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Why Your Car Might Be Jerking When You Accelerate

  • Writer: Tyler Ellis
    Tyler Ellis
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

If your car feels like it’s lurching, hesitating, or stuttering when you press the gas, it’s a clear sign something isn’t working as it should. Many drivers ask, “Why is my car jerking when I accelerate?”, and the causes can range from simple maintenance issues to more serious mechanical problems.

At Round Rock Auto Center, we diagnose and repair these issues every day so drivers can get back to smooth, confident driving.


Common Causes of Jerking During Acceleration

Jerking can be caused by a variety of systems in your vehicle. The most common include:

  • Dirty fuel injectors – Clogged injectors can cause uneven fuel delivery, leading to hesitation.

  • Worn spark plugs or ignition coils – Misfires from old or faulty ignition parts can make the engine stumble.

  • Clogged fuel filter – Restricts fuel flow, especially noticeable when accelerating.

  • Transmission problems – Slipping gears or shifting issues can create jerky acceleration.

  • Vacuum leaks – An air leak in the intake system can throw off the fuel-air balance.

  • Mass airflow sensor issues – Incorrect readings can cause poor throttle response.


How to Narrow Down the Cause

Pay attention to:

  • When it happens – Only at certain speeds or gears?

  • If it’s worse under load – Heavy acceleration can reveal fuel or ignition problems.

  • Other symptoms – Check engine light, unusual noises, or reduced power.


Why You Should Fix It Quickly

Driving with this problem can:

  • Lower your fuel efficiency.

  • Cause further damage to the engine or transmission.

  • Lead to unsafe driving conditions if the car loses power unexpectedly.


View from a car's interior, showing a steering wheel and speedometer. A winding road with curve signs and green trees is visible outside.
Why Your Car Might Be Jerking When You Accelerate

How We Fix Acceleration Jerking

When you bring your car to Round Rock Auto Center, we:

  1. Test drive the vehicle to feel the issue firsthand.

  2. Scan for diagnostic trouble codes.

  3. Inspect ignition, fuel, and air intake systems.

  4. Repair or replace faulty components.

  5. Re-test to ensure smooth acceleration.


Get Your Acceleration Back to Normal

If you’ve been wondering why your car is jerking when you accelerate, don’t wait until it gets worse. Contact Round Rock Auto Center today to schedule a professional inspection and get your vehicle running smoothly again.

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- Brake & Rotor Services

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Monday - Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm

Saturday: Closed. Pickups/Drop-offs only

Sunday: Closed. Pickups/Drop-offs only

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2003 Brushy Creek Rd.

Round Rock, TX 78664

512-308-6347

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