Why Is My Car Shaking?
When it comes to vibrations and shaking while a car is running, there can be any number of potential causes. A vehicle optimally should be running smooth and quiet. Determining the exact root of the problem may be a difficult task for non-mechanics. It is still helpful to narrow down what may be going wrong with your car.
Having a general idea of what may be wrong can help you communicate better with your mechanic for better and quicker repairs and help you avoid driving in a potentially unsafe vehicle. So let’s take a look at some of the most common types of shaking, what typically causes them, and what kind of repairs you may be facing.
1. Tire Imbalance
The most common source of car shaking is an imbalance in your vehicle's tire or wheels. You’ll generally feel a problem here as if the whole car is shaking since tires are the only point of contact with the road. Potential issues here include, but aren’t limited to:
- Uneven tire wear
- Damaged wheels
- Misaligned tires
- Loose lug nuts
- Low Tire pressure
The good news here is that issues stemming from the tires are generally easy to both repair and diagnose. Give your tires a visual inspection for problems with the tread, pressure, or loose connection points. A new set of tires and a realignment will generally have you back on the road in no time.
2. Worn Out Steering Components
If you feel the shake more acutely when you hold the steering wheel, there may be an issue with the joints and connections within the steering and suspension system. Over time especially for vehicles that are driven a lot or over bumpy and rough roads, these components break down. This will generally be a gradual issue that you may not notice until the damage is quite severe.
If you have noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel, you should have your vehicle serviced quickly. Damaged or worn steering components can be a significant hazard when driving as they impact your ability to quickly and accurately steer.
3. Power Steering Problems
While we are on the topic of steering problems, if you notice the car is only shaking or shudders when turning, the source of your concerns may be the power steering system. The easy way to check this is to try turning the wheel while your car is still parked. A leak or problem with the power steering pump will cause vibrations when the wheel turns, regardless of whether you are driving or parked.
While you can drive with a power steering leak, you shouldn’t do so for an extended period of time. It won’t take long for turning to become difficult.
4. Damaged Axle Parts
If you were recently in a minor collision and have since noticed shaking, there is a good chance that the axle (the rod that connects each pair of wheels) has bent out of shape. Even if the axle itself is in good condition, significant shaking can be caused by one of its related components, such as the driveshaft or constant-velocity joints.
If the shaking picks up in intensity as your speed increases, one or more of the axle or driveshaft system may be worn or bent. If left unrepaired, shaking from this source can cause a cascade of worn-out and broken parts that may leave you unexpectedly stranded.
5. Brake Troubles
Another of the easier sources of shake to diagnose is if you only feel the vibrations (or they intensify greatly) when you go to slow down or stop; you’ve got a problem with your brakes.
More specifically, noticeable shaking when you slow down is usually caused by a warped brake rotor. This disc can bend out of shape as it overheats under repeated heavy use.
Proper braking relies on this disc being uniformly flat, and any deformity in its surface impedes the ability of the brake systems pads and calipers to squeeze down on the rotors. Without a good grip, your car won’t stop smoothly or safely. Always get a brake-related issue looked at as quickly as possible.
6. Engine Problems
It can sometimes be challenging to determine precisely where the shaking is emanating from. A telltale sign the problem may be from within your engine itself is if the vibration happens when accelerating, only within a particular speed range, or the ride is smooth at first but consistently kicks in after a certain continuous drive time.
There are a number of issues that can cause these sorts of specific shakes, including:
- Misfiring spark plugs
- Bad wiring
- Dirty air filter
- Overdue oil
This is a scenario where you likely need to go through the potential culprits one by one until the shaking resolves, but luckily the more common engine problems that cause shaking are relatively quick, easy, and cheap to resolve once diagnosed.
Preventative Measures
A shaky car is never a pleasant experience. The good news is with proper maintenance and care, you can reduce your chance of having many of the issues listed above. Routine maintenance covers a wide list of checks which can be daunting for even the best home mechanic to tackle. The easiest way to do so is to have your car inspected and serviced regularly by a trusted mechanic.
For drivers in the Goldsboro area, you will not find a mechanic with more experience and expertise than Retro Lube Oil Change. We have been helping car owners protect their vehicles through routine maintenance practices for many years. Don’t let the name fool you; we are more than just oil change experts. Our services include:
- Fuel Injection Cleaning
- Oil & Filter Changes
- Radiator Servicing
- Fluid Flushes
- Tire Rotations
- NC Inspections
You can give us a call to set up an appointment or bring your car by the shop today. We will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.