Does your car feel like it’s been gradually slowing down? You don’t have to worry, that’s natural. Automobiles will begin to wear out over time, but not all hope is lost.
Sluggish vehicles still have life in them. These six tuneups will make yours as good as new.
1. Air Filter
One of the first things you should inspect is the air filter. You’ll find it in your intake system, and its job is to keep your engine clean. Air filters do an excellent job keeping dirt and other contaminants away from your motor. They get dirty over time, so you need to replace them. Check your air filter to see if it needs replacing — especially if you often drive on dirt roads or in dusty conditions.
The rule of thumb for engine air filters is changing them every 12,000 miles or once yearly. You may need to do this more if your area is prone to dust and pollution. It’s natural for the air filter to become dirty, but a leaky air intake system or the wrong type of engine filter can cause headaches. Get the right kind based on your make and model.
2. Catalytic Converter
Your catalytic converter controls the emissions coming from your car and prevents dangerous gases from exiting. It’s a terrific technology, but it could be why your car feels sluggish. Catalytic converters can become clogged and compromise your vehicle’s performance. It may even have trapped gases, making acceleration more difficult.
Cleaning your catalytic converter may be tempting because it’s the root of your problem. However, be cautious because this part is challenging to clear up. Catalytic converters often have platinum or palladium coatings, making them sensitive to conventional cleaning methods. Call a professional or simply replace the part. Taking matters into your own hands may cause more trouble than it’s worth.
3. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are one of the cheapest parts in your car, averaging about $10 to $20 for each one. Despite their low cost, they are crucial for your vehicle’s performance. When you turn the ignition, the spark plugs ignite the oxygen and gasoline mixture in your combustion chamber. Functional spark plugs help the engine move your car effectively.
Spark plugs can make your car feel sluggish over time, so replacing them every 30,000 miles is wise. Worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires and increased fuel consumption because your motor must work harder. Consider upgrading to platinum or iridium plugs due to their high quality.
4. Leaf Springs
The engine is likely the first place you look when your car feels sluggish. However, problems could arise with the suspension. Check the springs around your vehicle for wear and tear because one of them could be the culprit. For example, you could have a faulty leaf spring needing replacement.
Leaf springs are durable and inexpensive — ideal for those on a budget. However, they need replacement every 12,000 miles to maintain their quality. Upgrade to high-performance leaf springs if you’re looking for a boost. These high-quality parts improve your handling and load capacity, reducing that sluggish feeling.
5. Tire Pressure
Sometimes, the issue with sluggish cars is simpler than you think. For example, improper tire pressure can lead to underperforming acceleration. Tire pressure issues typically stem from underinflation, but overinflation can be equally impactful.
Some people in the automotive world intentionally underinflate their tires for a performance boost. Lowering the pounds per square inch (psi) makes your car more responsive but can increase friction and sluggishness. Conversely, overinflation reduces grip and presents the risk of tire failure.
Check your owner’s manual to see the recommended psi. Most manufacturers recommend between 28 and 36 psi, so ensure your tires are as close as possible to the recommendations. Another issue causing sluggishness is uneven psi around the vehicle. Air each tire to the same psi for best performance.
6. Transmission Fluid
The transmission is one of the most critical components of your vehicle. This system includes your clutch, gearbox, driveshaft and other essential parts to help your car accelerate. Worn or broken pieces can quickly become expensive, so thoroughly inspect for anything unusual.
Worn gears commonly cause transmission issues leading to sluggishness. Over time, your car may hesitate to upshift and downshift, making acceleration more of a chore. Damaged bearings are another common problem. Dirt and moisture can accumulate and destroy them if you don’t inspect them occasionally.
Your most straightforward solution is to monitor your transmission fluid. Refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations for your make and model, but your changing schedule depends on your driving habits. For example, towing a lot will wear your transmission faster. Check your transmission fluid every 50,000 miles, although some vehicles can go for 100,000 before this maintenance task.
Ensuring Your Car Has Peak Performance
When you get in your vehicle, you expect it to perform like the first day you drove it off the lot. Putting your car on a maintenance schedule will extend its life and keep it running smoothly. However, once in a while, you may feel something is off. Your car feels sluggish, but you’re unsure what the issue is.
Sluggish vehicles have trouble accelerating, and your car’s problems could come from nearly any of its systems. Check the engine first and then make your way around the suspension. After making these six changes, your car should feel as good as new.
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