What Causes Car Jerking at Low Speeds?
3 Answers
Car jerking at low speeds may be caused by a dirty throttle body. The throttle body regulates the air intake, which affects the car's driving performance. Below is a detailed introduction to the car throttle body: 1. Overview: The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine. After the air enters the intake pipe, it mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to generate power. The throttle body is connected to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom, often referred to as the "throat" of the car engine. 2. Function: The throttle body is one of the most important components in today's electronic fuel injection engine systems. The upper part connects to the air filter, while the lower part connects to the engine block, serving as the "throat" of the car engine. The responsiveness of acceleration is closely related to the cleanliness of the throttle body. Cleaning the throttle body can reduce fuel consumption and make the engine more responsive and powerful.
I've been driving for seven or eight years, and recently, when driving at low speeds in the city, the car keeps jerking, as if the engine is gasping for breath. After inspection, it was found that the ignition system is faulty—either the spark plugs are worn out, causing incomplete combustion, or the fuel pump has insufficient pressure, leading to unstable fuel supply. If there's too much carbon buildup stuck in the throttle, stepping on the accelerator at low speeds will cause jerking. For manual transmission cars, a slipping clutch could also trigger this issue. I recommend not ignoring these signals and going to a repair shop for a full check-up as soon as possible. Cleaning the fuel injectors and replacing the spark plugs can greatly improve driving smoothness, saving you from turning minor issues into costly major repairs. Also, try to avoid frequent short-distance driving in congested urban areas—taking the car on the highway more often helps with self-cleaning and keeps it healthier.
As a seasoned veteran in car modification, I believe low-speed stuttering primarily stems from three aspects: clogged fuel systems causing poor fuel delivery, excessive spark plug gaps affecting ignition, or contaminated automatic transmission fluid leading to delayed gear shifts. Throttle body carbon buildup is also a common culprit, causing shaking at low speeds when accumulated over time. If sensors like the oxygen sensor fail, it further complicates matters by disrupting the air-fuel ratio. I recommend using an OBD scanner to check for trouble codes first, pinpoint the issue, and replace faulty components promptly to avoid chain-reaction failures. For maintenance, change air filters more frequently to clean the system, and regularly use fuel additives to maintain cleanliness and keep the engine running efficiently.
