When you press down on the accelerator, you expect your car to move in one direction or the other. It’s one of the most basic functions of an automobile. However, sometimes issues can arise that impede your car’s ability to quickly and reliably accelerate. If you notice that your car is sluggish or slower than usual to get up to speed, there could be a few issues causing this problem.
Transmission Problems
The almighty torque converter is the part responsible for transferring power to the wheels when you drive. Think of it as a middle-man for the energy your engine produces. If there is an issue with the converter, power may not be properly passed along to the wheels, thereby causing acceleration problems. This may be why your car isn’t quite moving like it used to. Grinding gears can also be a source of acceleration problems, so look out for this as well.
Vacuum Leaks
It’s important for your engine to get an adequate amount of air flowing into it, but sometimes there can be too much. This is exactly what happens with a vacuum leak. Excessive air enters your engine through a leak and creates a lean fuel mixture, preventing the engine from having the necessary amount of fuel in the combustion chamber. This can make it nearly impossible for your vehicle to get up to speed.
Exhaust System Problems
As your car drives, fuel and air are ignited at high speeds. This creates excess gases that must be funneled out of the vehicle and into the air. Your car’s exhaust system serves as a cleaner and deliverer for these gases. If there are interruptions in this process, such as clogs or leaks in the system, your exhaust will have nowhere to escape to. This will fill the engine with the gases and can cause serious acceleration problems, among other issues.
Fuel System Problems
There are a few additional fuel-related problems that you may run into over the course of you and your vehicle’s relationship. As stated above, leaks can cause lean fuel mixtures, but there are also fuel injectors, fuel filters, & or general clogs that may be contributing to your sluggish ride. Your old fuel pump can also introduce acceleration problems if not replaced in reasonable intervals.
Kurth’s Auto Repair in New Hope, MN is here to tackle all of these issues, and more. Whether you’ve got gunk on your fuel injectors or a bad transmission, our expert mechanics are standing by to help. We will accurately diagnose your vehicle and return it to you fixed the right way. Call today to schedule an appointment.
