My Car Is shaking when I’m driving
A car shaking while driving can result from several different vehicle issues. From something as simple as a tire imbalance or misaligned wheels to more serious causes such as a worn out suspension or engine issues. Identifying specifically where the vibrating is can bring us closer to a cause & solution. Whether it comes from the steering wheel, the seat or the entire vehicle— is a good start. Regular maintenance and responding accordingly to any oddities can help prevent more severe issues.
It’s not shaking when I’m parked, just when I’m driving – That’s something we hear quite often. Let’s take a look at some potential causes in order for you and your family to make a well educated decision with a mechanic near you.
Where Is The Vehicle Shaking While Driving?
Pause, Listen & Look.
While there are many possible causes of vibration in your car, observing the conditions that the vibration happens will help you and your mechanic find the source of the problem. Before reading this article, ask yourself these questions below:
Does it shake only at certain speeds? What speeds in particular?
Is the shaking worse as you increase speed?
Is there any other noise when the car shakes?
Is the car seat shaking? Is it concentrated there & there alone?
Does the vehicle shake while it’s standing still with the engine running?
Is the vibrating isolated to the steering wheel?
Potential Causes Of Your Car Shaking While You’re Driving
Wheel and tire problems Cause Shaking When Driving
A common cause of vibration is tires or wheels being out of balance. This can range from a poor balancing that was done, uneven wear on the tires or several other tire problems. Loose lug nuts can be a cause as well!
Can Alignment Issues Cause Car Trembling When Driving?
That shaking or vibrating is usually caused by an imbalanced or a straight up defective tire. A wheel that’s bent or a worn driveline U-joint may also cause shaking too. Whether your car is shaking in an up-and-down motion, the seat or the steering wheel – You should have it checked out professionally.
Many issues can be avoided by having your vehicle serviced routinely. Have a professional take or car-savvy person in your life do a visual inspection of the wheels and tires, checking and adjusting tire pressure, and checking the tightness of lug nuts. Wheel alignment should also be performed at proper intervals.
Worn Out Suspension Causes Vehicle Shaking When Driving!
If the suspension or steering system is loose, these components can cause your steering wheel to shake. Any worn parts like your ball joints or tie rod ends can make it near impossible to properly align your vehicle. Have a local mechanic inspect your ball joints and other components to identify what may be causing your steering wheel to shake.
Can Engine & Transmission Cause Shuddering While Driving?
If the vibration happens when you are driving and continues when the car is stopped with the engine running or if there is noise when the car shakes, the problem-solving focus becomes the engine and transmission.
A broken or loose engine or transmission mount may be the culprit or even a broken radiator fan. If there’s a fan with any issues it can cause a noticeable vibration when it is rotating. Most cars have electrically operated radiator fans that can only operate when the coolant temperature surpasses a certain level. If your vibration is sporadic and happens only when the engine is warmed up, the fan may be the cause, but this would be extremely rare.
Damaged Or Worn Brake Rotors Causing Vehicle To Vibrate
A brake rotor issue is a concern If you feel vibration in your steering wheel and in your brake pedal. If the rotors have excessive run-out or thickness variation, the brake calipers may be vibrating whenever you step on your brake. You may even feel your steering wheel and brake pedal shake too. Take your vehicle to a well reviewed mechanic and have them inspect your brake rotors as well as your entire brake system to ensure the safety and proper operation of your vehicle.
When to Seek Professional Help for Car Shaking
If you have an idea now of what may be going on with your vehicle or even if you’re still unsure, we advise that you take it to an auto body shop or mechanic. With their expertise and tools, they’ll be able to identify any issues promptly.
Make sure that you use a well-reviewed and certified technician (or mechanic) if you have any concerns about any of these topics that we covered. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
