Symptoms of Engine Power Loss
You know why your car is losing power. But how do you identify in the early stages that it is happening?
Here are some of the signs to look out for:
Sluggish Acceleration
Is your accelerator not performing as it should, delivering a sluggish performance? The chances are that the engine isn’t getting sufficient power and requires inspection.
Check Engine Light On
One of the first signs of an issue is that the engine light is on. It indicates that your engine is not working properly and needs repair. The car may need instant attention if the engine light blinks continuously.
Strange Engine Sounds or Vibrations
Do you hear any unusual sounds from the engine, such as whining or knocking? It means that there is a problem in the engine which needs to be checked. In some situations, there may be excessive vibration due to a faulty spark plug.
If your car is taking considerable time to accelerate, it means that there is a problem in either the fuel or air filter. This poor response can also be a result of a faulty throttle position sensor.
Reducing Fuel Economy
If you notice your vehicle’s mileage failing, it is an indicator of a faulty engine performance. Although it could be a reason for some other problem, note other symptoms to confirm it.
Overheating Issues
Running with an overheated engine can further increase the damage, such as white exhaust smoke or leaked coolant. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether your vehicle’s engine is running in an optimal condition or not.
Rough Idling
Does your car shake or vibrate when standing at a stoplight? This rough idling without acceleration means that the engine isn’t performing properly. It is a sign that your car needs mechanical assistance.
Common Causes of Power Loss
Over time, the engine loses its efficiency and no longer delivers the horsepower it once did. Such a noticeable drop can also be due to a mechanical or long-term issue. Here are the common power loss reasons:
Fuel System Issues
Fuel-related problems directly impact your engine performance, dropping its efficiency and power:
- Choked filter: A filter prevents deposits and particles from entering the fuel pipe and reaching the engine. However, dirt and dust clog it over time. It results in a diminished engine output as sufficient fuel doesn’t get through.
- Clogged injector: Fuel injectors are used to deliver the required fuel quantity to the engine as needed. They have narrow nozzles that are vulnerable to dirt and dust particles. If it happens, the injectors cannot deliver the fuel efficiently, and ultimately, the engine performance drops.
Ignition Problems
The ignition coil is one of the most critical components of your car’s engine. It enables the engine to power up and accelerate your vehicle. But once this ignition coil is damaged, the combustion mix doesn’t burn properly, and you can experience rough idling and power loss.
Once the ignition coil fails, the spark plugs aren’t able to work efficiently, leading to backfiring, misfiring, and excessive fuel consumption.
Airflow Problems
An air filter works similarly to a fuel filter as it clears out the air for smooth engine movement. However, it clogs over time with dirt and dust. In such a situation, enough air doesn’t reach the engine, and the combustion cycle doesn’t work effectively. Ultimately, there is a drop in the power, and your car doesn’t pick up speed like it generally does.
Exhaust Blockages
Most of the blockages in an exhaust don’t hinder the car’s performance as they exit the vehicle during movement. But once a build-up of carbon and soot begins there, it results in back pressure, power drain, and acceleration loss. With exhaust blockage, you may notice an odd hissing or growling sound.
Transmission Issues
If you are thinking that only the engine plays a vital role in acceleration, think again. A transmission is equally important to keeping your car moving as it harnesses the power from the engine. Due to regular wear, the transmission components, like clutch packs, can deliver poor performance. The transmission slips, and the acceleration wouldn’t be as smooth as it used to be.
Oxygen Sensor Issues
An engine is powered by igniting the air and fuel blend, and this chemical reaction should happen smoothly to accelerate your car. For that to happen, the oxygen should remain at a precise level, which is measured by the oxygen sensor. If this sensor turns faulty, the air-to-fuel ratio changes, resulting in your car losing power.
Poor Spark Plug
Spark plug collects oil, carbon deposits, and similar contaminants over time, resulting in fouling. Additionally, the plug’s spark tips wear off due to regular sparking. Over time, it becomes tough for the spark plugs to perform effectively, and fuel doesn’t ignite properly inside the combustion chamber. It leads to poor acceleration and misfiring.
Defective Throttle Position Sensor
The TPS measures how strongly your car’s gas pedal is pressed so that your acceleration requirement can be matched with the combustion charge. However, once this sensor begins failing, your vehicle’s computer cannot determine how strongly you are pressing the pedal. It results in inconsistent performance.
Poor Timing Chain
Your vehicle’s timing belt maintains a sync between the crankshaft and camshaft. Over time, it stretches and falters in performance. Such a problem results in decreased fuel efficiency and acceleration.
Electrical Faults
If the car's power suddenly keeps dropping, and the reasons mentioned above aren’t why it is happening, here are some of the possible electrical issues:
- Faulty turbocharger
- Poor fuel quality
- Wrong fuel station choice
- Faulty EGR valve
How to Fix Engine Power Loss
If your car is losing power, it’s important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Fixing engine power loss usually involves:
- Diagnostic Scan: A technician uses diagnostic tools to examine the engine, sensors, fuel system, and transmission to identify the root cause of power loss.
- Ignition System Checks: Worn-out spark plugs or failing ignition coils are replaced to ensure proper combustion and smooth acceleration.
- Fuel and Air System Maintenance: Fuel injectors and air filters may be cleaned or replaced if clogged, ensuring the engine receives the correct air-fuel mixture.
- Exhaust and Transmission Inspection: The exhaust system is checked for blockages or leaks, and transmission components are inspected for wear or slippage that could affect acceleration.
These repairs require professional expertise and cannot be safely performed at home. ACKO Drive Service Centres simplifies the entire process.
You can book a service slot online, have your car picked up, inspected, and repaired, and receive it back with transparent pricing. This ensures timely and accurate fixes while preventing more costly damage.
How to Prevent Engine Power Loss
Preventing engine power loss is easier than fixing it later. With a few simple habits and regular checks, you can keep your car running efficiently and avoid costly repairs.
Schedule regular maintenance
Getting your car serviced on time helps catch small issues before they turn into major problems. Regular checks of your engine, transmission, exhaust system, fluids, brakes, battery, tyres, and filters improve performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Maintain ignition and fuel systems
Replace spark plugs and air/fuel filters as recommended. Clean or replace components when necessary to ensure proper airflow, fuel delivery, and efficient combustion. During service, technicians can also check spark plug gaps and test ignition coils for smooth engine performance.
Choose quality fuel
Use fuel from trusted stations and follow your car’s recommended octane level. Keep the tank at least a quarter full to prevent sediment from reaching the injectors. Occasionally, using top-tier fuels with detergents helps prevent carbon buildup, knocking, and reduced acceleration.
Avoid aggressive driving, overloading, and harsh acceleration, which can strain the engine and transmission. Pay attention to early warning signs like sluggish acceleration, rough idling, overheating, or reduced mileage. Acting early can prevent bigger problems and maintain your engine’s power.
Bottom Line
A car’s components wear out over time, and can impact its power and efficiency in the long run. Keep an eye out for any possible signs of engine, air/fuel filter, exhaust, and transmission defects to get them sorted without delays.
Regular checking and repair by a professional can help keep your vehicle in good condition and prevent expensive service costs. So, don’t be lazy in booking your maintenance, and schedule it every year so you can drive your car smoothly for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
