Whether your car is having trouble starting, struggling to get up to speed or using up more gas, the loss of power in the car can be frustrating on the road and a financial pain. So check the engine regularly for any problems that may cause the car to lose power.
Check the battery if the car won't start. Even if the lights, gauges and dashboard are working, there still might not be enough power to ignite the car. If this is the case, you need to replace the battery.
Make sure the alternator is good, as this is what keeps the battery charged. A bad alternator will cause the battery's power to drain much faster. Replace the alternator if the battery is quickly losing power.
Inspect the fuel lines for any leaks. A leak will not only cause you to lose gas while the car is in idle but will also prevent the right amount of gas from going to the engine. You could patch the leak but replacing the line is best.
See that the air filter is fresh and unclogged. A clogged filter will restrict air flow, reducing both power and gas mileage. Change the filter every 12,000 miles or once it's very dirty.
Replace any old or worn spark plugs. As a spark plug ages, the space between the tip and the hook widens, making it harder to ignite the fuel and power the engine.
Take the car to a professional mechanic for anything that may be more complex (like the fuel injection system). As cars become more advanced with computerized technology, any maintenance by an amateur could cause even more damage.
