Why Is Your Car Losing Power?

Every gearhead knows that each car has a specific performance plateau. There is a point where, regardless of how much you push your engine and press on the accelerator, your car can’t go any faster than it already does. However, sometimes, your car seems to hit a plateau at an early stage of its performance, which stops it from reaching its full power. It is a sign that your vehicle might be losing power.

Typically, power-related issues have to do with the engine. However, you’d be pleased to know that not all mechanical problems will require extensive repair costs and work. In fact, more often than not, low-performance issues can be resolved by targeting one of these four elements:

The exhaust pipe is damaged

The most common cause for engine performance troubles tends to be a hanging or dragging exhaust pipe. Thankfully, you should be able to diagnose the problem rapidly; firstly because your exhaust will become incredibly loud, and suddenly because it’s something you can easily spot even if you’re not a trained mechanic. When the pipes are damaged, which can lead to an exhaust leak which interferes with the performance of your vehicle. You might notice a decrease in acceleration and power, as well as fuel efficiency. You don’t need a lot of specialist tools to change your exhaust pipes. The typical tool kit along with the right auto parts are all it takes to give your car its power back. One word of advice, though, you should work with a hydraulic car jack or, alternatively, have the vehicle in an elevated position where you can have safe access.

The tires are not suited to the road

Tires are too easily dismissed when it comes to performance troubles. However, if your tires fail to maintain a good grip, you might find accelerating and handling more difficult. The typical tell-tale of lousy tires is imprecise steering through curves and wet surfaces. Additionally, old and used tires are more likely to make your vehicle a liability on the road. It’s something you can quickly test with a visual check-up.

The fuel filter doesn’t screen impurities

Your fuel filter should keep the fuel clean of contaminants and debris. Typically, you should replace your fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or every two years, depending on your usage of the vehicle. The replacement costs are not high. However, if you fail to keep track of your replacement appointment, you might incur higher expenses as debris and dust particles get into the engine. Typically, a clogged up fuel filter will slow you down before it puts the motor at risk.

Your turbocharger is faulty

Turbochargers tend to be reliable. However, when they fail, you’ll immediately notice a drop in power. More often than not, the chargers are affected by another issue in the engine, such as blocked air intakes or a restricted cat. One of the most apparent symptoms of a blown turbo is not only loss of power but also the difficulty for your vehicle to maintain a high speed.

Nobody wants a slow car, especially if you’ve paid a high price for a performance vehicle. However, keeping on top of your maintenance and servicing appointment can make sure you can spot potential issues before they affect your engine or driving dramatically.