Nobody wants their vehicle’s engine to lag. You might be driving along and all of sudden your car, truck, or SUV loses power for just a second and slows down before picking up speed again. Or, you might be hauling something or driving up a steep incline and the vehicle seems as if it can’t handle it. There are four primary causes of engine lag. Mike’s Automotive explains what they are here.
1. Air Filter
In order to start and run your vehicle’s engine, the ignition system needs just the right combination of air and fuel. If you forgot to get your air filter replaced at its last mileage milestone, it’s probably clogged with dirt and grime. This blocks airflow into your engine – the crucial airflow it needs to ignite and run. If your vehicle has been lagging lately, check your air filter first. If it’s dirty, replace it to see if this solves the problem. If it doesn’t, keep reading.
2. Fuel Filter
Remember, we said above your engine needs the right combination of air and fuel to start and run and if the air filter is fine you might have a clogged fuel filter. Even though it’s encased, your fuel filter will clog with sediment over time. This sediment is found in your gasoline, which is never 100-percent pure and clean despite what fuel manufacturers would have you believe. Check the fuel filter next to see if it’s the cause of your engine lag.
3. Fuel Pump
If your vehicle is a high-mileage vehicle, the problem could be your fuel pump. Designed to last about 100,000 miles, although some fuel pumps have been known to last longer, a fuel pump will fail eventually in high-mileage vehicles. Your automobile’s fuel pump must answer the engine’s fuel demand and if it is not working properly, it cannot do that. Consequently, your engine might lag as a result of the fuel pump’s failure to meet engine demand.
4. Spark Plugs
Speaking of high-mileage vehicles, your engine will also lag if your spark plugs aren’t working as they should be. This problem isn’t limited to older engines. If your plugs are not adjusted correctly, they will not fire properly and this can cause your engine to lag or misfire. Old spark plugs also cause this problem so it might be time to inspect the plugs and their wires. This is especially true if your engine is stalling frequently.
Bring your vehicle into Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK, and we’ll find out why the engine lags. You can call us today for an appointment.
