Why does the car feel sluggish after refueling?

[DiEmmett]

The reasons why the car feels sluggish after refueling are as follows: 1. Brand: If you have been using a certain brand of engine oil for a long time and switch to another brand of the same type, the vehicle may appear to lack power during driving, struggling to climb slopes. This could be due to the new oil being too thin or of poor quality. Switching back to the original oil eliminates this issue. 2. Power: It is because the car engine lacks power. 3. Oil Filter: Oil filter malfunction or clogging can cause inefficiency. Generally, changing the oil along with the oil filter improves surface performance, hence the improvement after an oil change. 4. Lubrication System: If the engine lubrication system has not been cleaned for a long time and is dirty with a lot of deposits, changing the oil may wash out some impurities suspended in the oil, causing the oil filter to clog and resulting in power loss. Changing the oil once makes the system cleaner and improves performance. 5. Fuel Quantity: After refueling, pay attention to the amount of fuel. Too much or too little fuel can cause power loss, which improves after the second refueling.

[HadleyAnn]

I occasionally felt my car lacked power after refueling, which might be caused by poor fuel quality from the gas station. Inferior gasoline mixed with impurities or water can lead to incomplete combustion in the engine, resulting in reduced performance. I've also experienced air bubbles in the fuel line when refueling too quickly, temporarily blocking the fuel path and making the engine sluggish. Another common reason is a loose fuel tank cap, causing a vacuum leak that affects fuel supply. It's recommended to choose reputable gas stations, refuel steadily without rushing for cheap deals, and drive gently for a while before accelerating after refueling. If the issue persists, promptly visit a repair shop to check the fuel filter or ignition system to avoid damaging your beloved car.

[DeJuliet]

As a long-time car repair enthusiast, I believe there are several technical points to consider when experiencing a lack of power right after refueling. It could be that the gasoline octane rating at the station doesn't match or that too many additives have been mixed in, directly interfering with the air-fuel ratio, preventing the engine from burning efficiently. Alternatively, there might be a slight malfunction in the fuel pump, which becomes more noticeable after refueling due to pressure changes. Another possibility is that the carbon canister system is saturated, with excessive vapor during refueling affecting the air-fuel mixture. I always recommend waiting a few minutes before starting the car, as the new fuel needs time to adapt, or using an OBD tool to check for error codes. For the long term, only adding certified high-quality fuel and regularly cleaning the fuel system can prevent such issues, as engine health is crucial for driving safety.

[VeraRose]

As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've found that occasional lack of power after refueling is mostly due to poor fuel quality at gas stations. Once, I opted for cheaper fuel at a small station, and my car ran sluggishly. Later, an expert told me that impurities in the fuel had clogged the fuel injectors. Additionally, filling the tank too full in summer can cause overflow into the carbon canister, preventing the engine from drawing clean air; or differences in fuel quality can slow down the ECU's adaptation. Now, I consistently refuel at large chain stations, and the issues have decreased significantly. If you encounter such a situation, don't panic—try driving a short distance first. If the problem persists, consider replacing the filter and performing maintenance.