Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

As you spend time getting around each day, you need enough speed to climb steep inclines and keep up with other cars on the road. Unfortunately, your vehicle may start to feel slower and sluggish if issues are present under the hood. Educating yourself about the cause of this problem can make it easier to determine what repairs to perform with the help of a qualified technician. Here are a few main reasons why your car may struggle to accelerate.

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

Over time, the mass airflow sensor and oxygen sensor can develop a layer of dirt that doesn't prevent the car's air-fuel mixture from being monitored consistently. Not only will your car fail to accelerate, but you may also notice that your fuel mileage is also affected. Fortunately, it's easy for a technician to clean the mass airflow sensor. If the problem is with your oxygen sensor, it will likely require a replacement part. This will prevent your check engine light from staying illuminated on the dashboard and will also allow your car to accelerate again.

2) Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

The throttle position sensor may start to malfunction over time, which will prevent correct information from being sent to the engine's computer. This will prevent the computer from knowing how it needs to adjust.

3) Clogged Fuel Filter

Many drivers don't realize how easily the fuel filter can get clogged as too much gunk and dirt accumulate after a few months. If you fail to replace the filter at the right time, it won't allow enough gas to reach the engine. Fortunately, you can quickly replace the part to restore your car's speed.

4) Dirty Air Filters

Your car's air filters can also get too dirty if you forget to replace them. This will result in your engine not getting enough oxygen, which will make it difficult to accelerate when you're spending time on the road. Check your owner's manual to get an idea of how often you should replace the air filter.