What Causes Insufficient Car Power?
2 Answers
Car power insufficiency can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Oxygen sensor malfunction; 2. Substandard gasoline quality; 3. Intake manifold leakage causing excessively lean air-fuel mixture; 4. Low fuel pressure, clogged fuel injectors or fuel filter; 5. Abnormal signals from pressure sensor or throttle position sensor; 6. Sensor signal abnormalities leading to incorrect ignition timing or delayed ignition; 7. Weak high-voltage spark due to faulty spark plugs, igniters or high-voltage wires; 8. Dirty throttle body; 9. Malfunctioning exhaust gas recirculation system; 10. Clogged exhaust pipe; 11. Low cylinder compression; 12. Turbocharger system failure.
Last time I took my old ride on the highway, I noticed the throttle felt sluggish. After troubleshooting for a while, I finally found the cause. The most common issue is a problem with the fuel system—either clogged fuel injectors or a dirty fuel filter restricting fuel flow, leaving the engine starved for power. Another possibility is a dirty air filter choking the engine's air intake, similar to how a person struggles to breathe. Worn-out spark plugs can also cause inefficient combustion, reducing fuel efficiency. Even worse is carbon buildup—a layer of grime inside the engine that disrupts combustion. Don’t overlook low tire pressure either—it’s like trying to run in slippers. Lastly, don’t forget about overdue oil changes—thick, old oil increases internal friction and saps power.
