Your car running sluggishly or not running smoothly can be caused by many different reasons. One of the main reasons comes from the car’s engine. However, in addition to this common cause, a low battery can also cause your car to slow down and make an explosion growl.
Many people seem to be skeptical about the connection between the battery and the sluggish motor. Can a weak battery cause a car to run rough?
Let’s analyze this relationship in detail and identify signs to help you have the best solution when your car slows down.
Can A Weak Battery Cause A Car To Run Rough?
If you feel that your car is running sluggishly and the noise is not smooth, then the car’s engine is having problems with operation.
The reason is that the incomplete combustion in one or more of the engine’s cylinders has led to the engine not running smoothly and causing strange noises.
In addition, you will feel your car shaking abnormally and driving is more difficult. Another common cause is a low battery problem.
A car with a weak battery will affect the fuel pump, causing it to not be able to get enough lubricating fuel for the components, leading to an engine fire.
Because the fuel pump is responsible for bringing fuel to the combustion engine. If it does not receive adequate power then this process cannot go on continuously.
This can cause engine ignition as the battery also affects injector opening. In addition, due to thinning of the fuel due to inadequate fuel injection, engine overheating due to lack of lubrication will damage the pistons or valves.
From there, you will feel the car’s performance significantly decrease. Therefore, a low battery can cause an engine fire or a car to slow down.
How To Detect Low Battery?
In addition to the problem of your car running sluggish and you have a feeling that driving is becoming more difficult, you can also identify a low battery through some of the signs below.
Light system: One of the most recognizable signs, when the battery is low, is the indicator light system. If your car’s headlights are dim or weak, the battery may be dying.
This is because a low battery cannot provide power to components that use power frequently such as indicator lights, turn signals, horns, or command lights.
Rattle: If you start your car and hear a click, it’s coming from the ignition. Because the power supply is weak, the current sent to the starter is weak and will make a clicking sound.
Accelerator: If the battery is low, you may have strange problems with the accelerator when starting. You will find it difficult to step on the accelerator and start the engine immediately as usual.
How Is The Solution?
A low battery not only causes the car to slow down and be difficult to drive, but it can also cause the car to stall suddenly and not be able to restart.
In particular, this is extremely dangerous if you are traveling on the highway. A low battery also causes many problems related to electrical systems such as generators, fuel pumps, and engine operation.
So, if you find that the battery is low, replace it with a new one to ensure the car’s electrical system is working smoothly. You should not reuse the battery or seek repair as it will not last long and the same problems will often occur on winter mornings or rough, snowy roads.
Some Other Reasons Why The Car Runs Sluggishly
In addition to the low battery reason, you can also refer to some other reasons why cars run sluggishly below.
1. Fuel Injector Clogged
The operation of the engine depends a lot on the fuel system, especially the fuel injectors. The job of the fuel injector is to inject fuel into each cylinder with high pressure to start the combustion process to help the engine work.
The fuel injector must always operate in high pressure and temperature environment, so it can easily get dirty from the carbon generated after the combustion process and cause the fuel injector to clog.
When it is clogged, fuel is not supplied enough to the cylinders resulting in the engine operating with poor performance, high temperature, sluggish operation, and a roaring sound due to not having enough fuel.
To clean dirty fuel injectors, you will have to clean them and use a strong solvent to remove the residue. Also, to prevent clogged fuel injectors, you should use premium gas with more detergent that can dissolve carbon and remove deposits.
2. Spark Plug
If your engine ignites and makes rattling sounds, you should have the spark plugs checked. These electrical impulses send electrical impulses to the cylinder, igniting the fuel and air for combustion to take place.
In particular, one of the reasons that few people pay attention to is the power plug. A worn power plug can emit weak electrical pulses and slow down the combustion leading to poorer car performance.
3. The Air Filter Is Clogged
The air contains a lot of impurities, dust, and fine waste all over the place, so the air filter is a part you should regularly check. If the air filter is clogged, the engine will not burn fuel efficiently and the engine cannot operate as it should, leading to sluggishness.
If you still cannot find the cause of your car’s sluggish performance, you should seek help from a professional mechanic because many other minor causes can also lead to this problem.
The Last Word
A low battery will lead to an inefficient engine condition, making the car sluggish and difficult to drive during travel. You can soon detect signs of low battery from warning lights, noise, and brakes.
If you discover that the battery is low, replace it with a new one to avoid travel mishaps. Also, don’t forget to check some other common parts like fuel needles, spark plugs, air filters, plugs, valves, etc.