Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

After you've driven your vehicle for a few years, you might notice that it no longer accelerates as smoothly as it once did. It might feel a little sluggish overall, or it might not accelerate quickly on hills or as you're getting onto a highway. Not only is this incredibly annoying, but it can be dangerous if it gets out of hand during a busy commute.

There are several reasons why your car might not be accelerating properly, but we're going to take a look at the four most common causes.

A Dirty Mass Air Flow or Oxygen Sensor

A dirty mass airflow (MAF) sensor or oxygen sensor can prevent the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle from being appropriately monitored, which can affect your car's overall performance. At the very least, it will affect your gas mileage, but it can also impact your acceleration. A dirty MAF can be cleaned out by a professional, but a dirty oxygen sensor usually needs to be replaced. Both of these issues will cause your "Check Engine" light to turn on, so it's not hard to know when a dirty sensor is the cause of your car's sluggish performance.

A Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor or TPS monitors the throttle valve opening angle so your engine's computer knows what adjustments should be made. If the TPS isn't working correctly, your computer will receive the wrong information, which will impact your vehicle's performance.

A Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter keeps dirt, debris, and sludge out of your engine. These impurities can cause your vehicle to feel sluggish, and a clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. Fortunately, fuel filters are easy to replace.

Dirty Air Filters

Air filters need to be replaced regularly, usually as often as you would change your oil. Dirty air filters can prevent your engine from receiving enough airflow, which in turn can cause your vehicle to accelerate more slowly than it usually does. Your vehicle's manual should tell you how often your air filters should be replaced.

If your vehicle hasn't been performing as it should and you think any of these issues are to blame, contact the Husker Auto Group to make an appointment with our shop. Our repair professionals can address any problems your vehicle might have.