UPDATE: Goodwill Car Donations is currently accepting vehicle donations. Call 866-233-8586 to schedule an unattended FREE pickup. To learn what actions we are taking to ensure you are protected when you donate a vehicle to Goodwill Car Donations, please click here.

6 Possible Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Accelerate Properly

Car Engine | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Daniel under Unsplash License

Check Out These Possible Culprits First Before Taking a Trip to the Mechanic

If you aren’t well versed with vehicle maintenance, you might be wondering why your car is acting up. One of the most common problems encountered by drivers is poor acceleration.

Before you panic and head straight to the mechanic, you may want to find out and check the possible causes of the problem before resigning yourself to a hefty repair bill. There are several reasons why your car is having trouble accelerating. Some of them may be simple enough to troubleshoot by yourself. Goodwill Car Donations has compiled the following common reasons why a car won’t accelerate properly:

  1. Dirty or broken Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor

You can find the MAF attached to the inlet cleaner. Its function is to measure the air flowing into the engine’s air intake system. However, if it is not functioning well, it could send false data to the car’s internal computer.

  1. Defective oxygen sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor will be unable to regulate the air-fuel mixture, which can affect the engine’s performance. This could lead to slower engine acceleration.

  1. Clogged filters

Sometimes, the issue can be as simple as a clogged fuel or air filter. A clogged fuel filter delays the delivery of fuel to the engine while a dirty air filter hampers the delivery of the correct ratio of air and fuel to the engine, leading to slow acceleration.

  1. Timing belt

The timing belt functions by managing the pistons of the engine. If its alignment is off, it can cause acceleration issues.

  1. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) malfunction

The TPS typically detects the angle of the throttle valve opening and sends the data to the computer. If this malfunctions, the engine speed cannot be controlled by the accelerator, affecting its performance.

  1. Damaged catalytic converter

The “cat” makes sure that the proper amount of exhaust exits the engine. If it malfunctions, an abnormal amount of back pressure is accumulated, affecting the engine’s ability to flow properly.

Your Old Auto Can Still Make a Difference

Knowing what to do with your car when it manifests certain issues will help you address those issues quickly before they escalate into bigger problems. However, the time will eventually come when you have to call it quits. That’s when you realize that your car is spending more time in the repair shop than on the road.

You can properly say goodbye to your outdated automobile minus the hassle by donating it to us at Goodwill Car Donations.

This way, you’ll free yourself from the stress of dealing with a clapped-out vehicle. Not only that, but you’ll also get to help the impoverished and disadvantaged people in your community. These are the men and women living among you who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other disadvantages that serve as roadblocks in their pursuit of a productive and meaningful life.

We will put your vehicle up for auction and turn over the proceeds to the Goodwill organizations serving your local area. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits use the funding from the sale of donated vehicles to provide their beneficiaries with job training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other critical community-building support services.

As a Goodwill donor, you’ll enjoy meaningful returns for your generosity. These include the free towing of your unwanted vehicle and your entitlement to claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.

Moreover, nothing compares to the joy and satisfaction you’d feel, knowing that your charitable contribution will greatly benefit your community in terms of the jobs that it will create for the empowerment of your less fortunate fellow residents.

We accept nearly all types of vehicles, whether they’re still in good condition or no longer. We can pick up and tow your vehicle wherever you had it parked or stored anywhere in the country.

To get to know our quick and easy vehicle donation process and other details, just visit our FAQs page. Should you have any questions or concerns, you may call our toll-free hotline at 866-233-8586. You may also write to us here.

Use Your Old Car to Spark New Hope Today!

A Black Sedan Parked on the Road | Goodwill Car Donations Photo by Jonathan Cooper under Pexels License

Use your old and unwanted car to spark new hope among the disadvantaged individuals in your community. Don’t let it rot away. It can still do so much good to a lot of people. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our secure online donation form now!