It’s never a fun feeling when your car starts to shake. It can happen when you speed up or even when you brake. Often, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keep reading for the top reasons why your car is shaking and the ways to deal with it.
A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. If you hit a pothole or curb, your rims could bend, making the wheels wobbly while you drive.[1]
If the shaking continues when your car is stopped or if there is noise when the car shakes, the issue could be with the engine and/or transmission. Specifically, the problems could be with a broken or loose engine, transition mount or radiator fan.[2]
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 may also 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.[3]
If the shaking happens when you brake, the cause is possibly related to your car’s front braking mechanism. Over time, the parts on the front disc brakes can become warped from heavy wear and tear. They should be replaced around every 50,000 miles. A good tip is to have your mechanic check your pads and rotors when you get an oil change to find out whether they need to be replaced.[3]
If the transmission fluid level gets too low, this can cause your car to start shaking when you accelerate.[1]
If your car shimmies when idling, it can mean that you have loose engine mounts, which are the connections between your engine and your car’s frame. The engine mounts keep your motor attached and dampen the engine vibrations, so when the connections wear down, you can feel the vibrations.[4]
If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could mean that you have warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads or improperly lubricated guide pins. This means it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance.[4]
If the shaking starts when you are accelerating, there could be a few things wrong with your car:[5]
If you feel your car shaking when driving, it’s best for your safety and the longevity of your car to take it to a mechanic so you can sort out the problem as soon as possible.[6]
Also, make sure you protect your car and yourself while on the road with the right auto insurance.
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