Why Is My Car Shaking?

Often, your car will give you clues when something's not right. One way to know if there may be damage or another issue is vibrating and shaking. The shaking may begin when you first turn on your car, or you may notice it more when applying the brakes. Either way, shaking can be a sign of a serious car problem that you'll want to have one of our expert technicians resolve.

Engine

Shaking related to engine problems may occur when you start the car. You may also notice another noise as you're driving down the road, which may indicate that there's a part in the engine that is causing trouble. The engine contains a few different components that might contribute to the noise. One of the simplest parts to check is the air filter, which may need to be cleaned or replaced. The air filter can get clogged with dirt and dust or contaminated from debris. If that happens, the car's engine won't get enough clean oxygen to run smoothly. The engine's radiator fan can also get worn out and cause shaking, or you might need to have the spark plugs replaced, which last 80,000 to 100,000 miles on average.

Tires

The tires can take a pounding on the road. They should be rotated periodically to ensure even wear. Additionally, tires will lose their tread depth over time and need to be replaced eventually. Shaking with acceleration is one possible sign that the car's tires are causing problems. A mechanic can check the tires' tread depth to see if you need new tires, along with rotating them or giving your car an alignment if necessary.

Wheels

Your car's wheels might also be the source of shaking or vibrating sensations. The wheels can cause those problems if their components are not correctly tightened, making them loosen as you drive along. The wheels can also spin out of sync with one another, leading to shaking caused by their uneven rotation.

Brakes

Shaking that's felt in the steering wheel and the brake pedals usually indicate a problem with the brake pads, brake rotors, or the brakes themselves. The rotors can get worn out unevenly or excessively, making the calipers vibrate as they hit them. The brake pads can also get worn out with age, leading to the rotors hitting each other when you step on the brakes.

Axles

If the shaking in your car is most noticeable with acceleration, bad axles may be to blame. The axles may get dented or bent if the vehicle is in an accident, even if you don't notice any visible damage. Additionally, parts on the axles may wear out and cause excessive vibration, including the driveshaft and CV joints.

For expert assistance diagnosing the cause of your car's shaking and making repairs, don't hesitate to contact our top-notch auto service center in Albuquerque today.