11 Causes of Car Power Loss and How to Overcome It

Car power loss is one of the problems that car owners cannot predict. This issue arises suddenly and often makes drivers panic when it occurs. So how can this problem be addressed? Before you learn how to fix it, you need to understand the causes first as follows.

Causes of Car Power Loss 

There are several factors that cause a car to lose power or experience power loss. Here are the complete factors.

1. Poorly maintained spark plugs

The first cause is due to poorly maintained spark plugs. As you know, spark plugs play an important role in igniting the fuel for the engine combustion process. If the spark plugs are dirty, over time the tips will become crusted and interfere with the ignition process. 

2. Damage to the piston ring

Damage to the piston ring can also cause the car to lose power. A damaged piston ring can allow oil to enter the combustion chamber, resulting in a dry cylinder space. Additionally, the engine will experience leaks when attempting to perform the compression stroke.

3. Damage to the cylinder block

Damage to the cylinder block can cause the car to lose power when accelerating. This occurs because the cylinder block is the pathway for the piston ring when it moves. The cylinder block will be damaged if the lubrication process of the engine components does not function properly. 

4. Leaky valves

Valves are components of the car that function as the pathway for gasoline and air through the intake. Valves also serve as the outlet for exhaust gases from the engine. If the gaps in this component are not adjusted correctly, it can cause valve leaks. This condition can lead to a loss of power in the car.

5. Blown cylinder head gasket

A blown cylinder head gasket can cause the car to lose power because the engine experiences leaks during compression. 

6. Clogs in the fuel filter

A clogged fuel filter due to a buildup of particles and dirt can hinder engine performance, resulting in sluggish performance.

7. Clogs in the air filter

In addition to the fuel filter, a dirty and clogged air filter can also cause the car's power to diminish.

8. Overload

Excessive load or overload can also cause the car's power to weaken, as the engine has to work harder when moving.

9. Overheating

The condition of a car that is overheating can affect the performance of the car's engine components, as engine lubrication is disrupted. This condition causes increased friction between engine components, resulting in reduced engine power. This condition is often experienced by automatic cars.

10. Incorrect fuel usage

Using fuel that does not meet the car's standard octane specifications can cause the car's power to weaken. This condition occurs when the octane of the fuel used is lower than the specified standard. 

11. Damage to the oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor plays a role in sending signals to the ECU to determine whether the exhaust gases and fuel conditions in the combustion chamber are appropriate. If the sensor is damaged, it can cause the car to not receive fuel according to its needs.

Read Also: Causes of Car Exhaust Oxygen Sensor Damage

How to Overcome Car Power Loss

If your car's power is weak, you need to address it with the following methods.

1. Replace damaged components such as spark plugs, sensors, piston rings, cylinder head gaskets, and cylinder blocks with new ones. Make the replacements at a Daihatsu dealer to get original and quality components, as well as proper service from professional mechanics.
2. Regularly check the condition of the air filter and fuel filter. If they are dirty, clean them immediately or replace them with new components.
3. Use fuel that meets the octane specifications of your car.
4. Do not carry loads exceeding the standard capacity of the car.