There are many reasons why your car feels shaky when driving. Here are some of the top ones. Click on each reason to learn more and to find out what you should do.
If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy mechanic in the Kitchener region, contact us today.
Reasons Why Your Car Feels Shaky When Driving
1. Unbalanced Tires
Car feels shaky when driving? You may need your tires balanced
If your car feels shaky when driving at certain speeds, then your tires may be unbalanced. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, then you may need to have them rotated.
Solution:
Get your tires balanced and rotated. If they are too worn, then you may need to have them replaced. Having your tires balanced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles can help to extend their lifespan and improve their performance as well.
2. Loose Tire
If one of your tires is loose, then it could cause your car to shake.
Solution:
Check all of the lug nuts (the bolts that hold your tires in place) on your tires to make sure that they are tightened properly.
If the lugs are tight but your tire is still loose, then you may have an issue with your wheel bearing. Make sure that you have a professional take a look at it right away.
3. Damaged Tire
See how a bent wheel rim can be fixed
If you have run over something like a bad pothole or a curb, then there may be damage to your tires or it may have bent your rim. In addition, the tread on your tire may have separated from the rim.
Solution:
Have your mechanic check out your tire to make sure that it is okay. Most bent rims can be repaired quite easily. If the bend is too extensive, then the rim may need to be replaced.
4. Warped Brake Rotor
If you notice your car shaking when you apply the brakes, then the issue is likely within your braking system. Your brake rotor looks like a round metal disc that is attached to your wheel.
It presses against your wheel every time you push on the brake pedal to slow you down. Brake rotors can become warped through normal wear and tear as you are driving and applying your brakes.
Solution:
Brakes play an important role in keeping you safe, so if you suspect that you have an issue with them, then have your brakes checked out by a professional.
5. Stuck Caliper
Car feels shaky when driving? You may have a stuck caliper
Your brake caliper contains the brake pads that press against the rotors when you apply your brakes. If your caliper gets stuck, then it can cause your car to shake.
You will notice this once you reach speeds of 40 to 50 miles per hour and will get worse as you go faster. If your caliper is stuck, you might also smell the scent of burning tires or actually see some smoke.
Solution:
If you smell burning rubber or see smoke, then pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Don't keep driving as you could do damage to your brakes' discs.
Get your brakes checked out by a mechanic you trust as soon as possible.
6. Worn Out CV Joint
Car feels shaky when driving: A worn out CV joint can be the cause
CV or constant-velocity joints are mainly found in front-wheel drive vehicles. The CV joints are mechanical joints that let your driveshaft transmit power at a constant speed.
A worn-out CV joint can also make your car feel shaky when you are driving. If it breaks, then your car will not be able to accelerate.
Solution:
If your CV joint is worn out, it will need to be replaced.
7. Faulty Spark Plug
If you find your car shaking when you accelerate, then you may have a problem with your spark plugs. Usually, your spark plugs will last for about 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Spark plugs help your engine to run smoothly. If your engine isn't getting enough spark, then it can start to shake. This is often referred to as a "rough idle."
Solution:
Get your spark plugs checked out. If they are fine, then have your mechanic also check that the spark plug wires are properly connected.
8. Dirty or Clogged Engine Air Filter
A clogged engine filter can cause your car to shake
Another reason why your car feels shaky when driving is a dirty or clogged engine air filter. If your filter is clogged, then it can prevent oxygen from getting to the engine to allow it to run properly.
Solution:
Replace your engine air filter. The above video shows how to do it yourself, however, most people will find it easier and safer to let a professional do this task for them.
9. Suspension Problems
If you notice that your car feels shaky when driving and you feel the shaking mostly in your steering wheel, then you probably have an issue with your suspension system.
If this is the case then there may be something wrong with your tie rods, shock absorbers, struts, bearings, or ball joints.
Solution:
Get your suspension system looked at by a professional.
10. Low Transmission Fluid
Learn how to check your transmission fluid level
If you don't have enough transmission fluid, then your car may start to shake while you are accelerating.
Solution:
Even though it is relatively easy to add more transmission fluid, you shouldn't put this off. If you keep driving and you don't have enough fluid, then you could do permanent damage to your vehicle.
Depending on the amount of damage, you may be faced with a costly repair to either repair, rebuild, or replace your transmission.
11. Worn Transmission
If your transmission is going, then that could cause your car to shake.
Solution:
Get your transmission checked out. As stated above, transmission work can be quite costly. Catching the problem early could save you on repair costs.
12. Worn or Broken Motor Mounts
Motor mounts hold your engine in place
If your car shakes while you are idling, then you may have worn out or broken motor mounts. Motor mounts hold your engine in place and prevent it from moving around.
Solution:
If your motor mounts are broken they will need to be repaired or replaced. This is usually a quick repair and best done by a mechanic.
Car Feels Shaky When Driving? Contact Hansma
If your car is shaking while you are driving, you can trust Hansma to fix it right and not do any unnecessary repairs. Here’s why you can rely on Hansma for the best auto repair service in the KW region:
Over 33 Years of Service: We have been serving the Kitchener region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you will be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for a quick tire change or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK…
“Hansma was great. Gave honest feedback and didn't try to pull my leg in getting additional repairs or modifications. Just did what was requested, notified me of any potential needed repairs for the future and charged me a fair price. Definitely going back!”
- Marco Tochijara