You’re cruising down the road, light turns green, you press the accelerator—and suddenly your car lurches forward like it’s had too much coffee. Not exactly the smooth ride you were hoping for, right? That jerking motion can be frustrating, not to mention a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing it.
Let’s break down some common reasons your car might be jerking when you hit the gas—and what you should (and shouldn’t) do about it.
Dirty or Failing Spark Plugs
Think of spark plugs as the tiny fire starters that keep your engine running. They ignite the fuel-air mixture in your engine’s cylinders. If they’re worn out or covered in gunk, that ignition isn’t going to be consistent. The result? Hesitation or jerking when you accelerate.
This is one of the most common causes of jerking. The good news? Spark plugs are relatively cheap and easy to replace. We’ve had customers call us thinking their transmission was dying—only to find it was a $50 fix. Always worth checking first.
Blocked Fuel Injectors
Your fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine in a fine mist so it mixes properly with air. If one or more of them gets clogged with debris or carbon buildup, the engine won’t get the fuel it needs. That uneven fuel distribution can cause the car to sputter or jerk.
You might also notice poor fuel economy or a rough idle along with the jerking. A good fuel system cleaner might help, but in more stubborn cases, a mechanic may need to do a deep clean or replace the injectors.
Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
This little guy measures the amount of air coming into your engine so your car can inject the right amount of fuel. If it’s dirty or malfunctioning, your car might get too much fuel or not enough, which can throw everything out of whack when you accelerate.
A faulty MAF sensor can cause jerking, stalling, or a rough idle. It’s another common issue and not terribly expensive to fix—but it does need proper diagnostics. Don’t just start replacing parts based on a hunch.
Transmission Troubles
This is the one people usually fear. If your transmission is slipping or struggling to shift gears, the car might jerk or hesitate when accelerating. This is especially noticeable when going uphill or merging onto a freeway.
We once towed a vehicle whose owner thought they had engine issues—but it turned out the transmission fluid was dangerously low. After a flush and refill, the car was back to normal. That’s why regular maintenance matters.
Worn-Out Engine Mounts
This one’s less talked about, but worth mentioning. Engine mounts hold your engine in place and absorb vibrations. If they’re worn out, your car might jerk or feel like it’s jolting—especially when you press the accelerator.
It can feel like the whole front of your car shifts when you hit the gas. If that’s happening, it’s a good idea to get the mounts checked before the engine starts causing more damage by moving around too much.
Issues with the Fuel Pump or Filter
If your fuel pump is on its last legs or your fuel filter is clogged, your engine might not be getting a steady flow of fuel—especially when you’re accelerating. That can lead to jerking, stumbling, or even stalling.
Fuel-related issues can sneak up on you slowly, but if you’re noticing power loss when you try to speed up, this could be the culprit.
Bad CV Joints or Axles
If your car jerks while accelerating and especially while turning, it could be a worn CV (constant velocity) joint. These are part of your drivetrain, and when they start to go, the ride can get rough fast.
You might also hear clicking or clunking noises when making tight turns. If that sounds familiar, don’t ignore it—it can become a serious safety issue if left unchecked.
So, What Should You Do?
If your car is jerking, don’t wait until it gets worse. Sometimes it’s something simple like old spark plugs, but other times it could be the start of a bigger problem. Ignoring it might lead to more damage—or even leave you stranded on the side of the road.
We always say: if your car is trying to tell you something, listen. Pay attention to any other symptoms (noises, smells, warning lights), and if you’re not sure what’s going on, it’s always a smart move to have it checked.
And if your car jerks so badly that you’re worried about driving it? That’s where we come in. We’re just a phone call away—ready to tow your vehicle safely to your mechanic or garage, no stress, no drama.
When your car stops moving smoothly, don’t try to power through it. Give it the attention it needs—and avoid turning a small shake into a major breakdown.
If you are in Sydenham, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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