Various things that cause a car to lack power
When the gas pedal is pressed, the driver definitely hopes that the car will drive as expected. However, there are times when the car's power does not appear, so the car is considered less powerful. This problem is often experienced by many parties. Therefore, understanding the triggers is very necessary.
Underpowered cars can appear at any time. Most often when passing uphill terrain. The car will have difficulty driving comfortably.
However, even on flat road conditions, a car that lacks power can occur. The car feels heavy. Not only that, besides the speed not being as desired, fuel can also be more wasteful.
To avoid this, the car engine needs to be maintained. Apart from that, check for various things that can trigger the car to lose power. Want to know what they are? The following is the explanation.
Carbon that builds up in the engine combustion chamber
(ALSO READ:7 Items You Must Bring When Traveling Long by Car)
A car that is less powerful can start from carbon buildup in the engine combustion chamber. This will narrow the engine's combustion space. The final combustion is not perfect.
If that happens, the compression ratio increases so that the engine becomes unresponsive. This is what is known as loss of energy.
The triggers for carbon buildup in the engine room can vary. The problem is that fuel that does not meet engine compression standards can cause crusts in the engine room.
Then, dirt such as dust, oil, or oil vapor can also create crust because it is sucked in by the intake. This material enters and settles so that the engine combustion chamber becomes dirty. Apart from that, paraffin and sulfur that enter the combustion chamber can also cause carbon buildup.
Compression Problems
Problems that arise with car engine compression can also make the car less powerful. Usually the trigger is a leak which can be triggered by various things.
If the engine room leaks, the compression pressure decreases. This will result in incomplete combustion. Fuel cannot be burned optimally if the air pressure in the engine is not optimal because there is a leak.
Due to weak compression, carbon scale buildup in the engine compartment may be present. This further exacerbates the problem of lack of power in car engines.
Compression leaks can occur in various vehicle components. However, this usually occurs because there is a gap or gap in the combustion chamber leading to the outside. Here are some points that may experience leaking compression.
â— Engine Piston Rings
A worn engine piston ring can trigger compression leaks. This often starts from friction between the outside of the piston and the engine cylinder wall.
Over time, this condition causes these components to become loose so that engine compression decreases. Avoid this by diligently changing the engine oil according to usage.
â— Engine Cylinder Block
Wear can also occur in the engine cylinder block. If that happens, the car engine will be less powerful.
The triggers for wear in the engine cylinder block are almost the same as in the case of the engine piston ring. Continuous friction due to poor lubrication will cause gaps in the area where the piston ring moves.
â— Valve Leak
A leaking valve can make the car engine less powerful. Functioning as the entrance for material (air and gasoline) from the intake, and as the exit for exhaust gas from the engine to the exhaust, the valve plays a vital role in combustion. However, if there is a leak there due to damage or installation error, compression will not work properly.
â— Damage to Cylinder Head Packing/Gasket
Damage to the cylinder head packing/gasket can also result in an engine that is less powerful. This component functions to connect the cylinder block components to the cylinder head, which are both made of metal. If the cylinder packing or gasket is damaged, a compression leak will occur.
Ignition Malfunction
Disturbances in the ignition system can also make the car less powerful. If ignition is not optimal, then combustion will also be incomplete. This will have an impact on the power provided being less than optimal.
There are quite a lot of triggers for ignition problems. However, problems with components such as spark plugs are often the start. Therefore, look at the condition of the spark plug. Make sure the spark plug seal is still optimal so that ignition runs well.
Some of the things described can trigger a car that is less powerful. Immediately check the vehicle if you experience this.
Interesting E-Magazines
Promotion
View Detailed InformationBEYOND THE DRIVE REWARDS Smart Choices Deserve Premium Experiences with DUNLOP & FALKEN (ENDED)
Setiap pembelian ban di DUNLOP Shop & FALKEN Shop dapat cashback hingga Rp3.000.000 serta hadiah eksklusif!*
View Detailed InformationMELAJU PENUH KEJUTAN BERSAMA DUNLOP & FALKEN PERIODE: 1 OCTOBER - 31 DECEMBER 2025 (ENDED)
MELAJU PENUH KEJUTAN BERSAMA DUNLOP & FALKEN PERIODE: 1 OCTOBER - 31 DECEMBER 2025 (ENDED)
View Detailed InformationKejutan Dunlop Periode 1 March - 31 May 2025 (Ended)
Kejutan Dunlop 2025 (ENDED)
Press Release
View Detailed InformationDUNLOP SmartCare Warranty: Peace of Mind on the Road for BLUE RESPONSE TG Tyre Users
The DUNLOP SmartCare Warranty provides coverage for up to 12 months or 24,000 km for BLUE RESPONSE TG users, complete with maintenance services and customer support.
View Detailed InformationFor Two Consecutive Years, DUNLOP Indonesia Has Received a Prestigious Award from PT Astra Daihatsu Motor
PT Sumi Rubber Indonesia received the Superior Quality & Delivery Award at the 19th ADM Supplier Awards 2026 for its outstanding product quality and on-time delivery.
View Detailed InformationDUNLOP Indonesia Officially Supports Garasi Drift Team, Farrel Raffelyno Secures Podium in PRO Class
DUNLOP Indonesia Officially Supports Garasi Drift Team, Farrel Raffelyno Secures Podium in PRO Class
Blog
View Detailed InformationDUNLOP Riders Sweep the 2026 AMA Supercross, Extending Their 17-Year Championship Streak!
DUNLOP riders swept all titles in the 2026 AMA Supercross series across all classes, extending their 17-year consecutive championship streak with the support of GEOMAX Tyres.
View Detailed Information10 Car Safety Components and How to Maintain Them
Learn about 10 essential car safety components, their functions, and maintenance tips to maintain optimal vehicle safety, comfort, and performance.
View Detailed InformationUnderstanding the Important Parts of a Car Axle and Their Functions
Learn about the important parts of a car axle, the function of each component, common signs of damage, and maintenance tips to maintain driving comfort and safety.





