Does your car have a case of the shakes? Does it vibrate, jolt, or quake when you drive or sit at an idle? There are some very good explanations for this. Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common and likely reasons why your vehicle is shaking, plus the safest way to remedy the problem.
Why Does My Car Shake So Much When I Drive?
This is one of the most common automotive questions asked among car owners who begin to notice changes in the way their vehicles perform. The truth of the matter is, there could be many reasons, in some cases multiple reasons, why your car might be shaking so much when you drive or idle. However, the most common and possible reasons why your car shaking include malfunctions or defects with the car’s wheels, brakes, engine, steering, and suspension.
Wheels
When it comes to a shaky car, the very first place you should look is the wheel system. The tires and all related wheel parts, including the rims, axles, lug nuts, bearings, and balance weights, are usually the reason why cars shake when they drive or sit in Park while the engine is running.
You might just have a loose lug nut or a missing balance weight, or you could have a broken wheel bearing. If you notice that your car shakes more when you drive at higher speeds and the vibrations are coming from your floorboard, you probably just need a wheel balance and alignment. You also might have poor tire tread in the entire replacement.
Brakes
Coming in at a close second for top causes of a shaking car is car brake problems. If you notice that the shaking and vibrating increases as you press on the car brake pedal, it could be that your rotors and brake pads are worn down or warped. Simply replacing the worn or warped brake pads and rotors will fix the problem. If you’re detecting a burning smell when you use the brakes, you could have a jammed brake caliper.
Suspension
A malfunctioning car suspension system is another reason why vehicles will begin to vibrate while driving, breaking, or sitting in idle. suspension system. This is likely the cause if you notice the shaking increases as you accelerate. It could also be a defective CV joint, driveshaft, or bent axle.
Steering
Just like the suspension system, the steering system could be damaged, thus causing shaking and vibrating when you drive. If your car was recently involved in an accident or has undergone major automotive repairs, and now you notice that it’s shaking, it could be a weakened or damaged steering system.
Engine
The most common engine problem associated with is worn spark plugs. If the spark plugs are fine, it could be loose spark plug wires. You might also have a loose motor mount. If your check engine light is on, and your car is shaking and vibrating, it needs immediate attention.
Do Not Drive Your Car if it Shakes
If your car is shaking or driving, whether parked in idle or driving, it is important that you do not drive it any further. The longer you drive on a car that is experiencing mechanical malfunctions, the more damage you will do to it. And the more damage you do to your vehicle, the more expensive it will be to repair. In fact, you may total it.
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