Why Is My Car Shaking?

Car shaking can be alarming, and for a good reason. Vehicles that are experiencing excessive vibration can have significant problems. Sometimes the shaking starts suddenly, such as after you hit a pothole or get into an accident. Other times you may notice that the shaking worsens over time. In both cases, be sure to take your car in for an expert's evaluation to pinpoint the source of the cause and make repairs.

Engine

If the vehicle is shaking because of problems with the engine, you may notice that the shaking starts right when you start the car. The shaking may also continue as you drive. The engine may lead to shaking for several reasons. One, and one that you can even check yourself, is problems with its air filter. The air filter in the engine is made to block impurities from getting into the engine. In doing so, the air filter allows only clean air into the engine to help it perform at its best. The engine also has spark plugs, which are parts that help it produce fuel. The spark plugs may need to be replaced if your car has reached the 80,000-mile mark or beyond.

Wheels

Shaking from the wheels will likely increase as you accelerate. The wheels may be the source of the problem, or some parts may be damaged or old. The wheels contain parts called lug nuts that can break or become loose. If the latter is the case, a mechanic can simply tighten them to fix the vibration. If components on the wheels are broken or worn out, a mechanic will replace them to restore your car's proper function.

Tires

The tires may also cause the car to shake. If the shaking comes from the tires, the problem may worsen with acceleration. It might also cause shaking and vibrations in the steering wheel. The tires may cause your car to shake if their tread is worn unevenly or there isn't enough tread left. They may also be underinflated to a lower PSI than is recommended, which causes shaking as well. A mechanic may need to rotate the tires or perform an alignment to stop the problem. You might also need new tires if yours are worn out.

Axles

The axles can lead to vehicle shaking if their components wear out, such as the CV joints. The axles may also get damaged in an accident or hitting obstacles on the road, which causes shaking.

Brakes

If the shaking starts when you step on the brake pedal, the brakes are the likely source. The brakes have several parts, including the brake rotors and pads, that can wear out or become warped. If they're worn past their recommended lifespan, they should be replaced to stop the shaking. The brakes generally last about 50,000 miles.

Contact us for expert vehicle shaking diagnostics and repairs today.