
Regularly perform maintenance according to the official maintenance manual, including changing engine oil, oil filters, cleaning or replacing air filters, and replacing oil filters. Check whether the throttle valve has carbon deposits, whether the intake manifold leaks, and whether related sensors malfunction. Engine overheating can lead to poor lubrication effects, increased mechanical wear, reduced engine power, and higher fuel consumption. Regularly check the levels of engine oil and coolant. Do not mix different types of engine oil or use water as a substitute for coolant.

I also experienced sluggish throttle response when driving my Haval H1 before. It was particularly noticeable when climbing hills—the engine would roar but the car wouldn't accelerate. Later, I discovered the air filter was clogged like a rag, and replacing it immediately restored power. Here are key items to check regularly: inspect the air filter for dirt (replace if over 20,000 km); worn spark plugs with blackened electrodes can cause weak ignition; a clogged fuel filter leads to insufficient fuel supply and limp acceleration; and a blocked exhaust system or catalytic converter feels like a choked throat. Also, long-term use of cheap gasoline causes carbon buildup—occasional highway driving or fuel additives help clean deposits. These checks can be done DIY; if issues persist, visit a repair shop to scan for trouble codes.

From a mechanical perspective, insufficient power in small-displacement vehicles like the Haval H1 requires a three-step inspection. First, check the intake system: For turbocharged models, focus on inspecting whether the intake pipes are leaking and if the intercooler connections are loose, as these leaks can lead to insufficient turbo pressure. Next, examine the fuel system: Ensure the fuel pump pressure is adequate and the injectors' atomization is functioning properly, as poor fuel quality can cause injector clogging. Finally, inspect the ignition system: Use a diagnostic tool to check the ignition timing data stream, as aging spark plug wires can lead to misfires. The most typical case I've encountered is oxygen sensor poisoning, where the displayed fuel consumption suddenly increases while power decreases—this can be diagnosed by reading the long-term fuel trim values with an OBD scanner.

If you suddenly feel the acceleration is sluggish, don't rush to send it for repair. First, downshift and step on the accelerator. If the engine speed can reach above 4000 RPM but the vehicle speed increases slowly, it may be due to clutch slippage. For automatic transmission vehicles, pay attention to whether there is any jerking or impact during gear shifts. If the transmission fluid hasn't been changed for too long, it can cause the lock-up clutch to fail. A friend's car recently had trouble accelerating even when the accelerator was floored, and it turned out that the fuel pump's filter screen in the gas tank was clogged with debris, leading to insufficient fuel supply. Another simple method is to try running two tanks of 95-octane gasoline. Low-octane fuel is prone to knocking in high-compression ratio engines, and the ECU will automatically limit power output.


