Why Does My Car Hesitate When I Accelerate?

If your car hesitates when accelerating in Henrico, it’s time for a visit to the service center. While some vehicles may present this issue from a clogged fuel filter, others might have a malfunctioning transmission under the hood. Luckily, the team at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond has highly-trained technicians in a state-of-the-art facility that are ready to sort out your car once and for all. Get to know the most common reasons a car hesitates when accelerating, and be sure to get more service tips at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond!

Common Causes of Engine Hesitation

Let’s say your engine lags behind when your foot hits the gas pedal. What are the most common causes of engine hesitation on the Glen Allen roads?

• Fuel Pump: Fuel pumps deliver a specific amount of fuel to the engine, so when your fuel pump malfunctions, your engine can’t work as quickly or efficiently as it normally does.
• Mass Airflow Sensor: Mass airflow sensors (MAF) measure the amount of air flowing into the engine, relaying that information to the car’s main computer. If the MAF is worn, the engine won’t work properly.
• Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine, but they can become dirty or worn out over time. The worse the condition, the worse your engine performance.
• Throttle Position Sensor: Throttle position sensors relay information about your accelerator and throttle to the car’s computer information. Based on this information, the computer will adjust the fuel and air mixture of the engine. If your sensors have broken, the engine will perform poorly.
• Fuel Filter: Your fuel filter pulls out debris and other particles from your fuel, but if it’s clogged, your engine may hesitate on the Goochland roads.

Could a Transmission Cause Hesitation During Acceleration?

When your car hesitates when accelerating, the engine is often to blame. But, another culprit could be the transmission. Electronically controlled automatic transmissions can develop a wide range of sensor and actuator issues that cause performance problems on the roads. And like the engine, transmission parts can wear out to cause problems with your vehicle’s acceleration. Here are some of the common issues we notice at our service center:

• Transmission clutch slippage
• Low or old transmission fluid
• Old transmission oil pump
• Damaged clutches
• Clutch solenoid failure

Schedule Your Service at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond!

If your car hesitates when accelerating, there’s no need to wonder why. Schedule your service at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond and we’ll take care of everything. Contact us with any questions or concerns, and we’ll get your car back in pristine condition in no time.