Ever press the gas pedal and feel your car hesitate before it finally picks up speed? What is it? What do you do? 

A car that hesitates during acceleration can make merging onto highways or passing other vehicles stressful and even dangerous. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know it’s not fun. 

Acceleration hesitation is more than just an annoyance. It’s often a sign that something isn’t right under the hood. The good news is that many of the causes are fixable, especially if you catch them early.

What Does “Hesitation During Acceleration” Mean?

When you press down on the gas pedal, your car should respond immediately with a smooth increase in speed. If there’s a delay, stuttering, or jerking motion, this is considered hesitation. It can occur during initial acceleration, while accelerating from a stop, or when you’re trying to gain speed on the highway.

In some cases, hesitation is subtle—your car feels a bit sluggish. In others, it’s more pronounced, with your car jerking or even stalling out temporarily. Neither scenario is normal, and both suggest an underlying problem that needs addressing.

What can it be?

Several components work together to ensure your car accelerates smoothly. If just one part isn’t working correctly, you’ll feel it. Here are the most common reasons your car might hesitate when you hit the gas.

Dirty or Failing Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors deliver a precise amount of fuel into the combustion chamber. If they become clogged or aren’t working correctly, the engine might not receive enough fuel, causing hesitation. You might notice this is your experience:

• Rough idling
• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Engine misfires

A mechanic can clean the fuel injectors or, if needed, replace them to restore proper fuel flow.

Clogged Air Filter

Engines need a balanced mix of fuel and air for optimal performance. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, leading to an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture. This can cause your car to hesitate, particularly during acceleration. You’ll notice it through:

• Decreased acceleration
• Poor fuel economy
• Unusual engine sounds

Replacing an air filter is one of the simplest maintenance tasks. Check your owner’s manual for recommended replacement intervals, usually every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Failing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine. If they are worn out or damaged, the combustion process becomes inconsistent, leading to hesitation. You’ll notice:

• Trouble starting your car
• Rough idling
• Lower fuel efficiency

Spark plugs need replacing every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type. If your plugs are old, a replacement can make a big difference in performance.

Problems with the Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor

The MAF sensor measures how much air is entering the engine and adjusts the fuel injection accordingly. If it’s dirty or failing, the wrong amount of fuel might be sent to the engine, causing hesitation. You’ll notice this is:

• Check engine light is on
• Poor acceleration
• Engine stalling

A mechanic can clean or replace the MAF sensor. Regularly checking and cleaning this sensor can prevent problems from occurring.

Fuel Pump Issues

Your fuel pump delivers gasoline from the tank to the engine. If it isn’t working correctly, your engine may not get the fuel it needs, especially when accelerating. You’ll see it as:

• Engine sputtering
• Car struggles to start
• Loss of power under stress

Fuel pumps typically last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. If you notice signs of failure, get it checked before it fails completely.

Transmission Troubles

If your transmission is slipping or not shifting correctly, your car might hesitate when accelerating. This is especially true for automatic transmissions. You’ll experience this through:

• Delayed acceleration
• Shuddering during gear shifts
• High engine revs without an increase in speed

Transmission issues can be complex. If you notice these symptoms, have a professional inspect your transmission and fluid levels.

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Malfunction

The TPS monitors the position of your throttle and communicates with the engine control unit to adjust fuel delivery. A failing TPS can cause delayed or jerky acceleration. Symptoms of a failing TPS include:

• Jerky acceleration
• Unstable idling
• Delayed response when pressing the gas pedal

If cleaning the sensor doesn’t work, you may need to replace it to restore smooth acceleration.

How to Prevent Acceleration Hesitation

Do you recognize any of these reasons? Is your car performing in any of these ways? Your best course of action is to start and get the item replaced. But to thwart future problems before they happen, preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid acceleration issues. Here’s what you can do:

• Replace air and fuel filters regularly. This keeps your engine breathing well and fuel flowing smoothly.
• Use high-quality fuel.  Avoid low-grade fuel that can leave deposits on your injectors and sensors.
• Maintain spark plugs and ignition components. Replace them according to your car’s maintenance schedule.
• Check your sensors. Regularly inspect and clean your MAF sensor and TPS to ensure accurate readings.
• Keep your transmission in good shape. Schedule regular transmission fluid changes and service.

Sounds easy, right? We know it’s easy to put maintenance off due to a busy schedule. But it really is the one thing that can change your car’s health throughout its lifespan. 

Driving with a car that hesitates during acceleration can turn every drive into a stressful experience. Whether it’s a clogged filter, a failing sensor, or a transmission issue, the problem is often fixable with a little attention and maintenance.

If your car isn’t accelerating like it used to, don’t wait until it turns into a bigger problem. Schedule an appointment with us today. Our expert mechanics will diagnose the issue and get you back on the road—so you can drive with confidence and peace of mind.

Because a smooth ride is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity.