Why Does My Car Shake at High Speeds?

Why my car shakes when I hit 60 mph? Is this question bothering you? Read this comprehensive article to get a better understanding.

Your car shaking at 60 mph is due to wheel balance or tire issues. Regular wheel balancing and alignment are crucial. Worn suspension components can also cause this. Consult a qualified mechanic to identify it. They’ll fix the precise problem for your safety.

Go through this in-depth article to learn more about it in detail.

my car shakes when i hit 60 mph

Key Takeaways

  • Check tire balance: An unbalanced tire can lead to shaking and vibrations. It happens when driving at high speeds.
  • Inspect suspension components: Worn shocks or struts can cause vibrations and shaking while driving. It occurs due to reduced stability.
  • Get a wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels can result in shaking and vibrations while driving due to uneven tire contact with the road.

High-Speed Shake Is Often Due to Wheel and Tire Imbalance

One of the most common reasons for vehicle shake on the highway involves the wheels and tires. If your wheels are not balanced correctly, you could feel a vibration at higher speeds. The shaking might only be between certain speeds — 50 to 60 mph, for example — but it’s important to heed this warning sign.

A bent wheel could also be the cause of high-speed vibration. If you feel a vibration on the highway, consider going into a tire shop for an alignment and to see if you need a new wheel.

Tires with uneven wear or bad tread will also cause vibration, as will rubber that has gotten out of round by sitting for a few months. In these cases, it’s generally best to replace your worn tires.

Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Ends Can Also Be Culprits

If just the front end of your vehicle feels shaky, it can be worthwhile to check your ball joints. Should the vibration be accompanied by a wandering steering wheel or a clunking sound from the front, the problem is likely in this critical suspension component. If you’ve had your car aligned and it’s still vibrating at higher speeds, the ends of your tie rods might be worn out.

You should also consider checking the suspension bushings, nuts, and bolts. Everything should be tight and free from wear. A bad wheel bearing will likely manifest as a grinding sound but may also make the car shake at lower speeds, moving into a humming sound as you go faster.

An Axle Issue May Also Be to Blame

A bent axle caused by driving over a bad pothole or similar is another potential cause of your car’s vibration, especially if that vibration gets worse the faster you go. If a constant velocity, or CV, joint is worn or if a CV boot gets torn or damaged and dirt gets into the joints, a vibration may result.

Finally, a bent driveshaft can also make you feel like you’re driving through mud. The driveshaft transmits the power from the transmission to either the front or rear wheels. If it’s bent, you’ll feel it. In all of these cases, the only solution is to replace the worn or bent part.

A shaking car is a serious problem that you shouldn’t ignore. The solution may be as easy as a simple alignment or as complicated as a driveshaft replacement. Regardless, it’s usually safest to take care of the issue as soon as possible.

Brakes Might Also Be of Concern

Your brakes can also cause your vehicle to vibrate at 60 miles-per-hour. You might think you’d only feel the vibration when you tap on the brake pedal, but if your rotors are not rounded properly or the callipers are sticking, they can make the tires shake at higher speeds.

In this case, you won’t necessarily feel your entire vehicle vibrate. Rather, your brake pedal and/or steering wheel will shake. As mentioned, this might happen when you apply the brakes or while you drive. One clear sign it’s the callipers is if you notice a burning odor when you brake the vehicle.

Engine Trouble

Finally, your car might shake at 60 miles-per-hour due to engine trouble. Usually, this means you have spark plugs misfiring and it isn’t so much that your vehicle is shaking rather than lurching and trying to stall.

If your transmission is in need of maintenance or repair, it, too, can create a bumpy ride. Other signs of transmission trouble include grinding, missing, or slipping gears.

If any part of the vehicle’s emissions system is worn down, the car might shake and your check engine light should illuminate on the dashboard.

FAQs.

Why Does My Car Vibrate When I Go Over 60 Mph?

The shaking of your car when reaching 60 mph is caused by various reasons, such as unbalanced tires, worn-out suspension components, or misaligned wheels. These issues can affect stability and cause vibrations. To ensure a smooth ride, have a mechanic inspect and address these potential culprits.

How Do I Fix My Car Shaking At High Speeds?

To address your car shaking at high speeds, start by checking if your tires are properly balanced and aligned. Uneven wear or damage can require tire replacement. Also, examine suspension components for wear and replacement if necessary. When problems persist, consult with a qualified mechanic.

How do I fix my car shaking at high speeds?

The car will experience vibrations when driven at high speed if the engine is underperforming. To solve engine problems, you can check the fuel supply section or check the gasoline filter section. You also have to check other engine components such as gasoline filters and spark plugs.

Can I drive with unbalanced tires?

Driving with symptoms of unbalanced tires may have a significant effect on both the safety and efficiency of your car. If not resolved, these symptoms may lead to various complications that jeopardize your ability to drive.