Why Is My Car Shaking?

 

If you notice your car shaking, vibrating, or making any unusual movement, it’s good to diagnose the problem early. Preventative maintenance will usually save you from bigger (and more expensive) repairs down the road. Don’t brush it off as something you can ignore, even if the shaking is subtle or only occurs intermittently.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Is the car shaking when accelerating? Does it get worse as the speed increases?
• Is the car shaking only at certain speeds? If so, what speeds?
• Is your car shaking only when braking?
• Is your car shaking when you’re idling/stopped?
• Does your car start and drive as usual and begin to shake later into the drive?
• Where is the shaking coming from? The steering wheel, brake pedal, car seat, everywhere?
• Do you hear any strange noises when the car shakes?
• Have you recently been in an accident, hit a pothole or curb or experienced another jarring impact to your vehicle?

Let’s look at some of the possible reasons why your vehicle is shaking.

WHEELS

Tire- and wheel-related issues are the most common cause of a vehicle shaking while driving. Does your car start shaking at higher speeds (around 50-55 mph)? Is the shaking coming through the floorboards and seats? If so, your vehicle probably needs a wheel balance.

When you drive, slight imbalances on the wheel create vibrations, which intensify as you accelerate. We perform a wheel balancing service anytime new tires are installed. But they can lose their balance over time due to age or missing balance weights.

Other wheel-related reasons why your car is shaking could include broken wheel bearings or loose lug nuts.

TIRES

What is the condition of your tires? Is the tire tread separated? Do they show signs of uneven wear?

Sometimes a tire rotation or wheel alignment will be enough to correct the uneven wear developing on your tires. But if things have gotten too bad or the tire is damaged, you need to install new tires.

ENGINE

If your car is shaking when you are driving and when you are idling, your engine is the likely culprit. Your engine may not be getting enough air, fuel or spark to run smoothly.

You may be due for new spark plugs. Or if the plugs are in good shape, the spark plug wires could have a loose connection or need replacing. A dirty or clogged air filter could also be the culprit. Dirt could be cutting off the engine’s oxygen or fuel, causing rough idling and misfires.

Another potential engine-related cause is loose motor mounts (also called engine mounts). Motor mounts are what attach your engine to the vehicle frame, and they help dampen the vibrations created by your engine. If they become loose, you’ll know!

If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, don’t wait to get your car checked out! Bring it to the repair shop ASAP to have a diagnostic run.

Read: Is It Safe to Drive with the Check Engine Light On?

STEERING & SUSPENSION

Does the car’s shaking intensify when you accelerate? Have you recently been in an accident or had a significant impact to your vehicle? (Hitting a curb or pothole, for example.) Your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems could be damaged or need maintenance.

Commons steering and suspension issues include a bent axle or a worn/damaged CV joint, driveshaft or other components. These systems are easily susceptible to damage after an accident or sudden impact.

BRAKES

Does your steering wheel and/or brake pedal shake when braking? You could have warped brake rotors (the metal disc that is part of a disc brake system). Does the steering wheel shake at high speeds? Do you smell a burning odor when you stop? You likely have a stuck brake caliper.

Read: How Do I Know When I Need New Brakes?

Almost all these issues can be avoided with regular vehicle maintenance. Don’t wait until things go wrong to go to the shop! Stay ahead of repairs by following your car’s recommended maintenance schedule.

While these are some of the reasons why your vehicle could be vibrating, they are not the only possibilities. We recommend that you schedule a visit at one of our convenient locations to get a thorough evaluation. Our mechanics have special training and lots of experience in diagnosing all sorts of problems, including when your car is shaking and vibrating.