Why Is My Car Shaking?

As you're driving one day, your car suddenly begins shaking. What's wrong? Your vehicle may shake for a variety of reasons. Some problems can be corrected quickly, such as replacing a filter or tightening parts on the wheels. But other issues can be more serious and may cause damage if they're ignored. We always recommend bringing your car to one of our technicians to determine the cause and properly fix your vehicle. However, you may be able to get a sense of what's wrong based on your car's symptoms.

Engine

The engine is one of your car's most essential components. Some engine and even transmission problems can cause the shaking that you're noticing in your vehicle. If your vehicle's shaking starts when you turn the ignition, the issue may be coming from the engine. The engine may cause the problem for a few reasons. If you haven't had the air filter checked or changed recently, check that first. The filter should look clean and clear. If it's covered with dirt and debris, sufficient amounts of oxygenated air will probably not reach the engine, which keeps it from performing at peak capacity. The engine's spark plugs, which help deliver fuel throughout the car, can also become worn. They should be checked around 80,000 miles for signs of wear.

Tires

The tires on your car may contribute to the vehicle's shaking if worn out beyond their recommended lifespan. Additionally, they may start to wear unevenly and cause shaking or vibrations. Tires should generally be rotated about every 5,000 miles, although some cars can go for 6,000 miles or more between tire rotations. A car that is shaking because of tire problems might also have excessive vibration in the steering wheel. If you notice these symptoms, contact our mechanics to have your car's tire pressure and tread depth checked.

Wheels

Your car's wheels may also be a cause of shaking. The wheels will cause the vehicle to shake with acceleration if they are damaged, such as if they get dented. The wheels also have smaller parts, such as lug nuts, that will cause the car to shake if they're not tight. The shaking can also be attributed to parts on the wheels wearing out, such as the ball bearings.

Brakes

Most brakes last about 50,000 miles. Brake-related shaking might be most noticeable when you hit the brake pedal. You may also notice a grinding sound. The brake pads in between the rotors can wear out, which then causes the rotors to hit each other. If this is your issue, the brake pads will need to be changed, and you might need new rotors.

Axles

Damage to the axles, such as bending, can cause shaking. The axles also have components called CV joints that can get dirty and lead to excessive vibrating.

Contact us today for repairs and diagnostics for your car's shaking.