Why Is My Car Shaking?

From accidents to normal wear, the parts on your car can take a beating. Sometimes, parts on your car that are too worn out or damaged will cause the vehicle to shake. The problem can arise from many parts in your vehicle, but there are also some clues you can look for to get a better idea of where the shaking is starting from. While you might get a better sense of what's going on, it's essential to bring your car to a skilled mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and prompt repairs.

Brakes

Every car's brakes will eventually wear out. Keeping your vehicle up to date with its recommended maintenance can catch worn brakes before they become a problem. If the shaking is coming from the brakes, you'll likely notice that the car feels shakier when you step on the brake. The brakes will probably need replacement around 50,000 miles, so if you haven't had the brakes serviced yet, call our service department for an appointment. Along with vibration when braking, worn brakes can also make screeching or grinding sounds.

Engine

The engine is a significant part of your car, so problems can arise naturally when the engine is not running at its best. If the vehicle shakes more when you start it, or the shaking continues as you're driving, the engine may need attention. A likely engine component culprit, spark plugs, last about 80,000 miles, although some last 100,000 miles or more, they may need replacement. The other part, the air filter, may need to be replaced to keep the proper amount of air flowing into the engine.

Wheels

Wheel problems can cause shaking in your car, too. The wheels can become dented or damaged in an accident or from hitting potholes. They also have parts that can wear out, such as the bearings, tie end rods, and ball joints. The parts may need to be replaced if they're worn or damaged, but you might also need new wheels. Wheels can also cause shaking if parts are not installed correctly or become loose.

Tires

Uneven wear, treads that wear out, and incorrect pressure levels are a few reasons why your tires can cause your car to shake. Shaking caused by the tires may become worse as you drive. It may also be noticeable when you stop the vehicle. The tires will need to be evaluated by a mechanic to determine if they simply need to be rotated or if you're better off getting new tires.

Axles

Accidents, even minor ones, are a primary cause of damage to the axles. If the axles become dented or otherwise damaged, they might cause shaking and vibrating in your car. If your vehicle is shaking because of damaged axles, the shaking generally gets worse as you accelerate.

If your vehicle is shaking, don't wait for help. Contact our certified Richardson service center today for repairs.