At what altitude does car power decrease?

[DeBrayden]

Naturally aspirated engines experience about a 15% torque output reduction at an altitude of 2000 meters, while turbocharged engines see a 10% torque decrease above 5000 meters. Here are the relevant details: 1. Impact: Car engines are also affected by high altitudes; therefore, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines will experience power reduction at high altitudes, though turbocharged engines suffer much less power loss compared to the more significant reduction in naturally aspirated engines. 2. Traveling to high altitudes: It is more reasonable to use large-displacement naturally aspirated engines, as their greater displacement and power mean that even though they are affected by high altitude (power decreases by about 10% for every 1000 meters in altitude), the ample reserve power ensures that even after some reduction, the remaining power is still sufficient.

[FinleyMarie]

As someone who has been repairing cars in high-altitude areas for years, I find that the decrease in car power becomes noticeable starting at around 1,500 meters above sea level. This is due to the thinner air, which reduces the amount of oxygen available, preventing the engine from inhaling sufficient oxygen for complete combustion and resulting in reduced power output. Naturally aspirated engines struggle particularly when climbing hills above 2,000 meters, with power loss potentially reaching around 20%. For example, acceleration slows down when driving on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and fuel consumption also increases. In contrast, turbocharged engines perform slightly better by compressing air, but when the altitude exceeds 3,000 meters, power can still drop by more than 10%. It is advisable to check the vehicle's cooling system and air filter before driving at high altitudes to avoid engine overheating or stalling.

[DelElizabeth]

I often drive on mountain roads and notice that when the altitude exceeds 2,000 meters, the car's power significantly decreases. Even when flooring the accelerator during uphill climbs, the acceleration remains sluggish. This is primarily due to the reduced air density at high altitudes, which worsens combustion efficiency. For instance, on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, power loss can reach up to 30%, resulting in delayed acceleration response and making driving particularly strenuous. I've driven many naturally aspirated engine cars, which struggle especially in such conditions; turbocharged engines perform slightly better but still face challenges at extremely high altitudes. To address this, I recommend downshifting early to increase RPMs and mitigate power deficiency when driving in mountainous areas. Additionally, the thin air leads to increased fuel consumption, so it's best to develop a habit of gently pressing the accelerator to ensure driving safety.

[BrynleeMarie]

Car performance typically starts to decline at altitudes above 2,000 meters. The thin air causes insufficient air intake for the engine, especially in naturally aspirated engines, which suffer the most significant power loss. Turbocharged engines have an advantage but are still affected at extremely high altitudes. Those who have driven in high-altitude areas know that sluggish acceleration and poor climbing power are common, and fuel consumption may increase slightly.