Informational Guide

Why Is My Car Shaking? (7 Reasons Why Your Car Vibrates)

Ever asked yourself, why is my car shaking? We’ve answered this question in-depth to help you hunt down the cause of the vibration so you can fix it.

Why is my car shaking? This is a problem no one wants to deal with. If you have been asking, "Why is my Check Engine Light flashing and car shaking" or "why is my car wheel shaking," we have the answers you need. Our guide helps you hunt down the cause of the vibration so that you can fix it.  

Why Is My Car Shaking? 7 Most Common Causes Explained 

Why is my car engine shaking? Here are a few possible causes you might be dealing with.  

1. Engine and transmission problems 

If you came to this post wondering, "why is my car shaking and the Check Engine Light on," the engine or transmission might be to blame. A broken engine or transmission mount might be the problem. It could also be due to a broken radiator fan.  

2. Brake rotor problems 

If you are wondering why my car is shaking when I stop, the braking system could be to blame. When the brake rotors are bad, you can often feel the shaking in your brake pedal and steering wheel. Because this is a dangerous condition, you should have the brakes serviced immediately.  

3. Power steering problems 

Have you been wondering, "Why is my car steering wheel shaking?" The power steering belt or pump could be failing. If it is allowed to continue, you could lose power steering altogether, creating a dangerous on-road situation.  

4. Axle problems 

Why is my car shaking and vibrating? It could be one of the axles that is connecting the wheels together. If the axle becomes damaged from an accident or something you've run over in the road, you could notice more vibration than normal. You might also inspect the driveshaft or CV joints for wear.  

5. Wheel problems 

Why is my car shaking while driving? If the wheels are to blame, you might notice more wiggle or wobbly movement while you are driving. You might need to replace the wheel bearings, ball joints, or tie rod ends to get a smooth ride again.  

6. Tire problems 

If you notice vibration at a certain speed, the tires might need to be balanced. However, uneven tire wear can also lead to vibration, which would require a rotation to fix. Inspect your tires to see if they are what is causing the excessive shaking.  

7. Loose steering components 

The steering system is made up of many parts that must be working in harmony for a smooth ride. If one of these parts is defective, it can cause vibration. Your problems could be related to a defective rack and pinion, steering column, or low power steering fluid.  

Why Is My Car Shaking

Different Vehicle Situations That Shaking Occurs 

  • When You're Driving/Accelerating  
    Why is my car shaking when I drive or why is my car shaking when I accelerate? Many of the above causes can lead to vibration while you are driving and especially when you accelerate. Start by inspecting the tires, as these seem to be a major culprit, especially if you haven't checked the recommended tire pressures recently.  
  • When You're Braking  
    Why is my car shaking when I brake or why is my car shaking when I stop? The most obvious reason would be something with your braking system. However, if the shaking occurs when you attempt to slow down at high speeds, it could need a wheel alignment instead. Inspect the brakes first, then have your wheels aligned.  
  • When In Park  
    Why is my car shaking in park? What does it mean when your car shakes in park? While many of the vibration issues occur while the vehicle is moving, you might be asking yourself, why is my car shaking while in park. Very likely, you are dealing with a broken motor or transmission mount. This piece needs to hold the vital components in place and can lead to more significant issues if not repaired promptly.  
  • When Idle  
    Why is my car shaking when idle? It's very possible that your engine needs a tune-up. There are many components of the engine that should be regularly replaced to ensure it works the way it was intended. Check your service manual to find out when the spark plugs, ignition coils, and other parts should be replaced.  
  • When Starting  
    Why is my car shaking when I start it or why is my car shaking when I turn it on? Engine problems such as bad spark plugs or a dirty filter could cause your problem as the air and fuel ratio is imbalanced. Additionally, it could be due to the crankshaft damper, which is supposed to keep the vehicle from vibrating as the engine moves. Otherwise, it could be something as simple as cold weather that is affecting the engine performance.  
  • At High Speeds  
    Why is my car shaking at high speeds? Most often, vibration is often caused by the tires when it happens at high speeds. Check the tires and the alignment to see what's causing your problems. Otherwise, you might need to look at the braking system, which could be sticking on even when you aren't engaging the pedal.  

How To Figure Out Why Your Car Is Vibrating Or Shaking 

1. Determine where the noise is coming from and when it starts

To better help you determine where the problem is, it is essential to know where to look. By listening to the noise of the vibration, you can narrow down where to look. Pay attention to what speeds you are driving when it happens, if changing speeds helps and if it gets worse while turning. Knowing these answers will help you find the problem.  

2. Check your tires

Start by checking the tire air pressure first. You should also inspect the tires regularly to ensure there are no flaws. What might seem like a minor issue now can quickly turn into a major blowout if left unchecked. Sometimes a simple tire rotation is all that's needed to resolve the problem.  

3. Check around the wheels 

There are a lot of issues that can occur around the wheels. With a simple inspection, you can catch problems with the axles, brake rotors, and steering components. If you've recently been in an accident, you might have damaged or bent something, such as the axle. Additionally, worn brake rotors could be causing the vibration.  

4. Check under the hood 

There could be a simple issue with a spark plug, that may need to be cleaned or even replaced. You could perform a tune-up, which your engine needs regularly anyway. You can also look around under the hood to see if the mounts are broken, which would lead to excessive vibration. While you are at it, look at the filters to ensure they aren't clogged.  

5. Find a Mechanic 

If you aren't sure what is causing the shaking and vibration, it's best to have your mechanic look at it. What may be a simple problem today could easily become something more severe if you let it go too long. Don't procrastinate because it's your on-road safety on the line.  

Why Your Car Is Vibrating

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is it safe to drive when your car is shaking? 

No, you should not drive your vehicle when it is shaking. Whether it is a broken engine mount, poorly balanced tires, or a fouled spark plug, you could end up stranded on the side of the road.  

Why does my car shake at low RPMs? 

Most likely, your vehicle needs a tune-up. Change the filters and spark plugs to see if it improves the performance. If not, you might need to have the vehicle checked by a mechanic.  

Why is my check engine light flashing and the car shaking? 

Whenever something goes wrong with the engine, the computer is set up to alert you. With the help of an OBDII diagnostic scanner, you can read the codes, thereby figuring out what is causing the trouble.  

How much does it cost to fix a shaking car? 

It depends on what is causing the shaking in the first place. A simple tune-up or wheel alignment won't cost you much, but replacing an engine or transmission mount can be more expensive, depending on what type of vehicle you drive.  

Conclusion

Stop asking yourself why your car is shaking and fix the problem for a smoother ride. Our guide should have helped you pinpoint the problem for a quick and painless repair.  

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