Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

As you spend time using your car each day, there may come a time when you notice your vehicle doesn't accelerate quickly and struggles to pick up speed. Whether you're driving on a steep hill or are trying to merge onto a busy highway, this can put your safety at risk. Getting to the bottom of the issue is necessary to restore your car's operation and reliability. As a driver, it's important to be aware of the top reasons your car may not accelerate properly.

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

The oxygen sensor and dirty mass airflow sensor can cause your car to become slower if they get dirty. Your fuel mileage may even be affected if the parts accumulate a lot of grime. A technician can quickly clean the mass airflow sensor, but if the problem is with the oxygen sensor, it will likely need to be replaced to restore your car's acceleration. Once the issue is repaired with one of the sensors, your check engine light will turn off, and your car will prove to be reliable again.

2) Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

It can be challenging to monitor the throttle valve opening angle if there are issues with the throttle position sensor. This will prevent the engine from knowing how it needs to adjust. Your car won't get the information it needs to accelerate properly.

3) Clogged Fuel Filter

It may be time to replace the fuel filter if your car struggles to drive at higher speeds. This is because the vehicle isn't getting enough fuel when too many impurities are present in the engine. The fuel filter is likely clogged due to a lot of dirt and debris that is present.

4) Dirty Air Filters

You can bring your car to our dealership to determine if the air filter is clogged and struggles to give enough air to the engine. This indicates you haven't replaced it at the right time. You can also read your owner's manual to get an idea of how often the air filter will need to be replaced in the future to maintain your car properly.

Our service department is here to help you diagnose your car's issue and restore the acceleration. We can also provide you with more information about the causes of this issue.