Do you feel that the accelerator in your car is getting harder? Or do you see black or blue smoke out of the tailpipe? It can be a sign that your car engine loses its power. Before repairing it, you have to learn the main causes of a car losing power.
Main Causes of a Car Engine Losing Power
#1 Weak Fuel Pump
According to yourmechanic.com, a problem in the fuel pump is one of the causes why your car loses its power. In this case, you will hear a noisy sound in the fuel tank, especially in the low level of fuel. The car is also difficult to ignite because the pump can’t push enough gas through. Your car will also need more fuel than before even if you can drive it. It is because the fuel pump pushes too much fuel into the engine. The more fuel in the engine, the more gas the vehicle has to burn. Use the fuel pressure gauge by attaching it to the port of the fuel pump. This trick helps to start the car even with a bad fuel pump.
#2 Clogged Air Filter
Check the air filter of the car. Your car may lose its power because the air filter is too dirty. As a result, the dirt clogs the air filter. This condition affects the engine and combustion chambers. A clogged air filter causes your engine won’t be able to suck enough air into the combustion chambers. You need more gas while igniting the car, yet the car will run roughly and easily lose its power. You can try to clean the air filter using water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Submerge the filter in the water. Don’t forget to swirl it around using your hands to remove the dirt and dust out of the filter. Do it for a few minutes to ensure that there is no dirt left. Take the filter from the water, place it on a clean towel, and let it dry. Ensure that the filter is dry before installing it back.
#3 Clogged Exhaust System
Your vehicle seems to be okay at first, but it starts sputtering or stalling. If it is so, it can be a sign that the exhaust system is too dirty. Slowly but surely, the dirt clogged on the exhaust system. A clogged exhaust system causes a vehicle to lose its power. Take a clean cloth and clean the exhaust tip. Don’t forget to clean the inside part of the exhaust. You can also use a hard bristled brush to clean it maximally. Try to break up the carbon deposits and rust using a degreaser. Then, try to ignite the vehicle and wait for a few minutes. The vehicle may not sputter or stall again.
#4 Clogged Fuel Filter
A clogged fuel filter is another cause of a car engine losing its power. This issue leads to low fuel pressure. In this case, the fuel condition is lean that triggers engine misfire. It affects poor fuel mileage and rough idling. You even will see the check engine light turn on if there is too much dirt on the fuel filter. Ensure that you clean the fuel filter right away, otherwise you have to bring the car to the repair shop. You have to remove the filter from the fuel lines. Then, spray it with a solvent cleaner. Let it dry for an hour or more and reinstall it. Now, try to run your vehicle. The result may be different than before you cleaned the fuel filter.
#5 Bad Mass Airflow Sensor
A bad mass airflow sensor is also a serious issue that makes a car lose its power. You can use diagnostic scan tool to determine the problem. Malfunction airflow sensor can cause too much fuel to be left in the combustion chamber. As a result, it affects the acceleration of the vehicle. Use a mass air flow cleaner for about 10 to 15 spurts onto the wire or plate. Don’t scrub the parts because it may break the wire or damage the plate. Then, try to run your vehicle. You will feel something different before and after cleaning the mass airflow sensor.
#6 Bad Spark Plugs
Bad spark plugs are also a cause of loss of power in a car engine. The common sign is that your vehicle is difficult to start. The car needs more gasoline even if you can start it. As a result, you need extra money only for gasoline. The best solution is by replacing the old spark plugs with new ones. Bring the vehicle to the repair shop to ensure the problem and get the best solution.
#7 Low Compression
Let’s say you can ignite the vehicle, but it seems that it experiences a misfire. This issue will make the car rough. The worst part is when all cylinders don’t want to compress. It means that the car won’t start at all even if you try to do it over and over again. Call a professional mechanic to know the exact cause. The mechanic will replace the leaking part whether the piston, piston ring, camshaft, head gasket, or valves.
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