If your car is having trouble accelerating, it could be due to oxygen starvation. When you press the accelerator, your car should move smoothly and quickly. However, if it responds slower than normal or moves abruptly, it may not be getting the air it needs to run at peak performance. This could be caused by a worn, damaged, or defective fuel pump, but it could also be due to a clogged and dirty air filter.
The engine needs air, spark, and fuel to run. If the air part of that equation is compromised by a dirty air filter, it can suffocate the engine and impair fuel economy and acceleration. Fortunately, this is an easy fix - just take out the old air filter from the air box, inspect it, and replace it with a new one. Transmission filters prevent debris, dust, dirt, and insects from entering the engine.
If they are not changed regularly, they can become clogged and obstruct the amount of air entering the engine. This will make the engine run less efficiently than it should and cause poor acceleration. It's recommended to change your air filter every 12,000 miles or every 12 months - whichever comes first - to avoid this issue. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and reduce oxygen in the mixture.
The engine will then compensate by consuming more fuel to produce enough power to move the same distance or speed as it could with a clean filter. This can cause hesitation when trying to accelerate up a slope or when driving in general. It can also lead to decreased fuel economy and carbon deposits building up on the engine which will activate the engine check light. If you notice any of these signs in your car's performance, it's worth checking the condition of your air filter. On some cars, some plastic covers need to be removed to get to the air cleaner which can increase labor costs.
A professional can read your service code and help you determine if it's related to air intake problems. It's important to regularly check the condition of your air filter and clean out the air cleaner housing and pipes to make sure they don't get clogged with leaves or dirt. This will ensure that your car runs smoothly and efficiently when you press down on the accelerator.
