Experiencing power loss in your car can be frustrating and may indicate a problem with the engine. If your car is losing power, it’s important to know how to respond to stay safe and prevent potential damage.
If you ever experience power loss with your vehicle, J R Automotive is here to help. We offer recovery services as well as repair and diagnostic services to identify the cause of your car’s power loss and ensure it is repaired to the highest standard.
This guide explores all potential causes of a car’s power loss and what you can do to fix it.
Loss of power in a car – common causes
Losing power while driving can be a challenging situation for drivers of all ages and experience levels. It’s essential to remain calm and safely bring the car to a stop.
A loss of power is most evident when trying to accelerate. However, it can also occur suddenly while maintaining a constant speed or intermittently, with the car losing power before it returns again.
Reasons for loss of power in a car:
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- Damaged or worn-out spark plugs
- Clogged DPF (diesel particulate filter)
- Blocked air filters
- Engine Control Unit (ECU) errors
- Backfiring exhaust
- Gear slipping
- Sensor malfunction
- Broken fuel injector(s)
- Issues with catalytic converter
- Air conditioner draining power in hot temperatures
- Underperforming turbocharger
- General wear and tear
Although these are the main reasons, the vehicle could also have a wider issue that needs to be addressed by and experienced and professional mechanic.
How to fix loss of power in a car
There are many reasons why your vehicle may lose power – here is what to look out for and what to do next.
Spark plugs
Over time, spark plugs can lose their effectiveness in powering the engine, and they will either need to be repaired or replaced. You may also notice a rattling sound, and eventually, you will not be able to start the engine.
DPF filter
A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is designed to remove matter and exhaust pollutant particles while driving. However, over time, it can become blocked, causing your vehicle to enter ‘limp-home mode’ with significantly reduced power output. This is a safeguard to prevent further damage to other parts of the vehicle.
You can prevent this issue by driving on the motorway at the speed limit for more than 30 minutes, a process known as passive regeneration, which can help burn off excess soot in the filter.
Some vehicles use active regeneration, where extra fuel is injected to raise the temperature in the filters. If these methods do not work, your next step is to visit J R Automotive and request a ‘forced regeneration’ of the DPF.
Air and fuel filters
Vehicles have their own air and fuel filters to help protect the quality of the air and fuel – and keep dirt particles out of the engine.
If the filters are worn or dirty, it can disrupt the air or fuel flow and result in a loss of power. In most cases, a filter replacement will be necessary to rectify the problem.
ECU – Engine control unit
The Engine Control Unit (ECU) can sometimes give false readings which will cause the engine to lose power. In other cases, it can cause the vehicle to come to a complete stop. This is because the ECU’s programming believes that there is a serious issue with the car.
Park somewhere safe, turn off the engine and let it cool down. Restart the engine and see if the same issue persists. If so, you may need to contact a garage or local mechanic.
There are several other reasons why the ECU is having issues. Knowing what your car dashboard warning lights mean can be helpful.
Exhaust
If your exhaust is blocked or damaged, then your vehicle will immediately lose power.
However, a backfiring exhaust happens when the vehicle’s fuel-to-air ratio is incorrect. You will hear a loud pop or bang coming from the rear of the vehicle.
This is something that could lead to more serious damage to your car, so bring your vehicle in to J R Automotive as soon as possible.
Gears and clutch
If your gears are slipping, this will impact the vehicle’s power. This is because the engine’s output fails to reach the wheels effectively.
Clutch or gear slipping should be dealt with by a local garage that can get a greater understanding of why it has happened and what to do next.
Sensors
Modern vehicles have many sensors for different purposes. If one of them is defective or the information it is feeding back to the ECU is incorrect, the vehicle could have less power.
This is typical with a Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, which monitors the air intake to the throttle when accelerating.
Fuel injectors
When an engine is turned on, the fuel injectors send fuel into the combustion engine.
If there is a lack of pressure, then an incorrect amount of fuel will be added – creating a lack of power. Worryingly, it will also lead to other issues in the engine that can be very costly.
This is a technical job and should only be carried out by a qualified mechanic.
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is responsible for controlling the emissions that leave the car’s exhaust system. Over time, it can become clogged, leading to a lack of power and acceleration.
They are popular for thieves, so protect your catalytic converter today.
The first sign of a blockage is a lack of power; however, if the issue isn’t resolved quickly, it can lead to a total engine failure.
Air conditioning
Although this is more common in older vehicles, you may be using the air conditioner on a hot summer day. However, if it isn’t in top working order, it can start draining power from other vehicle parts.
A re-gas might help with this – but it might just be a side effect of a day with high temperatures.
Turbocharger
Turbochargers, once only found in sports cars, are now common in modern vehicles due to their performance and fuel economy benefits.
A turbocharger works by increasing the air pressure in a combustion engine, allowing more fuel to be added to the mix, creating extra power when accelerating.
However, when they have a problem, they work in the opposite way and cause a drag on power. This can range from dirt and debris in the turbocharger to a loose connection or major damage to the unit or the connectors.
To work properly, turbochargers must also have the right oil and filters attached.
Since turbochargers are more specialized in how they work and how they are maintained, it is advisable to take your car to a professional mechanic to get any issues with your turbocharger fixed.
Wear and tear
Like many other parts of a vehicle, over time and after many trips on the road, components of the engine can wear down. This can sometimes lead to problems.
Regular car servicing will help with this, along with any recommendations during the annual MOT.
If you have any questions about loss of power in your vehicle, please contact us directly using our contact form here: Contact Us
