Why does the car jerk when accelerating?
3 Answers
When the car jerks during acceleration, it is often due to issues with the vehicle's half-shaft. Under long-term torsional fatigue and impact forces, the half-shaft can become bent, twisted, or even fractured, or the spline teeth may wear or become misaligned. This can cause the car to exhibit rhythmic shaking when accelerating within a certain speed range, with the shaking disappearing or reducing when the accelerator is released. Jerking during acceleration may also stem from engine operation issues. For the engine to function properly, it requires sufficient air, adequate fuel, and a well-functioning ignition system. Any problem in these areas can lead to engine shaking. Specifically, if the intake system has leaks or blockages, the car may experience jerking during acceleration due to insufficient air supply.
I ran into this issue recently too. The car kept jerking when accelerating, like someone was pulling it from behind. It's most likely a problem with the engine's ignition system—maybe worn-out spark plugs or poor contact in the ignition coils. Weak sparks lead to uneven combustion, causing power interruptions. After some checking, I found that leaking ignition wires or excessive carbon buildup can also cause this. Carbon deposits make fuel injection uneven, making acceleration feel choppy and uncomfortable. If left unchecked, fuel consumption will spike and may even lead to engine overheating. So, it's best to head to a 4S shop or a reliable repair shop ASAP for a check-up. Replacing spark plugs or cleaning carbon deposits usually helps—don’t let it turn into a bigger problem.
Having driven for over a decade, I can say that jerky acceleration when stepping on the gas is mostly related to the fuel system. It could be due to clogged fuel lines or dirty fuel injectors preventing proper fuel delivery to the engine, naturally causing rough acceleration. Another possibility is insufficient fuel pump pressure leading to inconsistent fuel supply, making the car feel like it's gasping for air. I remember last time I encountered this issue, it was because the fuel filter was dirty and overdue for replacement, causing the whole system to behave like it was overheating. My advice is to start with simple fixes first, like adding fuel system cleaner to flush the lines or replacing the fuel filter. If that doesn't solve it, then it's best to have a professional thoroughly inspect the fuel injectors - don't try to DIY this complex repair.
