Drivability

What is drivability?

“Drivability” can be broken down to a few key factors that determine whether a car is not only roadworthy but also worthy of use in a high capacity or commercial operation. Rescue Auto is committed to maintaining top drivability for our residential customers and our commercial fleet clients. We take into account many key factors in determining the drivability level of a vehicle and their possible causes.

Some of the key factors:

Will the engine in the vehicle turn over when the key is turned?

This condition could be caused by a malfunctioning starter or a drained battery. It’s also possible that the engine has seized, but that is the worst case scenario.

Does the car not start up even if the engine turns over?

Issues that cause the failure of your car to start could be one or more of the following:

  • A fuel pump failure
  • Ignition system defect
  • Security issue with coded key

Does the vehicle die a few seconds after starting up or just run very poorly?

Issues that cause the vehicle to die could be one or more of the following:

  • Worn out “tune-up” parts
  • Fuel injection system problems
  • Vacuum seal leaks
  • Dirty or contaminated fuel
  • Issues with the ignition coil

Is the startup process noticeably better when the vehicle engine is warm, versus when it’s cold?

Issues that cause startup process problems could be one or more of the following:

  • Fuel injection system problems
  • Vacuum seal leaks
  • Ignition system issues

The opposite of the above is true – Does the vehicle start and run better cold than when it’s been warmed?

Issues that cause problems starting the car could be one or more of the following:

  • Computer system internal overheating
  • Failed sensors
  • Ignition system issues

Does the engine shut off or die when the vehicle comes to a full stop?

Issues that cause the engine to shut off or die could be one or more of the following:

  • Dirty throttle body
  • Worn motor on idle air control
  • EGR valve has worn seal
  • Throttle position sensor is worn

Is there hesitation when the vehicle accelerates? Or does it die after attempting acceleration?

Issues that cause the vehicle to hesitate when accelerating could be one or more of the following:

  • Throttle position sensor wearing
  • Vacuum seal leaks
  • Ignition system issues
  • Catalytic converter is plugged up
  • EGR System issue
  • MAP sensor has gone bad

Does the vehicle just intermittently die and then not restart for a significant period of time?

Issues that cause the car to intermittently die could be one or more of the following:

  • Defective parts in ignition system
  • Mass air flow sensor or crank sensor have gone bad
  • Ignition system issues – loose connections
  • Possible fuel pump issue

Is engine power an issue on long inclines?

Issues that cause engine power issues could be one or more of the following:

  • Fuel filter is plugged up
  •   Catalytic converter issue
  • Possible mass air flow sensor issue

During acceleration, will the engine backfire or just misfire?

Issues that cause the car to backfire could be one or more of the following:

  • Mass air flow sensor
  • Vacuum seal leaks
  • Camshaft is worn