Car problems are understandably a source of concern for vehicle owners. However, depending on the issue, you may only need a simple fix to get your vehicle back in prime working condition. One common car problem that can be attributed to several sources is poor acceleration. If you notice that your car feels sluggish when you step on the accelerator, you will need a mechanic to check out your car for a final diagnosis. However, you can get a sense of the underlying issue first by reading about some top reasons for acceleration issues.
Dirty Oxygen Sensor
While you might not think much about driving through dust and dirt, those elements can cause wear and tear on many vehicle components. One part that dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris can affect is the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is an important part that monitors the mixture of fuel and air in your car's engine. If the oxygen sensor gets dirty, it won't record the fuel and air levels in the engine, which can, in turn, affect the car's performance and fuel economy. A similar part called the mass airflow sensor can also get dirty and create the same acceleration and fuel efficiency problems.
Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle position sensor also called the TPS, is a small but important sensor. The TPS measures the throttle valve's opening angle. Based on the angle, the sensor typically tells the engine how to adjust in response to changes in the angle. If the sensor is dirty, it won't relay that information to the engine's computer, making the car's performance suffer.
Clogged Fuel Filter
The fuel filter in your car is one of two filters in the engine that help keep it clean and functioning correctly. The fuel filter has the critical task of creating a barrier that prevents debris, dirt, and other sludge from getting into the engine. If the filter gets coated with debris, it can't clean the fuel, which consequently means the engine can't function correctly.
Dirty Air Filter
The air filter in the engine is another crucial part. The engine air filter can also get dirty, keeping sufficient air levels from reaching the engine. If adequate volumes of air can't get to the engine, the car will be less responsive when you try to accelerate.
To learn more about common acceleration issues, contact our dealership today.
