Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

While you may think that a car with a sluggish accelerator is annoying, a mechanic should address the problem as soon as possible. A vehicle that accelerates poorly may have a major problem under the hood, including an issue with the engine or the mechanical system, that will need to be repaired right away before any more significant damage occurs. Additionally, a car that can't get up to speed on the highway or when you are trying to change lanes can be a safety hazard.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor or Mass Air Flow Sensor

There are several sensors in your car's engine that help ensure its smooth and reliable operation. If the vehicle is not accelerating sufficiently, you'll want to be aware of two sensors: the oxygen sensor and a mass airflow sensor. These two sensors work together to help provide the engine with the fuel and air needed to run sufficiently. The sensors work to keep a proper balance of both air and fuel in the engine. When the sensors become dirty or break, they can't regulate the intake of air and gasoline into the engine, which negatively affects your car's performance ability. The sensors will need to be cleaned or changed.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor is another small but vital component that aids in your car's engine performance. The throttle position sensor is located at the valve opening of the throttle valve. It monitors the valve's opening angle and provides real-time information to the computer attached to the car's engine. The information from the monitor generally guides the engine's performance and power output. However, if the sensor breaks, it can't correctly relay the information required to help the engine run.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter is another problem that your vehicle may face if it suffers from poor acceleration. The fuel filter is designed to trap and remove particles and contaminants to avoid getting into the engine. If the filter is too dirty, particles can reach the engine and make their way into the fuel lines, where they can cause damage to the engine and lead to its improper performance.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filters in the car's engine are just as crucial for ensuring that the engine is healthy and has the right amount of air and fuel needed to operate. Sufficient quantities of both won't be able to reach the engine if the air filter is dirty.

If your car needs service for acceleration problems, contact our helpful staff today.