

A vacuum line is a flexible hose that carries low‑pressure air from the engine’s intake manifold to various components, such as the purge valve or brake booster. It is essential for many engine control functions.

Hear It Discussed

"Well, not necessarily the seal being changed, but something else in the area. They left, possibly left something loose. You got a vacuum line loose, you got a air intake hose loose or something..."
Save Money On Car Repairs With Our Car Talk Show Under The Hood show 46:20

"[1303.3s] mistaken sits up top it's it's a round black purge with two wires going to it disconnect if you want to see if it's a bad purge disconnect it electrically disconnect the line"
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - December 20, 2025 - Hour 2 - The Night Before Christmas (855)560-9900 Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 21:43

"That's either a booster issue or the the the vacuum line that's running from the booster to the engine. Okay, okay, what I would recommend is replacing that vacuum line going from the engine, which..."
The Car Show with Dane Donovan - 7/18/2026 The Car Show with Dale and Dane Donovan 28:07