Car slower when hot. Lost hp?

Question

hello. I live in tucson az. This could just be in my head but its pretty noticeable. Why does my car seem to have less acceleration during the day when its blazing 110 degrees out and in the early morning is much more responsive and faster. If im not crazy and there is some scientific logic to this please explain share your answer. thanks.

Answer 1

There is probably nothing wrong with your car. When the pavement is that hot it gets sticky and your car digs into it a little and feels like it's bogging down.

Answer 2

If you're using the AC, that will drain HP.

Answer 3

The air is thinner at high temperatures and that causes a reduction in power from the engine combustion process.  It shouldn't bee that noticeable though.  Maybe you have another problem.  Check your Tranny fluid and oil level.  Use a heavier weight of oil.  Your car probably calls for 5W20.  That's way too thin for Tucson AZ.   Put in Castrol 20W50.  You car will run better and last longer.  I do it in all my cars.

Answer 4

low on fluid? maybe if ur running air conditioning it will run slower too

Answer 5

Your compressions are possibly low.  Internal parts in an engine are constantly moving and wearing against each other, no matter how good of oil you are using, as they wear they are losing material at a microscopic level and over time you lose compression and thus horsepower. Some vehicles just have tighter tolerances when they're manufactured and that's why they're known to last longer