Why does the car lack power after refueling?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may lack power after refueling: 1. Carbon deposits: These include carbon buildup in the cylinders, throttle body, spark plugs, and intake system. These areas are directly related to the engine's power output. When there is excessive carbon buildup inside the engine, the car's ignition energy decreases, intake efficiency drops, and ultimately, the engine's power is reduced, resulting in sluggish acceleration and a muffled sound. 2. Fuel system: Adding an incompatible fuel grade can lead to a decrease in the car's output power and reduced performance. Alternatively, if the fuel tank vent is blocked, or the fuel tank switch, fuel filter, or fuel line between the tank and carburetor are partially clogged, it may not supply the required amount of fuel, causing a lean air-fuel mixture and weak engine acceleration. 3. Air intake: If the air filter is not cleaned regularly and becomes clogged, insufficient air intake can result in an overly rich air-fuel mixture, reducing engine power. For vehicles with turbochargers, if the turbocharging system fails, the engine will remain sluggish even when the throttle is applied. 4. Engine overheating: Overheating can lead to poor lubrication, increased mechanical wear, and reduced engine power, resulting in weak acceleration.
Once after refueling, my car became sluggish, and stepping on the gas pedal felt like stepping on cotton with no power, especially when overtaking on the highway. I initially thought the engine was broken, but after taking it to the repair shop, it turned out the fuel octane rating was wrong—my car requires 95 octane, but I had filled it with 92 octane, leading to incomplete combustion. The mechanic said impurities in the gasoline could clog the fuel injectors, affecting fuel supply stability, and he also cleaned the fuel filter and fuel system, which immediately improved performance. Now, I always stick to well-known gas stations to avoid cheaper options at smaller stations, and I’ve developed a habit of regularly checking and maintaining the fuel system. After all, this kind of acceleration lag is quite annoying and can be dangerous while driving. If anyone encounters a similar issue, don’t panic—first, pull over and check the dashboard for any warning lights, and avoid driving recklessly to prevent further damage to components.
