What To Do When Your Car Won’t Go Above 60

AvatarByCarl Frisch

If your car is not going above 60 mph, there are a few possible causes. First, check your engine’s air filter. If the air filter is clogged or dirty, the engine may not be able to provide enough power to go faster than 60 mph. Next, check the tires for proper inflation and make sure they are not underinflated or overinflated. Finally, check the fuel system for any issues such as a clogged fuel injector or a faulty fuel pump. If none of these issues are present, then you may have an issue with your transmission such as a failing torque converter or a slipping clutch. In either case, it is recommended that you take your car to a qualified mechanic for inspection and repair.

Checking Tires

One of the first steps that should be taken when troubleshooting a car not going above 60 mph is to check the tires. Tires are a crucial component of any automobile, and their health can greatly affect how fast a car is able to travel. Tire pressure should be checked, as well as tire treads and the condition of the sidewalls. If any tires are found to be excessively worn or have low pressure, they should be replaced or repaired as soon as possible. In some cases, replacing all four tires may be necessary if the wear is uneven among them.

Checking Transmission

The transmission is also an important factor in determining why a car won’t go above 60 mph. The transmission can become damaged due to age, wear and tear, or lack of proper maintenance. It’s important to have the transmission checked by a professional if there are any signs of trouble such as slipping gears or difficulty shifting into higher speeds. If necessary, the transmission should be serviced or replaced to ensure that it functions properly.

Checking Fuel System

The fuel system also needs to be checked when diagnosing why a car won’t go above 60 mph. The fuel pump may need replacing if it has become clogged or otherwise damaged over time. Additionally, the fuel filter should also be inspected for dirt buildup or other blockages that could prevent fuel from reaching its destination efficiently. If there are any problems with either the fuel pump or filter they should be addressed immediately to ensure that adequate fuel supply is available for optimal performance.

Checking Spark Plugs

Another common problem that can cause a car not to go above 60 mph is faulty spark plugs. Spark plugs create an electrical spark which ignites the air-fuel mixture within an engine’s combustion chamber causing it to burn efficiently and create power for motion. If spark plugs become worn out over time they will no longer create this spark properly and this can cause a decrease in power output from an engine resulting in slower speeds. It’s important to check spark plugs regularly and replace them when needed for optimal performance from an engine.

Checking Brakes

Finally, brakes should also be inspected when troubleshooting why a car won’t go above 60 mph as brakes can cause drag on an engine if they are not functioning properly due to excessive wear or old brake pads that need replacing. Additionally, brake calipers may need servicing if they are sticking which will also decrease acceleration potential from an engine due to increased drag on its rotational speed output shafts. It’s important to inspect brakes regularly and have them serviced if needed for maximum performance from an automobile’s powertrain system

Inspect Tires for Proper Air Pressure

Having the correct air pressure in your car’s tires is essential for optimal performance and safety. Not only does it help with fuel efficiency, but it also helps your car to perform better and grip the road better when driving at higher speeds. To inspect your tires for proper air pressure, look for signs of damage or wear, and use a tire gauge to check the pressure. If the pressure is too low, you can use a tire inflator to pump up the tires to the manufacturer-recommended level.

Inspect Vehicle’s Transmission Fluid Level

Your car’s transmission fluid is a vital component of its performance and needs to be checked regularly. If your car won’t go above 60 mph, you should check that your transmission fluid is at the correct level. You can do this by looking for leaks or discoloration in the fluid and testing its quality with a dipstick. If the fluid level is low, you should top it up with fresh fluid as soon as possible.

Inspect the Fuel System for Blockages or Leaks

If your car won’t go above 60 mph, then you should also check that there are no blockages or leaks in the fuel system. You can test fuel pump pressure with a gauge and replace any blocked or damaged components if necessary. It is also important to make sure that there are no cracks in any of the fuel lines which could result in a fuel leak.

Inspect Spark Plug Condition and Gap Setting

The spark plugs are an important part of your car’s engine and need to be inspected regularly. You should check that they are not worn out or damaged, and make sure that they have been gapped correctly as per manufacturer instructions. If necessary, replace any damaged or worn out spark plugs to ensure that they are working correctly and providing adequate power to your engine at higher speeds.

Inspect Vehicle’s Brake System

Finally, it is important to inspect your vehicle’s brake system before attempting to drive faster than 60 mph. Test all of your brake pads and rotors with a visual inspection, ensuring that there are no signs of wear or damage which could affect their performance when driving at higher speeds. It is also important to check that all brake components have been tightened correctly so that they can provide maximum braking power when needed.

FAQ & Answers

Q: How do I check my car’s tires?
A: You can check your car’s tires by inspecting them for signs of damage or wear, as well as checking the tire pressure with a tire gauge.

Q: What should I do if my transmission fluid is low?
A: If your transmission fluid is low, you should check for any leaks or low quality fluid in the system and replace any necessary components.

Q: What should I do if there are blockages in my fuel system?
A: If there are blockages in your fuel system, you should test the fuel pump pressure with a gauge and replace any blocked or damaged components.

Q: How do I know if my spark plugs need to be replaced?
A: You can inspect the spark plug condition and gap setting to determine whether they need to be replaced. If they are worn out or damaged, then you will need to replace them.

Q: How can I check the condition of my brakes?
A: You can test the brake pads and rotors with a visual inspection in order to determine their condition. If any parts are worn out or damaged, then they will need to be replaced.

In conclusion, there could be several causes for an automobile to not go above 60 mph. These could range from a mechanical problem such as a lack of power from the engine, transmission issues, or even brake problems. It is important to diagnose the problem before attempting repairs, as incorrect repairs can be more costly than the initial problem. By having the car inspected by a qualified mechanic and taking corrective action where necessary, one can ensure that their vehicle is running safely and efficiently.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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