Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

For various reasons, you may find that your vehicle feels a bit sluggish one day when you hit the accelerator. While you might think the problem is simply annoying, a car that's slow to accelerate may indicate a bigger problem. Although it's always a good idea to have an expert mechanic inspect your vehicle, here are a few reasons why your car may not be accelerating properly.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor

Every car is equipped with an oxygen sensor, which works in tandem with a mass airflow sensor. The airflow filter can become clogged with dirt and contaminants, which in turn impacts vehicle performance. The dirty sensor may impact your car's ability to accelerate, and you might also notice a decline in fuel economy too. You may need to have a mechanic check the oxygen sensor, the mass airflow sensor, or both. The oxygen sensor will likely need to be replaced if it is dirty, while the mass airflow sensor can simply be cleaned. A dirty sensor may prompt the "Check Engine" light to come on in the car.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

The Throttle Position Sensor in your car, sometimes called the "TPS" for short, can also cause acceleration issues. This sensor directs the computer in the engine to adjust based on the engine's throttle valve opening. The sensor can get dirty or break, which means that it won't accurately determine the throttle position. The sensor will provide inaccurate information to the engine, which can lead to reduced vehicle performance and will cause the car to accelerate more slowly.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Every car has a filter in the engine called the fuel filter. The fuel filter's job is to clean and purify the fuel that enters the vehicle. The engine fuel filter also allows adequate amounts of fuel to reach the engine. If the fuel filter becomes clogged with contaminants, it won't provide the engine with the clean fuel that it needs to run correctly. Additionally, the pollutants that enter the car's system end up in the fuel tank, where they can break up and ultimately impact the car's performance. Swapping out the fuel filter for a new one should resolve the issue.

Dirty Air Filter

The engine also has another filter called the air filter. The air filter supplies the engine with the air that it needs to work properly. The air filter can become dirty, which in turn reduces clean airflow to the engine.

To learn more about acceleration problems, contact our dealership today.