Car shaking while driving can be annoying, especially when traveling long distances. It’s advisable to check and establish what could be the problem.
You need to act immediately as the shaking could expose you to other dangers while driving. A good repair will grant you a peaceful ride all the time.
Let’s find out some of the common causes of car shaking when driving.
But first,
Check and Listen to the Sound
There are several causes of car shaking when driving. Checking what is causing the vibration will help you solve the problem.
Check out for the following:
- Does the shaking happen when you are not on the move?
- Where exactly does the vibration seem more concentrated?
- Does it only happen at specific speeds?
- Are there other noises produced during the shaking?
7 Possible Causes of Car Shaking When Driving
1. Engine Problems
Faults in some components of your car’s engine may be the cause for your shaking, whether when your car is idle or accelerating.
First, worn-out motor mounts can cause shaking. Maybe you are unaware that the mounts connect your car directly to the chassis; now you know why you should check them.
Additionally, if the sparks plugs are worn out, they interfere with the correct ignition, shaking each cycle.
Shaking isn’t all about the mounts and sparks plugs; your fuel or air filters may be clogged, causing a low supply of air and fuel to the plug, reducing the functionality, or causing misfires that result in shakes.
Consider replacing your worn-out mounts immediately. They last for a whole 5 to 7 years.
Car shaking when driving light on is a sign of misfire.
Air or fuel filters and the spark plugs are cost friendlier to replace compared to the mounts that are up to $200
2. Bent Axle
If the shaking experience comes after you are involved in a car accident, there are chances that your axle could be bent.
The axle helps take power directly into the wheel from the transmission. It connects the two parts and causes rotation of the wheels.
If you are experiencing an increased shaking while driving fast, that’s reason enough to check if your axle is bent.
Replacing or repairing the axle depends on the extent to which the damage has been done. The cost ranges from $170 to $900; the model of the car determines the price too.
The earlier you fix the axle, the better; remember the axle suspends other parts, and if the axle falls, it will cause more damage. If the shaking is intense, stop driving the car until it’s fixed.
3. Worn Out Brake Rotors
If some shaking is happening on your brake pedal or the steering wheel, it might be caused by a damaged brake rotor.
Another sign that might indicate that shaking originates from the brakes is the smell of burning tires when you stop or see some smoke when driving. If such happens, pull over immediately to avoid damaging the brake discs.
The brake calipers tend to vibrate when you step on the brake due to extensively run-out rotors or when there is a significant thickness difference.
Your mechanic will help you check the rotors and the whole braking system to ensure a safer ride, especially in the rainy season.
4. Low Transmission Fluid
Do you check the levels of your transmission fluids? They could be why you are experiencing car shaking when driving, especially when accelerating.
When you notice low fluid levels, act immediately to avoid intense damage. It can lead to permanent damage to your car transmissions which means you will incur an enormous cost for repairs or a replacement.
When the car is shaking, transmission damages or wearing out could be characterized by loud noises. It may be a sign of a worn-out drive train too.
5. Unbalanced or Damaged Wheels
The reason your car wheels could be shaking when driving could be simply the unbalanced wheels.
A slight weight difference from one wheel to the other causes shaking. Balancing helps distribute weight evenly to all tires and ensures correct rotation at higher speeds.
The best part is it’s relatively cheap to align and balance your wheels; the charges range between $15 to $45.
Alignment is done by placing the wheels on a machine that rotates them at a higher speed and measuring the weight at the circumference.
A damaged car wheel may cause shaking while driving; this often happens when you hit potholes or run over an object.
While changing the wheels, remember to check if visible problems such as bad tires.
Visit your trusted mechanic to restore it to its standard shape. Ensure you put the proper tire pressure.
6. Worn Out Steering System
A loose steering system or its components may cause shaking of the car while driving.
You can tell when a steering wheel is loose, especially if you have driven a new car before. A new car steering is firm and responds quickly to a turn.
When your car steering starts wearing out, it occurs gradually, and you may not notice. There are several moving parts in it, and you will notice some shaking on the wheels.
Another reason why your car is shaking could be your power steering system. You need to check the hoses connecting to the steering and ensure no leaks or low levels of steering fluid.
7. Low Profile Tires
The common cause of car shaking when accelerating is the wheels. If you are using low resistance tires, the chances of your car shaking are higher.
The tires reduce resistance and drag on the road, which boosts EPA fuel rating but could be dangerous on bad roads causing shaking of the car.
Final Word
Car shaking is not fun; you should visit your mechanic as soon as you notice it on any part of your car. Before getting to the mechanic, check the problem by yourself. Establishing the problem early enough will save some cash. At Pierre Paul driving school, you will get introductory mechanic lessons when you enroll for your driving classes