The roads around my area see a lot of agricultural traffic. At first, following a trailer loaded with pigs from the farm can seem charming, but pig trucks aren’t exactly known for their speed.
Once you consider where those pigs are headed, it gets harder to cheerfully squeal over their cuteness. Passing these pig trucks is another challenge altogether.
By the time my car decides to respond to my request for acceleration, a chicken truck often appears in the opposite lane.
Since I have no desire to play chicken with an actual chicken truck, I usually end up resigning myself to trailing behind the pig truck.
Enveloped in a cloud of Eau de Swine, I remind myself that my car’s engine response could use some serious improvement.
Whether you’re stuck behind a pig truck or trying to take off briskly at a red light, better engine response is always a plus. Before diving into how to achieve this, here’s a quick tip: what most of us casually refer to as engine response, car enthusiasts call throttle response.
Why? Because engine response refers specifically to how quickly an engine adjusts its output based on the driver’s pressure on the throttle.
While “engine responsiveness” might be the term most people use, if you’re talking cars with someone in a BMW jacket, using the term “throttle response” will help you avoid condescending corrections. Besides, it’s a more precise term.
Engines are complex machines, and when we discuss engine response, we’re really talking about systems tied directly to the throttle.
Since you engage and experience engine response through the accelerator (or throttle), using the term “throttle response” keeps things focused on what you’re asking your car to do—and how effectively it performs.
5. Cough It Up
One of the simplest ways to enhance engine and throttle response is ensuring your fuel filter is clean. Pressing the gas pedal signals the need for more fuel to flow into the engine.
Before it gets there, it passes through the fuel filter, which removes impurities and sediment to keep the engine running smoothly.
A clogged or dirty fuel filter hinders this process, much like asking someone to sprint with a muddy towel over their face. They might manage it, but it won’t be pleasant.
A clogged fuel filter doesn’t just affect engine response. Symptoms include rough idling, poor fuel efficiency, difficulty starting, sputtering, or even the car stopping altogether.
Fortunately, cleaning a fuel filter is a straightforward task. Most cars have the filter located in the fuel lines between the pump and injectors.
These filters are designed to be cleaned or replaced if necessary. To clean yours, blow compressed air through it until the air flows freely. If air doesn’t pass through, it’s time for a replacement.
You can reinstall the dirty filter temporarily to drive to the auto parts store, where you can pick up a new one. Throwing a little farewell ceremony for the old filter is optional.
4. Get PUMPED!
If your car’s engine response is still sluggish despite a clean fuel filter, the fuel pump might be the culprit. The fuel pump’s job is to deliver fuel to the engine when you press the gas pedal.
If it’s not functioning properly, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs and won’t respond as it should.
Most modern vehicles use electric fuel pumps, though older cars with carbureted engines typically have mechanical pumps. Electric pumps come in two types: suction and pusher pumps.
Suction pumps create a vacuum to draw fuel from the tank, while pusher pumps are situated in the gas tank and push fuel to the engine. The names are self-explanatory—almost.
Unlike fuel filters, fixing a faulty fuel pump is usually a job for a mechanic. Often, the only viable solution is replacement.
Considering the fuel pump is responsible for delivering the “food” your engine relies on, replacing a failing pump is worth the cost.
A malfunctioning fuel pump not only compromises engine response but will eventually leave you stranded when it gives out entirely.
3. Do Some Lines
By now, it should be clear that ensuring your engine gets an adequate fuel supply is key to improving its response. If you’ve checked the fuel filter and pump, the next place to investigate is the fuel lines.
Fuel lines transport fuel from the tank to the engine. Any issues with these lines such as leaks or kinks can lead to performance problems by reducing the pressure needed to move the fuel efficiently.
Imagine fuel lines as train tracks: if there’s damage or a blockage, the train can’t travel smoothly, if at all.
Large leaks in fuel lines are easy to spot, as they often result in visible fuel puddles under the car. Smaller leaks or kinks, however, require closer inspection.
You can visually examine the lines or use a fuel pressure gauge to measure pressure levels. Testing fuel lines can be tricky and poses safety risks, so if you’re not confident in your ability to perform these checks and repairs safely, it’s best to consult a mechanic.
2. Sense the Problem
Sometimes, the culprit behind poor engine response isn’t mechanical or fuel-related. It could be a faulty sensor. Modern cars rely on central computers to regulate engine performance based on data from sensors monitoring driver inputs and engine conditions.
If a sensor malfunctions, the computer is effectively blindfolded—left to rely solely on the driver’s inputs, which limits its ability to respond accurately.
Two sensors are common offenders: the mass airflow (MAF) sensor and the engine speed sensor. The MAF sensor measures airflow into the engine and informs the computer how much fuel to supply.
A faulty MAF sensor disrupts this balance, leading to inefficient combustion and sluggish engine response. The engine speed sensor, on the other hand, monitors how fast the crankshaft is spinning.
Without accurate data from this sensor, the computer can’t determine the appropriate fuel and air mixture for various speeds.
Diagnosing sensor issues is relatively straightforward. Mechanics use diagnostic code readers to pinpoint the problem. You can purchase a code reader for home use, though replacing sensors can be challenging.
If nothing else, having a code reader makes for an interesting party trick just make sure to ask permission before diagnosing someone’s car.
1. Open the Pod Bay Doors, HAL
Your car’s central computer, designed to optimize engine performance, might sometimes work against you.
While we like to think drivers know best, modern cars occasionally prioritize fuel economy over responsiveness. This can make the computer seem more like a meddling C-3PO than a helpful assistant.
There’s a practical reason for this: rapid acceleration is a major fuel drain. By limiting throttle response, the computer improves fuel efficiency, saving you money and helping manufacturers meet regulatory fuel economy standards.
However, some cars suffer from poorly designed electronic throttle control systems, which can create frustrating delays between the driver’s input and the car’s response.
If you want to bypass these limitations, aftermarket plug-and-play units are available for many vehicles. These devices intercept throttle signals and send more aggressive ones to the computer, enhancing throttle response.
Alternatively, some car enthusiasts choose to customize their vehicle’s computer settings for a more tailored driving experience.