Having an automobile that accelerates on demand is part of the fun of modern driving. More powerful engines and more speeds in the gearbox make for responsive acceleration and amazing handling around corners. Many people are surprised to learn just how intricate acceleration really is. There's more to it than just your engine and transmission. The following components on your vehicle sometimes cause issues with acceleration.
Fuel Filter
Fuel filters can become clogged, allowing for dirt and debris to build up in your gas tank. This obstruction begins a downward spiral of performance. If something is blocking fuel from reaching your engine, you'll notice difficulty accelerating in moments on the road, especially uphill or when there's an angle to the vehicle.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
Sometimes called the Oxygen Sensor, this component monitors the "air-fuel" mixture of your car, truck, or SUV. If it's being monitored with no issues, you'll have clean acceleration, and the vehicle knows just how much fuel it has. If this sensor becomes dirty, acceleration will be a struggle. We recommend always monitoring acceleration when you see a Check Engine light. One of the first signs of a dirty MAF is a Check Engine light.
Air Filter
The engine's air filter does keep clean, fresh air flowing to the engine itself. If this happens, acceleration might be very off, such as not accelerating as quickly when going uphill or even in straight stretches. If you feel like your once spry vehicle starts to sputter or stall at higher speeds, it might be time for a quick air filter replacement.
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
If you've got a throttle position sensor, you'll notice a lack of power while accelerating. The vehicle also might exhibit rough idling or stalls. Shifting up might seem like it happens too slowly or never happens at all, with the vehicle stuck at a lower gear when it shouldn't be.
Each of the problems creates a safety concern for every driver. Accelerating, especially on highways, occurs around other vehicles behind and in front of you. If your vehicle is accelerating poorly, this can cause more than frustration. It might cause accidents on the road, as the vehicle behind you expects another driver to pick up speed. Don't let this issue go unchecked. Get in touch with our professionals here at our dealership to identify the culprit behind your acceleration problem. You can schedule online or give us a call to discuss your issue.
