What Causes Insufficient Car Power?

[OLucia]

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.

[AubreyDella]

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.

[ChristopherMarie]

Insufficient power can be a minor or major issue. Based on my experience, troubleshooting involves three steps. First, check the basic mechanical components: Is the tire pressure normal? Are the brakes dragging or stuck? Next, inspect maintenance parts: Has the air filter exceeded 20,000 kilometers without replacement? It's time for a new one, as a clogged filter affects breathing efficiency. Spark plugs must be checked at 50,000 kilometers—worn gaps weaken combustion. Fuel system issues often stem from carbon buildup in injectors, poor-quality gasoline with impurities, or insufficient fuel pump pressure limiting power output. Lastly, sensor problems like a faulty oxygen sensor can cause incorrect air-fuel ratios, resulting in weak performance and black smoke.

[DelEliza]

When my off-road vehicle lacked power during hill climbing and was taken for inspection, it turned out to be caused by carbon deposits. Long-term low-speed driving in the city had formed a layer of hard carbon deposits on the piston tops, which both reduced the compression ratio and hindered heat dissipation. Switching to 95-octane gasoline along with fuel additives for three full tanks finally improved the situation. Another key point is the turbocharger—more and more vehicles now come with turbos (T). If the turbo's wastegate sticks or there's a leak in the piping, the boost will fail. Older vehicles also need attention for clogged catalytic converters, where the exhaust pipe feels like it's being choked. Manual transmission owners shouldn’t overlook the possibility of clutch slippage—especially during sudden acceleration, if the engine RPM surges but the vehicle speed doesn’t follow, it’s a clear sign.