As the owner of Moreleta Service Centre, I’ve seen many customers come in over the years concerned that their vehicle is not accelerating properly or has lost its responsiveness to the accelerator pedal movements. Based on my 25+ years of experience, there are a few likely culprits for loss of power and sluggish acceleration.
When you press down on the accelerator pedal, you expect your engine to respond with brisk, smooth acceleration. However, if you find yourself pushing the” pedal to the metal” just to get up to speed, something is reducing engine power and sapping that acceleration.
Common Causes of Slow Acceleration
There are a number of components in your vehicle that impact acceleration. Issues with any of these can result in a lack of power. Here are some of the most common causes we see:
Air Filter Woes
Your engine needs metered clean air to burn fuel efficiently. Over time, particles and debris build up on the air filter, restricting airflow to the engine. This reduces horsepower and throttle response. Replacing a clogged filter can restore acceleration. Fitting an inferior quality filter can distort under heavy load demands and or fast acceleration thereby reducing airflow into the engine resulting in “suffocating” the engine.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter removes dirt and rust particles from the fuel thereby reducing the risk of the contaminants from entering the engine. Over time the fuel filters tend to block up if not replaced periodically. Poor quality fuel will result in the filter blocking up a lot quicker. A blocked fuel filter reduces the flow and quantity of fuel needed for the engine to perform optimally. This results in “starvation” of the engine fuel demands and reduces engine speed.
Defective Fuel Pump
The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from your cars tank to the engine at the right pressure. A failing pump won’t supply enough fuel pressure or volume for quick acceleration. A blocked fuel filter could result in premature failure of a fuel pump.
Symptoms include difficult starting, non-start, hesitations, sputtering, and lack of power when trying to speed up.
Ignition System Problems
Components such bad / defective / incorrect spark plugs, faulty ignition coil or wires, or a weak alternator can hamper ignition and combustion. That leads to misfires, hesitations, and sluggish acceleration as engine power declines.
Slipping Transmission / Clutch
Automatic transmissions with worn clutches or manual transmission with a worn clutch may start slipping between gears. This causes acceleration delays as engine RPMs spike without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed. An automatic transmission service or clutch kit replacement can reduce acceleration problems
Exhaust Restrictions
Your exhaust system plays a crucial role in engine efficiency as it expels burnt gases from the cylinders, removes harmful substances, reduces the level of noise and discharges the purified exhaust gases at a suitable point of the vehicle away from its occupants. Restrictions from a blocked silencer / catalytic converter, crushed pipe, or buildup of particulates greatly reduces exhaust flow. This builds excessive back pressure that hampers acceleration and the vehicles performance
Additional Reasons for Slow Acceleration
While those are the most common culprits, there are some other issues we occasionally see behind poor throttle response:
- Dragging brakes putting extra load on the engine
- Low compression due to worn piston rings or leaking valves
- Vacuum leaks impacting engine performance
- An overloaded vehicle placing too much strain when accelerating
- Under inflated tyres
- Dirty airmass / airflow meter
Signs to Look Out For
Along with having to floor your accelerator just to get up to speed, there are a few other symptoms that often accompany problems with acceleration:
- Hesitations or misfires when accelerating
- Sporadic jerking as you press the pedal
- Unusually high RPM but slow increase in road speed
- Sputtering exhaust note or loud rumbling
If you notice any of those warning signs in conjunction with lackluster acceleration, it’s wise to have your vehicle inspected by a professional technician.
Regain Peak Performance with Expert Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough diagnostic examination of your engine using state-of-the-art equipment. Once we determine what parts are malfunctioning, we can recommend the right solutions to help optimize performance.
Whether it’s replacing a bad fuel pump, unclogging the catalytic converter, fixing vacuum leaks, or rebuilding your transmission, we have the know-how to get your acceleration back up to par. And with our 6-month/20,000km warranty on all services, you can feel confident in the work we perform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to diagnose an acceleration issue?
Our diagnostic process typically takes 1-2 hours, however this can vary depending on the vehicle and underlying issues. We use advanced computer scanners alongside manual tests of components like the battery, alternator, sensors, and fuel pressure. This allows us to isolate the root cause accurately and efficiently.
What does a diagnostic service cost?
Our standard diagnostic fee is R720. This covers a diagnostics test and a few basic tests. Additional diagnostic time will always be quoted prior to proceeding. These fees may be waived if you proceed with the repairs needed to resolve your acceleration problems.
Is poor or intermittent lack of acceleration dangerous to drive?
Yes. As you might never know when there could be total failure or fast acceleration required to get out of a “sticky” situation. Sluggish acceleration can certainly be frustrating and inconvenient. Just exercise caution when merging onto highways or entering traffic intersections that is moving faster than your compromised acceleration allows. If you ever feel unsafe, pull over and call for roadside assistance. It is recommended to have the vehicle looked at to avoid compromising the safety of you and the occupants
Trust Our Expertise, Experience and vehicle
As an RMI approved service centre, Moreleta Service Centre offers exceptional vehicle service you can rely on. If you need to restore your acceleration from lackluster to lightning quick, we have the diagnostic capabilities and mechanical expertise to solve sluggish acceleration issues.
Moreleta Service Centre is RMI accredited with MIWA 5-star grading.
Allow Moreleta Service Centre to take care of your vehicle the best way we know how.
Contact Moreleta Service Centre:
Address: 1279 De Villebois Mareuil Dr, Moreleta Park, Pretoria, 0181
Phone: 012 111 9383
