5 Reasons That Your Car is Shaking
Have you ever noticed your car shaking or vibrating when you drive it? For some car owners, the problem occurs when you brake. For others, it begins when you hit higher speeds. Whatever the circumstances, it’s an issue that virtually every driver in Orange has experienced and wants to avoid. However, there is a wide range of auto issues that could be causing your vehicle to shake. Here are the top five reasons that your car is vibrating when you drive it.
1. Engine Problems
There are several components of your car engine that could be causing your car to shake. The most common culprit is your spark plugs. Spark plugs last for about 80,000-100,000 miles as a general rule. If your car has this many miles or more, it’s likely that your spark plugs need to be replaced. Once this occurs, the shaking should stop. If it’s not your spark plugs, it could also be your engine air filter. A dirty air filter can cause the engine to not receive as much oxygen and fuel as it needs to run properly. An engine that’s starved of fuel will also shake or vibrate in this way. Have a professional diagnose the issue and gauge which engine component is to blame for the vibrating.
2. Brake Problems
If the shaking occurs when you apply the brakes, it’s likely that your front brakes are the cause of the shaking. The front brakes receive the most stress when you’re braking, so if your brake pads or rotors need to be replaced, this can cause the vehicle to vibrate. Your brakes need to be replaced every 50,000 miles on average, but it’s wise to have your mechanic check the condition of your brake pads whenever you receive an oil change. A professional can help you keep track of when your brakes are in need of replacement before they’re worn out completely and become a potential safety hazard.
3. Axle Problems
Most vehicles will have two axles, one to connect the front tires and one to connect the back tires. If either of these axles is damaged in any way, it can cause you to experience a vibration when driving. If the intensity of the shaking increases as you accelerate, axle problems are a likely cause. Axle damage if most often caused by a car accident or other incident, so if you’ve recently experienced something like this, speak to a professional about the possibility of axle damage.
4. Tire Problems
The most common cause of this shaking sensation is tire issues. Unbalanced tires or tires that are wearing unevenly can cause the car to vibrate. You may need a tire rotation or new tires entirely. In either case, vibration issues related to your car tires are a fairly easy fix. Bring your vehicle into a professional auto repair shop in order to diagnose the issue and have it repaired right away.
5. Steering Problems
If you’re experiencing a shaky steering wheel more than a shaky car overall, this can be due to steering issues. Loose steering components or steering components that are worn out can cause this vibration due to the lack of responsiveness from your wheels. Whether or not you’re experiencing any obvious trouble with the steering itself, vibrations can be a symptom of loose steering components and should be repaired right away.
If you’ve noticed your car or steering wheel shaking when you’re driving, it’s recommended that you bring it into an Orange auto repair shop as soon as possible. There are many different issues that could cause this symptom, so it’s best to have a professional diagnose the issue and repair it in an efficient and thorough manner. Here at Citywide Auto Care in Orange, all of our technicians are ASE-certified and we have cutting-edge diagnostic tools that will help us repair your issue in a timely manner and with as much accuracy as possible. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (714) 633-4211 today. We’ll have you back on the road with a smooth ride as quickly as possible.
