Why Is My Car Not Accelerating Properly?

One day, you may be surprised to find that when you hit the accelerator on your Chevrolet, the car doesn't seem as peppy as it should be. While you may consider a problem with slow acceleration to simply be a nuisance, a vehicle that doesn't accelerate quickly enough can be a major problem if you are driving in traffic and need the ability to accelerate on-demand. There are a few common explanations for your car failing to accelerate as it should. Our dealership provides some of the most frequent causes of a slowly-accelerating Chevrolet.

Dirty Oxygen Sensor

If you hit the accelerator only to find that your car's response is slower than normal, you may have a dirty oxygen sensor on your hands. Alternatively, there may also be dirt and debris on a related part called the mass airflow sensor, or MAF. The oxygen sensor and the mass airflow sensor control the air-fuel mixture in the engine. Ordinarily, they help monitor air and fuel levels in the engine to ensure a proper balance of both. The service your car requires depends on the sensor that is causing problems. The oxygen sensor may need to be replaced, while the mass airflow sensor can generally be cleaned and reinstalled. If one or both sensors are causing issues, you may notice that the "Check Engine" light comes on, too.

Malfunctioning Throttle Position Sensor

The Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS, keeps tabs on the throttle valve opening angle. The sensor uses the opening angle's position to send information to the car's computer system to guide the engine's performance. If the sensor is dirty or malfunctioning and can't correctly read the throttle's position, it won't relay accurate information, which then impairs the vehicle's performance.

Clogged Fuel Filter

A dirty fuel filter is another frequent cause of acceleration problems. The fuel filter is located in the engine. The filter is a small but critical part of the car's mechanical system. The fuel filter typically traps contaminants to avoid having them get into the engine and fuel lines. However, if the fuel filter is clogged with too much dirt, pollen, or dust, it won't allow clean fuel into the engine.

Dirty Air Filter

Another filter that can become clogged is the air filter, which is another filter in the engine. The air filter usually allows air into the engine so that it can fuel the car. If the air filter is not changed frequently, it can get clogged and reduce the car's performance.

Contact us to learn more about acceleration problems today.