Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Why would a car stop accelerating while driving?

My 2018 Mini Cooper is having issues when I step on the gas. It seems like the car loses power or something. Why would a car stop accelerating when you are driving?

avatar
Lynell Spencer · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
When a car stops accelerating while driving, the most common causes are a bad sensor, dirty fuel or air filters, or the timing belt. Pressing the gas and not having your car respond is dangerous—and scary. This isn’t the kind of thing you can ignore.
There could be any number of reasons your car
stops accelerating
. It is best to have a mechanic give your
Mini
a thorough inspection. Here is a rundown of the most likely culprits:
  • Mass air-flow or Oxygen sensor malfunction: These two sensors control the fuel to air ratio of the gas sent to your engine’s combustion chambers. If the mix is off, your car won’t accelerate as expected.
  • Throttle position sensor (TPS): Your TPS tells your car’s computer when your throttle is open, closed, or in between. Your gas pedal will no longer control your engine speed if it isn’t working.
  • Air filter or fuel filter needs replacement: These filters ensure that the air and fuel mixing in the engine are clean and flow as expected.
  • Timing belt adjustment/replacement: If a timing belt slips even a little, it can have a significant impact on acceleration
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings