Why does the car suddenly lose power when accelerating on the highway?
3 Answers
The sudden loss of power when accelerating on the highway is due to issues with the fuel system. Areas to inspect: Fuel injectors, fuel pressure gauge, and air filter. Effects of different fault locations: Clogged fuel injectors can affect fuel delivery; non-standard fuel pressure, typically low pressure, insufficient fuel pump delivery, damaged fuel pressure regulator, blockages, fuel filter issues, or overly lean air-fuel mixture can all cause acceleration weakness. Additionally, a clogged air filter, leaks in the intake system, or failure of sensors controlling fuel injection can also lead to poor acceleration. Over time, this can affect the fuel filter and fuel lines, causing poor fuel delivery and resulting in weak acceleration. It may even impact the lifespan of the exhaust system's catalytic converter. Once the catalytic converter becomes clogged, the car's acceleration will weaken, and fuel consumption will increase.
It's quite scary when you can't accelerate on the highway. Once, my fuel pump failed—it overheated during high-speed driving and couldn't supply fuel properly, making the throttle feel like stepping on cotton. A clogged fuel filter has the same effect; if fuel can't flow, the engine loses power. It could also be an issue with the gasoline itself; using low-quality fuel with too many impurities can clog the fuel injectors. If you encounter this situation, it's best not to push through. Turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the emergency lane immediately—if the fuel pump is broken, even idling can be difficult. For regular maintenance, remember to check the fuel pump pressure and replace the fuel filter every 20,000 kilometers to prevent such issues.
Sudden loss of power on the highway is mostly due to fuel supply or ignition issues. Last time I encountered this, it was due to aging ignition coils—one cylinder stopped working while driving, causing the car to jerk and struggle to accelerate. Spark plugs with excessively large gaps or thick carbon buildup can also cause this. Additionally, check the fuel tank vent valve; if it's clogged, the fuel pump will have difficulty drawing fuel. A dirty fuel filter can also easily cause this problem. Replacing it yourself isn't difficult, but you need to find the correct model. If you encounter this situation on the highway, don't panic. Ease off the throttle and try pressing it slowly again. If that doesn't work, pull into a service area for inspection.
