What can I do to get my car to perform like it used to?

Question

I have a 2005 Honda Accord (4-cylinder) with less than 30k miles. It used to have a fair amount of power, acceleration, etc. However, over the last six months, I've been noticing it has a lot less power than it used to, and it takes longer to accelerate. What can I do to get the engine performing like it used to?

We've been using regular unleaded gasoline and I've suspected that is at least part of the problem. I know on my old car, they used to clean the valves (I think it was called de-carbing). Would that help? What about fuel additives?

Answer 1

There are several factors in play here . a tune up should help, the fuel quality has changed for the worse so better fuel, normal wear on the engine loosens things up,

With only 30k on it you shouldn't have a carbon buildup
A fuel injector cleaning may help .Take the air cleaner to throttle body hose off and clean the throttle body throat as there is a lot of fine dirt gets by the air filter and builds up at the butterfly.(I do this as a part of a tune up)

Answer 2

I had the same problem, and then I did what my brother suggested, use a higher octane of gas, instead of regular unleaded use super.

Answer 3

have the engine rebuilt. thats basically what its gonna take if your thinking of things you can do yourself

tune up
oil change
radiator flush
perhaps a bottle of seafoam engine cleaner( acouple caps full in through the spark plug hole)

Answer 4

tune it up and even all the censures this will keep it on top all so replacing the catalytic converter will help.

Answer 5

spark plugs, new air filter, new fuel filter, etc. Just tune it up.

Answer 6

have a diagnostics check run. that will tell you EXACTLY why the power is not there.