When you drive your car, you expect a smooth ride as you cruise down the highway. Lately though, you find yourself feeling like you’ve been through the spin cycle. Shaking and vibrating down the road is no way to drive to work every morning. It’s time to investigate what is going on!
One of the most common problems that drivers experience is vehicle shaking. It can happen while accelerating or braking and there are some common causes as to why this happens.
What Does It Mean When Your Car Shakes?
You probably already know that your car has multiple systems and complex components that keep it running. If one of those systems isn’t working correctly, you might see it, hear it, or — in the case of car shaking — feel it! There are many parts and pieces that — when not working properly — can cause your vehicle to shake. Paying attention to when, where, and how your car shakes can help diagnose the issue.
Top Reasons Your Car May Be Shaking
#1. Engine Problems.
If the vibration happens when you are driving and continues when the car is stopped with the engine running or if there is noise when the car shakes, the problem-solving focus becomes the engine and transmission.
A broken or loose engine or transmission mount may be the culprit or even a broken radiator fan. A broken fan will usually be out of balance and cause a noticeable vibration when it is rotating. However, most cars have electrically operated radiator fans that only operate when the coolant temperature surpasses a certain level.
If your vibration is sporadic and happens only when the engine is warmed up, the fan may be the cause, but this would be extremely rare.
#2. Brake Problems.
If vibration is occurring when you are applying the brakes, the problem is likely related to your car’s front brake mechanism as the front brakes take the most stress when the car’s brakes are applied. There are a few parts on the front disc brakes that need to be replaced every so often – namely, the pads and rotors.
The rotor is the round metal disc that attaches to the wheel. Over time it can become warped from heavy wear and tear. There are pads that press against the rotor in order to slow down the vehicle and these pads need to be a certain thickness in order to work properly. If the pads have become too worn, it can cause the vehicle to vibrate.
The caliper helps to squeeze the pads against the rotor to slow down and stop the vehicle. All vehicles vary on timelines for when brakes need to be replaced. On average, they should be replaced every 50,000 miles but many makes and models can last longer.
Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for a more accurate timeline for replacement. In addition, whenever you get an oil change, have your mechanic visually check the condition of your pads and rotors. These professionals can give you a better idea of when replacement is necessary.
#3. Axle Problems.
Most vehicles have 2 axles – one that connects the front wheels, and another that connects the rear wheels. Vibration can occur if either of the axles is bent or dented – which can happen in an accident or other mishap with the road – and vibration will usually increase in intensity as you accelerate if the problem is related to the axle.
Also inspect the CV joints and driveshaft for potential problems. If the CV joints are worn, that can let in dust and other debris which can damage the joints.
#4. Wheel Problems.
A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. If your steering wheel feels wiggly or wobbles when you drive, this can cause vibration problems as well and it may mean that one of the wheels is not spinning properly, or the problems could be any of the following:
- Damaged tires or rims.
- Improper wheel alignment.
- Worn wheel bearing.
- Tie rod ends, or ball joints.
#5. Tires.
If the shaking is felt at certain speeds, your tires could be the problem. The tires might need to be balanced. Another solution could be a tire rotation if the tires are wearing unevenly. You also may need to inflate your tires to the proper pressure. If your tires are older or irregularly worn, you may need to get a new set.
#6. Worn suspension parts and joints.
Looseness in suspension or steering system components can cause your steering wheel to shake. Excessively worn ball joints or tie rod ends make it impossible to properly align your vehicle. Take your vehicle to a mechanic and have them inspect your ball joints and other components to help identify what is causing your steering wheel to shake.
#7. Worn-Out Spark Plugs.
Worn-out spark plugs can lead to a misfiring engine, causing the vehicle to vibrate at idle or running speeds.
Spark plugs are threaded into each cylinder head. They ignite the air-fuel mixture that forces the piston down in the cylinder. A damaged spark plug can lead to combustion problems that produce uncontrollable shakes and vibrations. A faulty injector or basic mechanical problems with the engine can also cause this.
Check the spark plugs and their connections. As a general rule, spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
When Does Your Car Shake?
A great way to discover the cause of your vehicle’s shakiness and vibrations is to determine when exactly it happens. This is one of the first questions auto mechanics will ask you, and the answer provides helpful insight into locating the cause. So…when does your car shake?
My Car Shakes When It Idles
If your car is beginning to shake when you’re idling, whether at a drive-thru, stop sign, or red light, it’s most likely due to something under the hood. More often than not, it’s caused by loose or damaged engine mounts.
These mounts hold your engine in place and provide a type of dampening for the engine, reducing the vibrations you feel in the cabin. Without them, you’ll easily feel the engine’s vibrations throughout the entire car.
There are other things that could be causing your car to shake while idling. Here are a few:
- Worn engine parts
- Faulty fuel injectors
- Worn spark plugs
- Fuel system damage
My Car Shakes When I Step on Gas
Just like idling, excessive vibrations and shakiness while stepping on the gas can usually be traced to problems with the engine mounts. Whether they’re worn, damaged, or have come loose over time, you’ll be able to feel all the vibrations your engine makes every time you accelerate.
Some other causes of shaking while accelerating include:
- Misaligned steering system
- Loose/worn parts in your suspension system
- Engine misfiring
- Worn spark plugs
My Car Shakes When I Pick Up Speed
While cautiously obeying speed limits, you may have noticed your car shaking more as you pick up speed.
Maybe it’s when you’re accelerating to merge onto the freeway or while passing someone on the interstate or making that last-minute exit. If that’s the case, it’s essential to slow down and bring your car to a shop for inspection.
Shakiness while driving at faster speeds means that your wheels may be out of balance. It could be alignment-related, but that is rare. Either way, we recommend having it repaired ASAP and definitely before driving at higher speeds again.
My Car Shakes When I Step on the Brakes
Our cars need to be safe and reliable when braking, especially when sudden stops are needed. When your car shakes while braking, you might notice your steering wheel shaking back and forth, your brake pedal pulsating, or simply an intense sound and vibration in the front end of your car.
It could also be a combination of these. Shaking when applying the brakes can feel uneasy, causing you to lose confidence or even cause an accident. It’s important to have your car and your brakes inspected at the first sign of any type of vibrations felt while braking.
Some of the common causes may be:
- Warped brake rotors
- Worn-out brake pads
- Damaged braking system
Wrapping Up
A vehicle that’s vibrating too much at idle is usually a cry for help and indicates that there’s trouble under the hood.
In most cases, the engine mounts, spark plugs, tires, timing belts, hoses, idle air control valves, fuel system components, and brake parts are the ones creating the problem.
Engine vibration can be tricky to diagnose and should only be done by a professional or someone well-versed in automotive repair.
So if you’re not used to dealing with a problem like this, it’s always a good idea to bring your vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop to have a trusted mechanic inspect your vehicle.