A vehicle that decides to shake or rattle in any situation is something to remember. The infamous rattling and shaking of a car can be intimidating – it is essentially your vehicle communicating its needs fixing to the driver. A lot of the time, it shouldn’t be a problem.
There are usually minor issues with the vehicle that can receive a diagnosis promptly. The first thing to do most likely is to figure out when the vehicle is shaking. Although it typically isn’t a first-hand problem, it is a good idea to get an evaluation done. Otherwise, waiting too long to solve the problem will cause other problems down the line.
There are 8 common reasons a car can keep shaking: fuel shortages, no spark given to the engine, worn out CV joints or driveshaft, warped brake rotors, alignment issues, the wheel bearings may need to be replaced, the ball joints may need to be replaced, or the tires might be out of balance.
Is It Safe To Drive A Car When It Is Shaking?
It is difficult to state if the vehicle is “safe” to drive due to the nature of the issue’s cause. Some of the issues stem from problems that are entirely irrelevant to the driver’s safety. Other issues are critical to the driver’s safety.
For example, some vehicles with higher mileage will shake and rattle as part of the aging process. They can be taken to a mechanic, and the mechanic will say it’s completely normal. On the other hand, some shaking and rattling can be a sign of a moderate to a major issue that cannot go unnoticed.
Although it is a cause for concern, rest assure that the issues are typically minor. It is vital that the vehicle is inspected for the issue at hand and is dealt with accordingly.
Car Shaking After Turning On – What Could Be The Issue?
There are definitely quite a few reasons for the vehicle shaking during start-up. Most of which are not of too much concern. First, it is a good idea to check the vehicle’s spark plugs. Faulty spark plugs can cause a vehicle to vibrate; and, in some instances, misfire. This is known as “not firing on all of the cylinders”. It is a quick, easy, and inexpensive fix.
Second, the timing belt can start to wear out, causing vibration. If the belt is really too loose (or too tight), this will make the car’s components, which are driven by the belt, not fully accessible. It would be best to replace the belt.
Third, there might be a loose hose on the vehicle. This can cause vibrations when driving the vehicle. The fix is usually replacing the dysfunctioning hose.
Fourth, the motor mounts may be missing or damaged. The mounts hold the vehicle’s engine in place. When they are missing, the vehicle’s engine will be jumping around (especially at start-up). This is because the motor is one of the heaviest parts of the vehicle.
All of these reasons are small in cost; however, they are better replaced sooner than later.
Car Shaking When Idle & Low Speeds – What Could Be The Issue?
A car that is shaking when the engine is idling usually points to an issue about the vehicle’s engine. The first common cause is the vehicle’s engine mounts. The vehicle is equipped with engine mounts to hold the engine still. When the car is parked or when the car is in drive with the driver’s foot on the brake, this is a tell-tale sign of an engine mount that needs to be replaced.
Damaged or missing engine mounts cannot absorb the vibrations that are produced by the engine. As stated above, the vehicle’s engine is heavy, which is usually the cause of the shaking. This also applies to when the vehicle is driving under 25 miles per hour. The vehicle’s shaking can also come from bad fuel injectors, spark plugs, or a timing belt. Notice how starting the vehicle, and an idling vehicle tend to have the same issues when shaking.
Car Shaking When Accelerating – What Could Be The Issue?
When the vehicle is accelerating, the common issue arises- the motor mounts. When the vehicle’s engine mounts are missing or damaged, they need to be replaced to fix the shaking. Generally, whenever the vehicle’s engine is in use, the motor mounts tend to be the reason for the shaking. In some instances, when a vehicle is misaligned, the steering wheel will shake upon acceleration. This means that the vehicle’s wheels are not calibrated to go straight.
An indicator of a needed alignment is the vehicle’s steering over 40 miles per hour. When the vehicle veers to the right or the left, the vehicle requires an alignment. Alignments are vital for the best driving experience, so it is necessary.
Car Shaking When Braking – What Could Be The Issue?
When the vehicle is braking, the usual culprit is the braking system. Shaking when the brakes are applied usually indicates wrapped rotors. These rotors are the discs that the brake pads hug when braking. If the rotor isn’t flat when applying the brakes, this won’t allow the braking system to do its job correctly. Also, the brake pads may need to be replaced. For the car to stop shaking, it is vital to replace the pads when the driving occurs. Ignoring these braking issues could put the driver in danger.
Final Thoughts
Whether the car is starting, idling, driving, or braking, the vehicle shouldn’t have an excessive shake. A lot of the time, it shouldn’t be a problem. There are usually minor issues with the vehicle that can receive a diagnosis promptly. The first thing to do most likely is to figure out when the vehicle is shaking. Although it typically isn’t a first-hand problem, it is a good idea to get an evaluation done. Otherwise, waiting too long to solve the problem will cause other problems down the line. If the shaking is excessive, let the mechanics do their job. Take it over for an inspection. The problem is usually a quick fix, so don’t overlook it!
