X

06th July 2022

Superadmin

Reasons Why Your Car Jerks When Accelerating and How To Fix It

Car jerks when accelerating at low speeds are a common problem in cars and can be caused by many different vehicle issues. Learning how to identify what is causing the jerk will mean a smoother and safer ride for you. 

What does it mean when your car jerks while driving

If you notice that your vehicle begins to jerk or stumble upon acceleration, this probably means something is interfering with the proper transmission of power. The most common cause is if you're driving a manual transmission and haven't gained the feeling of shifting.

Here, we at Autobest will list the most common causes of acceleration jerks as well as how to fix the issue.

  1. Blockages in dirty fuel injectors

Your fuel system is made up of several components, which are connected by hoses to the engine. This hose is designed to pump fuel from the gas tank into your car’s fuel lines and then into the injectors. If the fuel lines are dirty or clogged, it can absorb unwanted moisture and prevent proper fuel flow to your injectors. If this happens, these injectors will not be able to deliver an adequate amount of fuel on time. So, the injector cleaner should be checked for effectiveness on fuel quality, engine load, and engine pressure. Cleaning them with a fuel injector cleaning spray or cleaner can help.

  1. Unclean Air Filters

To keep your car running at its best, it’s important to keep the air filter in top condition. Filters trap dirt and dust particles, preventing them from entering the engine and reducing performance. So, checking the condition of your current air filter becomes important. If it seems to be dirty, make sure to replace it immediately. One can also buy a reusable air filter that eases future cleaning. These filters can enhance the working of the engine, which can eventually reduce acceleration jerks.

  1. Broken Cylinders

Engine cylinders are a critical part of your car's engine that helps to control the speed of the piston and compression. If an engine cylinder fails and is no longer able to function, it is important to have them repaired or replaced. Engine cylinders are made of plastic and they mustn't be damaged. Otherwise, this will cause your engine to misfire, which is a bad thing to do in cars because it can leave you stranded or possibly at risk of breaking down. In such cases, you can consult a mechanic who will be able to help you determine if your engine cylinders are damaged so that they can be repaired or replaced.

Read More: Mileage Cars

  1. Acceleration cables with damage

Pressing down on the accelerator pedal causes a cable to pull open the throttle plate, which allows your car to accelerate. If a cable breaks for any reason, it can cause serious damage. If you find that your acceleration cable is damaged, look inside your car's steering wheel assembly to make sure there is no obvious damage to it. This is because a worn or cracked cable might not function properly and may affect the amount of speed your vehicle is capable of. It's easy to get this part replaced - just contact an authorized parts dealer and they will walk you through the replacement process.

  1. Faulty carburettors

The carburetor is the part of your engine that controls how much fuel and air go into the motor. If a carburetor is damaged, it can cause problems with your car's performance in various ways. For instance, if it gets too dirty or clogged, it will negatively impact performance by reducing how efficiently your engine burns fuel. A damaged carburetor may not mix fuel/air properly and can leave your car jerking, missing fire, or running rough even if the spark is present. This can lead to poor gas mileage, decreased performance and general bad tuning.

  1. Gas Line Damage

The fuel line is one of the most important parts for your engine to work properly. It brings the necessary fuel in and directs it to where it is needed. If there is anything wrong with this small part, such as a faulty connection or leak, your car’s horsepower will decrease and it could even cause your engine to blow up. So make sure you take care of this factor.

  1. Catalytic Converter Blockages

A catalytic converter is a device that cleans the exhaust from inside a car’s engine. It typically works with the fuel and air mixture to regulate the combustion process to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase horsepower. A car catalytic converter can become clogged by different things over time. If you notice that your car has been jerking when using the accelerator after owning it for some time and finding no visible damage, you need to call your mechanic who will be able to assess it and get it working again properly.

8. Worn Out Spark Plugs

If your vehicle spark plugs are not in their best condition, you might face issues such as car jerking during acceleration. Worn-out spark plugs face issues in igniting the fuel for ample power supply to the vehicle. The only way to get rid of such an issue is to replace the spark plugs and it’s pretty easy to do so. 

9. Defective Carburetors

Among so many possible reasons behind car jerks while accelerating, low-performing or faulty carburetors can be one of the most known ones. These vehicle parts control how much air and fuel mix before the engine starts working using them. When the carburetors stop performing at their best, apart from the car jerks when accelerating to overall dwindling vehicle performance, the concerns are too many. 

10. Moisture on the Distributor Cap

While car owners or drivers may not face this concern during the warmer months, it’s a serious vehicular problem during the winter months or the time during snowfall. The accumulated moisture on the distributor cap stops the vehicle from performing its best and also makes the car jerk while accelerating. The only solution is to park the vehicle in a warm spot when there’s no risk of moisture accumulation. 

How to Prevent Car Jerks During Acceleration?

As we’ve already mentioned the reasons behind car jerks when accelerating at low speeds, that simply taking care of the vehicle problems that cause the jerking can help you stop it. So if you want a few tips and tricks on the same, you can simply scroll down a bit:

  • Take no time to repair faulty spark plugs. Follow a regular vehicle maintenance routine to keep them checked and in their best condition. Neglecting spark plugs leads to accumulation of oil and carbon on them that prevent them from consistent spark production. So it’s best to change the spark plugs once you cover 30,000 miles. Repeat the same procedure every 30,000 miles.

  • Take great care of the vehicle air filters to keep them functional and protect them from the accumulation of dirt and debris. Once they lose their performing ability or it’s lower than the standard, your vehicle might struggle to accelerate and jerk during it.

  • Fuel pump malfunction is another vehicular issue that can lead to compromised performance and car jerking. As the fuel pump provides the engine with a steady fuel flow, keeping it at its peak performance is important. Any irregularity in the fuel flow can hinder the performance of the vehicle and make it jerk while accelerating. So regular maintenance or inspection of vehicle components is important. 

Apart from these, there are several other vehicle problems one can face that can worsen the car jerking issue. Some of the most common ones that one must take into account are air flow sensor failure, throttle position sensor issue, worn-out clutch, clogged fuel injectors, engine control unit (ECU) problems, EGR valve malfunction, exhaust system problems, and many more. All sorts of vehicle problems can impact the car’s performance and lead to car jerking while accelerating. The only way to get rid of this is on-time vehicle checkups. Following a routine vehicle examination procedure helps you identify the problems beforehand and fix them before they take a serious toll on your vehicle. 

Conclusion

So, with this, we come to the end of the article and we hope that we have cleared all your queries such as, “Why does my car jerk when I accelerate” or “What does it mean when your car jerks”. So, keep a regular check on your car's functioning to maintain its best efficiency. And if you face a serious car jerking issue, you can purchase new or pre-owned, highly-maintained vehicles from AutoBest. 

FAQs on Car Jerks

1.  What causes jerking when accelerating?

There are multiple reasons that can cause jerking when accelerating:

  • Blockages in dirty fuel injectors

  • Unclean Air Filters

  • Broken Cylinders

  • Acceleration cables with damage

  • faulty carburetors

  • Gas Line Damage

  • Catalytic Converter Blockages 

One needs to have a mindful check on these causes to avoid the jerks. 

2. What happens when your car jerks while driving?

A jerking car or stuttering engine may be an indication that something is interfering with the proper distribution of power. There are a number of possible problems and causes, including tires with excessive tire wear, a warped wheel due to a nicked rim or scuffed hubcap, worn-out brake pads or brakes, worn transmission seals and bearings, dirty fuel injectors, stuck valves and whatnot.

 3.  Can transmission cause cars to jerk?

Yes, car jerking is caused by the transmission control module, or TCM. This device monitors your acceleration and detects a need to shift gears at a certain point in your driving. If you accelerate quickly or unexpectedly suddenly, this can cause an interruption which will result in delays with shifting, sometimes causing jerky movements in your vehicle.

4. What should I do if my car starts jerking while accelerating?

Take your car to a car maintenance centre or garage for a check-up and identify the reason behind jerking while accelerating. Your next course of action depends on the findings of the experts. 

5: Can I fix a jerky acceleration myself?

If your car has a manual transmission system, facing car jerking is a common concern for you. For such reasons behind the car jerking while accelerating, press the clutch pedal so down that it reaches the floor, take the vehicle onto the first gear, release the clutch pedal, and focus on the jerky motion of your vehicle. However, there might be various other reasons behind car jerks that won’t be fixed without specialists’ intervention.

Leave Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Post

Porsche Boxster…

25th January 2020

Tips To Keep In…

20th August 2020

How to Get the…

24th August 2020

Avoid These Seven…

24th August 2020

Second Hand Car…

29th August 2020

Perks Of Investing…

29th August 2020

10 Ways to Save…

29th August 2020

Car Organizers…

05th September 2020

Useful Tips for…

05th September 2020

How to Get a Used…

05th September 2020

10 Tips When Selling…

11th September 2020

Items to Keep In…

11th September 2020

Manual Or Automatic…

14th September 2020

10 Tips for Financing…

25th September 2020

A Comprehensive…

25th September 2020

Buying Second Hand…

01st October 2020

Diesel Or Petrol…

01st October 2020

Car Servicing:…

01st October 2020

Second-Hand Luxury…

01st October 2020

Performance-Check…

01st October 2020

Clear Title for…

12th October 2020

Best Modifications…

15th October 2020

No Claim Bonus…

17th October 2020

Questions To Ask…

19th October 2020

Learn How To Clean…

26th October 2020

Step-by-Step Guide…

29th October 2020

Ten Reasons To…

31st October 2020

Difference Between…

02nd November 2020

5 Common Mistakes…

04th November 2020

Top Five Luxury…

06th November 2020

Easy To Maintain…

08th November 2020

Used Car Selling:…

10th November 2020

Tips To Make The…

12th November 2020

Safety Tips For…

18th November 2020

How To Avoid Car…

20th November 2020

Best Fuel-Efficient…

22nd November 2020

Tips To Protect…

24th November 2020

How GST affects…

26th November 2020

Tips That Can Keep…

01st December 2020

Car Maintenance:…

03rd December 2020

Petrol V/S CNG…

05th December 2020

Perks Of Having…

07th December 2020

Tips To Drive A…

09th December 2020

Winter Car Care…

11th December 2020

5 Typical Scams…

13th December 2020

Easy Maintenance…

17th December 2020

Kilometers Driven…

23rd December 2020

Transfer of Car…

27th December 2020

How To Calculate…

30th December 2020

Car Warranty Vs…

03rd January 2021

Why Is It Important…

06th January 2021

How To Choose The…

08th January 2021

Benefits of Buying…

10th January 2021

Safety Measures…

12th January 2021

Used Car Polishing…

14th January 2021

Car Seat Care:…

16th January 2021

Car Clutch: How…

20th January 2021

Tyre Maintenance:…

22nd January 2021

Have Long Distance…

24th January 2021

The Right Car Body…

27th January 2021

10 Bad Driving…

31st January 2021

Hybrid Cars: All…

02nd February 2021

AMT vs CVT vs DSG:…

06th February 2021

Increase your Fuel…

08th February 2021

7 Best Hybrid Cars…

10th February 2021

How to Increase…

12th February 2021

Car Battery Check…

23rd February 2021

History Report…

25th February 2021

Hidden Costs On…

27th February 2021

Important Things…

05th March 2021

Car Tyres: Myths…

07th March 2021

7 Tips On Buying…

21st March 2021

Transferring Car…

25th March 2021

Fastest Cars -…

30th March 2021

Common Car A/C…

19th April 2021

Beat The Heat:…

29th April 2021

How can you get…

23rd June 2021

Top 8 Reliable…

30th June 2021

Confused To Buy…

31st July 2021

India Luxury Car…

16th August 2021

9 Reasons You Need…

19th August 2021

8 Emergency Road…

26th August 2021

Monsoon Tyre Care…

30th August 2021

7 ways to extend…

02nd September 2021

Top 5 electric…

05th September 2021

Car Wrapping |…

08th September 2021

5 Reasons To Buy…

12th September 2021

Best Place Second…

16th September 2021

4 REASONS A WIRING…

19th September 2021

Car troubleshooting:…

22nd September 2021

How to know if…

25th September 2021

Car Scratches:…

30th September 2021

What is the best…

03rd October 2021

Car insurance:…

09th October 2021

After how many…

15th October 2021

Cars with hybrid…

18th October 2021

Unstable Car Alarm:…

24th October 2021

Test drives for…

27th October 2021

A comparison of…

02nd November 2021

Car Tailgating…

06th November 2021

15 minute flat…

09th November 2021

What your car's…

13th November 2021

Fogging your car:…

16th November 2021

Car waxing: How…

22nd November 2021

Ten cars that are…

25th November 2021

xx reasons behind…

27th November 2021

What is the best…

29th November 2021

The top 5 luxury…

01st December 2021

Hypermiling - what…

04th December 2021

Synthetic fuels:…

07th December 2021

Benefits Of Traction…

10th December 2021

Antifreeze - what…

13th December 2021

BMW i Drive: What…

16th December 2021

How does a VIN…

19th December 2021

Why is Anti-lock…

22nd December 2021

Tips for using…

25th December 2021

Types of Automatic…

28th December 2021

Audi's Virtual…

01st January 2022

Ford SYNC3 - a…

07th January 2022

What do you do…

10th January 2022

Vacation car hire:…

16th January 2022

How do LED running…

20th January 2022

Deregistration…

24th January 2022

Brakes - Drums…

27th January 2022

Fueling a diesel…

02nd February 2022

Bluetooth: What…

05th February 2022

Certified Used…

08th February 2022

Mileage-friendly…

11th February 2022

Number plates rule…

15th February 2022

Driving laws around…

18th February 2022

In India, what…

21st February 2022

The 10 Best Foreign…

24th February 2022

Used cars that…

27th February 2022

Indian Cars Vs…

06th March 2022

Disksticks! Over…

15th March 2022

Driving safety:…

04th April 2022

How To Convert…

07th April 2022

Not using your…

10th April 2022

India's 2-seater…

19th April 2022

Future Hyundai…

22nd April 2022

Car Engine Types

26th April 2022

Which is better:…

29th April 2022

An Introduction…

02nd June 2022

A Buyer's Guide…

11th June 2022

How "Torque" is…

04th July 2022

Low Engine Oil…

09th July 2022

Reasons behind…

11th July 2022

Nitrogen vs Air…

12th July 2022

What should be…

13th July 2022

How maintaining…

14th July 2022

What is a Dash…

16th July 2022

What makes XC90

20th July 2022

TOP 5 BMW CARS…

21st July 2022

Top 10 Signs of…

26th July 2022

Tips To Increase…

03rd August 2022

What Is The Best…

08th August 2022

What To Do If a…

09th August 2022

Do Hybrid Cars…

14th August 2022

Fuel Cell Cars…

16th August 2022

Car carburetor:…

19th August 2022

11 Best Luxury…

22nd August 2022

Common Mistakes…

25th August 2022

Is Financing a…

26th August 2022

What's The Role…

27th August 2022

Things to Consider…

29th August 2022

Heated, Cooled,…

31st August 2022

Reasons behind…

03rd September 2022

Windshield Washer…

06th September 2022

Mud terrain tyres…

09th September 2022

Car Steering System:…

12th September 2022

Why should we buy…

13th September 2022

Everything You…

15th September 2022

Car Smoke's: Types…

16th September 2022

Car Noise: 10 Car…

18th September 2022

A Step-by-step…

20th September 2022

Why Fuel efficient…

21st September 2022

Why is My Car's…

23rd September 2022

Car Odometer -…

26th September 2022

Why to choose an…

27th September 2022

Car Wheels: Steel…

28th September 2022

Why are BMW Cars…

29th September 2022

What are the main…

03rd October 2022

Everything to know…

04th October 2022

5 Luxury Audi cars…

06th October 2022

Comparison Between…

07th October 2022

What is Car Detailing?

08th October 2022

Gas Vs Diesel engine

11th October 2022

What is Car Engine…

11th October 2022

All You Need To…

12th October 2022

Which Luxury Car…

29th October 2022

The Essentials…

30th October 2022

What will the future…

03rd November 2022

All you need to…

06th November 2022

what causes brake…

07th November 2022

List of Autonomous…

08th November 2022

Pre-Owned Luxury…

08th November 2022

Diwali Car Care…

11th November 2022

What Are The Few…

12th November 2022

Volvo Cars: Amazing…

14th November 2022

What Makes Rolls…

17th November 2022

The Difference…

23rd November 2022

Habits of driving…

23rd November 2022

All about 8 seater…

29th November 2022

5 Luxury Jaguar…

30th November 2022

Vision AVTR: A…

02nd December 2022

All You Need to…

06th December 2022

How To Get Rid…

06th December 2022

2023 Lamborghini…

07th December 2022

Which Is a Better…

08th December 2022

Which Luxury SUV…

08th December 2022

Cruise Control:…

09th December 2022

WHY IS RANGE ROVER…

10th December 2022

PREMIUM 2014 BMW…

13th December 2022

Amazing Facts about…

21st December 2022

Why are Mini Coopers…

23rd December 2022

Best Christmas…

26th December 2022

Kia EV6: Top Facts…

29th December 2022

What new Hatchback…

30th December 2022

Everything you…

02nd January 2023

Audi Q7 vs. BMW…

04th January 2023

What is the role…

05th January 2023

WHY DO MOST OF…

16th January 2023

Tech Rivalry :…

01st February 2023

Signs You Should…

01st February 2023

Mini Cooper SE:…

01st February 2023

Bmw Interior 7…

02nd February 2023

Top Best Luxury…

04th February 2023

The Step-by-Step…

07th February 2023

HOW TO IMPROVE…

09th February 2023

What is the procedure…

10th February 2023

Top tips to get…

13th February 2023

Top Features Coming…

14th February 2023

Everything you…

14th February 2023

Benefits of High…

15th February 2023

Rolls Royce Spectre…

16th February 2023

The Audi Q8 e-Tron:…

20th February 2023

Are luxury cars…

21st February 2023

Beyond The Pitch:…

22nd February 2023

Ashneer Grover's…

25th February 2023

Are Volvos good…

02nd March 2023

Bentley Flying…

03rd March 2023

Luxury Cars on…

06th March 2023

Ceramic Coating…

14th March 2023

What are CBU and…

15th March 2023

Interior Design…

16th March 2023

Hatchback, SUV,…

20th March 2023

Discover the New…

24th March 2023

Future Of Cars:…

25th March 2023

India's Lithium…

26th March 2023

Car Tyre Change:…

28th March 2023

Best Hybrid SUVs…

15th April 2023

Top Family Cars…

16th April 2023

51 Quotes That…

21st April 2023

Things you need…

09th June 2023

A Glimpse into…

26th June 2023

Top 10 Vintage…

21st July 2023

Top Premium Luxury…

03rd August 2023

A Closer Look at…

04th August 2023

The 2024 BMW 5…

06th August 2023

Luxury sedan vs…

09th August 2023

Top Major Benefits…

17th August 2023

5 Crucial Things…

18th August 2023

What To Do If Your…

19th August 2023

Range Rover Velar…

21st August 2023

The Evolution of…

23rd August 2023

Dive into luxury…

13th September 2023

5 Luxury Car Brands…

14th September 2023

The Evolution of…

18th September 2023

Know Everything…

21st September 2023

2024 Land Rover…

24th September 2023

Why Spring Is The…

25th September 2023

The Pros & Cons…

27th September 2023

How ADAS (Advanced…

28th September 2023

Car Scrap Policies:…

29th September 2023

Make Your Car A…

09th October 2023

Discover All The…

10th October 2023

Know About These…

12th October 2023

An Ultimate Guide…

17th October 2023

Top 7 Upcoming…

21st October 2023

Car Chassis - Types…

22nd October 2023

Skoda Kodiaq 2024…

23rd October 2023

All About Spark…

31st October 2023

Understanding Fog…

02nd November 2023

The Most Expensive…

03rd November 2023

How To Renew A…

21st November 2023

Mercedes AMG GT…

22nd November 2023

Check Out Every…

26th November 2023

Read Everything…

27th November 2023

Exhaust System…

23rd December 2023

Explore Different…

24th December 2023

What Is Clutch?…

25th December 2023

Top 5 Road Trips…

27th December 2023

Driving Licence…

30th December 2023

The Importance…

01st January 2024

40 Captivating…

02nd January 2024

Understanding The…

02nd January 2024

Porsche 718 2025:…

06th January 2024

Understanding The…

07th January 2024

Mercedes G Wagon…

07th January 2024

Top 7 Cars With…

19th January 2024

Lotus Emira 2024…

21st January 2024

Upcoming Ferrari…

22nd January 2024

Future Cars: 5…

24th January 2024

How To Choose The…

29th January 2024

Comparing Different…

31st January 2024

Maintenance Schedules…

01st February 2024

Advantages and…

13th February 2024

Luxury Cars Safety…

18th February 2024

Tips For Driving…

20th February 2024

Different Types…

21st February 2024

Common Luxury Car…

22nd February 2024

Mercedes S63 AMG…

27th February 2024

Mercedes Vision…

28th February 2024

Top 5 Mistakes…

07th March 2024

Top 40 Road Trip…

13th March 2024

What Is Engine…

17th March 2024

10 Hybrid Luxury…

23rd April 2024

10 Best Luxury…

27th April 2024

Ford Mustang GT…

13th July 2024

Know Everything…

18th July 2024

hy

06th August 2024

40+ Insta-Worthy…

10th August 2024

Types of Driving…

14th August 2024

Different Types…

17th August 2024

CVT vs Automatic…

22nd August 2024

BH Number Plates:…

27th August 2024

How to Update Your…

28th August 2024

Top 10 List of…

06th September 2024

Petrol vs diesel…

15th September 2024

BMW vs Mercedes:…

22nd September 2024

The Ultimate Car…

24th September 2024

10 Most Expensive…

09th October 2024

A Comparative Study…

13th October 2024

Multipoint Fuel…

31st October 2024

Some Tips on How…

07th November 2024

Difference Between…

08th November 2024

Top 10 Second-Hand…

12th November 2024

th

09th December 2024