Over the years, sitting behind the wheel of your car, you become accustomed to the way it works and its capabilities. It’s no surprise then if you quickly notice a change in the way your vehicle accelerates. There are many reasons why your car is losing power, from air-con issues to an overheated cooling system. So if your vehicle is always putting in a sub-par performance, the following reasons could be why.
1) Clogged fuel filter
It’s important to keep your fuel filter clean, so when it starts to clog up, a noticeable loss of power is the first thing you’ll notice. A clogged fuel filter will restrict the flow of gas and stop the car from accelerating easily. When it becomes clogged, the fuel pump has to work much harder, resulting in a far less efficient drive. This means you can’t get the power you need if you’re trying to accelerate when overtaking or going uphill.
2) Bad air filter
The internal combustion chamber of an engine is in charge of combining air and gasoline to provide the power required to move your car. An air filter is required to remove any potential bugs, debris, and other contaminants from the air before it can enter the chamber. If they’ve been used for a while, these air filters tend to get clogged, which will in-turn restrict the amount of air that can enter the internal combustion chamber. As a result, the engine won’t be able to provide enough power to run the automobile, which will have a detrimental effect on the vehicle’s functionality.
3) Overheated cooling system
The cooling system’s job is to keep the engine running at a certain temperature. If you have an overloaded heating system, it will force the cooling fan to work harder, draining power from the engine and lowering performance levels.
If it’s chilly outside and the engine is overheating, there can be a more serious issue. Always keep an eye on the engine temperature because running an engine that is too hot can seriously harm a car in the long term. If the car is at a high altitude with thin air, it may also experience power loss from an overheated cooling system.
4) Air conditioning draining power
The system is designed to keep the cabin cool and comfortable when you’re on the road. However, if it’s overworked, the air conditioning condenser will absorb more energy than it needs to. This will have a knock-on effect on power consumption in your vehicle, meaning that you’ll need to use more fuel and more power.
5) Bad spark plugs
The spark plugs are used to generate heat in the combustion chamber of the engine. This works together with the air and fuel to create enough power for your vehicle to move. It’s important that this system runs smoothly and efficiently, so if it’s not receiving enough power, it will be more difficult for your car to move.
6) Low engine oil
As the pressure in the car engine oil drops, friction between different parts increases. This will cause the engine output to drop sharply. Look for common signs of poor engine performance, such as loss of power, decrease in fuel economy and increase in engine stalling.
There are many reasons why your car may be losing power. If you notice a significant decrease in your engine’s power, then it might be time to book in with our experts!
