Why Does My Car Jerk when Accelerating?

If you’ve noticed your car jerks when accelerating, it’s important to address the issue right away. A car that jerks when gaining speed could be a sign of something serious going on under your hood. Here are some of the most common causes for this problem.

1. Acceleration Cable in Disrepair

This cable is responsible for opening the throttle when you push down on the gas. If your car jerks when accelerating, it could be a sign that the acceleration cable is damaged or broken. These cables are especially prone to failure in older vehicles that may have not received regular maintenance.

2. Old Spark Plugs

Why Does My Car Jerk when AcceleratingHaving clean, new spark plugs in your car is essential. Spark plugs need to be in good condition because they need to ignite fuel into the cylinders at very specific time intervals. If your car jerks when accelerating, it may be worth it to check the spark plugs. Luckily, spark plugs are simple and inexpensive to replace in a vast majority of vehicles.

3. Bad Fuel Injectors

Clogged or worn out fuel injectors can also cause misfires to occur. If a car jerks when accelerating, some component in your engine may not be coordinating with the rest of the vehicle properly, and often times, can come down to the fuel injectors. If your engine isn’t getting the fuel it needs to gain momentum, it will start puttering out.

4. Blocked Air Flow

An engine needs three things to work: Air, fuel and an ignition source. When one of these three things is not present, a vehicle will not work properly. If your car jerks when accelerating, check the condition of your air filter and see if it needs to be changed. Also, check the air intake itself for any debris, such as dead leaves.

5. Moisture Accumulation

Sometimes, moisture can collect on the distributor cap and cause engine misfires. This is most likely to occur when a car has been parked outside for an extended period of time in the winter months. If your car jerks when accelerating, this could be the problem.

6. Clogged Exhaust

The catalytic converter under the car essentially creates a complex chemical reaction with your exhaust fumes to create a less toxic gas. If this component becomes clogged, exhaust fumes may build up in the engine and cause problems. If your car jerks when accelerating, the catalytic converter could be to blame. Catalytic converters can be expensive and time consuming to replace, so contact a mechanic you can trust to get the job done right.

To receive expert assistance diagnosing and repairing your vehicle, visit Valley Automall in Las Vegas. Our technicians will find out why your car jerks when accelerating and resolve the issue right away. Don’t spend hundreds of dollars attempting to figure out what’s wrong with your car. Bring your vehicle in and we’ll find a solution so you can get back on the road fast. Call 702-570-2257 to schedule your car service, today.