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It’s unsettling when your car suddenly starts shaking, especially when your hands are on the wheel. A smooth and steady ride is what you expect, so when your vehicle begins to tremble or vibrate, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right.
You don’t need to panic, but also don’t ignore the warning signs. Car shaking starts with small vibrations but grows faster with time. If you fix all these early warning signs, it can help save money. However, ignoring the science will only lead to more complications during a road trip.
Common Causes and Fixes | Why is My Car Shaking?
Let’s explore the most common reasons behind a Why is my car shaking? and how to fix them.
Tire Troubles
Tires are often the main culprit. Common issues include
- Uneven wear
- Flat spots
- Low pressure
- Tire imbalance
If one tire spins off-center, your whole car can shake, especially at higher speeds. A quick visit to a tire shop for rotation, balancing, or replacement can often solve the problem fast.
Car Shakes Due To Braking
Brakes should work smoothly and steadily. If your car starts shaking when you hit the brake pedal, it usually points to worn or warped brake rotors. Brake pads clamp onto these flat metal discs (rotors) to slow the car. But when rotors become uneven or warped, the braking becomes jerky and uneven. You may feel a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal, which can also cause the steering wheel to vibrate. If left unchecked, uneven brake pad wear only makes the shaking worse over time.
Relation Between Engine Issues & Shaking
Engines must fire smoothly with each cycle. When they misfire, they make the whole car stutter. Worn-out spark plugs are a common cause. Fuel injectors in bad condition are also known for causing trouble to the engine. These injectors compel the engine to act roughly. You may feel it more when idling at a red light. The car might shake even if you’re not moving. A tune-up usually solves this.
Transmission Can Also Be A Reason
Transmission problems show up during shifting. If your car jerks or shakes during gear shifts, you might be facing:
- Low or dirty transmission fluid
- Worn transmission components
Ignoring transmission Shaking can lead to full breakdowns. It is important to have daily fluid levels and condition checks.
Shaking at High Speeds Is a Red Flag
Driving at high speeds should feel smooth. Shaking above 60 mph points to balance or alignment problems. Sometimes a bent wheel causes it. Other times, worn suspension parts lead to the issue. Wheels that are not aligned pull the car sideways. That makes the shaking worse. Over time, the tires wear unevenly, which adds more vibration.
Acceleration Can Make the Car Shake
You usually notice a sudden car vibration once you hit the gas pedal. This clearly means a potential issue with the car axles or driveshaft components. However, bad CV joints can also cause clunks and shaking when turning or speeding up. The motor mount is another possible issue.
These mount parts are very much responsible for holding the engine unit firmly in its place. It is not uncommon for a mount to break. This breaking causes the engine to make too many movements. This only causes a strong shaking sensation, especially when the car has just powered up.
Worn Suspension Makes The Ride Feel Bumpy
Suspension parts absorb bumps and dips. However, you can never ignore the role of shocks, struts, and bushings. Once they wear out, the car stops gliding over the road. It starts bouncing and shaking instead. Bad suspension also affects tires. You may see uneven wear patterns. That causes even more shaking.
Loose Lug Nuts Are Also Dangerous
Lugs are fasteners used for wheel attachment to the car. The wheel starts wobbling if a lug becomes loose. This is an extremely dangerous possibility while driving a car. You must always check your lug nuts after getting new tires set or a braking system. It is advisable to test a lug using a wrench. You can always rotate the lug nuts with a wrench. Then, if you notice any spin, you must tighten it up quickly
Exhaust System Causing Vibrations
A broken exhaust pipe can rattle. Heat shields come loose and vibrate under the car. A failed muffler mount can also shake the body. Listen for banging or scraping noises. Look under the car for dangling metal. You may also hear a lot of noise and shaking due to a loose hanger.
Steering Wheel Vibration Means Front-End Issues
Steering wheels should feel calm. If they vibrate, the issue is often upfront. Tie rods or ball joints might be worn. The problem gets worse while turning or going over bumps. Steering vibration means something is loose. It needs attention before it fails on the road.
Quick Fixes For Car Shaking
Here’s a checklist of common solutions:
- Rotate and balance tires
- Replace bad spark plugs
- Check brake rotors and pads
- Align the wheels
- Refill or flush transmission fluid
- Replace damaged suspension parts
- Tighten lug nuts
- Check motor mounts
- Inspect CV joints and axles
- Secure loose exhaust components
FAQs
Is it safe to drive my car if it shakes?
It all depends on how serious the tire issues are. Your car tire can be okay for short mileage distances. However, brake or engine shaking is considered more serious. You must always check the tire’s health by pressing on its rubber. This would allow you to notice if it’s flat from any side.
Why does my car shake come and go?
You may notice that some form of shaking happens at certain speed ranges. However, the other shaking patterns happen during braking or sharp turns. It all comes down to the part that’s failing.
How to fix a car shaking while driving?
You can start with a tire check. However, only a mechanic can tell you whether to inspect the braking system and suspension unit. The mechanic will also be able to correctly advise on wheel balancing and alignment needs.
Final Takeaway
The car shaking feels very small at the initial stages. However, it could amplify over time if corrective measures are not taken. It’s very unsafe to drive a shaking car, as it puts every rider at risk. These vibrations and shaking are the telltale signs that your car is warning you that something’s wrong.
Your car only gets in worse shape if you wait longer to fix these issues. It is crucial to find the source of the problem as early as possible. Mechanics are known for their quick fixes. There are many who take at most some minutes to figure out and fix the problem. Smooth car ride experiences always feel better. These experiences also ensure safety for everyone inside. Need help fixing your car’s shake? Visit AutoworxDE for expert care, trusted service, and fast repairs. We’ll get your ride back to smooth in no time.