Why Is My Car Shaking?

No matter what kind of car you drive, it should feel smooth and responsive as you're driving. Abnormal sounds or sensations can indicate a problem. One unusual sensation that shouldn't be ignored is shaking. Shaking can derive from a few different issues, ranging from the wheels and tires to the brakes and engine. If you find that your car begins shaking, or if the problem gets worse, be sure to contact us for assistance. A certified technician at our service center can evaluate your vehicle to determine what's causing the issue.

Engine

The engine is a significant part of your car, but it is subject to problems that can make your vehicle shake. The engine's various components can also go bad and lead to the unusual shaking you feel while driving. If the engine's radiator has stopped working, the engine's temperature may be higher than normal. The spark plugs, which are part of the fuel system, also naturally wear out over time. They should be inspected and possibly replaced if your car hits the 80,000-mile to 100,000-mile range. Your engine air filter, which usually prevents dirt and contaminants from entering the engine, may be due for a cleaning or a replacement.

Brakes

Your car's manual has a more precise schedule for brake replacement. As a general rule of thumb, however, most brakes last around 50,000 miles. If you notice that the car shakes more when you stop, the brakes are likely where the problem is coming from. The brakes have rotors and pads that may wear out independently or at the same time. Either way, they'll need to be checked to see if they have enough longevity remaining. If not, the pads can lose their protective layer of cushioning that otherwise keeps the rotors from touching. When the brake pad dissolves, shaking and sometimes grating sounds result.

Tires

Cars also have a recommended service schedule for tires. The tires are generally due for a rotation at about 5,000 miles, or at least twice each year. Tires that aren't rotated as often as they should be or get pulled out of alignment may be the source of shaking that you're noticing in your car. Other tire problems may lead to shaking, including insufficient tread depth or uneven wear across the four tires. Tread separation is another problem that can arise that negatively affects the tires' performance and function.

Wheels

Wheels may start shaking for several reasons. Damage to the wheels themselves can cause the car to shake, usually with acceleration. Lug nuts and other parts on the wheels may need to be tightened, fixing the problem.

Axles

Problems with the axles may contribute to shaking and vibration, too. As with the wheels, axle-related problems are usually worse when your car accelerates. Hitting potholes or getting into even minor accidents can damage the axles.

Contact our experienced technicians today for service and repairs in Grapevine.