Ideally, your vehicle should increase speed when you press the accelerator. Though numerous factors determine how fast a car can accelerate, you should feel instant power when you push the gas pedal to the floor.
Therefore, a loss of power when accelerating is usually a sign of something wrong with your car. While this problem is common, you must perform a diagnosis to determine the culprit, thanks to the numerous possible causes.
Below are some possible reasons why your vehicle loses power when accelerating and how to fix them.
1. Clogged Fuel Filter
Your fuel filter can clog over time due to the sediments in your fuel. Due to the resulting low fuel pressure, your engine becomes less responsive when you press the gas pedal or the vehicle jerks during hard acceleration.
Since you cannot repair a fuel filter, the only solution to a clogged fuel filter is to have an experienced mechanic replace it.
2. Clogged Exhaust Catalytic Converter
A running car engine produces various fumes and must excrete them fast to allow flawless combustion. The exhaust system is responsible for collecting exhaust gases from the engine and discharging them away from the vehicle’s occupants.
If any part of an exhaust system fails due to clogs, the engine may produce exhaust gases faster than the vehicle excretes them, choking your engine. An engine that does not achieve complete combustion cannot reach full power.
You can unclog your catalytic converter by dipping it in a cleaning solution overnight or spraying it with soapy water.
3. Fuel Injector Issues
If you buy contaminated fuel, your vehicle’s fuel injectors can easily clog because they have narrow nozzles. Since a clogged fuel injector cannot spray fuel optimally, less fuel in the combustion chamber compromises the air-fuel ratio, leading to performance issues like loss of power during acceleration.
Your engine may also fail to run if the fuel injector issues are severe.
You can prevent fuel injection issues by adding cleaning additives to your fuel. These additives clear deposits in your vehicle’s fuel systems, improving your engine’s efficiency and performance.
4. Clogged Air Filter
Since engines require airflow to complete the combustion process, you should ensure a constant supply of clean air for your vehicle to run smoothly. One way to ensure that the engine gets enough air for combustion is to replace your air filter as your vehicle’s manufacturer directs on the owner’s manual. You can also clean an air filter using a vacuum cleaner or a can of compressed air.
If you don’t replace or clean a fuel filter, the dirt and debris clog the filter, reducing airflow into the engine. An insufficient air supply can lead to problems like loss of power because the fuel in the combustion chamber does not burn completely.
5. Faulty Fuel Pump
A fuel pump pumps fuel from your vehicle’s fuel tank to the engine’s fuel injector or carburetor. Therefore, if the pump is faulty, it may not have enough power to deliver fuel at the optimum pressure, leading to a loss of power.
While you may not notice power loss at low speeds, you may experience problems when accelerating fast. Have a trained mechanic check if you suspect a faulty fuel pump is why your vehicle loses power when accelerating.
Many things can make your vehicle lose power, but some are more likely than others. The information above can help you determine the culprit behind your vehicle’s power loss when accelerating. However, consider hiring a trained and experienced mechanic to confirm the real cause of the power loss after a comprehensive diagnosis.
At Family Auto Service and Tire Center, we boast modern equipment and a team of experienced and highly trained mechanics. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.