What to Do When the Car Suddenly Loses Power and Stalls While Driving?
3 Answers
Here are the solutions for when a car suddenly loses power and stalls while driving: 1. Clean engine carbon deposits: Excessive carbon buildup in the engine is a major cause, often due to using unsuitable fuel. It is recommended to add a certain amount of cleaning agent when refueling, and after cleaning, it's best to drive at high speed for a while to help increase exhaust flow and allow stronger airflow to remove larger carbon particles. 2. Check the oxygen sensor: As an internal control unit of the car, the oxygen sensor monitors the fuel-air ratio in the engine. If it is damaged, it will cause an imbalance in the fuel-air ratio, leading to a sudden increase in fuel consumption. 3. Regularly replace the three filters: During vehicle use, the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter must be replaced regularly. If not replaced for a long time, they can affect performance, send incorrect information to the engine control unit, cause incomplete fuel combustion, and increase engine carbon deposits.
I've experienced this several times while driving - sudden loss of power followed by stalling. It could be a faulty fuel pump or clogged fuel lines, most commonly caused by excessive sediment buildup in the tank or pump wear leading to fuel delivery failure. You should immediately stabilize the steering wheel and gradually coast to the roadside without blocking traffic. After turning on hazard lights, check the fuel gauge to see if you're out of gas or if the fuel cap is loose. If there's fuel, try restarting once or twice, but don't force it if unsuccessful - calling a tow truck is safer. Regular maintenance helps prevent this, like cleaning the fuel filter every six months or using higher quality gasoline. My last highway breakdown was due to fuel pump failure - fortunately I pulled over in time and got it fixed for 400 yuan.
If your car suddenly stalls and can't accelerate, the key is emergency handling to prevent danger. Pull over immediately—never wait in the middle of the road. After turning on the hazard lights, first check the fuel level: Did you run out of gas? Or is the fuel warning light on the dashboard lit? If that’s not the issue, try restarting the engine. Deeper problems could involve faulty sensors or a weak battery, but don’t attempt DIY fixes. Contact professional roadside assistance right away. Regular maintenance is crucial—for example, cleaning the fuel system every quarter can prevent such issues. I once saw a friend get into an accident due to this on a rainy day—safety should always come first.
