Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Engine, exhaust and fluids
Car jerks when accelerating
A car that jerks or hesitates when accelerating is probably not getting the right combination of air, fuel and ignition, or has a problem in the drivetrain. It can happen with a cold engine, under load or every time you press the accelerator.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- The car jerks or stutters when you press the accelerator lightly
- The engine cuts out or misfires when pulling away
- It happens mainly with a cold engine, or the other way round, when it is warm
- The check engine light is on or flashing
- The engine speed rises, but the car does not accelerate with it
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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Ignition: spark plugs or coils
Worn spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil can miss sparks, which is felt as jerking.
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Fuel supply
A dirty fuel filter, a weak pump or clogged injectors can leave the engine short of fuel.
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Air and sensors
A dirty air mass meter, a leak in the air intake or a faulty sensor can upset the air-fuel mixture.
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The clutch or the gearbox
With a slipping clutch or a gearbox that changes gear badly, it can feel as if the car is jerking.
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Exhaust or particulate filter
A partly blocked system, such as a particulate filter or catalytic converter, can limit the engine’s power.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
With slight jerking and no warning light you can usually keep driving carefully until your appointment, avoiding heavy loads. If the car jerks badly or unpredictably, the check engine light flashes or the engine cuts out in traffic, do not drive on.
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At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Reading the fault memory
- Checking the spark plugs, coils and ignition
- Inspecting the fuel supply and filter
- Assessing the air and exhaust side and, on a manual car, the clutch as well
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car suddenly uses more fuel
Higher consumption has many possible causes, from simple things like tyre pressure and driving conditions to sensors, ignition or brakes that drag. It is worth first looking at what has changed, and then arranging a check. Read the explanation -
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Slipping clutch
When the clutch slips, the engine’s power is not fully passed on to the wheels. The engine speed rises, but the car’s speed does not follow. This often happens through clutch wear, but other causes are possible, such as oil on the clutch plate. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car won’t start: battery, starter motor or alternator?
A car that won’t start usually has a problem with the electrical supply, the starter motor, or the fuel and ignition system. What you hear and see when you try to start it often gives a first clue, but you only get certainty after a test. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.