Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

It can be frustrating to try and drive your car around if it's failing to accelerate. The vehicle may feel sluggish and operate at a slower speed than normal, which can put your safety at risk. There are a few leading causes of this problem, making it necessary to bring your car to a professional to ensure the issue is diagnosed correctly. Here are a few of the common reasons your car may not be accelerating.

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

The mass airflow sensor and the oxygen sensor can become dirty, making it challenging for the car to accelerate when you apply pressure to the gas pedal. This will also affect the fuel mileage of the car. Fortunately, a mechanic can clean the parts, but if the oxygen sensor is the issue, it will need to be replaced. If you feel like your car isn't driving as fast and the check engine light comes on, then this is likely the cause of the problem. Our technicians can diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs.

2. Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

The Throttle Position Sensor or TPS monitors the throttle valve opening angle and tells how the system should adjust your engine's computer. If it can't read the throttle position accurately, it will send incorrect information, which will cause degraded vehicle performance.

3. Clogged Fuel Filter

The fuel filter has an important role and removes dirt and gunk from entering the engine. As the dirt builds up, it can cause the filter to become clogged and make the car slow down because there won't be enough fuel to reach the engine. This is an easy fix and only requires replacing the fuel filter.

4. Dirty Air Filters

The air filter in your engine may also need to be replaced if it isn't swapped out at the right time. Your car won't get enough air and can have difficulty accelerating. Your owner's manual will tell you how often the air filter needs to be changed out the more you drive.

Our technicians are here to help if your car is failing to accelerate properly. You can schedule an appointment to have your car inspected and diagnosed to ensure you restore your car's acceleration as you spend time getting around.