Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

At some point, your vehicle may begin to have trouble accelerating. This is a problem that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Not only will your car be less enjoyable to drive, but the likelihood of you being involved in an accident increases. While several issues can cause your vehicle to accelerate poorly, here are the four most common reasons.

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

Both of these sensors help your vehicle to maintain the proper air-fuel ratio. If your mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor becomes dirty, performance and fuel economy will suffer. You may also notice that your check engine light is on. In many instances, our professional techs can clean a contaminated mass airflow sensor. However, a faulty oxygen sensor will likely need to be replaced.

2) Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

Your throttle position sensor directly influences how your vehicle performs. When the TPS begins to fail, it's only a matter of time before your car experiences acceleration issues. This part will ultimately need to be replaced.

3) Clogged Fuel Filter

A fuel filter is responsible for helping to keep the fuel system clean. Over time, dirt and other impurities can cause this filter to become clogged. Your fuel pump will then have trouble supplying the engine with an adequate amount of gasoline. Whether you're merging onto the freeway or climbing a hill, expect your car to feel especially sluggish. Fortunately, installing a new fuel filter should restore performance.

4) Dirty Air Filter

Be sure to have your vehicle's air filter replaced at the recommended mileage. A dirty air filter restricts the amount of oxygen flowing into the engine, thus causing a loss of power. There'll be a noticeable reduction in performance when accelerating. To determine the air filter's recommended replacement interval, consult your vehicle owner's manual.

If your vehicle isn't accelerating correctly, schedule an appointment at our dealership's service center. You can trust our experts to keep your automobile running strong.