Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

It can be easy to take your car's acceleration for granted as you increase your speed on the road. However, there may come a time when the car doesn't accelerate and can start to feel sluggish. It's important to get to the bottom of the issue with the help of a mechanic to ensure you can restore the car's acceleration and stay safe on the road.

1. Dirty Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) or Oxygen Sensor

Many people don't realize that their dirty mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor can become dirty over time. This can prevent the car from having good fuel mileage or accelerating and cause the Check Engine light to turn on until the issue is repaired. Fortunately, you can fix the problem by having mechanics clean the part. If the problem is with the oxygen sensor, then it'll need to be replaced.

2. Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

The Throttle Position Sensor is responsible for communicating information to the computer in the engine to ensure the system can adjust properly. If the sensor can't be read correctly, the car's performance will be affected, and the engine will start to feel slow and sluggish. A mechanic can inspect the part to determine if this is an issue and need to be repaired or replaced.

3. Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter continuously traps sludge, dirt, and debris to prevent contaminants from reaching the engine. Over time, the gunk can start to build up in the gas tank, which can cause your car's engine to become sluggish. This means that your engine isn't getting enough fuel. Fortunately, the problem is a quick fix and only requires replacing the fuel filter.

4. Dirty Air Filters

Your air filters can become too dirty if you fail to replace the part at the right time. Look through your car's owner's manual to get an idea of how often your vehicle needs to have the air filters replaced, which depends on your make and manual. This will make the engine operate more efficiently and for there to be better acceleration.

Don't hesitate to contact our service team today to schedule an appointment to inspect your car if it fails to accelerate. We can diagnose the problem and help your car operate better to ensure you can have a smoother ride.