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 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.
Different Vehicle Situations That Shaking Occurs
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.
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.