Posted on 8/30/2024
Have you ever noticed that your car's performance seems to falter when driving through The Rocky Mountains? It's not just your imagination. Engines genuinely struggle at higher altitudes. Understanding why this happens can help you better prepare for trips and ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition no matter where you drive. We'll explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and what you can do to mitigate its effects. The Science Behind Engine Power Loss The primary reason engines lose power at high altitudes boils down to one fundamental concept: air density. Air is composed of oxygen and other gasses, which are essential for combustion in internal combustion engines. As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, which means there's less oxygen available for the engine to mix with fuel. This reduction in oxygen leads to incomplete combustion, resulting in decreased power output. Oxygen and Combustion Engines rely on a pre ... read more