Why Is My Car Shaking?

No matter what kind of car you drive, it should feel smooth and steady as you're driving down the road. If your vehicle feels shaky or wobbly, it might indicate an underlying problem. Car shaking can start suddenly or worsen over time. If you're unsure what is causing your car to vibrate, consider these common causes.

Brakes

Some parts on your car wear out more quickly than others. The brakes are one of them. The front brakes, in particular, undergo a considerable amount of stress from driving. Therefore, they can wear out more quickly than other parts. If the car seems to shake more when you press on the brakes, they are likely the source of the shaking. The brakes contain two essential parts: the rotors and pads, which can degrade over time. The places can cause shaking and sometimes a grating sound if they wear too thin, allowing the rotors to rub together.

Engine

Shaking can also come from the engine. A few problems can arise in the engine that leads to shaking. If you have not yet had the spark plugs on the car replaced and the vehicle is older or has higher mileage, they should be evaluated to see if a replacement is necessary. Most will last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, or slightly longer or shorter based on your make and car model. The air filter, another vital engine component, can become clogged with dirt and debris, which deprives the engine of the oxygen it needs to operate correctly.

Wheels

One or more wheels can develop problems that lead to the car's shaking and vibrations. Shaking can be attributed to the wheels failing to spin correctly, leading to an imbalance in the rotation that causes excessive vibration. The wheels also have parts that can break or become damaged, including the tie rod ends, wheel bearings, and ball joints. Vibration can occur with problems in any of those parts.

Tires

Shaking that stems from the tires may require a simple tire rotation, or it might mean you need new tires. Tires will cause the car to shake if they are underinflated, overinflated, worn unevenly, or out of balance or alignment. A mechanic can check the tires for visible signs of wear and recommend new ones if the treads are too thin. Tires may be rotated if they're worn unevenly.

Axles

Your car has one axle that connects the front wheels and another connecting the back wheels. The axles can be dented or damaged from side impacts, such as a collision, or if you drive over surfaces that are hard on the car, such as large bumps and potholes. Accidents can also damage the axles, which means it's essential to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic after even a minor accident on the road.

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